Looking for some family fun to while away the summer days?
Never fear, Burnaby is buzzing with activity for the small folks all summer long.
TANABATA FESTIVAL
Swing by the Nikkei Centre on Saturday, July 2 for the Tanabata Festival. Tanabata is an annual Japanese summer festival, and the festivities include yukata dressing, bamboo decorating, ring toss, water balloons, cotton candy, shaved ice and popcorn.
Family-friendly programming runs from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tickets for the family afternoon are free until June 30 at the centre, or pay $3 at the door.
In the evening, the fun is geared to young adults from 4 to 7:30 p.m. – including a Ms. Yukata contest on the mainstage, plus a barbecue. Barbecue tickets are $12 in advance or $15 at the door.
Nikkei Centre is at 6688 Southoaks Cres. See centre.nikkeiplace.org/tanabata-2016 or call 604-777-7000.
DOWN TO THE VILLAGE
Have you paid a call to Burnaby Village Museum yet? The museum is keeping the fun going all summer long with special events daily.
Stop in at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 25 and Sunday, June 26 for Carousel Chat and learn some of the history of the vintage C.W. Parker Carousel.
On Sunday, June 26, you can enjoy work by the Pacific Quilters Guild at the Love Farmhouse.
Tuesday, June 28 and Wednesday, June 29 feature Model T car rides (weather permitting) from 1 to 2:45 p.m. at the tram plaza, and free village walks starting at 2 p.m. You can also enjoy mechanics at work at the Carousel Garage from 1 to 3 p.m.
On Thursday, June 30, you can also enjoy a village walk starting at 2 p.m. or take in a tinsmithing demo at the sheet metal works at 2:30 p.m.
The museum is at 6501 Deer Lake Ave. Gate admission is free for all, and carousel rides are $2.60. See www.burnabyvillagemuseum.ca for all the museum info.
READS FOR TEENS
Got a teen reader in the house? Burnaby librarians are offering up some of their favourite teen reads in a special session on Tuesday, June 28 aimed at ages 14 and up.
Catching Fire: Sizzling Summer Reads for Teens and Adults takes place at the McGill library branch from 7 to 8:30 p.m. It will introduce you to some teen books that adults will enjoy, as well as adult books with teen appeal. Two librarians will present their Top 20 choices, and there will be time for participants to share their ideas too.
Light refreshments will be served. It’s free, but space is limited so sign up at www.bpl.bc.ca/events, call 604-299-8955 or drop in to the McGill library at 4595 Albert St.
Do you have a family- or parenting-related idea to share? Send ideas and event information to Julie, [email protected], or find her on Twitter @juliemaclellan.
