There are tons of fun things to do this weekend in Burnaby. Here is a curated selection of our Top 5 activities for the weekend of May 3 and 4.
1 Don't miss the annual Jane's Walk, on in the Heights, a neighbourhood rich with pioneer history. The walk takes place this Saturday, at 10:30 a.m, starting at the northeast corner of North Boundary Road and Trinity Street, just on the border of Burnaby and Vancouver. Debbie Reid will lead participants on a tour through the neighbourhood, highlighting features connected to the early 1900s. The event is free.
The tour includes some hills and uneven terrain, but it ends with light refreshments at Burnaby Heights Park. The walk is a yearly event inspired by Jane Jacobs, an urban activist who was hugely influential in urban studies. The events are aimed to connect neighbours and encourage them to explore their own communities. There are annual Jane's Walks around the world.
2 Check out the annual Rhododendron Festival, a celebration of the city's official flower, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Shadbolt Centre, 6450 Deer Lake Ave. The festival features tons of interesting activities, including Tai Chi demonstrations, a bouquet competition, a flower-arranging workshop, a silent auction and a plant sale. Kids can have their faces painted and learn to make kites. Interested in bird watching? Sign up for George Clulow's 8 a.m. tour of Deer Lake by calling 604-291-6864. Check out the presentations on organic gardening from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or native bees at 1:30 p.m.
There will also be music, walking tours, food, vendor tables and info booths. For the full schedule, go to brags.ca.
3 Celebrate Japanese culture at the second annual Japan Kids Festival on Saturday, May 3, from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Nikkei Centre, 6688 Southoaks Cres. There are kids cooking classes, crafts, Japanese food and quick haircuts for kids. For more info, go to www.tohoku-vancouver.org. Admission is free, but there are fees for the activities, and proceeds help survivors of the Japanese earthquake.
4 Interested in a night of mingling, music and appetizers from around the world? Check out the Rotary Club of Burnaby's event on Saturday, May 3, from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. The International Food and Music Festival always draws a big crowd and features dishes prepared by Burnaby students, made from recipes supplied by the Rotary members. The event is at Burnaby Central Secondary, 6011 Deer Lake Parkway, and tickets are $40. There will be a limited number of tickets at the door, so order in advance by calling 604-916-3077. Proceeds go to charitable causes supported by the Rotarians.
5 Get giving at the Twice Feels Nice event on Sunday, May 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., a donation drive to help the homeless. People can gather their gently used items and drop them off at Vancity's Royal Oak branch, at 6632 Royal Oak Ave.
The folks that help local homeless people need new or gently used adult clothing, including coats, jeans, sweaters, boots and shoes. They are also looking for blankets and non-perishable food. So if you are spring cleaning and need a worthy cause to support, consider the Twice Feels Nice event and know you are helping people who live in extreme poverty.
Know of something interesting happening in your neighbourhood? Drop us a line, and we could feature it in an upcoming Top 5 column. Email details to [email protected].
