There's so much going on in New Westminster this weekend you may need a rest afterwards. 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 Nov. 29 to Dec. 1
1. Walk for Qayqayt Playground on Saturday, Nov. 30 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The parents advisory committee of John Robson School is inviting community members to join them in a walk aimed at creating public awareness about its bid to win a grant to help fund playgrounds at the new Qayqayt Elementary School site. The group will meet in front of Royal City Centre at Sixth and Sixth at 11 a.m., and start walking down Sixth Street toward Royal Avenue at 11:15 a.m. You're welcome to join the walk - and to vote for the Qayqayt playground at www.vote4robson.com from Dec. 2 to 11.
2. Hear stories about life in a small town, when New Westminster's own Evelyn Benson launches her new book, A Century in a Small Town - One Family's Stories. The book launch and reading takes place on Saturday, Nov. 30 at 2 p.m. in the New Westminster Public Library at 716 Sixth Ave.
3. Get the kids moving at Let's Get Active, an event being held in celebration of National Child Day and Sports Day in Canada. The event features fun and interactive games and activities such as hockey, soccer, lacrosse, cheerleading, crafts and a bouncy castle. The Vancouver Tumblebus will be attending, and snacks and free resource bags will be available to families who register to attend the even. Let's Get Active is taking place on Saturday, Nov. 30 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Centennial Community Centre, 65 East Sixth Ave. (next to Canada Games Pool). To register, email [email protected].
4. Learn what life was like in the Second World War, when a human library opens up for an afternoon at Century House. People are invited to sit down for a cup of tea and have a chat with someone who lived through the war. The World War 2 Café is being held Saturday, Nov. 30 from 12:30 to 3:15 p.m. at Century House. For more information and to register for this all-ages special event, call 6-04-527-4640.
5. Cruise down the Fraser River, when The Native Paddlewheeler hosts two Christmas Cruise for Food sailings for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society. The sailings take place at 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 1. Bryan Pickering and Howie Hiebert, who recently performed in the Seniors Have Talent show in Sapperton, will be on board to entertain. The 90-minute tour of the Fraser River normally costs $40 plus taxes, but people are asked to give cash and food donations to the food bank. To reserve your spot, call 604-525-4465.
6. Salute The Royal Westminster Regiment's 150th anniversary, when Canada's second oldest military band performs at Massey Theatre. The Regimental Band, donned in ceremonial and concert dress uniforms, will perform music from the various periods of the regiment's service. The Westies band will be joined by singer Gillian Campbell, winner of the 2013 B.C. Senior Star Idol title, and eight-year-old violinist Spencer Tsai, as well as TV host and actor B.C. Lee, who will MC the evening. The show takes place on Saturday, Nov. 30 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the Massey Theatre box office at 604-521-5050 or www.masseytheatre.com. Advance ticket purchases will qualify for a door prize. Day-of-performance admission is by donation.
7. Go back in time when On the Air takes to the stage of the Columbia Theatre. Local radio personalities Red Robinson and Rick Cluff will be helping people reminisce about the music of the 1940s to 1960s, set in a 'radio studio' where attendees are the audience. Featuring tribute artists, swing dancers, Santa and more, On The Air takes place on Sunday, Dec. 1 at 1 p.m. at the Columbia Theatre, 530 Columbia St.
8. Join Renee Sarojini Saklikar as she launches her book, children of air india, in which she share her family's tragic connection to the June 23, 1985 bombing of Air India Flight 182. New Westminster poet laureate Candice James is hosting the book launch, which takes place on Sunday, Dec. 1 from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Heritage Grill backroom. You can stick around and catch Poetic Justice, which follows from 3 to 5 p.m. at 447 Columbia St.
Email your Top 5 ideas to [email protected] or send them to [email protected].