Arts and cultural events take centre stage in New Westminster this weekend. We're continuing with our popular feature, The Record's Top Five (or More) Things to Do This Weekend and offer the following suggestions for the April 12 to 14 weekend.
1 Celebrate the opening of LitFest New West, an annual literary festival that features lectures and workshops. The festival kicks off on Friday, April 12 at 6: 30 p.m. at the New Westminster Public Library, where some of the contributors featured in the new book about remarkable Royal City women - Grace Grit and Gusto - will talk about the book. A reception will follow. The library is located at 716 Sixth Ave.
2 Get inspired at LitFest New West, which features a full day of literary events including free writing workshops during the day and an entertaining showcase in the evening. LitFest New West workshops get underway on Saturday, April 13 at Douglas College starting at 11 a.m. An author book-signing event takes place from 5 to 7 p.m., and will be followed by a showcase event in the Laura C. Muir Theatre that features music, dance and prose. For more details, visit www.arts councilnewwest.org.
3 Find some treasures at the Century House annual thrift sale, which takes place on Saturday, April 13 from 10: 30 a.m. to 2 p.m. You'll find bargains galore, including clothing, small appliances, jewelry, kitchenware, books, knick-knacks, records, plants and more. Everyone welcome for the free event and refreshments are available. Century House is located at 620 Eighth St.
4 Enjoy Michel Tremblay's nostalgic tribute to his marvelous mother, when the Vagabond Players perform For the Pleasure of Seeing Her Again at the Bernie Legge Theatre in Queen's Park. The show runs Thursday to Saturday at 8 p.m. and on Sundays at 2 p.m. from April 11 to 20. Tickets are $15 or $13 for seniors and students. For reservations call 604-521-0412 or book online at reservations@vagabond players.ca.
5 Test your trivia knowledge - and help a local church that aims to help those in need. St. Barnabas Church, home to outreach programs, including a community lunch and emergency food cupboard, is holding a trivia night fundraiser to help raise money to cover the $16,000 price tag of recent roof repairs. The trivia night is taking place on Saturday, April 13 at the church hall at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 each. Each table of 10 will compete against other tables in six trivia games. A cash bar will serve wine and beer; guests are asked to bring a finger food snack to share at their table.
The event also includes a 50/50 draw and raffles. Many of the tickets have been reserved but some tickets will be available at the door starting at 5: 30 p.m. The hall is located at 1010 Fifth Ave.
6 Check out the work of graduates of the Print Futures professional writing program at Douglas College - including works by a fair trade advocate with a passion for work, a busy father of two and a stalwart feminist who is creating a voice for women through communication. The Print Futures: Professional Writing Program is showcasing the work of its graduates on Saturday, April 13 from 2 to 5 p.m. in the Amelia Douglas Gallery at Douglas College, 700 Royal Ave.
Compiled by staff reporter Theresa McManus
Email your Top 5 ideas to [email protected] or send them to tmcmanus@ royalcityrecord.com.
