Looking for Things to do in the Tri-Cities this weekend!

Saturday, September 27th

EVENING OF CARING  GALA
Held at the Theatre at the Hard Rock Casino Vancouver for the 24th Annual Evening of Caring. Led by Committee Chair, Brenda Bonin, the Evening of Caring Gala will welcome 400 guests for an extravagant evening complete with a champagne reception followed by an elegant plated dinner prepared by the Hard Rock Casino Vancouver. Fundraising activities include a silent and live auction, the Table of Chances, and Fund-A-Need, followed by dancing with the Famous Players band.

New this year! Complimentary Valet Parking, sponsored by MNP LLP will be available at the Theatre Entrance. Visit www.erhf.ca/event-calendar/evening-of-caring-gala

CHOP-A-BLOCK
Celebrate Triumph Taekwon-Do's ninth anniversary at an open house featuring a free self-defence seminar for youth and adults, demonstrations including board breaking, a free "try taekwon-do" class, hot dogs and drinks in exchange for food bank donations, prize draws and a bouncy castle for kids. The open house runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Triumph Taekwon-Do (#312-1515 Broadway St., PoCo). Visit www.triumphtkd.com for more information.

---

SAFETY FAIR
Teach your kids some valuable safety lessons in a fun, family-friendly environment at the Port Moody Pedestrian Safety Fair (in the parking lot behind city hall, 100 Newport Dr.) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Kids can learn important tips for crossing the road, collect reflective strips to put on their clothing and take part in Pedalheads bike safety demos. There will be prizes and refreshments, too. Visit www.portmoody.ca for more info.

SILENT VOICE
Join Port Coquitlam artist Colin Craig for a guided tour of his retrospective exhibit at the Leigh Square Community Arts Village (2253 Leigh Sq., PoCo). Featuring a collection of his detailed landscape paintings, the exhibit depicts Craig's lifelong love of nature. Guided tours run from noon to 4 p.m. as part of the three-day Culture Days celebration. Visit www.portcoquitlam.ca/leighsquare for more information.

DANCE OFF
Mellado Dance Elite (#101-1730 Coast Meridian Rd., PoCo) hosts an open house to celebrate their 15th anniversary. From noon to 3 p.m. the facility throws open its doors to the community to enjoy entertainment, a raffle draw, door prizes, food and more. Visit www.melladodanceelite.ca for more info.

---

---

Sunday, September 28th

APPLE OF MY PIE
Watch pie makers duke it out at the Coquitlam Farmers Market (624 Poirier St., Coquitlam) pie contest. Host Diane Thorne (a former MLA) leads the way as celebrity judges including columnist and culinary instructor Chef Dez, Wilbur's Christina Sepidoza-Walter and Coquitlam Mayor Richard Stewart nosh their way to deciding between first, second and third-place pies. The market runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the contest kicks off at 10:30 a.m. Visit www.makebakegrow.com for more info.
RIVERS & TRAILS FEST
Explore Port Coquitlam's natural beauty at the annual Rivers and Trails Festival. The fun begins at Lions Park (2300 Lions Way) at 10 a.m. with activities, live music and loads of food from This Little Piggy food truck. Release salmon smolt and join the guided group bike ride, then hop on a shuttle bus to Peace Park (1470 Kebet Way) for paddle wheeling, kids' games and more music. Visit www.portcoquitlam.ca for more info.

TREE PLANTING
Make Easthill Park (800-block Washington Drive, PoMo) a greener place to play by volunteering to help plant more than 140 trees at the TD Tree Days event. Starting at 9 a.m. volunteers will be at the park to plant trees in areas of the park where natural selection and dieback are affecting plant diversity and slope stability. For more information and registration visit www.tdtreedays.com.

FAMILY DAY AT PDA
Place des Arts (1120 Brunette Ave., Coquitlam) hosts a special Family Day at PdA: Culture Days Edition from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. The whole family can tour three stunning exhibits, then check out several all-ages art activities based on the themes in the shows. Visit www.placedesarts.ca for more information.

---

Enjoy the weekend!