FRIDAY, DEC. 30
GET FIT
Get a head start on that always popular New Year's resolution, getting in shape, by checking out the Tri-Cities' recreation facilities. Take the family for a swim at Coquitlam's Poirier Leisure Complex or the City Centre Aquatic Complex or at PoCo's Hyde Creek recreation centre. If skating is more your speed, there's a public skate at the PoCo rec complex from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. and drop-in adult hockey (19+, reserve a spot at 604-927-7970) from 8:15 to 10:15 p.m. Over at the Poirier complex there's a public skate from 12:45 to 3:45 p.m. Only question is, what are you waiting for?
SATURDAY, DEC. 31
NEW YEAR'S AT 3
Celebrate the New Year a little early at Glen Pine Pavilion (1200 Glen Pine Court, Coquitlam) from noon to 3:30 p.m. Daytime revelers will count down to 2012 starting at 3 p.m. based on the time zone of Barcelona, Spain. There will be a Spanish-themed lunch and refreshments are included. All ages are welcome. Admission is $20 for members, $25 for non members. Register by calling 604-927-6940.
MORE SKATING
Just in case you didn't get enough turns around the ice yesterday, there's another chance for you to hone your skating skills at a New Year's Eve skate at the Port Coquitlam recreation complex (2150 Wilson Ave.) from 1 to 4 p.m. Regular admission rates apply; see www.portcoquitlam.ca for more information.
RING IN 2012
The QuiRING in the New Year concert has become an annual tradition for classical music lovers, and this year promises something special - a little bit of Brahms. The Viola Quintet in F-major, Opus 88 is one of Reg Quiring's favourites; getting to play the piece with old friends (Catherine French and Joel Moerschel, who happen to be members of the Boston Symphony Orchestra) as well a handful of other top-notch musicians makes it all the sweeter. The 90-minute show also features a sparkling wine reception at about 10 p.m., leaving concert-goers plenty of time to count down to 2012. QuiRING in the New Year is at the Evergreen Cultural Centre at 8 p.m. Visit www.evergreenculturalcentre.ca for tickets.
SALSA SCENE
If you're looking for fun music, dancing and a great party, look no further than the Hot Salsa Dance Zone New Year's celebration at the Evergreen Cultural Centre. The festivities start at 9 p.m. with a free dance class and continue with plenty of salsa, merengue and cha cha cha until the champagne starts flowing at midnight. Dancing continues right until 2 a.m. Tickets are $55 at the door. Visit www.hotsalsadancezone.com for more information.
BLAST OFF
What better way to bring on 2012 than with an impressive pyrotechnic display? Check out the colourful fireworks at Maple Creek middle school (3700 Hastings St., Port Coquitlam) running from 11:30 p.m to 12:30 p.m. There will be about 20 minutes of fireworks as well as music before and during the show, which starts promptly at midnight.
SUNDAY, JAN. 1
PLUNGE IN
It's the first day of 2012. Maybe you have a hangover, maybe you don't, but whatever your health status is today, do yourself a favour and check out the annual Penguin Plunge at Rocky Point Park in Port Moody. The dip into Burrard Inlet has been going on for more than 30 years, and who can argue with a history like that? Put on your swim gear - costumes are optional - or keep your sanity intact by bundling up to watch the shenanigans from a safe distance. Registration opens at noon and costs $5 per person or $10 per family. There will be hot chocolate, coffee, hot dogs and doughnuts as well. If you'd rather take the plunge into less frigid waters, there's a Polar Bear Swim at the Hyde Creek recreation centre Jan. 2 from 1 to 3 p.m.
