Briefs: Langley parks host distinctive celebrations

The Legendary Water Fight is cancelled but there's still lots to do this weekend.

The Legendary Water Fight at Langley City’s Al Anderson Memorial Pool was to be held on July 18.

Langley City announced late in the week that the event won’t go ahead due to water restrictions.

Park it

Metro Vancouver is inviting people to celebrate Canada Parks Day on July 18 at its Langley regional parks, offering distinct activities at each.

Best of all, these programs are all free.

Campbell Valley Regional Park has Nature’s Rhythms and Inspirations, activities from 1:30 to 4 p.m.

Park at the Nature House, 20285 8th Ave., and spend the afternoon surrounded by birds, frogs, butterflies and dragonflies. Enjoy live music, stroll the gardens, do crafts, enjoy poetry or take in the other nature-inspired activites.

Brae Island Regional Park, in North Langley on the Fraser River, offers Paddle and Pedal, activities 1 to 3 p.m.

Park at the Day-Use Area parking lot near the park entrance.

Then try out kayaking in Bedford Channel or get into a 12-person voyageur canoe.

On land there’s campsite activities. Pedal a four-wheel bike around a skills course.

The Derby Reach Brae Island Parks Association is hosting this program and all equipment is provided.

For those looking to be more hands-on, Metro Van and the Langley Environmental Partners Society (LEPS) invite everyone to help clean up the West Creek Wetland in Glen Valley Regional Park. Help pull invasive weeds and to other work in this ecologically sensitive area. All equipment is provided and no experience is necessary. Snacks, juice and water are provided (but bring a bottle). It runs 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This restricted reserve is home to an incredible variety of plants and wildlife including birds, beavers, ducks and frogs. After the work comes an opportunity not open to the public – a guided hike to a restricted wetland area, Wood Duck Lake.

This event requires advance registration.

Learn about the various program at www.metrovancouver.org or Metro Vancouver Regional Parks at 604-432-6359.

Outdoor screenings

Want to get outside more but still want to watch movies?

There will be more opportunities this summer to enjoy outdoor movies. For such events, bring blankets (it gets cool after the sun sets), portable chairs and bug repellent.

• First up is Home Church Langley. On July 18 it’s showing the family movie Hoovey, the story of a young boy’s return to live after collapsing at a basketball game. The movie starts at 7 p.m. at Nicomekl Elementary, 20050 53rd Ave., and there’s free popcorn.

Any questions can be directed to 604-514-4773.

• Newmark Group, a Langley-based developer, has started Murrayville House Movie Nights in the Park.

On July 22, the movie is Back to the Future while the animated movie Home is on July 29 and Aug. 5 features Pirates of the Caribbean.

All movies start at dusk at Denny Ross Memorial Park, 4700 Old Yale Rd. but family activities on each day begin at 4 p.m. (temporary tattoos, face painting, glow sticks, bouncy castle, arts area and a hot air balloon).

Moviegoers are asked to bring a non-perishable food item for the Salvation Army Community Food Bank.

People can go to MurrayvilleHouse.com before each movie to enter draws for special prizes, such as VIP seating and the grand prize of a family and friends movie night.

“Of course, a movie is not complete unless there’s popcorn,” said Newmark CEO Mark Chandler, “and we are providing that for free. Additionally, there will be the opportunity to purchase items from an ice cream truck, a hot dog stand and a food truck that has healthy options. There will also be a water stand.”

People are asked to bring their own water bottles.

• Later this summer there will be the Prospera Credit Union Cinema Under The Star and organizers are looking for volunteers for those Aug. 7 and 29 showings. These outdoor movies benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Langley.

Anyone who can help or who has questions about what’s involved is asked to contact Leanne at admin.langley@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca.

The movies being shown those evenings at Willoughby Community Park beside the Langley Events Centre are Home and Cinderella respectively. Learn more at bbbslangley.com.

Chug into station

The Fort Gallery’s 100 Years on Track is a celebration of a century of history behind the CN station and rail travel in the community.

The show runs until Aug. 3 with the opening reception 7 to 9 p.m. on July 17. Nine local artists are in this show with their two- and three-dimensional works. Find out more at www.fortgallery.ca.

 

Langley Advance