It's almost fall, but don't tell that to the weather.
With summer sunshine all around us and projected to last at least part of the weekend, there's plenty of incentive to get out and enjoy the city.
Whether it's rainy or sunny, there's no lack of things to do in Burnaby. Here are our Top 5 (or more) picks for this Sept. 13 to 15 weekend:
1. Visit the Burnaby Art Gallery to check out their Dutch masters exhibitions - Storms and Bright Skies: Three Centuries of Dutch Landscapes, and Inner Realms: Dutch Portraits.
The gallery is open Saturday and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m., and admission is by donation (with a suggested donation of $10 for these special exhibits).
On Saturday, Sept. 14, art historian Paula Swart will be on hand at 3 p.m. to speak on Reflections of Holland: Artists and Landscapes near the Hague.
There is also a hands-on family studio activity on Sunday, Sept. 15, running on the half-hour from 1 to 4 p.m. - drop in to take part in a fun activity connected to the exhibition. See www.burnabyartgallery.ca for all the details.
2. Get to know the Burnaby RCMP at the detachment's open house, running 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, at the Burnaby RCMP main detachment, 6355 Deer Lake Ave.
You can visit police exhibits about the explosives disposal unit, see the emergency command vehicle, check out police vehicles and motorcycle, meet Safety Bear and EComm's mascot, Ali the Moose, and find information about crime prevention programs. There will be live music by Freedom95, and a series of information sessions will run through the day: emergency preparedness at 11 a.m.; how to spot marijuana grow operation at noon; gangs and gang policing in B.C. at 1 p.m.; and how to report a Crime or nuisance activity at 2 p.m. It's free, and all ages are welcome - just stop by the upper parking lot.
3. Join in a Knit2gether session at the Tommy Douglas library branch, 7311 Kingsway. Knit, crochet, stitch and chat in an informal, friendly group. All ages and all skill levels are welcome.
Bring your yarn and needles, scissors and supplies to get started. A limited number of needles and some yarn will be available for those who want to give knitting or crocheting a try. Tea and cookies are provided.
It runs 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. No registration is required, and it's free. Just drop in to enjoy.
4. Search for treasures at the car trunk sale, running 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Bill Copeland Sports Centre, 3676 Kensington Ave. Sellers will be on hand to unload their items from the backs of their cars and mini-vans, and you're sure to find plenty of bargains.
5. Help clean up your community, with the KINA Community Clean Up, starting in the courtyard at Burlington Square, 5172 Kingsway.
The event begins at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, with a celebration for participants at noon. It's put on by the Kingsway Imperial Neighbourhood Association. Join in, have some fun and get to know your neighbours. For information, email [email protected] or call 604-786-2452.
6. Check out the Burnaby Art Gallery's new offsite exhibitions at Burnaby Public Library branches.
At the Bob Prittie (Metrotown) branch at 6100 Willingdon Ave., it's Harry Booth: Corners/Cutlines.
At the McGill branch at 4595 Albert St., enjoy Lionel Thomas: Works From the Permanent Collection.
At the Tommy Douglas branch at 7311 Kingsway, it's Michael Dumontier, The Sky and the Ground.
The exhibitions are open during library hours and are running until the first week of November. See www.burnabyartgallery.ca for more details about the work.
Email your Top 5 ideas to [email protected] or send them to [email protected].
