Here we are on Sunday evening again — but the best kind of Sunday evening, with the Canada Day holiday being observed tomorrow (for many of us, at least).
So what lies ahead for this fine week in July?
We've rounded up a few ideas.
For weather watchers: Hot weather returns
Get ready for more heat. As of the writing of this post, New Westminster is facing summer weather to kick off the week, with temperatures that feel hotter than 30 C every day. Expect tomorrow to hit a high of 27 C that feels like 30 C, Tuesday to see 28 C (feels like 31 C), Wednesday to see 29 C (feels like 32 C) and Thursday to hit 28 C (feels like 32 C).
There's no foreseeable precipitation at the moment (though we know how quickly that can change), so your best bet is to get your hat, sunscreen and water bottle ready and have your cool-down plans in place. Check out our ideas for seven ways to stay cool in New Westminster, or visit the City of New Westminster's Heat Preparedness webpage if you need more help. And, if it does stay hot for an extended period, be sure to check in on your friends, neighbours and relatives who may be vulnerable to heat.
For everyone: Community events
- New West Farmers Market: Head out for the food, the camaraderie and the local love. The next market is on Thursday, July 6 from 3 to 7 p.m. at Tipperary Park, next to New Westminster City Hall. Take in food trucks, vendors, live music and family-friendly activities. Dogs are welcome. For a full vendor list, see the market website.
- Swingin' in the Park: Live jazz and community dancing are the order of the day when the Witridge Brothers Quintet hits the south field at Moody Park (behind Century House). There's a beginner swing dance lesson at 4:45 p.m., and you don't need a partner or any dance experience to take part. The fun runs from 4 to 6 p.m., courtesy of the Uptown Swing Collective, a New West-based non-profit that's dedicated to building community and promoting traditional jazz and swing dancing.
- Fridays on Front: Yes, it's back! Everyone's favourite block party is back on Front Street with music, food and beverages, kids' activities and a mini artisan market. The fun runs from 5 to 9 p.m. on Fridays through the summer, starting July 7. You can find all the details at the Downtown New Westminster BIA site.
For performance lovers: Outdoor music
- Queen's Park concert series: The bandshell is the perfect venue for a summer concert series. Arts New West (formerly the Arts Council of New Westminster) presents live musical performances on Thursdays and Sundays. This week, catch the a cappella stylings of Quayside Voices on Thursday, July 6 at 7 p.m., and the Kara-Kara Afrobeat Group on Sunday, July 9 at 2 p.m.
For art lovers: Check out New West galleries
- Gallery at Queen's Park: Drop in to the Arts New West gallery in Centennial Lodge to view Welcome to My Renaissance, an exhibition of work by Indigenous artist Blue Sky (James Groening) in the Woodland Art style. It runs until July 30, and the gallery is open Wednesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It's free, but donations are welcome.
- Anvil Centre Community Art Gallery: Have you visited the exhibition of work by the Cedar Sage & Sweetgrass Indigenous artist collective? Through Our Eyes is on at the Anvil Centre's fourth-floor gallery (777 Columbia St.) until July 26. Drop in between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
- New Media Gallery: You can check out the latest exhibition at the New Westminster New Media Gallery (Anvil Centre, 777 Columbia St.), ongoing until Aug. 13. DUST features installations by international artists providing immersive and experiential ways to think about dust and landscape.
- New West Artists: The New West Artists group returns to the I Heart New West community space at Columbia Square again until July 30. It's open Fridays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. There's an opening reception set for Friday, July 7 from 6 to 8 p.m.
For city hall watchers: No meetings this week
With the holiday Monday, there's no council meeting this week, so save the date for the next meeting on Monday, July 10. You can find all the meeting details, agenda and information about attending at the City of New Westminster website.
Got a New Westminster happening you'd like to share? Email Julie MacLellan.
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