Lighting up the Tri-Cities

As the days get darker, the events get brighter. Or so it seems to me, anyway. Read on to see what’s happening this week.

What: Tree of Memories
When: Thursday, December 2 – Friday, January 7, Daylight to Dusk
Where: Robinson Memorial Park Cemetery [map]
The skinny: A quiet opportunity for people to celebrate memories during the holiday season. Visitors can bring an ornament and place it on the tree in honour of their loved ones.
More info: 604.927.6020

What: Old Time Christmas at the Square
When: Thursday, December 2 from 5:00-9:00pm
Where: Queens Street Plaza [map]
The skinny: The sidewalks will be lined with candles outside the shops and Christmas carolers in the Queens St plaza.
Refreshments and nibbles will be offered as well as deals offering 25%-50% off merchandise. Stores will be open late and be sure to stop and sing along with the carolers. Look for the Christmas tree and enjoy in-store specials throughout the neighbourhood!
More info: 604.931.2662

What: Christmas Marketplace / Opening Reception
When: Thursday, December 2 from 6:00-8:00pm
Where: Port Moody Art Centre [map]
The skinny: The Blackberry Artists’ Society launched their Christmas Marketplace in the Blackberry Gift Shop on November 1, but on December 2 they’re expanding into the 3-D Gallery as well. Take a peek at the expanded marketplace, as well as the Instructors Exhibition and 6 x 6 Annual Silent Auction during the Opening Reception.
More info: 604.931.2008

What: Celebration of Light Opening Reception
When: Thursday, December 2 at 6:30pm
Where: Leigh Square Community Arts Village [map]
The skinny: In almost every culture and since early times, people have celebrated the miracle of light during midwinter in recognition of rebirth which involves holidays, festivals, gatherings or rituals. With the Burquest Jewish Community Association and ArtsConnect’s Artist Circle this exhibition features a diversity of artists who have interpreted the significance of light during the dark days of winter.
More info: 604.927.8400 or chuiy@portcoquitlam.ca

What: Spirit of the Season Concert
When: Thursday, December 2 from 7:00-8:00pm
Where: Leigh Square Community Arts Village [map]
The skinny: It’s a free evening of art and classical music with J & W Piano Studio! In conjunction with the opening reception of the “Celebration of Light” art exhibit, Leigh Square and partners present classical music inspired by the theme of winter light, interpreted by Jacky Mak and students.
More info: 604.927.8400 or chuiy@portcoquitlam.ca

What: Tri-Cities Celebration of Ability
When: Friday, December 3 from 11:30am-1:15pm
Where: Evergreen Cultural Centre [map]
The skinny: Celebrate the contributions that people with disabilities have made in our local community, with a focus on employment achievements and community leadership. Join with the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce, as members of our community share their inspiring stories and abilities, along with a screening of a short documentary and music performances. Registration is required to attend this free event, as seating is limited.
More info: 604.464.2716 or mdanchuk@tricitieschamber.com

What: NFB Friday Matinees
When: Friday, December 3 from 2:00-3:30pm
Where: Poirier Library [map]
The skinny: Join us on Friday afternoons for a screening of documentaries from the National Film Board. Up first? The Coca Cola Case, which presents a searing indictment of the Coca-Cola empire and its alleged kidnapping, torture and murder of union leaders trying to improve working conditions in Colombia, Guatemala and Turkey. Plus, as an added bonus, catch Git Gob: Hothouse 5. From the Hothouse series to develop young film making talent in Canada, these six 1-minute films use hand-made puppets, pen-drawings, collage, photography and innovative blends of mixed techniques to create films from the poetic to the absurd. No registration required, just drop in.
More info: 604.937.4141

What: Town Centre Field Opening
When: Friday, December 3 at 4:30pm
Where: Town Centre Field, Port Moody [map]
The skinny: Join Mayor, Council and dignitaries as they break in Port Moody’s artificial turf field, which received a face-lift through a partnership between the City and federal Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) Program funding. The dedication ceremony will include the first official soccer ball crossing the goal line on the new sports ground.
More info: 604.469.4500

What: Coquitlam Christmas Craft Fair
When: Friday, December 3 from 5:00-9:00 pm, Saturday, December 4 from 10:00am-4:00pm and Sunday, December 5 from 11:00am-4:00pm
Where: Poirier Community Centre [map]
The skinny: 120 vendors with a variety of locally made items from jewellery, ceramics, woodworking, glassware, sewing, food and much more! Admission is $2 for adults, $1 for seniors and children.
More info: coquitlamcrafts@canada.com

What: 2010 Sport Summit
When: Keynote – Friday, December 3 from 6:30-9:30 pm; Presentations – Saturday, December 4 from 8:30am-3:30pm
Where: Riverside Secondary [map]
The skinny: Learn about the new Port Coquitlam Community Sport Strategy and be part of the future of sport in our community! This event is free, and open to all Port Coquitlam residents with a passion for sport. Reserve your seats by Thursday, December 2.
More info: 604.927.8400 or comartinb@portcoquitlam.ca

What: Seeing Red – MMA Live in the Cage!
When: Friday, December 3 at 7:30pm
Where: Red Robinson Show Theatre [map]
The skinny: The controversial event is back in town. This features 2 of BC’s best welterweights squaring off in the Main Event. ‘Tricky’ Nick Marinos of North Vancouver battles Shaun Devries of the Comox Valley at the 170 lb limit.
More info: 280.4444

What: Holiday Family Fair
When: Saturday, December 4 from 11:00am-4:00pm
Where: Inlet Theatre Galleria [map]
The skinny: The babyvibe Holiday Family Fair is a follow-up to our very successful Spring Fair, which was the first major showcase for families in the Port Moody area. Here at babyvibe, we come across a lot of great businesses and services. This is the perfect opportunity for us to help showcase excellent baby and family based businesses, along with local services, to the thousands of young families in the area. Come on out and “avoid the maul of the mall”: celebrate the season and shop with babyvibe and some of our favourite friends! Bring your little ones down to have their picture taken with a fantastic Santa Claus.
More info: nancy@babyvibe.ca

What: Alice in a Winter Wonderland
When: Saturday, December 4 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm
Where: Terry Fox Theatre [map]
The skinny: A musical production of Alice’s adventures on Christmas Eve. Follow Alice as she searches for the true meaning of Christmas, following a little elf to Santa’s workshop and meeting many interesting characters along the way. A new Christmas tradition bound to delight audiences of all ages!
More info: 604.468.9403

What: Light up the Square
When: Saturday, December 4 from 4:00-7:00pm
Where: Carré Heritage Square [map]
The skinny: There will be drop in arts and crafts activities, artisan demonstrations, cookie decorating, heritage baking and tours in Mackin House, piano music by Teresa Richert, saxophone music by the Black Coffee Ensemble and yummy French Canadian-inspired meals in the Noël Café. There will also be a wish tree, hot chocolate and colouring contest at the Station Museum. Make your very own lantern and participate in our interactive celebration of light, A Lantern Affair and visit with Père Noël.
More info: 604.664.1636

What: It Must Be the Holiday Season
When: Saturday, December 4 at 7:30pm and Sunday, December 5 at 2:00pm
Where: Evergreen Cultural Centre [map]
The skinny: You are invited to come and enjoy a lively evening or afternoon of Christmas music that will please all family members. There will be familiar traditional Christmas music and some newer fun numbers for the young-at heart. Come and take part in our sing-along feature and maybe take home a poinsettia plant for your Christmas table.
More info: 604.927.6555

What: Holiday Tea
When: Sunday, December 5 from 1:00-3:00pm
Where: Port Moody Station Museum [map]
The skinny: This December bring your family for some old fashioned holiday fun at the Port Moody Station Museum. They’ll be serving tea and hot cocoa on our 1920s train car. Enjoy watching the festive holiday lights on the station or listening to classic holiday music while cozying up to a hot drink and sweet treat. $5 per person, no reservations required.
More info: 604.939.1648

What: Christmas Carol Sing Along
When: Sunday, December 5 from 1:00-4:00pm
Where: Minnekhada Lodge [map]
The skinny: In December, the historic Minnekhada Lodge is decorated for the festive season and provides a beautiful backdrop for some singing, networking, and conversations around a real yule log fire. Gather around the hearth and join in on caroling, be entertained by a story teller, some Voyageurs, and wander around the historic rooms/grounds of this Scottish style hunting lodge. Free draws will be made for gifts generously donated by local businesses and MPA members. Refreshments will be available at a reasonable cost.
More info: 604.520.6442 or 604.942.5326

What: Light the Lake
When: Sunday, December 5 from 3:00-7:00pm
Where: Lafarge Lake [map]
The skinny: The 6th annual Envision Financial Light the Lake will be the biggest Christmas party in the Tri-Cities! The fun-filled family event features a Christmas market with hand-made crafts and holiday gifts, activities for the kids and those young at heart, hot chocolate and other yummy treats, as well as strolling carolers, entertainment and choirs. Admission is free. And don’t forget to drop by Evergreen Cultural Centre, where there will be a Christmas marketplace and children’s crafts.
More info: 604.777.6168 or mosterty@douglas.bc.ca

What: Polonez Polish Canadian Dance Society
When: Sunday, December 5 at 5:00pm
Where: Terry Fox Theatre [map]
The skinny: Join Polonez at their 2010 CHRISTMAS CONCERT! The Polish Canadian Dance Society “Polonez” was founded in 1989 by choreographer Jacek Niemirski. Today with over 100 active members, Polish folk dance has become not only an interesting and dynamic hobby, but also enriches the lives of the dancers and their audience. The dance group has become an integral part of Vancouver’s artistic and cultural stage as well as Vancouver’s Polish cultural ambassador. Join them and celebrate the season with traditional folk dances and songs from different regions of Poland.
More info: 604.468.9403

Have a great week!