What's Going on?

Good question!! There is so much going on for mommies and their babes in Nanaimo, the trick is to find out about it. There are so many websites and Facebook pages and who has the time to scour the newspapers for events? Who has the time?  Apparently we do!!!! We are going to do that work for you and post it all here for your convenience. Now we will try our best to find everything but we are not perfect so if you know something that we don't please send us an e-mail and we will post it. 


February 2010

The Mama Monologues presented by Nanaimo's Mother and Baby Society

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Mama’s get together to write down their experiences using different writing techniques.Why? Because being a mama is one of the most unique and creative experiences ever! From pregnancy to birth to mamahood…the ever changing journey has begun. Taking the time to capture these moments in our busy lives for memories that we can treasure later on. Come join this intimate group in a 6 week evening workshop facilitated in a loving, non judgemental environment led by Nicolle Nattrass, Mama, professional playwright and actress. We will write, connect with each other and honor our individual journey. Presentation optional.

From Jan. 13- Feb. 17, 2010

Where: Nanaimo Mother & Baby Society
When: Wed.evenings
Time: 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Cost: $150 (includes journal)

Workshop will be kept small, maximum 8 participants. Guided writing exercises as well as free form rants & raves!

To register please contact Nicolle at [email protected]
 

or visit the Nanaimo Mother and Baby Society Website at:
http://www.yournmbs.ca/education_workshops.html

Lunar New Year at the Nanaimo Museum

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Lunar New Year will be a family oriented event that celebrates Chinese New Year and many other cultures in partnership with the Nanaimo Multi-Cultural Society.  More details will follow.  If you are interested in getting involved please call Bobbi at 250-753-1821.

 Saturday, February 6, 2010 - 12:00pm to 3:00pm

 The Nanaimo Museum
100 Museum Way, Nanaimo
In the Vancouver Island Conference Centre (access from Commercial Street and Gordon Street)


(250) 753-1821 

http://www.nanaimomuseum.ca/

Maple Sugar Festival - Du Sucre d'Erable 

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The 10th Annual Maple Sugar Festival du Sucre d'Érable 
February 19 to 21, 2010
 
  All weekend activities held at Nanaimo’s Beban Park located at 2300 Bowen Rd in Nanaimo

The largest bilingual festival on Vancouver Island!

In February of every year, Nanaimo pulsates with the rhythm of the Maple Sugar Festival du Sucre d'Érable. This festival is indeed one-of-a-kind: a bilingual event inspired by eastern Canada's sugar shack traditions. Over the course of 2-1/2 days, festivities include a variety of activities to delight visitors: educational presentations, exciting performances by a diverse range of entertainers - without forgetting authentic, traditional French Canadian food fare, notably the decadently sweet sugar toffy on snow. Come to Nanaimo and discover our Festival's truly special ambiance, our joie de vivre, and our warm hospitality.

 Friday, February 19 
4:00 to 9:00 pm 
Free Admission 
(suggested donation of $2)


Saturday, February 20 
9:00 am to 4:00 pm


Sunday, February 21 
9:00 am to 4:00 pm


Admission
Adult: $5 
Member: $4 (with membership card) 
Student: $3 
Child less than 12 years of age: FREE


http://www.francophonenanaimo.org/festival/fest_en.htm


March 2010

The Kerplunks

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Dinah D and Tina Jones are joined by their friends Phil Wipper and Aaron Cadwaladr, making The Kerplunks a four-piece live band! The Kerplunks play catchy tunes guaranteed to get kids engaged, singing along and joining in on the actions. Dinah plays the upright bass, banjo, and really belts it out! She also plays the kazoo like a madwoman! Tina plays the trumpet, trombone, clarinet, baritone and also sings. Watch out for when she busts a rhyme, yo! Phil plays the drums, keeping everyone in time and really likes to "Go Bananas". Aaron plays the acoustic guitar, sings harmonies and makes great faces.

Monday, Mar 1 2010
Cinnabar Valley Elementary School

1:00 PM


Tuesday, Mar 2 2010
South Wellington Elementary School
9:00 AM


Tuesday, Mar 2 2010
North Cedar Intermediate School
1:00 PM


For more information visit The Kerplunk's website:
http://www.thekerplunks.com/shows.php





Kids for a Cure -  a Breast Cancer Fundraiser at Jumping Jiminy's

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MARCH 7th at Jumping Jiminy's from 6:00 - 8:30


There will be lots of great raffle prizes for the moms and dads, games for kids, pizza and treats and of course a great play at Jumping Jiminy's for the kids.  All proceeds from this event go directly to the BC Cancer foundation which fund importatnt cancer research, services and care for all those suff3ering with women's cancers.

Tickets are $10 per child (ages 2-12), $5.00 for children 9 months to 2 years and  if you pre-purchase your ticket you will get a free ticket to enter a raffle of your choice at the event. 

More information to follow closer to the event. 


Nanaimo's Theatre One presents Pinocchio

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Just Kidding

Children's Entertainment Series

2009-2010

Just right for families with children aged 5 -12

 Theatre One presents PINOCCHIO

In Canada and around the world, Pinocchio, is a well-known figure made famous by the 1940 Disney animated film... but the little wooden headed puppet has a history much older than that.

The story has made a lasting and enduring impression wherever it has been presented.

Story Theatre Company is dedicated to creating productions for young people using traditional narrative material as its base. Their purpose is to create and perform material that is fun to watch, and at the same time enhances the curriculum in the areas of Language Arts, Music and Citizenship.

March 20, 2010 @1:00 pm
Malaspina Theatre

http://www.theatreone.org/index.html


April 2010

Easter at Yawning Acres

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Yawning acres is located in Cedar about 10 minutes from Nanaimo. Throughout the year we host several events such as Easter Egg Hunt, Pumpkinfest, Haunted Halloween Hayrides, and a Christmas celebration. Our events are all based on a 20 minute hayride which takes you to our beautiful 3 acre park located along side the Nanaimo River.

  Easter

Times will be posted closer to event. To celebrate Easter we have a 20 minute hayride into Yawning Acres park where the children can enjoy an easter egg hunt, then sit around the fire pits and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate. Come enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the Nanaimo river and the hospitality of Yawning Acres.

 BOOKINGS NECESSARY FOR ALL HAYRIDES
Call Karen at #(250)713-6304.

 
Yawning Acres
1949 Cedar Road
Nanaimo, BC
(250)713-6304
[email protected]

http://www.yawningacres.com/index.html

Franklin and the Adventures of the Noble Knights 

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Franklin and the Adventures of the Noble Knights takes place April 17th at the Centre in Vancouver for the Performing Arts at 1:00. Tickets are between $33.00 and $36.00. 


In this live musical quest, Franklin will face his greatest challenge when he tries to reclaim his sister Harriet’s stolen golden necklace. Franklin and his friends must reveal their noble skills to prove that they are worthy of the ultimate title: Knighthood. On this courageous crusade, the gang must triumph against a series of unexpected obstacles in order to win the treasured Silver Shield, including a fire-breathing dragon, two riddle-loving gargoyles, and a wild-winged beast! Franklin's compelling story about acceptance, compassion and friendship set before original songs and an extraordinary scenic background will have the whole family on their feet and cheering for the gang to prevail against all odds. With teamwork and humility, they all come together to save the day!


To purchase tickets visit the TICKETMASTER website:
http://www.ticketmaster.ca/event/11004384732266FF?CAMEFROM=AFF_CAADDTHIS_CONFPAGE

The Port Theatre presents "Raven Stole the Sun"

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Red Sky Production of Raven Stole the Sun by Drew Hayden Taylor 
(Presented at The Port Theatre, Single tickets for this show must be purchased from The Port Theatre) $16.00


 Raven Stole the Sun is based on a traditional Tlingit story as recounted by Sháa Tláa Maria Williams. Red Sky takes a traditional story to new heights through a compelling theatre dance piece for family audiences. Raven is a fabulous and magical creature of impulse and curiosity. In order to satisfy his overwhelming sense of curiosity, Raven hatches a brilliant scheme for stealing the stars, the moon and the sun and ends up bringing light to the people of the world.


“Raven soars, delights...in a fast-paced show, we go through a whole series of emotions and narrative twists and come out the other end with a nice complete experience intact.” - Toronto Star

Sunday, April 18 @ 2:00 pm
The Port Theatre


http://www.porttheatre.com/index.html




May 2010

Bookfest

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The Vancouver Island Children's Book Festival  is an annual event held in May, on the beautiful campus of Vancouver Island University.
Children's authors and illustrators are invited to present their work to the children. Sessions are fun, informative, and often humorous as authors and illustrators share their experiences and inspirations.
Tickets are only $10/child, with a maximum of $25/family (adults are free, when accompanied by a child).  Your ticket gives you access to three sessions with different authors, storytellers & illustrators.
There are also free noon-hour activities: face painting, giant bubble play, crafts and entertainment.!

For more information see their website:
http://www.bookfest.ca/

The Kerplunks

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Dinah D and Tina Jones are joined by their friends Phil Wipper and Aaron Cadwaladr, making The Kerplunks a four-piece live band! The Kerplunks play catchy tunes guaranteed to get kids engaged, singing along and joining in on the actions. Dinah plays the upright bass, banjo, and really belts it out! She also plays the kazoo like a madwoman! Tina plays the trumpet, trombone, clarinet, baritone and also sings. Watch out for when she busts a rhyme, yo! Phil plays the drums, keeping everyone in time and really likes to "Go Bananas". Aaron plays the acoustic guitar, sings harmonies and makes great faces.

Saturday, May 1 2010 Nanaimo, British Columbia Nanaimo Library’s Bookfest 1:00 PM

For more information visit The Kerplunk's website:
http://www.thekerplunks.com/shows.php


June 2010

Mother's Unite Garage Sale

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9:00 am to 1:00 pm 

Beban Social Centre 

Admission is $1

 The City of Nanaimo, Parks, Recreation & Culture is sponsors the Mother's Unite Garage Sale twice a year in Nanaimo. Over seventy tables will be filled with items for infants, toddlers and children at bargain prices! Items such as furniture, toys, sporting equipment, accessories and much more can be found.

 This event is not for the faint of heart. People line up for an hour before the doors open to be among the first to get in and scoop some deals.

 Some tips..

 If you can, try not to bring your babies or children, it is very crowded and there really isn’t room for strollers. If you have to bring your baby then a backpack would probably be easier. 

Bring cash. Try to bring some smaller bills, not all $20 because it gets hard for vendors to make change and it slows you down. 

If you are looking for a particular item, ask the vendors at the table, they know what they have and asking can save you tons of time. 

Don’t be afraid to barter a bit, if this makes you a bit uncomfortable try saying something like “Would you take $5 for this?” they can always say no but you will be surprised how often you can get a better deal. On the flip side, don’t often way less than it is priced. The vendors have put a lot of thought into their pricing and in my experience things at this sale are pretty well priced. 

Bring your own bag or something to carry what you purchase; it is just a lot easier. 

It is a good idea to go with a group of friends, that way you can help each other find stuff.

 HAVE FUN!

Miner Gardens

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Hours Milner Gardens & Woodland is Open 10:00am to 5:00pm, last entry at 4:00pm.:

Thursday through Sunday and holiday Mondays from April 2 to April 30, 2009

7 days a week from May 1 to Sep 7, 2009

Thursday through Sunday and holiday Mondays from September 10 to October 12, 2009

Please note: no pets allowed except for certified guide dogs

Admission Basic admission to the forest, garden, and interpretative area of the historic Milner House is:

May 1 through September 7:

Adults $10.00
Students $6.00


April 2-April 30 and September 10 through October 12 :

Adults $7.50
Students $4.00
 Children 12 and under free when accompanied by an adult


July 2010

Bathtub Weekend  July 24th

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A Nanaimo institution, Bathtub weekend is...."Beginning with the Silly Boat Regatta  and culminating in the bathtub races, the Nanaimo Marine Festival is considered by many residents and returning visitors to be the event of the year. "There's the Bathtub Races, and all the days in between." That kind of thing.  No matter what you're into, it's likely you'll find something to entertain you during this exciting Festival."

For more information here is a website:

http://www.bathtubbing.com/index.php



August 2010

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September 2010


October 2010

October at Yawning Acres

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Yawning acres is located in Cedar about 10 minutes from Nanaimo. Throughout the year we host several events such as Easter Egg Hunt, Pumpkinfest, Haunted Halloween Hayrides, and a Christmas celebration. Our events are all based on a 20 minute hayride which takes you to our beautiful 3 acre park located along side the Nanaimo River. 






Pumpkinfest 17th, 18th, 24th, and 25th.

How about a hayride to our park, have a cup of hot chocolate while sitting around the fire pits, then its off to the pumpkin patch, where you can buy your own pumpkin before completing the hayride. Ride runs every half hour from 10am-4pm.
 
19th-23rd and 26th-30th. Daily hayrides at 4 & 4:30pm.Oct. 13th - Oct 30th Group field trips. Weekdays 9:30am, 11:15am, 12:45pm. We are once again booking for our group field trips. 
Call Karen at #(250)713-6304 for more information or to book your hayride.

ALL pumpkinfest rides $5 per person.


 Haunted Hayrides

October 23rd-30th nightly rides 7pm, 7:30pm, 8pm. Come join the fun and get a real scare on our halloween haunted hayride. You never know what will happen, so come out and see as the "acres" come to life!

October 31st rides run every half hour from 7pm-10pm


BOOKINGS NECESSARY FOR ALL HAYRIDES
Call Karen at #(250)713-6304.


 

1949 Cedar Road
Nanaimo, BC
(250)713-6304
[email protected]

http://www.yawningacres.com/index.html

McNab's Corn Maze

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Come out and enjoy some family fun at the world famous McNab's Corn Maze. In this time of constantly changing technology and supersized malls, break free of today's traps and bring the kids out to the country to enjoy fresh air and clean fun in a safe environment, down on the farm. A great place to hold birthday parties, youth group functions, office adventures or what have you - the possibilities are only limited by your imagination.

Special event rates are available. Groups must be 10 people or more.

Corn Maze Admission
Children 2 and under  FREE
Children 3-12  $4
Adults  $6
Family Rate  15
(immediate family only)

We also:
# Cater to special events
# Sell refreshments and fresh produce (in season).
# Provide hay rides.
# Sell our own farm fresh produce, including: Super sweet corn, cucumbers, tomatoes, squash, and pumpkins.
Pic-Nic tables are situated near the corn maze entrance building, we also have fire pits and hot dog sticks for having campfires. We also have barbeques and an upright burner for hamburgers or roasting corn.

4659 Yellow Point Road
Ladysmith
(250)245-0666


 


November 2010

Yellow Point Cranberries

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Follow the Yellow Point Road to our family-run cranberry farm, located just outside of Ladysmith, British Columbia, and home of Cranberry Cottage Preserves.Come for a visit, take a tour of our upper fields and sample our homemade cranberry preserves. We produce over 20 specialty cranberry preserves from our farm fresh cranberries. From heirloom cranberry recipes to our fusion cranberry salsa, we offer a wide variety of cranberry concoctions for sale in our Cranberry Cottage Store. Our farm store, The Cranberry Cottage, is open seven days a week September-December  11:00-5:00.

Our commitment to reducing plastic bag use this holiday season is paramount.  Please bring your own re-usable bags if possible.

Express Tour 
 This tour is perfect for those who want to enjoy a visit to a working cranberry farm.

Guests will enjoy: 
A warm Yellow Point Cranberry Farm welcome 
A 30-45 minute guided tour of the farm
A product tasting of some of our most popular products.  
Tour Cost - $5.00/guest
Duration – 1 hour
Tour Size – Minimum 10 Guests


A $50.00 deposit is required at the time of booking.

Express Plus Tour
 This tour is perfect for those who want to enjoy a visit to a working cranberry farm and have a little snack upon arrival.

Guests will enjoy: 
A warm Yellow Point Cranberry Farm welcome including a cranberry goodie, coffee or cranberry juice. 
A 30-45 minute guided tour of the farm
A product tasting of some of our most popular products.  
Tour Cost - $7.00/guest
Duration – 1 hour
Tour Size – Minimum 10 Guests


A $50.00 deposit is required at the time of booking.

 

Yellow Point Cranberries
4532 Yellow Point Road
Ladysmith, Vancouver Island


We are centrally located on the island, 10 minutes North of Ladysmith, 15 minutes South of Nanaimo and 10 minutes from the Duke Point Ferry Terminal


http://www.yellowpointcranberries.com/


December 2010

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