Squeeze in a couple more days of spring sunshine and dive into a weekend full of fun.
FRIDAY, APRIL 1
BABY & ME HIKING
Get outside and get into nature with baby in this popular Metro Vancouver hiking series starting today and running to June 3. The moderate-level hikes explore Belcarra and Minnekhada regional parks; be prepared to carry baby from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Cost is $50 for the series and registration is required at www.metrovancouveronline.org or 604-432-6359 and quote barcode 6507.
HOME EXPO
With spring in full swing it's time to assemble the household to-do list to get everything spruced up. Get plenty of ideas and inspiration at the 15th anniversary of the Tri-Cities Home Expo at the Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex (633 Poirier St., Coquitlam). Parking and entry are free for the event, running today from 5 to 9 p.m., Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit www.homeshowtime.com for more information.
LATE COMPANY
Billed as a "searing, unforgettable drama," Late Company is at once funny, shocking and moving as it explores the mix of emotions that emerge between two couples one year after a tragedy. Touchstone Theatre presents this play, written by one of Canada's most promising young playwrights, at the Evergreen Cultural Centre in shows at 8 p.m. tonight and tomorrow night, as well as 4 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $39/$30/$15, with $15 for all ages in the "Alley" seating, at www.evergreenculturalcentre.ca or 604-927-6555.
SATURDAY, APRIL 2
SWAP MEET
Pick up loads of wee gear at the Kids' Only Swap & Shop at the Hyde Creek rec centre (1379 Laurier Ave., PoCo) from 9 a.m. to noon.
SIGNS OF SPRING
Blossoms bloming, buds bursting, birds chirping and bees buzzing — watch spring come alive at a scavenger hunt at Colony Farm Regional Park. This free event, presented by the Colony Farm Park Association, runs from 10 a.m. to noon and is suitable for ages five to 10. Register at http://www.regionalparkslink.ca/event/signs-of-spring-scavenger-hunt/.
BUNCH-A-MUNCH
What do you get when you combine great weather, tons of delicious food and a crowd of hungry people? It's the Fraser Valley Food Truck Festival, and it's here in Port Moody from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Inlet Field (3200 Murray St.). Choose from 20 different trucks offering up cuisine from around the world — think everything from Greek to Thai, Russian to Italian — and Canadian favourites (poutine, anyone?). Admission is free and there will be tons of family-friendly entertainment. All you need to do is arrive on an empty stomach and get ready to chow down.
SKATE ON
Spring into spring at the Skate-a-palooza Spring Kick-off Party at the Poirier Forum (618 Poirier St., Coquitlam). Anyone aged six and up can join the fun — inline skating, games, prizes, food and more — from 5 to 7 p.m. Admission is $2.
SUNDAY, APRIL 3
TRAINING RUN
It was Terry's 10 miles, and now it can be yours, in the second annual Terry Fox Training Run. The route takes runners on the same 10 miles (16 km) through the Tri-Cities that Terry used to train for his 1980 Marathon of Hope. All told, Terry logged 3,059.5 miles (yes, he was that specific) before leaving for Canada's east coast 36 years ago, so why not come out and celebrate the hometown hero's remarkable feat? Those who aren't feeling too keen on a lengthy run can enjoy the all ages/all abilities community walk, a leisurely 2.5-km stroll that begins at 11 a.m. and takes participants through the neighbourhood Terry grew up in, as well as along the track where he learned to run again after his amputation. No registration fee; donations gratefully accepted for cancer research. Sign-in for the run starts at 7:30 a.m. and the run leaves at 8:30 a.m. Visit www.terryfox.org/trainingrun for full details.
CREATIVE CAFE
Learn fascinating details about the natural and cultural history of Minnekhada Regional Park at the Creative Café, running at the lodge from 1 to 4 p.m. Visit www.minnekhada.ca for more information.
SWEET SWIM
What could make an evening at the pool — floating, fluttering or family fun — even better? A free swim can, and it's up for the taking from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Hyde Creek rec centre (1379 Laurier Ave., PoCo) and tonight from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex (633 Poirier St., Coquitlam).
