With another week of spring break to go, what better way to celebrate the beauty of the season than by getting outside for a nature walk or some bird watching? Of course, if the weather doesn't hold, there are plenty of arts, culture and craft events happening indoors around the Tri-Cities, too. Either way, don't forget to turn off the lights on Saturday night.
TODAY: Friday, March 25
BANGLES, BAUBLES AND BEADS
All weekend long, the largest jewelry bead show in western Canada takes over Coquitlam's Executive Plaza Hotel (405 North Rd.). More than 40 jewellers, vendors and craft enthusiasts will be on hand, including Fire Designs, Komarevich Originals and Gems in Bloom. Find earrings, necklaces and an assortment of loose beads or take one of the more than 20 jewelry-making classes being offered. The Fraser Valley Bead Show runs Friday from 2 to 8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $7 for adults and free for children under 12. For more information, visit fraservalleybeadshow.ca.
SPRING BREAK THEATRE
The Axis Theatre Company presents The Big Sneeze, a funny and poignant play about self-esteem and self-discovery, as part of the Spring Break Festival at the Evergreen Cultural Centre (1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam). Lizzy is the tallest girl in her school whose only wish is to be invisible. It nearly works until one day she has the loudest sneeze and her life changes forever. This 50-minute play shows at 2 and 7 p.m. and is appropriate for ages five and up. Tickets are $18 for adults, $14 for children and are available online at evergreenculturalcentre.ca or at the Evergreen box office.
CARE TO KARAOKE?
The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 133 in Port Coquitlam hosts a karaoke night from 7:30 p.m. until late (2675 Shaughnessy St., Port Coquitlam). Enjoy food, drinks and friends while supporting your local legionnaires and singing your favourites from a collection of hundreds of hits spanning decades.
Saturday, March 26
BRIDGING WITH BRAIDS
The Coquitlam Heritage Society's Bridging Generations series continues this week with a lesson in traditional rug braiding with Freda Jackson at Mackin House Museum (1116 Brunette Ave., Coquitlam). The 1 p.m. workshop will teach rug hooking techniques. The workshop is free but registration is required as space is limited to a maximum of 10 people. To book a spot, call 604-516-6151.
STROLL THE KNOLL
Take a vigourous hike through mossy rainforest, past quiet marshes and over natural granite steps on a 10 km stroll in Coquitlam's beautiful Minnekhada Regional Park (entrances on Oliver Road or Quarry Road). Enjoy spectacular views of the Pitt River and surrounding areas on this moderately strenuous hike - some steep and rocky sections - from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Admission for the walk is $5.50 for adults, $3.25 for youths and seniors; registration is required by calling 604-432-6359. Meet at the Minnekhada Lodge.
LIVE! AT THE PINE
The Glen Pine Pavilion presents Pancho and Sal, a unique musical duo combining Latin folk and Rhumba, live from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the pavilion (1200 Glen Pine Crt., Coquitlam). Featuring Pancho on guitar, quena flute and charango, and Sal on accordion, bombo drum and shakers, the performance will showcase a selection of originals, traditional tunes and modern favourites. Happy hour starts at 6:30 p.m., with hot appetizers and refreshments served from 7 to 8 p.m. Admission is $18 for 50-plus Glen Pine members, $23 for non-members; registration is required by calling 604-927-6940.
NO POWER HOUR
People across the globe celebrate Earth Hour by turning off all unnecessary lights and electronics to raise awareness about the importance of conserving electricity. From 8:30 to 9:30 p.m., local residents are asked to turn off, tune out and drop your hydro bill. Last year, Coquitlam and Port Moody decreased their electricity consumption by 1.7% for the hour while PoCo saw a 1.2% reduction.
SQUARE ART
What Is Art? is an exhibition of new artworks exploring meaning in art at the Leigh Square Community Arts Village (1100-2253 Leigh Square Pl., Port Coquitlam). Open daily until April 11, the exhibit features works by Meg Lee, Chris Collacott, Lawrence McDonald and Langara College students (noon to 4 p.m. on weekends and regular business hours during the week). All are welcome to drop in at no cost and examine the impacts of commercial design and technology on modern art. There will be an artists' reception Monday at 6 p.m.
Sunday, March 27
HERON WALK
Join the Burke Mountain Naturalists on a great blue heron nature walk at Coquitlam's Colony Farm Regional Park (meet at the end of Colony Farm Road off Lougheed Highway in Coquitlam). The walk runs from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. and is free and open to all. Bring sturdy, comfortable shoes and binoculars if you have them. No registration is required and and more information is available at www.bmn.bc.ca or by calling 604-937-3483.
SOUL COFFEE
PoCo's Leigh Square Community Arts Village presents another Sunday Coffee Concert featuring the VOC Sweet Soul Gospel Choir at 1:30 p.m. at the Terry Fox Theatre (1260 Riverwood Gate, PoCo). With their highly animated delivery of Hawaiian, calypso, reggae, gospel, R&B and jazz, the choir has earned praise from across the province and internationally. Tickets cost $10 for adults, $5 for students and free for children under 12 and are available at the door on a first-come, first-served basis. Stay after the performance to meet the choir over coffee and refreshments.
Please send Things-To-Do guide submissions to tcoyne@tricitynews.com.
