Did somebody say July?!?! Gulp.
Yes, it's nearly upon us. The last day of class for kids in the New Westminster school district is this Thursday (June 29), so brace yourselves: summer is really upon us. So how can we get the season off to a good start?
We've rounded up a few ideas.
For weather watchers: Sunny skies ahead
Where's that sunscreen? After a little bit of "Juneuary" action, we're back to summer weather. The Weather Network forecast suggests it's going to be a sunny week in New West, but not too hot. Tomorrow (Monday, June 22) is forecast to hit a high of 22 C that feels like 24, with Tuesday creeping up to 23 C (feels like 26). The same pattern looks set to repeat for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, with just a little cloud moving in on Thursday.
Obviously, forecasts can change quickly at this time of year. But right now, it looks like this might just be the perfect week.
For everyone: Community events
- New West Farmers Market: Have you been yet this season? The next market is on Thursday, June 29 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.
- New West Craft Summer Night Market: Stop down to River Market and the Quay boardwalk on Friday, June 30 to take in live music and shop from more than 70 vendors with handmade artisan wares — and grab some food and beverages at River Market while you're there. It runs from 5 to 9 p.m.
- Canada Day: Family fun is the order of the day at Westminster Pier Park on Saturday, July 1 between 1 and 6 p.m. You can enjoy Music at the Pier, with live music and multicultural performances, experience the Vancouver Circus School interactive circus zone, join Indigenous artist James Groening in helping to create a Woodland Art community canvas, take in a champion yo-yo performance and much, much more. The city has a variety of events happening through the weekend to mark Canada Day in the spirit of truth and reconciliation; check out the City of New Westminster Canada Day page for details.
For performance lovers: Outdoor music
- Queen's Park concert series: The bandshell once again plays host to a summer concert series, so you can enjoy live music in a serene treed setting. Arts New West (formerly the Arts Council of New Westminster) presents live musical performances on Thursdays and Sundays. This week, catch Canadian roots musician Leonard Summer on Thursday, June 29 at 7 p.m., and "one-woman show" Jada Mackenzie-Moore with her voice, guitar and a looper on Sunday, July 2 at 2 p.m.
- Drumming workshops: Join Rhythm Resources in a fun, hands-on Afro-Peruvian drumming workshop for all ages at Westminster Pier Park. Everyone aged six and up needs to sign up for their own drum (younger children can attend but must share a drum with a guardian). Two sessions are set for Saturday, July 1: 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. and 11:30 to 12:15 p.m. Info and registration online.
For art lovers: Check out New West galleries
- 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. Note that it's closed on Saturday, July 1, but you can drop in between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. other days.
- 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. The gallery is closed on July 1, but it's hosting curatorial tours over Canada Day weekend. Drop in Thursday, June 29 between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.; Friday, June 30 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.; or Sunday, June 2 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
- New West Artists: The New West Artists group returns to the I Heart New West community space at Columbia Square again from June 30 to 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. Save the date for an opening reception on Friday, July 7.
For city hall watchers: Council meeting June 26
There's a council meeting set for Monday, June 26 at 6 p.m., and once again, it looks like a busy agenda. Among the items is a zoning amendment bylaw that paves the way for a new supportive housing complex at 422 Sixth St. — it's on the agenda for three readings. Also on the agenda: a new council code of conduct, a report on safety concerns on 10th Avenue between First Street and McBride Boulevard, a report back on dead and dying trees on city property, and a notice of motion about council opposition to the Trans Mountain pipeline project. 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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