Assignment Editors: Special Events in Vancouver Parks

June 4, 2009 (No. 13) - Vancouver Parks host a diverse range of cultural events and outdoor activities. Listed below are some upcoming special events facilitated by the Vancouver Park Board. For information about other events please go to the Park Board web site at www.vancouverparks.ca and look for Special Events under the For Your Information section.

Miniature Railway/Children's Farmyard Open Daily 11 am - 4 pm Fun for the whole family awaits you at the Stanley Park's Farmyard and Railway. Lots of new farmyard babies to see along with an array of delightful alpacas, ducks, goats and more. Ph. 604-257-8531.

Bird Walk VanDusen Gardens Saturday, June 6th 10 am Join Jeremy Gordon of Nature Vancouver for a bird walk through the Garden. Limited to the first 20 people. Meet at the Garden entrance. Free to members or with general admission. Go to www.naturevancouver.ca for details.

Paws 4 Peace Doggie Event June 7th 11 am - 2:30 pm Stanley Park A family-fun, dog-friendly event/walk to raise funds and awareness about the humanitarian crisis of explosive remnants of war such as landmines and cluster bombs. Sponsored by the Canadian Red Cross. For more information go to www.paws4peace.ca

Oak Meadows Park Opening 37th Avenue and Oak Street Saturday, June 13th 11 am - Noon Come join the celebrations for this new five hectare park. There will be Ultimate sport demonstrations, entertainment, refreshments and more! Almost two thirds of the park retains its natural character, with big conifers, indigenous plants, a wetland area and a meadow. The park also features a playground, a soccer/Ultimate play field and a dog off-leash area. More information can be found on the Park Board website at www.vancouverparks.ca

Bard on the Beach May 28th - Sept 26th at Vanier Park Bard is presenting its annual summer Shakespeare Festival and special events. Featured this year under the tents are Comedy of Errors, Othello, All's Well That Ends Well and Richard II. Ph.604-737-0625 or www.bardonthebeach.org

Farmers' Markets Various Locations Featuring farm fresh fruits, vegetables and plants, quality local crafts, delicious edibles, community information, live music and lots more . Trout Lake Community Centre Parking Lot, Saturdays, 9 am - 2 pm, to October 10 th ; Nelson Park, Saturdays, 9 am to 2 pm, to October 24 th ; Thornton Park, Wednesdays, 3 to 7 pm, to October 21 st ; Kitsilano Community Centre Parking Lot, Sundays, 10 am to 2 pm, to October 25 th . For more information go to www.eatlocal.org .

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For more information contact Carol DeFina, Communications Coordinator, at 257-8440.

The Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation maintains 220 parks and 40 major facilities throughout the City of Vancouver. The Park Board's mission is to provide, preserve and advocate for parks and recreation services to benefit people, communities and the environment.