(These are FREE listings. Submit your event / announcement at EditorVoice@gmail.com)
Delta Libraries: Halloween
Enjoy some Green Screen Halloween at the Tsawwassen Library from Friday, October 26 to Wednesday, October 31. Bring your little Halloweeners to the library for a picture of them in their scary, cute or monstrous costumes. Using Green Screen technology, we can create a fun background and email them directly to your account. Do you like scary stories? Are you brave? Do you like s’mores? If you’ve answered yes to these questions, come hear some Spooky Stories on Monday, October 29 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Ladner Pioneer Library. It’s a Virtual Reality Halloween at the Tsawwassen Library. On Wednesday, October 31, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. step into an alternate reality with virtual technology. Experience life on Mars or become a fruit Ninja. There are many realities to choose from. Registration is on October 31 at the library. This technology is not suitable for kids under the age of 10. Parents of children and teens up to age 18 must sign a permission form at the library.
Altruyouth Association & Song Creative Mentorship
Present a youth conference and networking event to connect with peers and professionals to share your dreams, unlock your passions and discover your pathways at on Sunday, October 28 at Surrey Arts Center, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Non-profit event. Tickets online: $25. Speakers, performers, aspirers, role models, knowledge-sharers, exhibitors, door prizes, photo booth, catered lunch. Keynote: Ravi Singh, Khalsa Aid Founder. www.sparkwithin.org. Phone: 778-835-7898.
Muskaan Foundation Canada
Muskaan Foundation Canada has adopted the Surrey fixed donor centre on Sunday, October 28 and committed to recruit new donors and fill appointments to help collect 48 blood donations. The Foundation was established in honour of a young girl from Surrey named Muskaan Gill who was diagnosed with Krabbe disease in 2014 and needed a stem cell transplant. There were no potential matches within her family, and Muskaan passed away in 2015 at age eight before an unrelated stem cell donor could be found. Muskaan’s family and friends will encourage eligible donors of diverse ancestry to register as potential stem cell donors and to donate blood, which is also a requirement for patients waiting for a stem cell match to save their life. For more information, visit: blood.ca/partnersforlife. Who: Bhavraj (Babbar) Saran, Muskaan’s uncle and director of Muskaan Foundation Canada, and Anita Lal, Territory Manager, Canadian Blood Services. When: Sunday, October 28 at 11 a.m.; donor event runs from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Where: Surrey fixed donor centre, 15285 101st Avenue, Surrey (next to ICBC Licensing Office)
Lavish Dulhan Bridal Show
Lavish Dulhan will officially launch in the West Coast, celebrating local wedding vendors and fashion boutiques with The Lavish Dulhan Bridal Show. The show will take place on Sunday, October 28 at the Westin Bayshore Hotel in downtown Vancouver. This event will feature four international designers all presenting their newest couture collections. For additional information contact: Rohit Sharma at 416-729-9929.
Central City: Halloween Fun Event
Families are invited to come to Surrey’s Central City from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, October 31 for a spooktacular time at the centre’s free Halloween Fun Event. Kids ages 12 and under, dressed in costume, can take part in centre-wide trick-or-treating at participating stores (while limited treats last). Plus, families can enjoy Halloween craft activities, face-painting, balloon artists, entertainment, story-time (with Black Bond Books), and more (near Winners). For more information on this free event, visit www.centralcity.ca.
Halloween Fireworks Festival
Wednesday, October 31: Minoru Park, 7191 Granville Avenue, Richmond. Halloween Fireworks Festival Music, dancing demonstrations, children’s activities, roving entertainment, fire juggling and a spectacular fireworks finale at 8:30 p.m. Additional parking available at Richmond Centre’s south parkade beside City Hall. 6:45 p.m.: Danceability Studio, interactive dance demonstration. 7 p.m.: Children’s Parade with assistance from Danceability and Dracula. 7:15 p.m. – Norden the Magician. 7:45 p.m. – Showstoppers. 8:10 p.m. – Fire Jugglers. Admission is free. More info: 604-244-1208 / parks@richmond.ca
SFU’s Diwali Gala Celebration
Simon Fraser University will host its 11th annual Diwali Gala on Thursday, November 1, at from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Aria Banquet Hall, 12350 Pattullo Place, Surrey. The event celebrates the festival of Diwali along with the university’s initiatives in India and engagement with B.C.’s South Asian community. SFU’s event draws over 300 business and community leaders, along with SFU students, faculty, staff and alumni. The evening features South Asian cuisine and performances. Funds raised from the event go toward SFU student awards to support opportunities for students to work, study and volunteer in India, through the university’s mobility initiative. Over the years nearly 150 students have benefited from their experiences in India. This event also recognizes the work of the SFU-India Advisory Council, which was created over a decade ago and has been integral to the university’s success in engaging with India, and in furthering relationships within B.C.’s South Asian community. Tickets for the event are still available. See https://www.sfu.ca/ceremonies/events.html for more details and to purchase tickets.
Close Look Got Talent & Stars 2018
Close Look United Foundation (CLU Foundation) is a registered non-profit society. One of the society’s purpose is to promote people through their talent, success and lifestyle stories to motivate and inspire others. This is done by showcasing them on TV, magazine and at live events. Our annual event, “Close Look Got Talent & Stars Night”, is a youth talent show, which brings talented and inspiring youth on stage. The first prize winner in each category (5 categories) will win $500. In addition, we will also be awarding 5 individuals and / or organizations (the Stars) that are making a difference in our community. The event will be taking place at the Crown Palace Banquet Hall (12025 Nordel Way) in Surrey on Saturday, November 3 at 5 p.m. For more information, contact Simmy Cheema at 604-999-1433.
Philippine Cultural Arts Society of BC
The Philippine Cultural Arts Society of BC announce their fundraising theatre production: Kalikasan – Elements of Nature on Saturday, November 3. This year they are hosting and participating in a collaborative performance with various cultural groups from the Lower Mainland. They would like to create a yearly theatre show with a cultural mosaic of performing arts. This year’s production will feature a collaboration between teen and senior performers as well as cultural dance groups from the Lower Mainland. They will be in collaboration with Colours of Dance, Hanyang Arts and Culture, Shan – E – Punjab Arts Club and Tatsumi Japanese Dance Society. This year’s theme will showcase the correlation of nature relative to the regions of Asia. Their theatre performance will be held at Gateway Theatre in Richmond. Doors open at 6:15 p.m., show starts at 7 p.m. and will run to approximately 9 p.m. Tickets are available by contacting philcasofbc@gmail.com as well as online at gatewaytheatre.com. Cultural groups involved: PhilCAS of BC: http://www.Philcas.ca/; Colours of Dance: http://www.coloursofdance.ca/; Hanyang Arts and Culture: https://www.hanyang.ca/; Shan – E – Punjab Arts Club: https://www.spacbc.com/; Tatsumi Japanese Dance Society: 604-274-5259. This event is for all ages.Disability access is available.
SAFES Film Talk
* Saturday, November 3, 2-4 p.m., at 4955 Goldcorp Centre for the Arts (SFU Woodward’s)
149 West Hastings Street, Vancouver. Writer / director Hossein Martin Fazeli, explores why films can be a powerful weapon of activists trying to shape their cultures, introduce new paradigms, and bring new thought into the mainstream. He will show example of films that have brought about social change, discuss their impact, and talk about how crucial (and simple) it is to become a ‘film-activist’ in this age. He will have a Q & A with the audience. This event is free and open to the public. Fazeli’s films have won 37 international awards. He is currently finishing, Phoolan, his documentary on Phoolan Devi. * Saturday, November 17, 2-4 p.m., at 4955 Goldcorp Arts Centre (SFU Woodward’s), 149 West Hastings Street, Vancouver. We can all name documentaries that have led to direct action – fighting apartheid, overturning murder convictions, increasing voter registration. But what about fiction films? They reflect our values as much as documentaries, but can they actually bring about social change? Patricia Gruben, a filmmaker and recently retired film professor from SFU, will address this question with clips from films as varied as Birth of a Nation, Alexander Nevsky, and The China Syndrome — with a closer look at Rang de Basanti, the 2006 Hindi film credited for a wave of activism among Indian youth. Q & A after the talk. The event is free and open to the public. South Asian Film Education Society (SAFES), southasianfilm.blogspot.com
India Mahila Association
India Mahila Association’s 45th Anniversary Celebration: Celebrating Women’s Empowerment. Date: Friday, November 9. Location: Fraserview Hall, 8240 Fraser Street, Vancouver, B.C. 604-322-6526. The evening includes entertainment, raffle draw, prizes, dinner and dance. Cash bar. Doors open and appetizers at 6 p.m. Ticket: $25.00 or $30 at the door. For tickets, call: IMA Line at 604-321-7225 or Cindy at 604-522-0201 or Pushpanjli at 604-263-8819. Email: india_mahila_association@hotmail.com.
Diabetes Canada
Diabetes Canada, in partnership with Cities Changing Diabetes, is hosting this event. Spotlight on type 2 diabetes and the South Asian community. Friday, November 9, 6:30 p.m. – reception; 7 p.m. – program begins; 10 p.m.: event close. The Royal King Palace & Convention Centre, 8158 128th Street, Surrey. Tickets are $50 each and can be purchased online at www.diabetes.ca/sabanquet or by contacting Kirstie McRae at Kirstie.McRae@diabetes.ca
Diabetes Canada will host a healthy banquet at the Royal King Palace & Convention Centre in Surrey. Guests will enjoy a unique educational and culinary experience as dietician’s work alongside the chef to put a healthy spin on a traditional South Asian banquet, while learning how small changes can have a positive impact on your health. The evening will be a mix of education, entertainment and a chance for people to make valuable community connections, while enjoying a delicious banquet that has been adapted to create healthier versions of traditional recipes. Guests will also hear from doctors in the field and those living with type 2 diabetes. Together with the Royal King Palace & Convention Centre and registered dietitians, a traditional banquet will be adapted with healthier ingredients, presenting guests with more nutritious options. Guests will be enjoying a traditional banquet with guided narration by registered dietitians about what to look for in healthy dishes and preparation methods.
Diwali: South Fraser Government Caucus MLAs
South Fraser Government Caucus MLAs invite you to join them in celebrating Diwali on Thursday, November 15, 6-8 p.m., at Bollywood Banquet Hall, #201 8166 128th Street, Surrey. Light refreshments will be served. Contact Surrey-Green Timbers MLA Rachna Singh’s constituency office for more information: Rachna.Singh.MLA@leg.bc.ca / 604-501-8325.
Squamish’s 20th Refresh Event
Refresh Market returns to the West Coast Railway Heritage Park in Squamish for its largest market of the year with 100 local artists, makers, and shops on Friday, November 16 from 4 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, November 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The First Dibs market preview will also take place on Friday, November 16 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Early bird tickets are on sale now. Admission is $5 at the door, $3 online and free for kids under 12. The first to arrive on both Friday and Saturday will receive one of 50 market swag bags. For full event details, visit http://refreshmarket.ca. To purchase advance online tickets, visit http://refreshmarket.ca/tickets.
‘Give Peace A Chance’ Surrey Festival
The Global Peace Alliance, Surrey Society (GPA) announces its 2018 ‘Give Peace a Chance’ Surrey Festival. This year’s event is especially designed to celebrate diversity among people living in British Columbia and beyond, dispelling misconceptions and intolerances across their cultural divides. For this, it provides a rare opportunity for people to come together and enjoy exotic music, songs and dances as well as exhibits of other varied cultural traditions, such as food, dress, arts & crafts, etc. At the same time, many supporting organizations will be on hand with their own information and display booths. At this event, GPA will also ceremoniously recognize, with certificates, prizes and trophies, the participants and the winners of its 2018 Peace-Themed Literary & Visual Arts Contests. The submissions to the contests by children are used to create and annually expand a ‘Dictionary of Peace for the children by the children” and those submitted by adults will add on to GPA’s database of peace-building and conflict transformation ideas and concepts for the adults by the adults. Winning works will also be exhibited in public venues. The festival this year will have ample fun activities for the young, such as face-painting, origami peace doves and poetry. This is a free event open to the public. Refreshments will be served. Date: Saturday, November 17, 2-5:30 p.m. Venue: Fleetwood Community Centre, 15996 84th Avenue, Surrey.
Surrey Tree Lighting Festival
Residents and visitors are invited to celebrate the start of the holiday season at the Surrey Tree Lighting Festival taking place Saturday, November 24 between noon and 7 p.m. at Surrey Civic Plaza. The lighting of the 58-foot tall Christmas tree—adorned with giant holiday decorations, lights and a star tree-topper—will be aired live on CTV Vancouver at 6:30 p.m. Presented by Coast Capital Savings, the free annual community event will host a holiday market featuring local vendors and crafters, free photos with Santa, cookie decorating and a variety of family-friendly attractions. The Holiday Fun Zone on University Drive will offer food trucks and action-packed activities, including road hockey, soccer, inflatables and amusement rides. In addition to free activities, attendees will be treated to free live musical performances and children’s entertainers. Urban gospel and R&B singer Warren Dean Flandez will be joined by a 10-piece choir to headline the Main Stage before and after the inaugural tree lighting. Additional performers include soul singer Dawn Pemberton, award winning children’s performer and songwriter Jessie Farrell, and indie soul-pop band Lovecoast. Holiday choirs will perform on the Tree Riser Stage, Snowflake Stage and in the City Centre Library. The Surrey Food Bank, Surrey Christmas Bureau, Sophie’s Place and the Surrey Fire Fighters’ Charitable Society will be on site collecting donations. For more information and performance schedules, including Santa’s arrival time, visit surrey.ca/treelighting
Ghirra Family: 12th Annual Toy Drive
Benevolent Brotherhood Society is helping Ghirra Family, the Cooperators Insurance agencies and Vancity Credit union to organize a toy drive in memory of Victor Ghirra. Over 25,000 toys collected and distributed to more than two dozen charities. Bring new and unwrapped toys to Riverside Banquet Hall, 14500 River Road, Richmond, all the Cooperators Insurance agencies in the Lower Mainland, and all participating Vancity Credit Union locations in the Lower Mainland. For more info, contact Bobby Ghira at 604-244-7755 (bobby@riversidehalls.com) or Harvey Kooner at 604-671-4180 (harveykooner1@gmail.com). Richmond Grand Toy Count at Riverside Banquet Hall on Saturday December 15, 12-3 p.m. Join the family event, bring toys and get a picture taken with Santa.
(For more events, visit the “Events” section of our website at voiceonline.com)
B.C. EVENTS
(These are FREE listings. Submit your event / announcement at EditorVoice@gmail.com)
Delta Libraries: Halloween
Enjoy some Green Screen Halloween at the Tsawwassen Library from Friday, October 26 to Wednesday, October 31. Bring your little Halloweeners to the library for a picture of them in their scary, cute or monstrous costumes. Using Green Screen technology, we can create a fun background and email them directly to your account. Do you like scary stories? Are you brave? Do you like s’mores? If you’ve answered yes to these questions, come hear some Spooky Stories on Monday, October 29 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Ladner Pioneer Library. It’s a Virtual Reality Halloween at the Tsawwassen Library. On Wednesday, October 31, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. step into an alternate reality with virtual technology. Experience life on Mars or become a fruit Ninja. There are many realities to choose from. Registration is on October 31 at the library. This technology is not suitable for kids under the age of 10. Parents of children and teens up to age 18 must sign a permission form at the library.
Altruyouth Association & Song Creative Mentorship
Present a youth conference and networking event to connect with peers and professionals to share your dreams, unlock your passions and discover your pathways at on Sunday, October 28 at Surrey Arts Center, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Non-profit event. Tickets online: $25. Speakers, performers, aspirers, role models, knowledge-sharers, exhibitors, door prizes, photo booth, catered lunch. Keynote: Ravi Singh, Khalsa Aid Founder. www.sparkwithin.org. Phone: 778-835-7898.
Muskaan Foundation Canada
Muskaan Foundation Canada has adopted the Surrey fixed donor centre on Sunday, October 28 and committed to recruit new donors and fill appointments to help collect 48 blood donations. The Foundation was established in honour of a young girl from Surrey named Muskaan Gill who was diagnosed with Krabbe disease in 2014 and needed a stem cell transplant. There were no potential matches within her family, and Muskaan passed away in 2015 at age eight before an unrelated stem cell donor could be found. Muskaan’s family and friends will encourage eligible donors of diverse ancestry to register as potential stem cell donors and to donate blood, which is also a requirement for patients waiting for a stem cell match to save their life. For more information, visit: blood.ca/partnersforlife. Who: Bhavraj (Babbar) Saran, Muskaan’s uncle and director of Muskaan Foundation Canada, and Anita Lal, Territory Manager, Canadian Blood Services. When: Sunday, October 28 at 11 a.m.; donor event runs from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Where: Surrey fixed donor centre, 15285 101st Avenue, Surrey (next to ICBC Licensing Office)
Lavish Dulhan Bridal Show
Lavish Dulhan will officially launch in the West Coast, celebrating local wedding vendors and fashion boutiques with The Lavish Dulhan Bridal Show. The show will take place on Sunday, October 28 at the Westin Bayshore Hotel in downtown Vancouver. This event will feature four international designers all presenting their newest couture collections. For additional information contact: Rohit Sharma at 416-729-9929.
Central City: Halloween Fun Event
Families are invited to come to Surrey’s Central City from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, October 31 for a spooktacular time at the centre’s free Halloween Fun Event. Kids ages 12 and under, dressed in costume, can take part in centre-wide trick-or-treating at participating stores (while limited treats last). Plus, families can enjoy Halloween craft activities, face-painting, balloon artists, entertainment, story-time (with Black Bond Books), and more (near Winners). For more information on this free event, visit www.centralcity.ca.
Halloween Fireworks Festival
Wednesday, October 31: Minoru Park, 7191 Granville Avenue, Richmond. Halloween Fireworks Festival Music, dancing demonstrations, children’s activities, roving entertainment, fire juggling and a spectacular fireworks finale at 8:30 p.m. Additional parking available at Richmond Centre’s south parkade beside City Hall. 6:45 p.m.: Danceability Studio, interactive dance demonstration. 7 p.m.: Children’s Parade with assistance from Danceability and Dracula. 7:15 p.m. – Norden the Magician. 7:45 p.m. – Showstoppers. 8:10 p.m. – Fire Jugglers. Admission is free. More info: 604-244-1208 / parks@richmond.ca
SFU’s Diwali Gala Celebration
Simon Fraser University will host its 11th annual Diwali Gala on Thursday, November 1, at from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Aria Banquet Hall, 12350 Pattullo Place, Surrey. The event celebrates the festival of Diwali along with the university’s initiatives in India and engagement with B.C.’s South Asian community. SFU’s event draws over 300 business and community leaders, along with SFU students, faculty, staff and alumni. The evening features South Asian cuisine and performances. Funds raised from the event go toward SFU student awards to support opportunities for students to work, study and volunteer in India, through the university’s mobility initiative. Over the years nearly 150 students have benefited from their experiences in India. This event also recognizes the work of the SFU-India Advisory Council, which was created over a decade ago and has been integral to the university’s success in engaging with India, and in furthering relationships within B.C.’s South Asian community. Tickets for the event are still available. See https://www.sfu.ca/ceremonies/events.html for more details and to purchase tickets.
Close Look Got Talent & Stars 2018
Close Look United Foundation (CLU Foundation) is a registered non-profit society. One of the society’s purpose is to promote people through their talent, success and lifestyle stories to motivate and inspire others. This is done by showcasing them on TV, magazine and at live events. Our annual event, “Close Look Got Talent & Stars Night”, is a youth talent show, which brings talented and inspiring youth on stage. The first prize winner in each category (5 categories) will win $500. In addition, we will also be awarding 5 individuals and / or organizations (the Stars) that are making a difference in our community. The event will be taking place at the Crown Palace Banquet Hall (12025 Nordel Way) in Surrey on Saturday, November 3 at 5 p.m. For more information, contact Simmy Cheema at 604-999-1433.
Philippine Cultural Arts Society of BC
The Philippine Cultural Arts Society of BC announce their fundraising theatre production: Kalikasan – Elements of Nature on Saturday, November 3. This year they are hosting and participating in a collaborative performance with various cultural groups from the Lower Mainland. They would like to create a yearly theatre show with a cultural mosaic of performing arts. This year’s production will feature a collaboration between teen and senior performers as well as cultural dance groups from the Lower Mainland. They will be in collaboration with Colours of Dance, Hanyang Arts and Culture, Shan – E – Punjab Arts Club and Tatsumi Japanese Dance Society. This year’s theme will showcase the correlation of nature relative to the regions of Asia. Their theatre performance will be held at Gateway Theatre in Richmond. Doors open at 6:15 p.m., show starts at 7 p.m. and will run to approximately 9 p.m. Tickets are available by contacting philcasofbc@gmail.com as well as online at gatewaytheatre.com. Cultural groups involved: PhilCAS of BC: http://www.Philcas.ca/; Colours of Dance: http://www.coloursofdance.ca/; Hanyang Arts and Culture: https://www.hanyang.ca/; Shan – E – Punjab Arts Club: https://www.spacbc.com/; Tatsumi Japanese Dance Society: 604-274-5259. This event is for all ages.Disability access is available.
SAFES Film Talk
* Saturday, November 3, 2-4 p.m., at 4955 Goldcorp Centre for the Arts (SFU Woodward’s)
149 West Hastings Street, Vancouver. Writer / director Hossein Martin Fazeli, explores why films can be a powerful weapon of activists trying to shape their cultures, introduce new paradigms, and bring new thought into the mainstream. He will show example of films that have brought about social change, discuss their impact, and talk about how crucial (and simple) it is to become a ‘film-activist’ in this age. He will have a Q & A with the audience. This event is free and open to the public. Fazeli’s films have won 37 international awards. He is currently finishing, Phoolan, his documentary on Phoolan Devi. * Saturday, November 17, 2-4 p.m., at 4955 Goldcorp Arts Centre (SFU Woodward’s), 149 West Hastings Street, Vancouver. We can all name documentaries that have led to direct action – fighting apartheid, overturning murder convictions, increasing voter registration. But what about fiction films? They reflect our values as much as documentaries, but can they actually bring about social change? Patricia Gruben, a filmmaker and recently retired film professor from SFU, will address this question with clips from films as varied as Birth of a Nation, Alexander Nevsky, and The China Syndrome — with a closer look at Rang de Basanti, the 2006 Hindi film credited for a wave of activism among Indian youth. Q & A after the talk. The event is free and open to the public. South Asian Film Education Society (SAFES), southasianfilm.blogspot.com
India Mahila Association
India Mahila Association’s 45th Anniversary Celebration: Celebrating Women’s Empowerment. Date: Friday, November 9. Location: Fraserview Hall, 8240 Fraser Street, Vancouver, B.C. 604-322-6526. The evening includes entertainment, raffle draw, prizes, dinner and dance. Cash bar. Doors open and appetizers at 6 p.m. Ticket: $25.00 or $30 at the door. For tickets, call: IMA Line at 604-321-7225 or Cindy at 604-522-0201 or Pushpanjli at 604-263-8819. Email: india_mahila_association@hotmail.com.
Diabetes Canada
Diabetes Canada, in partnership with Cities Changing Diabetes, is hosting this event. Spotlight on type 2 diabetes and the South Asian community. Friday, November 9, 6:30 p.m. – reception; 7 p.m. – program begins; 10 p.m.: event close. The Royal King Palace & Convention Centre, 8158 128th Street, Surrey. Tickets are $50 each and can be purchased online at www.diabetes.ca/sabanquet or by contacting Kirstie McRae at Kirstie.McRae@diabetes.ca
Diabetes Canada will host a healthy banquet at the Royal King Palace & Convention Centre in Surrey. Guests will enjoy a unique educational and culinary experience as dietician’s work alongside the chef to put a healthy spin on a traditional South Asian banquet, while learning how small changes can have a positive impact on your health. The evening will be a mix of education, entertainment and a chance for people to make valuable community connections, while enjoying a delicious banquet that has been adapted to create healthier versions of traditional recipes. Guests will also hear from doctors in the field and those living with type 2 diabetes. Together with the Royal King Palace & Convention Centre and registered dietitians, a traditional banquet will be adapted with healthier ingredients, presenting guests with more nutritious options. Guests will be enjoying a traditional banquet with guided narration by registered dietitians about what to look for in healthy dishes and preparation methods.
Diwali: South Fraser Government Caucus MLAs
South Fraser Government Caucus MLAs invite you to join them in celebrating Diwali on Thursday, November 15, 6-8 p.m., at Bollywood Banquet Hall, #201 8166 128th Street, Surrey. Light refreshments will be served. Contact Surrey-Green Timbers MLA Rachna Singh’s constituency office for more information: Rachna.Singh.MLA@leg.bc.ca / 604-501-8325.
Squamish’s 20th Refresh Event
Refresh Market returns to the West Coast Railway Heritage Park in Squamish for its largest market of the year with 100 local artists, makers, and shops on Friday, November 16 from 4 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, November 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The First Dibs market preview will also take place on Friday, November 16 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Early bird tickets are on sale now. Admission is $5 at the door, $3 online and free for kids under 12. The first to arrive on both Friday and Saturday will receive one of 50 market swag bags. For full event details, visit http://refreshmarket.ca. To purchase advance online tickets, visit http://refreshmarket.ca/tickets.
‘Give Peace A Chance’ Surrey Festival
The Global Peace Alliance, Surrey Society (GPA) announces its 2018 ‘Give Peace a Chance’ Surrey Festival. This year’s event is especially designed to celebrate diversity among people living in British Columbia and beyond, dispelling misconceptions and intolerances across their cultural divides. For this, it provides a rare opportunity for people to come together and enjoy exotic music, songs and dances as well as exhibits of other varied cultural traditions, such as food, dress, arts & crafts, etc. At the same time, many supporting organizations will be on hand with their own information and display booths. At this event, GPA will also ceremoniously recognize, with certificates, prizes and trophies, the participants and the winners of its 2018 Peace-Themed Literary & Visual Arts Contests. The submissions to the contests by children are used to create and annually expand a ‘Dictionary of Peace for the children by the children” and those submitted by adults will add on to GPA’s database of peace-building and conflict transformation ideas and concepts for the adults by the adults. Winning works will also be exhibited in public venues. The festival this year will have ample fun activities for the young, such as face-painting, origami peace doves and poetry. This is a free event open to the public. Refreshments will be served. Date: Saturday, November 17, 2-5:30 p.m. Venue: Fleetwood Community Centre, 15996 84th Avenue, Surrey.
Surrey Tree Lighting Festival
Residents and visitors are invited to celebrate the start of the holiday season at the Surrey Tree Lighting Festival taking place Saturday, November 24 between noon and 7 p.m. at Surrey Civic Plaza. The lighting of the 58-foot tall Christmas tree—adorned with giant holiday decorations, lights and a star tree-topper—will be aired live on CTV Vancouver at 6:30 p.m. Presented by Coast Capital Savings, the free annual community event will host a holiday market featuring local vendors and crafters, free photos with Santa, cookie decorating and a variety of family-friendly attractions. The Holiday Fun Zone on University Drive will offer food trucks and action-packed activities, including road hockey, soccer, inflatables and amusement rides. In addition to free activities, attendees will be treated to free live musical performances and children’s entertainers. Urban gospel and R&B singer Warren Dean Flandez will be joined by a 10-piece choir to headline the Main Stage before and after the inaugural tree lighting. Additional performers include soul singer Dawn Pemberton, award winning children’s performer and songwriter Jessie Farrell, and indie soul-pop band Lovecoast. Holiday choirs will perform on the Tree Riser Stage, Snowflake Stage and in the City Centre Library. The Surrey Food Bank, Surrey Christmas Bureau, Sophie’s Place and the Surrey Fire Fighters’ Charitable Society will be on site collecting donations. For more information and performance schedules, including Santa’s arrival time, visit surrey.ca/treelighting
Ghirra Family: 12th Annual Toy Drive
Benevolent Brotherhood Society is helping Ghirra Family, the Cooperators Insurance agencies and Vancity Credit union to organize a toy drive in memory of Victor Ghirra. Over 25,000 toys collected and distributed to more than two dozen charities. Bring new and unwrapped toys to Riverside Banquet Hall, 14500 River Road, Richmond, all the Cooperators Insurance agencies in the Lower Mainland, and all participating Vancity Credit Union locations in the Lower Mainland. For more info, contact Bobby Ghira at 604-244-7755 (bobby@riversidehalls.com) or Harvey Kooner at 604-671-4180 (harveykooner1@gmail.com). Richmond Grand Toy Count at Riverside Banquet Hall on Saturday December 15, 12-3 p.m. Join the family event, bring toys and get a picture taken with Santa.
(For more events, visit the “Events” section of our website at voiceonline.com)
