In the Community

These days, four-year-old Henry Stevenson comes home from his New Westminster preschool wetter and dirtier than he used to — and he and his mom couldn’t be happier about it.

There is no shortage of fun and interesting offerings this weekend, which includes the biggest Hyack event of the year. Enjoy local culture, history and even a little shopping.

Friday, May 23 New Westminster Baseball Association, 50th annual Hyack baseball Tournament, Moody Park. It's New West Vs. The Rest as 16 Little League major teams compete for the title of Hyack champs. Free. Full game schedule at www.eteamz.

Not sure what to do with the kids during the teachers' strike on Monday? Music Box Music and Theatre Academy is offering a special one-day strike camp on Monday, May 26. The camp will be open to kids aged four to 11, and it runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Although men have been assigned the stereotype of working the backyard barbecue, it is a joy that is shared by all home culinary enthusiasts. It's a summertime passion.

Heritage buffs and looky-loos will be happy to note the annual New Westminster heritage home tour is coming up this Sunday. This year the popular New Westminister Heritage Preservation Society tour and tea will have an artistic twist.

The Curious Flea market is back with its unusual wares and eyebrow-raising entertainment. The eclectic and interactive event is based at the River Market at Westminster Quay and modelled after the must-see Brooklyn Flea in New York.

Even people who don't normally grow vegetables find the notion of picking their own fresh ripe tomatoes quite irresistible. Nurseries offer lots of transplants and some will be marked as being ideal for containers.

The force will be with you at a Star Wars theme day at the Queensborough Community Centre. The event, taking place on Sunday, May 25 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., includes a movie marathon, crafts, games and concession.

For all the bad news about dogs lately – stolen pets , maligned pooches and a misguided call for a nationwide ban of pit bulls – it’s easy to pin the blame on certain breeds.