An eclectic mix of activities is taking place in New Westminster this weekend. Here are our suggestions for the Oct. 19 to 21 weekend:
1 View some documentary films at the second annual New West Doc Fest, which gets underway on Friday, Oct. 19 with an opening night reception at Douglas College. Prof. Mark Jaccard is the guest speaker and the feature film Chasing Ice follows. On Saturday, Oct. 20, a number of documentaries of varying lengths - as well as question and answer sessions - take place starting at 1 p.m. Sponsored by New Westminster Environmental Partners, Doc Fest is taking place at Douglas College in New Westminster. See newwestdocfest.ca for more.
2 Get into the fall spirit and pick out a pumpkin at local Realtor Derrick Thornhill's annual Pumpkin Patch on Saturday, Oct. 20 from 12 to 3 p.m. at the Queen's Park picnic shelter. Residents are invited to drop by and pick a pumpkin, enjoy hot chocolate or coffee and Timbits compliments of Tim Hortons, carve a pumpkin, have a complimentary photo taken or enter a colouring contest. If you dress in your cutest, scariest or most original costume, you might even win one of the costume prizes. The event is free, but donations are greatly appreciated in support of Monarch Place.
3 Attend a New Wild West Hoedown, complete with cancan dancers, western singers, a three-course dinner, silent auction, door prizes and a wine and beer saloon. The event is being held on Saturday, Oct. 20 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Sapperton Hall, 318 Keary St. Tickets are $25 per person and available through New Westminster Lions or by calling Louisa or Vic at 604-525-1829.
4 Support local small businesses that are taking part in Canada's Small Business Saturday on Oct. 20. ngela Murrell and eidi Clarkson, owners f Robyn's Vintage Nest, ave spearheaded the nitiative locally and ecruited more than a ozen businesses to take art in the day aimed at romoting small businesses and encouraging people to shop locally. For more information about participating businesses, see www.shopsmallbiz. ca.
5 Experience a bit of Sin City. The Viva Las Vegas Spectacular comes to Starlight Casino on Sunday, Oct. 21 with shows at 3 and 7 p.m. The show features world Elvis champion Darren Lee, "superstars of magic" Steven Best and Cassandra, Magically Marilyn and premier showgirls. Tickets are available at guest services at the casino (350 Gifford St. in Queensborough) or at ticketweb. ca. For more information, visit www.starlightcasino.ca.
Email your Top 5 ideas to [email protected]. See more event listings at www.royalcityrecord.com.
