There's a busy weekend in store for Tri-City residents, with May Day festivities, fingerling fun and a chance to wheel - and walk - for the hospital and hospice.
TODAY: Friday, May 3
MAY DAY, MAY DAY
Kick off the 90th annual Port Coquitlam May Days with entertainment from Flying Not Falling, a "whimsical vaudeville revue," and the traditional May Pole dance. Doors open at the PoCo rec complex (2150 Wilson Ave.) at 6:30 p.m. and festivities are at 7:30 p.m. A free indoor carnival at Minnekhada middle school (1390 Laurier Ave., PoCo) runs from 3 to 6 p.m.
Saturday, May 4
PLANT SALE
The Dogwood Garden Club hosts its annual plant sale with more than 1,000 perennials, annuals, tomatoes, herbs and hanging baskets up for grabs at the Dogwood Pavilion (624 Poirier St., Coquitlam) from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The sale raises funds for horticultural scholarships.
WHEEL TO HEAL
Grab your bike (and helmet) and get ready to pedal in Wheel to Heal for the Eagle Ridge Hospital Foundation. There are three different routes to choose from, including a 10-km family ride (11:30 a.m. start), a 40-km route (10 a.m.) and a 100-km trek to Fort Langley and back (8 a.m.). A kids' race for ages three to eight is free (bikes, trikes and training wheels are all permitted; helmets required) and starts at 11:45 a.m. Rides start and end at Coquitlam's Town Centre Park (Lot E) at the corner of David Avenue and Pinetree Way. Register at Caps Westwood in Port Moody Wednesday and Thursday from 3 to 6 p.m. or on site on event day; fee is $100. Visit wheeltoheal.ca for full details.
ART FOCUS SHOW
Peruse (or purchase) paintings, drawings, photos, mixed media and embroidery at the Art Focus spring art show and sale at the Outlet at Leigh Square (2253 Leigh Sq.). The event, featuring some two dozen artists, runs 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
FINGERLING FESTIVAL
Release oodles of wee salmon into Noons Creek, check out the cool exhibits and enjoy the Juno-nominated children's entertainers Bobs and Lolo (at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.) at the 22nd annual Fingerling Festival. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Noons Creek Hatchery and PoMo rec centre (300 Ioco Rd.). Visit www.noonscreek.org for more info.
WONDERS OF NATURE
Leigh Square Community Arts Village's latest exhibit showcases the importance of nature exploration and experience when dealing with mental illness. Wonders of Nature, by the My Artist Corner artists' collective, marks Mental Health Week; the exhibit is already open but the opening reception is today at 2 p.m. with artists in attendance.
FRENCH CHOIR
Les Échos du Pacifique present Elles s'appelaient Marie, a 16-movement suite that tells the story of a pioneer woman in Quebec who weds a dashing young voyageur and moves to Alberta. The 30-member francophone choir will be joined by Edmonton soloist Marie-Josée Ouimet for the concert at 7:30 p.m. at Centennial secondary (570 Poirier St.). Tickets are $12/$10 (children 12 and under are free), available at [email protected], [email protected] or at the door.
POTTERY SHOW
The Evergreen Cultural Centre (1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam) presents Clay 2013: Functional Vessels and Sculptural Artifacts. The annual juried exhibition of works by the Fraser Valley Potters Guild is only at ECC every three years, so it's worth a visit. An opening reception is on Sunday from 4 to 6 p.m. and a clay master class workshop (ages 16+) is from noon to 3 p.m. Call 604-927-6552 to register for the class.
A DANCE FOR THE AGES
Don your old-time costume and dance the night away at Dancing Through the Decades in celebration of PoCo's May Days. A live band and DJ will be getting the crowds moving at the PoCo rec complex (2150 Wilson Ave.) from 7 p.m. to midnight; a cash bar and appetizers will also be served. Tickets are $25 in advance by calling 604-927-8403.
Sunday, May 6
HIKE FOR HOSPICE
Lace up your sneakers for the 11th annual Hike for Hospice, benefitting the Crossroads Hospice Society, along the Traboulay PoCo Trail (starting from the Hyde Creek rec centre, 1379 Laurier Ave.). The event runs from 9 a.m. to noon; to register (online registration closes Friday at midnight, on-site registration is on Sunday), visit www.crossroadshospice.bc.ca.
SALMON DOC
The controversial documentary Salmon Confidential plays at the Port Moody Inlet Theatre (100 Newport Dr.) at 7 p.m. The film follows a biologist who discovers B.C. wild salmon are testing positive for viruses associated with salmon farming, and the government attempts to "suppress the findings." Tickets are by donation at the door or call 604-808-3664 or 604-939-1508.
NIGHT AT THE OPERA
Explore the story of a young brother and sister taken from their Vancouver home and sent to a Japanese internment camp during the Second World War in the Vancouver Opera's presentation of Naomi's Road, based on the Joy Kogawa book, at the Evergreen Cultural Centre (1205 Pinetree Way). Tickets are $18/$14 or $54 for a family of four, available at 604-927-6555 or www.evergreenculturalcentre.ca.
RIVERVIEW'S BACK YARD
The Burke Mountain Naturalists host a "back yard" tour of Riverview's wilder areas, including the delightful Finnie's Garden. Meet at the Henry Esson Young building at 1 p.m.For a site map visit rhcs.org.
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