'Tis the season for sweaters, soup and all things pumpkin spice — but that doesn't mean the fun is over.
It's a busy week ahead in New West, especially with the always-popular RiverFest returning next weekend. Check out a few highlights as you plan your calendar for the week:
For weather watchers: Fall has fallen
We're still getting some occasional blasts of summer heat, but once again the week is ready to get off to a cool and pleasant start, with temperatures hitting a projected high of 16 C on Monday, 19 C on Tuesday and 20 C on Wednesday. It could get to be as warm as 24 C again by Thursday, though, so maybe don't put those sandals and sundresses away quite yet.
Remember to bookmark your New West Weatherhood forecast for the latest hyperlocal weather as summer and fall battle for supremacy over the days ahead.
For everyone: Community events
- RiverFest: The annual RiverFest fun is back, coinciding with World Rivers Day, and there's something on offer for all ages. The festivities kick off Wednesday, Sept. 20 with Fraser tRIVERia Night at the Paddlewheeler Pub, starting at 7 p.m. On Saturday, Sept. 23, you can turn out to the New West boardwalk for all the fun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with an exhibitor expo, New West Craft market, Samson V museum tours, live stage performances, a Family Fun Zone at the Fraser River Discovery Centre and more. You can also catch a ferry, presented by Tourism New West, to Sapperton Landing Park for the Vancouver Wooden Boat Society's Small Boat Rendezvous. On Sunday, Sept. 24, the Rivershed Society of B.C. offers a series of 40-minute, pre-registered guided tours. Check out all the details at the Fraser River Discovery Centre website.
- New West Farmers Market: Yes, the summer market season continues, so it's not too late to enjoy the bounty of offerings at New West's popular farmers market. The next edition of the market is set for Thursday, Sept. 21 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. For a full vendor list, see the market website.
- Meet Me Downtown: Turn out to Hyack Square on Thursday, Sept. 21 for the next edition of Meet Me Downtown at Hyack Square, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bistro tables and chairs will be set up for folks to enjoy coffee and take in live music between noon and 1 p.m.
- Salsa in the Park: You don't have to be a dancer to enjoy the fun of dancing outdoors at Westminster Pier Park on Friday, Sept. 22 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Turn out with family and friends or head out on your own; no partner is required. DJ MiXXX will offer up Latin music with a mixture of musical styles and dance rhythms, including salsa, bachata and merengue, with an instructor on hand to lead.
For music lovers: Mushtari Begum Festival
- Mushtari Begum Festival: The 12th annual festival of Indian classical music and dance returns to Massey Theatre on Saturday, Sept. 23 starting at 7 p.m. The festival is spearheaded by New West's own Cassius Khan, noted tabla/ghazal wizard, and Amika Kushwaha, kathak dancer and harmonium player. They'll be joined by featured artist Pandit Salil Bhatt from Indian, with his own 21-stringed instrument, and vocalist Dr. Kamaljeet Gill of Edmonton. Tickets are $35, or $20 for students and seniors, free for children 12 and under. Special rates are available for COVID-affected artists. Find tickets and information online.
For art lovers: Shows around town
- Arrieta Art Studio: The studio at 707 Front St. is featuring a solo exhibition by artist Tianna Hall, documenting her mental health journey. Hall plans a "chaotic" paint workshop on Tuesday, Sept. 19, where participants are invited to splatter paint or use their fingers or a paintbrush to create an abstract portrait of themselves. There's also a group paint night coming on Sept. 26. Check the Arrieta Art website for all the current happenings.
- Gallery at Queen's Park: The Arts New West gallery is featuring glass art in The Interplay of Light, featuring the work of artist Robert Friedman. It's on at the gallery in Centennial Lodge until Oct. 1. The gallery is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is always free, but donations are welcome.
- Anvil Centre Community Art Gallery: The Anvil Centre (777 Columbia St.) presents the feature exhibition Avifauna: Sight & Perception, featuring the work of artists Molly Gray and Nancy Whiteside. Their multimedia works focus on the wonder of birds in the Pacific Northwest Flyway. It's on until Sept. 20, so you still have a few days left to check it out. You can drop in between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
For city hall and school board watchers: Council meeting
It's a quiet week for followers of local council and school board meetings, since neither group meets this week.
The next council meeting is Monday, Sept. 25: You can find all the details about attending the meeting, along with an agenda and reports, at the City of New Westminster website. For school board followers, meanwhile, there's no board meeting until Tuesday, Sept. 26. Find details at the School District 40 website.
Got a New Westminster happening you'd like to share? Email the Record.
Follow Julie MacLellan on Twitter @juliemaclellan.
Email Julie, [email protected]
