Looks like we've traded all that fog for the typical winter drizzle. No matter, there are plenty of fun ways to keep the family entertained - indoors - this weekend.
Friday, Jan. 25
SCHOOL'S OUT
Today is a Pro-D day for the kids and if you're looking for ways to keep them busy, check out the activities planned in Coquitlam. The Pinetree Community Centre (1260 Pinetree Way) hosts a Camp Extravaganza, where kids will do crafts, science experiments, cooking, sports and games from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The City Centre Aquatic Complex (1210 Pinetree Way) will have a movie night with a swim, pizza and flick from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. and both CCAC and the Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex (633 Poirier St.) will have drop-in swimming all day. Visit www.coquitlam.ca for details and registration.
BURNS' BIRTHDAY
Toast Scotland's treasure Robert Burns on his birthday at a concert by the world champion Simon Fraser University Pipe Band, led by Coquitlam pipe major Terry Lee, and the Robert Malcolm Memorial Pipe Band, under the direction of Coquitlam's Rob Menzies. The event at Bonsor Banquet Hall in Burnaby (6550 Bonsor Ave.) includes highland dancing, roast beef dinner and silent auction; proceeds go to junior pipe bands. Tickets are $55, available at 604-436-1080, [email protected] or www.sfu.pipeband.com.
Saturday, Jan. 26
DANCING SHOES
The Robbie Burns festivities continue today with a highland dancing competition at Heritage Woods secondary school (1300 David Ave., Port Moody). Dancers aged four and up will be competing with a live piper in five dances at each level. The little ones dance in the morning and, in the afternoon, catch duet choreography and premier dancers. Admission is $5/$3, with kids under 12 free. Visit www.highlanddancers.com for more information.
CHAMBER GALA
Enjoy a gala evening at the Red Robinson Show Theatre (2080 United Blvd., Coquitlam) to celebrate the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce's annual Business Excellence Awards. The evening begins with a champagne reception at 6 p.m. and continues with dinner, prizes and dancing. Tickets are $125 but hurry - the event is close to sold out. Visit business.tricitieschamber.com for more information.
HOCKEY NIGHT
Catch the Port Moody Panthers in action as they take on the North Delta Devils in Junior B hockey in the Pacific Junior Hockey League. The puck drops at 7:45 p.m. at the Port Moody Arena (300 Ioco Rd.).
Sunday, Jan. 27
MARKET GOODIES
Escape the dreary winter blues with a trip to the Port Moody Winter Farmers Market at the recreation centre (300 Ioco Rd.). Fill your basket with a wide array of winter veggies, fresh bread, artisanal cheeses, homebaked goods and more. The market runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Get more information at www.makebakegrow.com.
WALK FOR MEMORIES
Time to lace up your sneakers for the annual Investors Group Walk for Memories at Port Moody's Rocky Point Park. The walk honours the more than 70,000 people living with dementia and their families, and is dedicated to Jim Boileau, a retired firefighter who worked in Port Coquitlam for 42 years. Register for the 1- to 6-km walk, which starts at 1 p.m., at www.walkformemories.com. Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Dawn Price at 778-938-2046.
NEW TALENT
Check out the artwork of senior Tri-City students at the opening of the Emerging Talent XVI exhibit at the Evergreen Cultural Centre (1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam), from 2 to 7 p.m. Retired SD43 art teachers will be judging the works and handing out awards for top entries at 3:30 p.m. The show runs until March 9 and also includes the second annual Emerging Talent Festival, showcasing design, film, music and theatre. Visit www.evergreenculturalcentre.ca for more information.
BANNER BANTER
Hear the artists behind Port Moody's Community Banner Painting Festival talk about the process of designing street banners. Artists Philippe Sokazo and Judi Gardner will be at PoMo city hall (100 Newport Dr.) from 3 to 4 p.m. Call 604-469-4605 for more information.
