This weekend brings chances to shop (and shop some more), take in some energetic live music, learn about the life cycle of salmon (and send them on their adolescent way to the ocean) and explore a wild new playground in Coquitlam.
Friday, April 24
RETAIL THERAPY
Who doesn't enjoy a little retail therapy? Get your dose at Mary Hill elementary's (1890 Humber Cres., PoCo) event at the school gym from 7 to 9 p.m. The $2 admission fee enters guests into draws held throughout the evening while they enjoy vendor samples and shopping from Kinder Books, 3 Little Monkeys, JK Apparel Clothing, Tupperware, Pampered Chef, Laughing Sparrow and more.
SHADES OF GREEN
The Gathering Place at Leigh Square (1100-2253 Leigh Square, PoCo) will be hopping with Shades of Green for the latest Crossroads Hospice Coffeehouse. Shades of Green is a group of B.C. musicians playing a blend of folk, Americana and Irish music. Admission is $5 at the door, which opens at 7 p.m. Visit www.crossroadshospicesociety.com for more info.
Saturday, April 25
GARAGE GOODS
Treasure hunters, take note Port Coquitlam's annual city-wide garage sale today means a wealth of gems just waiting to be found throughout the city. The event means many unwanted items are given a new home instead of going to the landfill and savvy shoppers get to nab great bargains, so everybody wins. For a list of garage sales and times, and a map to plan your route, visit www.portcoquitlam.ca/garagesale.
RELEASE THE FISH
Hyde Creek will come alive with the annual release of coho smolts, and the whole family can be part of the fun at the Hyde Creek Watershed Society's event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Members have been diligently caring for the little wrigglers for 18 months, from egg to fry and, finally, the smolts are ready to leave the nest or rather, the tank and make their way to the ocean. Tour the education centre and check out the exhibits and crafts and stick around for a fundraising hot dog barbecue. Park at the Hyde Creek recreation centre (1379 Laurier Ave.) and walk west along the PoCo Trail to the hatchery.
NEW PARK
Send your kids whooshing down an epic curvy slide, let them scrabble up the rope ladder and test their "rock" climbing skills at Coquitlam's newest outdoor adventure zone, Queenston Park (3415 Queenston Ave.). The new Burke Mountain digs, complete with a cushy surface made of recycled tires, are ready for the public and an official opening runs today from 10 to 11:30 a.m. with games and light refreshments.
ART OPENING
Port Moody artist Denise Dupré joins guests for an opening reception of her collection of works titled Abstracts - The Joy of Color at the Gallery Bistro (2411 Clarke St., PoMo) from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Inspired by the Impressionists, as well as Picasso and Matisse, Dupré's works showcase her interpretations of colour, movement and landscape with "a fresh sense of spontaneity and boldness." The exhibit is at the Gallery Bistro until May 24.
SKATE ON
Skate like the Canucks (or even better) at a Westminster Savings free skate at the Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex (633 Poirier St., Coquitlam), with free skate and helmet rentals. There are two sessions, from 2 to 3:15 p.m. or 3:45 to 5 p.m., with a maximum of 200 participants for each (wristbands are given out 30 minutes prior).
CHARLIE BROWN
The enthusiastic youngsters from Broadway Bound Performing Arts Studio present Peanuts the Musical at the Port Moody Inlet Theatre (100 Newport Dr.). Enjoy a day in the life of Charlie Brown and his friends and some great toe-tapping music in this charming, funny production for the whole family. Tickets are $23/$19 at www.portmoody.ca or at Broadway Bound (#105-2071 Kingsway Ave., PoCo); call 604-464-2800 or visit www.broadwayboundstudio.ca for more information.
Sunday, April 26
KIDS' SWAP
The Port Coquitlam recreation complex (2150 Wilson Ave.) will be transformed into a kids' kit wonderland for the annual Kids Only Swap & Shop from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Get everything from toys to clothes, sports gear and other paraphernalia at great prices.
