Spring is officially here (yes, it's true), so shake off the winter doldrums and get the family exploring, whether it's checking out local art and live entertainment offerings or stretching your legs like a Great Blue Heron at the Colony Farm nature walk.
Friday, March 22
BEAD BONANZA
Celebrate spring with some colourful new jewelry, made by you or one of the artisans at the Fraser Valley Bead Show, through Sunday at the Executive Plaza Hotel (405 North Rd., Coquitlam). There will be a large assortment of beads, tools and supplies, as well as live demonstrations and 15 classes to register for. Show times are Friday, 2 to 8 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $7, free for kids under 12. Visit www.fraservalleybeadshow.ca for details.
HISTORY, IN A BOX
Check out the Port Moody Arts Centre's (2425 St. Johns St.) centennial-themed exhibit, Cabinet of Curiosity Series, this weekend as the city leads up to its official 100th birthday on April 7. The series showcases the work of artists who were inspired by local history and incorporates one of three objects of local memorabilia: a civic seal, typewriter and a ballot box (all circa 1913). Check out www.pomoarts.ca for more information.
Saturday, March 23
FINE ART SALE
The Crossroads Hospice Society Thrift Store (2780 Barnet Hwy., Coquitlam) hosts a one-day sale of fine art and collectibles by Alaskan artist Rie Munoz. There will be limited-edition prints and original paintings, which have been donated by the Paul Andrew Gallery. The sale runs from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
NATURE WALK
Get outside in the fresh spring air, and spot Great Blue Herons as they gather for the upcoming mating season. The free heron-spotting nature walk runs from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. (bring binoculars, if you have them). Meet at the community gardens at the end of Colony Farm Road in Coquitlam; call 604-520-6442 for more information.
STOP FRAUD
It's Fraud Prevention Month, and Coquitlam RCMP are working with Shred-It Document Services to give residents a chance to safely destroy documents (and get a kick start on spring cleaning). The shredder will be running from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the detachment (2986 Guildford Way, Coquitlam), with the Shred-It truck parked at the back, on Burlington Drive. Cost is a non-perishable food donation to the Share food bank. Police recommend shredding documents such as: ATM/credit card slips, utility bills and monthly bank statements, monthly mortgage statements and investment reports.
Sunday, March 24
MAKE IT TO THE MARKET
Want to see what's sprouting for spring? Head to the Port Moody Winter Farmers Market at the rec centre (300 Ioco Rd.), where there will be oodles of fresh produce, delicious baked goods and beautiful arts and crafts. The market runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visit www.makebakegrow.com for more info.
SWING TIME
Vancouver legend The Dal Richards Band closes the 14th annual Port Coquitlam Coffee Concert series at the Terry Fox Theatre (1260 Riverwood Gate) with his signature blend of swing and jazz music in a 2 p.m. show. He'll be backed by a six-piece band of talented musicians as they capture the best of the big band era, as well as jazz, rock and pop standards from the 1930s to today. Tickets are $12/$10/$6, available at www.experienceit.ca.
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