There's not much to look forward to weather-wise, but why worry? The weekend is packed with family-friendly events - just be sure to pack a rain jacket.
Friday, March 30
HONK HONK
Showstoppers Academy presents Honk Jr.!, an adorable production based on Hans Christian Andersen's The Ugly Duckling. The odd-looking duck, aptly named Ugly, is lost and searching for his mother; along the way he teaches kids that being different is okay. Honk Jr.! is at the Terry Fox Theatre (1260 Riverwood Gate, Port Coquitlam) today at 12:30 and 7 p.m., Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. For more information and tickets, call 604-477-9922 or visit www.terryfoxtheatre.com.
Saturday, March 31
BRING BOTTLES
Help out the hardworking kids in the 1st Port Coquitlam Scout Group. They're holding a bottle drive from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Kilmer elementary (1575 Knappen St., PoCo), so you can get rid of recyclables for a good cause. Want your bottles picked up? Call 604-970-2579.
GET SOME AIR
Fresh air, that is, on Metro Vancouver's guided Fresh Air Hike at Minnekhada Regional Park, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Visitors will walk through moss-strewn rainforests, past quiet marshes and over natural granite steps. Making it to the top of the high knoll rewards the hiker with sweeping views over the Pitt River and Minnekhada marsh. This is a moderately strenuous hike, with some steep sections, and is suitable for those aged 15 and up. Register in advance by calling 604-432-6359. Cost is $5.50/$3.25.
BUZZ BUZZ BUZZ
Bees are fascinating creatures, and tremendously important ones, too. Head to the Coquitlam Inspiration Garden (at the corner of Pipeline Road and Guildford Way) today from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with the whole family and learn about these amazing animals and how they contribute to our survival. Kids can follow the Queen Bee on a discovery journey, and there's a lineup of fascinating workshops on everything from mason bees to mead to gardening and cooking. Do a honey taste test, and check out the wide variety of honey and beeswax products. Hot drinks and food will also be for sale. For more information and a schedule of workshops, starting at 11:15 a.m., visit www.coquitlam.ca.
FAMILY SPORTS FAIR
The Coquitlam Sports Hall of Fame is presenting a Spring Family Sports Fair, where visitors can check out a variety of sports clubs with sign-up and information tables, interactive games for kids of all ages and for teens, experts will discuss sports nutrition and what it takes to get an athletic scholarship. The sports fair runs from noon to 5 p.m. at the Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex (633 Poirier St.). Call 604-936-5128 or email [email protected] for more information.
ART MARKETING
Artists aren't really known for their keen business skills, but a seminar this afternoon at the Port Moody Arts Centre aims to change that. Chris Tyrell is hosting an interactive session for artists on the ins and outs of visual art sales and marketing, from 2 to 4 p.m. Call 604-931-2008 for details.
DEADLY LAUNCH
Transit cop Casey Holland is investigating a possible gang war being played out on local buses, but as she gets closer to the truth, Holland finds herself battling her colleagues as well. Find out more when Port Moody author Debra Purdy Kong launches her latest mystery novel, Deadly Accusations, at the Port Moody Public Library today from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Kong, who has a degree in criminology and a background in security, has written three other novels and has published work in several anthologies. Space is limited at the launch, so call 604-469-4577 to reserve a spot. Refreshments will also be served. Visit www.library.portmoody.ca for more information.
LIGHTS OUT
Join thousands of people around the world in celebrating Earth Hour. All you have to do is turn out the lights, and any other non-essential energy sources, from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. and you'll be sending a message that conserving energy, and taking real action on climate change, is possible. It's also a great chance to connect with family or friends - play board games or cards, enjoy dinner by candlelight or go for an evening walk around the neighbourhood. Learn more about Earth Hour, and find more ideas on how to celebrate, at www.earthhour.org. If you're a Coquitlam resident, today is also the deadline to register for the city-wide garage sale. Get your address on the list that the city will promote free of charge. Visit www.coquitlam.ca for more information.
Sunday, April 1
SPOT INVASIVES
Minnekhada Regional Park hosts an open house from 1 to 4 p.m. this afternoon, where visitors can learn about invasive species and enjoy activities provided by the park association. Parking is available on Oliver Road, but parking at Quarry Road will give you a chance to enjoy the 20-minute walk to the lodge. The family-friendly event is free and suitable for all ages.
Please send Things-To-Do guide items to [email protected].
