The city of Port Coquitlam is wasting no time beginning its centennial celebrations in 2013.
PoCo is holding a 100th birthday celebration kickoff on Jan. 4.
Guests who attend a dinner and free ice skate at the PoCo rec complex are encouraged to dress in vintage clothing, from the 1920s flapper era to 1970s disco outfits.
The event will also feature a high-energy on-ice musical performance by the Timebenders and a community dinner, with plates of lasagna selling for $5 per person.
Tickets for the 5 and 6 p.m. seatings will be sold only until Dec. 31 at the rec complex, Hyde Creek rec centre and The Outlet. They can also be ordered by phone at 604-927-PLAY or through www.experienceit.ca (barcode 106103 for the 5 p.m. show and 106104 for the 6 p.m. show).
Between 5 and 9 p.m. on Jan. 4, activities will take place in the lobby of the ice rink, and include memorabilia displays from PoCo's fire department along with items from other sports and community groups. There will also be a dress-up photo booth.
The free public skate gets underway at 6:30 p.m. in conjunction with the first of the Timebenders' two 75-minutes sets on the ice stage. Skate rentals will also be free that evening, although people who own skates are encouraged to bring them.
The Timebenders are described as a "musical romp through the ages" featuring dance music and impersonations of stars from the last 60 years. More than 20 costume changes take place during the set, which includes tunes from every era and genre.
CELEBRATE ALL YEAR
Other events for the year include:
Feb. 9-16 Spirit Week events
Feb. 13 Illuminating Port Coquitlam - opens 7 p.m. at PoCo Rec Complex (nightly to March 7)
March 7 Community Birthday Celebration - Hyde Creek Rec Centre and Port Coquitlam Rec Complex
March 7 Heritage Centre at Leigh Square Grand Opening - 3 p.m.
March 28 Fashion through the decades fashion show and luncheon 12:30 p.m. at Wilson Centre
May 3-12 May Day Festival
May 11 Back in Time Promenade, Legacy Project and Trolley Tours
June 28-29 Legion 100th Birthday Event
Aug. 17-18 Homecoming Event
Sept. 15 Terry Fox Run - 10 a.m. at Hyde Creek Rec Centre
Sept. 29 Rivers and Trals Festival 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lions and Peace Parks
Nov. 30 Christmas in Leigh Square and Volunteer Recognition - 4 p.m.
For more details about the Jan. 4 centennial kickoff and other events being held throughout the year, go to www.portcoquitlam.ca/100 or email [email protected].
The Tri-City News kicks off its coverage of the Port Coquitlam and Port Moody centennial years in the Wednesday, Jan. 2 edition.
