This weekend is packed with family-friendly fun, from local arts and cultural events to free swimming and skating.
Friday, Jan. 15
BRING TISSUES
Stage 43 presents Steel Magnolias, a story that celebrates the bonds of friendship and family with humour, grace and plenty of catchy dialogue, at the Evergreen Cultural Centre (1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam). Be transported to Truvy's Beauty Salon in Louisiana at shows running to Jan. 18 and from Jan. 21 to 24. Tickets are $22/$18 at www.evergreenculturalcentre.ca, 604-927-6555 or www.stage43.org.
DIVE IN
Grab the kids, rustle up your swim trunks and enjoy the Westminster Savings free swim at the City Centre Aquatic Complex (1210 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam) from 7 to 9 p.m.
COQUITLAM VS. KINGS
The Coquitlam Express take on the Powell River Kings tonight in a home game at the Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex (633 Poirier St., Coquitlam). It's sure to be a good game, but an added bonus will be the toonie night specials - $2 hot dogs and $4 beer. Visit www.coquitlamexpress.ca for more information.
Saturday, Jan. 16
BANNER TIME
Drop by Port Moody city hall (100 Newport Dr.) as artists and local residents create the banners that will be decorating city streets this year. Painting runs from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. today and tomorrow, and their finished work will be on display from Jan. 19 to 29.
ICE TIME
Keep the family active with a free skate the Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex (633 Poirier St., Coquitlam) from 2 to 3:15 p.m. Everyone gets in for free, and gets rental skates and a helmet on the house as well. Wristbands are issued from 1:30 p.m., with a maximum of 200 participants per session.
ARTIST TALK
Learn the stories behind the art at W.L. Seaton's free artist talk at the Leigh Square Community Arts Village (2253 Leigh Sq.) from 3 to 5 p.m. The arts village is hosting a solo exhibit of Seaton's work, titled Five Decades Retrospective of One Man's Art, including a variety of painting styles in four different series.
POLISH THEATRE
Anyone interested in Polish history (and who speaks Polish) will want to check out Solidarity: A Recital by Maciej Pietrzyk at the Inlet Theatre (100 Newport Dr., PoMo) at 7 p.m. Pietrzyk is a well-known figure of the Solidarity political movement of the 1980s. The show will include songs, stories and humour, followed by a reception hosted by the Vancouver Polish Theatre. Tickets are $25/$20, available by calling 604-897-1899.
PANTHERS VS. WOLVES
Catch the Port Moody Panthers in action as they face off against the North Vancouver Wolf Pack at the Port Moody Arena (100 Newport Dr.). Puck drop is at 7:45 p.m. Visit www.portmoodypanthers.com for more information.
Sunday, Jan. 17
WINTER MARKET
Liven up the ho-hum offerings in your fridge and pantry with a trip to the Port Moody Winter Farmers Markets at the recreation complex (300 Ioco Rd.) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., where there will be seasonal winter produce, baked goods and more. While you're there, check out the composting workshop, learn the ins and outs of Metro Vancouver's green waste ban and pick up a worm compost system. Visit www.makebakegrow.com for more information.
COFFEE CONCERT
Leigh Square Community Arts Village fires up its 16th annual Sunday Coffee Concert series at the Terry Fox Theatre (1260 Riverwood Gate, PoCo) from 2 to 4 p.m. Kicking it off is the Karen Flamenco Studio, complete with all the finger-snapping, toe-tapping and skirt-twirling of this Latin tradition. Tickets are $12/$10/$6, children 12 and under are free. Register at 604-927-7529 or www.experienceit.ca.
Turned wood
The Greater Vancouver Woodturners' Guild showcases the work of 19 artists in an exhibit at the Port Moody Arts Centre (2425 St. Johns St.) in Not Just Round. There will be 150 "unround" wooden pieces in the show, of varying sizes, shapes and types of wood, including about 25 works by Coquitlam artist and internationally known woodturner Art Liestman. The show runs until Feb. 19. For more information call 604-931-2008 or visit www.pomoarts.ca.
