With so much spring in the air the great outdoors are beckoning. Lucky for you, there's plenty of family friendly activities and events to choose from this weekend.
SATURDAY, MAY 5
CADET SALE
The 777 Neptune Royal Canadian Air Cadets are holding a fundraising garage sale fundraiser from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 133 (2675 Shaughnessy St., PoCo). Donations are accepted on Friday at the Legion between 6 and 9 p.m., and cash donations over $20 get a tax receipt.
MARKETDAY FAIR
The Catalyst senior youth from Coquitlam Alliance Church (2601 Spuraway Ave.) are hosting a market to raise money for microfinance programs in the developing world to help eradicate poverty. All you need to do is drop by between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. and enjoy tasty treats, and pick up some fine arts and crafts, flowers or maybe even a wee something for Mother's Day.
GARDEN GOODIES
Is your green thumb itching to get in the garden? Check out the PoCo Garden Club's annual plant sale today, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Trinity United Church (2211 Prairie Ave., PoCo), for all sorts of plants to spruce up your yard.
MUDDY BUDDIES
The Mundy Mudthudders are kicking off their new season of weekly walks through Tri-City parks (though they're based in Coquitlam's Mundy Park). If you're keen to walk (a brisk 60 minutes) with other like-minded outdoorsy folk, meet at 10:30 a.m. Saturday mornings near the trailhead at the foot of Regan Avenue, at Hillcrest middle school. Email [email protected] for more info.
FINGERLING FUN
Hey kids, wanna help send off 40,000 salmon into Noons Creek? The Port Moody Ecological Society's 21st annual Fingerling Festival, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., is the kick-off to the young salmon's four-year journey at sea and it's cause for celebration. Bobs & Lolo will be giving two free concerts to keep everyone entertained, and a variety of displays at the PoMo skating arena (300 Ioco Rd.) offers loads of chances to learn all about salmon. There will also be fundraising raffles and a hot dog stand, with money raised going to Noons Creek Hatchery operations. Parking at the hatchery is limited so people are encouraged to use alternate transportation. Visit www.noonscreek.org for more details.
TEA TIME
Check out a variety of crafts, yummy baked goods, plants and vintage jewelry, not to mention homemade pie with ice cream, tea or coffee (for $5) at the Spring Tea at St. John's Anglican Church (2208 St. Johns St., PoMo) from 2 to 4 p.m.
SUNDAY, MAY 6
TAKE A HIKE
And show your support for Crossroads by lacing up for the 10th annual Hike for Hospice, from 9 a.m. to noon. Hikers can start from Port Moody city hall (100 Newport Dr.) and follow the nature reserve on Burrard Inlet or at the Hyde Creek recreation centre (1379 Laurier Ave., PoCo) and cruise the Traboulay PoCo Trail. All funds raised help the Crossroads Hospice Society provide compassionate care to those facing the end-of-life experience. Register or get a pledge form online at www.crossroadshospice.bc.ca.
SEE YA SALMON
The salmon love continues today with the Salmon Leave Home event at the Hoy Creek Hatchery (2975 Princess Cres., PoCo) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Gather the family and release oodles of Coho fry into the creek, then pop into the hatchery for a tour and crafts for the kids.
MEET & GREET
Thinking about bringing a pet into your home? This weekend would be a great time to check out all the lovable creatures available for adoption at the BC SPCA open house, from 1 to 3 p.m., at the PoCo Education & Adoption Centre (104-3278 Westwood St.).
TAKE A WALK
Join the Burke Mountain Naturalists as they host the Backyard Walk at Riverview Hospital. This walk, geared to children and youth, takes visitors through Riverview's more natural areas, as well as the ever popular Finnie's Garden, a favourite for kids. The walk starts at 1 p.m. from the upper entrance of the Henry Esson Young building. Visit www.bmn.bc.ca or call 604-942-7378 for more info.
FLYIN' BOB
The circus comes to town with Flyin' Bob and his one-man show, Be the Circus, at the Evergreen Cultural Centre (1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam) at 2 p.m. This fun family show features all things circus, complete with juggling and high wire acts. Visit www.evergreenculturalcentre.ca or call 604-927-6555 for tickets.
MASK FESTIVAL
Goliath Performing Arts presents an evening of top youth talent in theatre, film, music and dance, from 7 to 9:30 p.m. A festival pass is $30 and gets you entered for door prizes. Contact [email protected] for info.