This weekend features a variety of cultural and community events in all areas of Burnaby. Here are the Burnaby NOW's staff picks of things to do from Jan. 27 to 29:
1 Get cultured at the MOSAIC Fair, a two-day celebration of Burnaby's rich diversity. The centre court of Brentwood Town Centre will be trans-formed into an area of fun and learning for the family. It will feature cultural performances from Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East, as well as informational sessions on free services for immigrants and convention refugees, games and activities.
The free event is being held on Friday, Jan. 27 from 12: 30 to 4 p.m. and on Saturday, Jan. 28 from 10: 30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
2 Get engaged in your community at South Burnaby Neighbourhood House's first Sharing Cultures Community Night of 2012. The event, which features Chinese cuisine and entertainment, is $3 for adults and $1 for children. The event is taking place on Friday, Jan. 27 at Gordon Presbyterian Church at 7457 Edmonds St.
Doors open at 5: 30 p.m., and dinner will be served between 6 and 6: 30 p.m. For more info and to register in advance, call South Burnaby Neighbourhood House at 604-431-0400.
3 Get ideas for green living by visiting Harmony House, a demonstration house created as part of a Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation move to encourage green building practices and energy efficiency. This weekend's your final chance to check out the home that's located at 7990 Joffre Ave. (near Marine Drive and Boundary Road). Harmony House is open to the public on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
4 Get into the Year of the Dragon mood by checking out the Chinese New Year celebrations in the Heights. The Heights Merchants Association will ring in the Year of the Dragon with music and dance.
Traditional lion dancers will perform a special blessing to bring luck and prosperity to Heights merchants. The fun takes place on Saturday, Jan. 28 from noon to 2: 30 p.m. on Hastings Street in North Burnaby. Heights shoppers who see the lion dancers may be lucky enough to receive a fortune cookie or envelope that will contain special message and the opportunity to win prizes. See www.burnabyheights.com.
5 Get to the Burnaby Public Library and get some help in keeping those resolutions you set on New Year's Eve. Whatever your goal, the library has books and resources to help you accomplish your goals. Drop by the McGill branch (4595 Albert St.), the Cameron branch (9523 Cameron St.), the Bob Prittie Metrotown branch (6100 Willingdon Ave.) or the Tommy Douglas branch (7311 Kingsway).
Email your Top 5 ideas to calendar@ burnabynow.com or to tmcmanus@ burnabynow.com.
