Whether you are a mother, have a mother or just want to celebrate a special woman in your life, chances are you’ve already started thinking about Mother’s Day.
With a little over two weeks until the big day arrives (Sunday, May 8 for those who may have missed it), I figured I’d compile this list of Mother’s Day ideas for those who may be stumped – or who just want to try something a little different than the annual brunch and bouquet.
Here are my Top 5 ideas for Mother’s Day in New West:
1. Take in a concert:
Music Box and the VanDeca ensemble are teaming up to present Concert and Cake: A High Tea Affair, on Mother’s Day afternoon at River Market. The concert, featuring the vocal talents of Van Deca and Music Box students and staff, is set to start at 1:30 p.m. There will be treats, door prizes, a silent auction and family portraits. Seating is limited, and tickets are well priced at $15 general admission, $10 for kids aged six to 12, and free for children five and under. See www.brownpapertickets.com to buy, or check out www.rivermarket.ca for more details.
2. Enjoy the symphony:
Also for the musically inclined, the New Westminster Symphony Orchestra is back with its annual Mother’s Day concert, set for 2 p.m. at the Massey Theatre, 735 Eighth Ave. The program is planned to include such works as the Merry Wives of Windsor Overture, Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue and Borodin’s Symphony No. 2. See www.newwestsymphony.net.
3. Cruise the Fraser:
Paddlewheeler Riverboat Tours is back with its Mother’s Day brunch cruise on Sunday, May 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mom and family can enjoy a buffet brunch with a 2.5-hour cruise along the Fraser aboard the M.V. Native, a 100-passenger paddlewheeler. Tickets are available from $54.95. See www.vancouverpaddlewheeler.com.
4. Have tea at Irving House:
The historic Irving House is once again hosting its special Mother’s Day tea in the Grandmother’s Room at Irving House. You can enjoy tea and refreshments including scones, sandwiches and desserts, then join costumed guides for a guided tour of the home of pioneer mother Elizabeth Irving. Seatings are available Saturday, May 7 at noon, 1 and 2 p.m. and Sunday, May 8 at noon for six people each. Individuals can sign up for a 3 p.m. seating on Saturday. Irving House is at 302 Royal Ave. See www.newwestcity.ca under Events for details, or call 604-527-4640.
5. Create a hanging basket:
Does mom love flowers? Go above and beyond the traditional bouquet by signing yourself (or your mom, or both) up for one of the city’s hanging basket workshops. The city runs the courses in its greenhouse in Queen’s Park, and participants can create either a 14- or 18-inch basket (it’s included with the course price along with chain hanger, plants, soil, fertilizer and watering pan). Conveniently, there’s a course on Saturday, May 7 from 2 to 4 p.m. Call 604-777-5111.
Do you have a special Mother’s Day idea for New West folks? Feel free to send me an email and I’ll be happy to share with readers. Email [email protected], or find me on Twitter @juliemaclellan.
