Local families got into the Halloween spirit at New Westminster Family Place.
The local organization, which offers a variety of drop-ins and programs for families , held a Halloween party for the kids and parents who use its services – and lots of costumed kids turned out for the fun.
Christmas is coming
With Halloween but a memory and Remembrance Day upon us, thoughts of Christmas are already on the minds of many.
The City of New Westminster is inviting non-profit organizations and commercial businesses to participate in this year’s Santa Claus Parade, which has a theme of A Child’s Christmas. The parade will be held on Saturday, Dec. 6 at 11 a.m. and end with a tree lighting.
Along with the parade, the city is organizing an afternoon of performers and performing arts groups who will entertain folks at locations in the downtown including the Shops at New West, Fraser River Discovery Centre, River Market, Hyack Square, Anvil Centre and various locations on the street.
The performances will take place on Dec. 6 between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
The deadline for parade entries is Friday, Nov. 21 and the deadline for performance submissions is Tuesday, Nov. 18. For all the details, visit www.newwestcity.ca.
Christmas sale
The folks at St. Barnabas Church are already getting set to host a sale of all things Christmas.
Trees, decorations and festive housewares are up for grabs at the sale that’s taking place on Saturday, Nov. 22 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Barnabas Church hall at 1010 Fifth Ave.
“Come early. Don’t be disappointed. They have some really nice stuff,” said Roxee Forrest, an associate warden at the church.
The nerds are coming!
Thousands of people are expected to flock to Anvil Centre to the second annual Northwest Fan Fest.
The 2015 fandom celebration expects to welcome about 5,000 supporters of comics, games, anime, sci-fi, cosplay and alternative fashion to Anvil Centre from May 29 to 31, 2015.
“We are excited about relocating to Anvil Centre,” show director Brian Hughes said in a press release. “Not only is it a beautiful building that’s easily accessible to everyone in the Lower Mainland, but there are plenty of food vendors nearby and great photo opportunities in the Quay and Pier Park right across the street.”
The 2015 Northwest Fan Fest will include the biggest costume contest in B.C., a variety of out-of-town and local guests from the creative industry, live performances from musicians and improv theatre, numerous panels covering all areas of fandom, a dedicated area for gaming of all kinds, an Artist Alley, a vendors’ hall and more.
Northwest Fan Fest is currently welcoming applications for panelists, vendors, artists and volunteers. Tickets for the event ($20 for one-day adult tickets and $40 for three-day tickets until Dec. 31) are now available.
For more information, visit northwestfanfest.com.
Local Eagles soar in Florida
Gerry Liu soared like an Eagle – all the way to Florida.
Liu, provincial president with the New Westminster Fraternal Order of Eagles, recently attended the 2014 international convention in Orlando /Florida. The local chapter was proud to contribute toward a $25-million cheque that Eagles from across North America contributed to the Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Centre.
The New Westminster chapter is always looking for new members to help with fundraisers and activities such as a kids Christmas party.
“We are always looking to increase our membership and couples are very welcome. Where else can both partners work separately, yet get together to celebrate each other’s accomplishments?” said chapter president John Ashdown in an email to The Record. “Our slogan says it all: Having Fun … fundraising … People helping people.”
Book for sale
Buster’s Winter Folly is raising funds for animal rescue groups, including one based right here in New Westminster.
As reported in the Oct. 24 issue of The Record, Kristin Schumacher recently penned her first children’s book, Buster’s Winter Folly. Schumacher, a longtime volunteer and board member with animal rescue groups, wants to help teach children that animals are not disposable and they have feelings.
Locally, Buster’s Winter Folly is available at Alpine Animal Hospital (348 Sixth St.) and the Crest Pharmasave (8697 10th Ave., just across the border in Burnaby). It’s $11.99.
The last line in the article was cut off in the print edition of The Record. It should have stated that a portion of the proceeds are being donated to local rescue groups, including the New Westminster based Pacific Volunteer Education and Assistance Team and the Burnaby-based Action for Animals in Distress Society.
