Sports, celebrations and fundraisers galore are coming to New West in June. Here’s a look as some of the events happening around town this month.
Thursday, June 2
Enjoy a New Westminster tradition when the New Westminster Senior A Salmonbellies return to Queen’s Park Arena after a two-year COVID-related hiatus. Their 2022 season home opener is on Thursday, June 2, at 7:30 p.m., when they’ll take on the Burnaby Lakers. Tickets are available at the door, but you can get more info at www.salmonbellies.com.
Friday June 3
Get your photo taken with Pikachu, enjoy performances by Royal City Cheer and the New Westminster Secondary School marching band, and try to knock someone into the dunk tank at Connaught Heights Elementary School’s spring carnival. It’s on Friday, June 3 from 5 to 8 p.m. at 2201 London St. A visit from a fire truck, face painting and balloon twisting, a 50/50, and food and snacks are all part of the night’s fun.
Saturday June 4
Hunt for treasures at the annual Sapperton Neighbourhood Garage Sale, which is making its return on Saturday, June 4 from 10 a.m. 3 p.m. Check Realtor Steve Kasper’s ad in the June 2 issue of the Record for a list of addresses and check for directional signage that will be posted in the Sapperton neighbourhood.
Support this year’s graduating class at New Westminster Secondary School – and get rid of your empty beverage containers – at a bottle drive on Saturday, June 4. You can drop off recyclable deposit beverage containers from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the New Westminster Secondary School parking lot – in front of the main doors at 820 Sixth St.
Pursue your reconciliation journey and help build a stronger community at the Honouring Memories, Planting Dreams event at Mount Zion Lutheran Church on Saturday, June 4 at 3 p.m. It’s a chance to meet with other community members, including Stacey Ferguson, daughter of Qayqayt First Nation Chief Rhonda Larrabee. You can make a paper heart and plant it in a heart garden, visit with other community members and more.
Support grandmothers in Africa who are raising their orphaned grandchildren – and shop for all kinds of unique items – at the Royal City Gogos’ 11th annual Artisan Crafts for Africa Sale. Shoppers will find a wide variety of unique and high-quality handcrafted items, including fashion and accessories, home décor and more, as well as a vintage area featuring curated collectables and an “experiences and consumables” section. It’s on Saturday, June 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the entry foyer of New Westminster Secondary School at 820 Sixth St. More info about the sale – including a sneak peek at some of the sale’s offerings – can be found at www.royalcitygogos.org.
June 8 and 9
Attend the Canadian première of the documentary film, All the Lonely People, when it screens at Century House and Massey Theatre. The film features stories of resilience in the face of social isolation. Here are the screenings:
* Century House (for folks aged 50 and up): Wednesday, June 8 at 1:30 p.m. A post-screening panel will feature All the Lonely People writer director Stu Maddux, Century House peer support worker Maryann and Century House volunteer Val MacDonald. It’s free, but you can register at 604-519-1066.
* Massey Theatre (an all-ages screening): Thursday, June 9 at 6:30 p.m. It will be followed by a panel discussion featuring Maddox, Coun. Chinu Das, Margaret Lin of Fraser Health and Catherine Aoyama, a youth counsellor at Family Services of Greater Vancouver. Tickets are free and are available at www.masseytheatre.com or 604-521-5050.
Saturday, June 11.
Hit the dance floor at the Jazz Cats Social. Century House is partnering with the Uptown Swing Collective to host a night of hot jazz (for community members aged 16 and up) on Saturday, June 11. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., a lesson takes place at 7 p.m. and live music and social dancing runs from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Tickets are $15, or $7 for Century House Association members, and include light refreshments and a beginner swing dance lesson (partner not required).
Enjoy an afternoon of family fun at the Queensborough Children’s Festival on Saturday, June 11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Queensborough Community Centre’s outdoor stage and field at 920 Ewen Ave. Community members are invited to bring a picnic blanket to the community centre’s outdoor stage and let the kids enjoy a day of free interactive activities. The day includes entertainment, a cash barbecue and more. It runs rain or shine, and will be moved inside in the event of bad weather. Take note: attendees are encouraged to bring a donation of non-perishable goods or new school supplies, which will go to United Way to help with their Ukrainian refugee and food hub programs.
Friday, June 17
Celebrate the 10th anniversary of Westminster Pier Park on Friday, June 17 from 5:30 to 11 p.m. Enjoy live music, crafts, activities and treats from the concession, enter giveaways as you wait for the outdoor movie to begin, learn the history of Westminster Pier Park, listen to music and connect with the community. A list of all of the day’s activities can be found at www.tinyurl.com/PierPark10.
Saturday, June 25
Shred all your old documents and support the New Westminster Firefighters’ Charitable Society at its annual shred-athon – a by-donation event that raises money for a variety of community and non-profit groups in New West. The drive-thru event is on Saturday, June 25 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at New Westminster City Hall, 511 Royal Ave.
Put on some gloves and help your fellow community members restore Glenbrook Ravine Park by removing the invasive Himalayan blackberry – and create space for more native plants. It’s on Saturday, June 25 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Another plant removal event is planned for Sept. 24 and a planting day will follow on Oct. 29)
Sunday June 26
Kick off summer at the return of Steel & Oak Brewing Company’s anniversary party on Sunday, June 26 from noon to 5 p.m. at 1319 Third Ave. Folks of all ages (dogs, too) are invited to attend the family-friendly event that includes tacos and nachos from Top Rope Birria, smash burgers from Sirius Cravings, ice cream from Rocky Point Ice Cream and fair food favourites by Tin Lizzy Concessions, as well as three beer stations, wine from Pacific Breeze, in-house-made lemonade, music from DJ Social Medium, a children’s activity area and lawn games.
Attend the Westminster House Society’s Clean-Up New West! event, which features a street clean-up march, garbage weigh-in and prizes, as well as a complimentary lunch for participants and live entertainment. It’s on Sunday, June 26 from 9 a.m. to noon in Tipperary Park.
Follow Theresa McManus on Twitter @TheresaMcManus
Email tmcmanus@newwestrecord.ca
