surrey recreation

Christmas lights and delights across the Lower Mainland

With the arrival of December everyone is getting prepared for the Christmas season. The malls are crowded, the Christmas shopping is getting into high gear, kids are clamouring for pictures with Santa, and families are preparing to get together during the holidays between Christmas and New Year’s. This year I have selected what I think are really memorable sites to see with your family this month. There are some really spectacular light shows and fun events all around the Greater Vancouver area. Here is a selection in different areas of the Lower Mainland.

Langley

For families living east of Surrey, there is Glow Christmas in Langley, which is the only major Christmas attraction in the Fraser Valley apart from some smaller attractions in Chilliwack. This indoor event started last year and is certain to inspire some Christmas joy. Located in the Milner Centre Greenhouse at 6690 216th Street I Langley. Glow Christmas features a giant light tunnel and light maze, live music and market along with all sorts of displays. It will be operating throughout December and beyond to January 19, 2019 Hours of operation are from 4 pm to 10 pm (on Saturdays opening one hour earlier). Note that it closes at 9 pm on the final six days of the season and will also be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and every Sundays.

Coquitlam

For residents in Coquitlam and the Tri-Cities area, the Lights at Lafarge is a beautiful event, and it’s free so families will certainly enjoy the evening event at Lafarge Lake in Town Centre Park at the corner of Guildford Way and Pinetree Way in Coquitlam. If you don’t want to drive, it’s easy to reach from the Lafarge-Douglas Skytrain Station. The spectacular array of lights all around the Lake should be on between 4:30 pm and 11 pm every day except New Year’s Eve, and is expected to run until mid-January.

Surrey

Starting with Surrey, I recommend the miniature train ride through the Christmas Forest at Bear Creek Park, 13750 – 88th Avenue. The Santa Express runs each day this month (except Christmas and Boxing Day) from 10 am to 4 pm. Younger children will be able to visit with Santa while waiting on the platform for the train ride, and for those who are old enough to stay up later, the Christmas Night Train will run from 6 pm to 10 pm Wednesdays to Sundays.

Burnaby

Deer Park Lake in Burnaby is a lovely place to go for walk with your family during December during the day time when it’s sunny; and an afternoon or evening stop at Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village will be a delightful occasion for everyone. It’s free at this time of year and will be open to guests until January You will certainly enjoy its festive feeling if you go in the evening when it’s brightly lit with seasonal lights.

Richmond

A bit farther south in Richmond, you can find Steveston Village’s Festival of Trees at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery. This National Historic Site has decorated trees at Christmas which are truly festive. There are also artistic showcases for local community and business and craft activity for the kids is regular activity each year. Cannery National Historic Site in Richmond’s Steveston Village in December. The event runs from December 1st to 31st every day except for Christmas Day and Boxing Day from 10 am to 5 pm (although until just 2 pm on December 24th and 31st). Admission (subject to change) is: Adults $11.70; Seniors (65+) $10.05; Youth under 17 free. Admission on (Sundays) December 2nd, 9th, and 16th between 10 am and 3 pm is free and there is also the Cannery Farmers Market.

Vancouver

Heading into Vancouver, you should not miss VanDusen Botanical Garden’s festival of lights at 5151 Oak Street. This Christmas display is awe-inspiring with over 1 million lights across 15 acres of gardens. It is a wonderful attraction for the whole family, young and old, running throughout December to January 6. I the New Year. Tickets are priced differently depending on when you go and for different ages: Around $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and youth, and $12 for children ages 3-12, all plus or minus when and how you purchase your tickets.

Also in Vancouver’s Stanley Park the magical Bright Nights in Stanley Park returns every day throughout December until January 6, 2019 (except Christmas Day). This is one of the most popular places in the whole lower mainland to take children so your family is sure to love this annual event. It is open from 3 pm to 10 pm. It is located in Stanley Park just off Pipeline Road in the middle of the park. Admission is by donation, ($5.00 suggested).

Open most days during the holiday season from around 3 until 10 pm, Bright Nights probably features the most lights of any attraction in Metro Vancouver, as well as wonderful Christmas character displays and festive cheer. Of course, the miniature train is the most eagerly desired attraction for the little kids. The 12 minute ride requires a purchased ticked but is fun for all ages. If you have a very young toddler you may want to catch a matinee train during the day. The evening train is a bit more expensive but includes live performers, and the lights are spectacular.

North Vancouver

Everyone knows about the Capilano Suspension Bridge in North Vancouver. But do you know that throughout December to January 27th 2019. It is fantastically decorated for its Canyon Lights festivities, with lights from the canyon ground and way up above the river among the trees. This is a incredibly beautiful attraction that is well worth the trip to the North Shore if you don’t already live there. For BC residents you can get an annual pass for the price of regular admission which will let you return to this spectacular place throughout the whole year, including next years Canyon Lights event.

Thanks for reading!

Sibo Zhang, REALTOR®

Halloween Events in Surrey

Halloween is nothing if not popular. Last year in this blog space I wrote about the history of this annual celebration, which is a favourite time for scary costumes and “trick or treating” kids collecting candy with door to door visits in their neighbourhoods. As mentioned before, I like this event because it has adapted to new customs throughout many countries since its origin in ancient times. It is now a mix of popular themes from the many ideas that make up the Canadian cultural mosaic. For families with children there are special events on Halloween in areas throughout Metro Vancouver. Whatever your favourite Halloween costume or party theme might be, I’m sure you will be able to find some fun for your whole family this October 31. Here is selection of some of Surrey events to choose from:

Bear Creek Park Train

Children can enjoy the Pumpkin Express at Bear Creek Park. This little train offers a thrilling ride through a forest decorated specially for Halloween. And kids will get a small pumpkin as a treat on the platform to remember the event. If you can’t make it on Halloween, or if you want to keep that day for your own door-to-door trick or treating, you can still catch Woo Woo the train on days leading up to Halloween. enjoy. Here are dates and address: Each day leading to and including Halloween from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm at Bear Creek Park. There is a ticket price of $10. (Address below)

There is also a more frightening train ride for older children called the Scream Train at Bear Creek. On this ride you will experience Chain Saw Charlie and other ghoulish characters. The special effects and sounds along the route through the forest will be just what a thrill-seeking person is looking for on Halloween, but it’s too much for younger kids so keep in mind you have choice depending on the age of your children. Tickets for the Scream Train are $13 per person. The Scream train runs between 6:30 pm and 10 om each day leading up to and including Halloween. Bear Creek Part is at 13759 88th Avenue in Surrey. For more information online: www.bctrains.com/halloween

Potter Houses of Horror

Another Surrey favorite is Potter’s House of Horrors. Once again, these will be two haunted houses to explore. The long-time favorite, Monstrosity 2.0 will be open again with its gothic scariness. This can be a lot of fun for older kids and adults, but I wouldn’t recommend it for young toddlers who could be too frightened by the creatures inside. For youngsters under 10 years old I would recommend the L’il Haunters. However, for the very young even this might be a bit too spooky so I suggest you check it out first before taking in your very young children.

The second haunted house at Potter’s is Devil’s Descent, which opened for the first time last year. This is a more rugged design into mine shafts with rotting wood and machines, along with zombies and other scary monsters. You will need separate tickets for both haunted houses. These are available online which is recommended to avoid line-ups. The Potter Haunted Houses are also open on days leading up to and including Halloween. They are open each day from 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm (this time is recommended for younger kids as it is less scary) and from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm (for the full frightening version). Located at Potters House, 12530 72nd Avenue, Surrey. You can find more details online at www.pottershouseofhorrors.com.

Not everything on Surrey’s Halloween agenda is just for kids. For teenagers and even adults there are great activities to enjoy on October 31.

Halloween for Teens

At the Surrey Centre Library from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm teens from 13 to 18 years of age are invited to the free workshop where you can explore the spooky history of Halloween’s ancient origins. This is a free event so teens can enjoy learning about Halloween before they head out for an evening’s fun on October 31.

Halloween for Adults

For older adults 55 and older, there is a Halloween Tea at the Guildford Recreation Centre on October 31 from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm The cost is only $15 and will get you tea and a light lunch of soup, sandwich and treats complete with live entertainment. And don’t be shy about coming in a costume. There will be prizes for the best ones. Register online at Guildford Recreation Centre with the registration code: 4632039.

Also in the afternoon on October 31, adults 55 and older are invited to the Fleetwood Community Centre for a Halloween Costume Party. This is a costume contest so get your best ideas on and show up between noon and 2:00 pm. There will be lots of fun with halloween music, games and entertainment as well as light food and refreshments. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online at Fleetwood Community Centre with registration code 4626683.

However, you choose to enjoy Halloween this year, remember that there will be young children on our streets and we need to be extra careful as we drive on October 31. Wishing everyone a safe and fun Halloween 2018.

Thanks for reading!

Sibo Zhang, REALTOR®

August Events in Surrey

Last month I provided a list of things to do in Surrey during the month of July. In this first blog for the month of August, I am doing another list for this month. Our summer weather is encouraging families with kids love to get outside and enjoy activities during the summer vacation, so here are some of Surrey’s fun activities. There are also a number of excellent musical events this month. I have listed their dates and locations for you as well.

Learn to Fish

I often select activities at Green Timbers Urban Forest. It’s one of my favourite places in North Surrey. A quiet park and a lovely lake provide a respite from the traffic and bustle of the city centre and there’s lots of room for the kids to hike or run for healthy exercise. Now there is a instructional program which is a really great activity for parents together with their children aged 5 to 15 Through the efforts of the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC, you can take their Learn How to Fish lesson. A two-hour session will be beheld on in the evening of August 3 from 6:00 pm to 89:00 pm. The session is great for beginners and will cover the basics of freshwater fishing including hatchery roles, fish identification, tackle, rod rigging, casting and hands-on fishing. You don’t need to come with your own rod because a fishing rods are provided. The lessons will take place rain or shine, but remember that children must be accompanied by their parents. There is no fee, but the program gratefully accepts cash donations. You can meet in Green Timbers Park at the south end of the lake where there will be a blue tent. You must, however, pre-register. Call 604-502-6065 or register online at: https://webreg.surrey.ca/webreg/Activities/ActivitiesAdvSearch.asp

Fun Fridays in Surrey Parks

Surrey’s neighbourhood parks have weekly events each Friday until August 24 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. These days are called “Fun Fridays” and the activities for kids are completely free. The activities are designed for young children and each week there is a different theme. There will be special guests and surprises each Friday so your youngster will be eager to attend. Here is where the Fun Fridays are happening: August 3: Theme: Farm Life: Location: Bear Creek Park, 13820 88 Avenue, and Sunnyside Park 15455 26 Avenue.

August 10: Theme: Go Green: Location: A.J. McLellan Park, 16584 62A Avenue, and M.J. Norris Park, 6539 128A Street.

August 17: Theme: Safety: Location: Forsyth Park, 10632 139 Street, And Fun Fun Park, 1472 128 Street.

August 24: Theme: Teddy Bear Picnic: Location: Holly Park, 10706 148 Street, (You may want to bring your favorite stuffed toy.) This is the final wrap up event for the summer.

For more information you can call: 604-501-5050 or email: partnersinparks@surrey.ca

Sounds of Summer Music Series

Free musical events continue throughout August and you can enjoy a variety of music styles at these free outdoor concerts. The music ranges from Bluegrass to New Orleans Jazz all in the beautiful setting of Surrey’s parks. Bring your own folding chair and a blanket if the evening is cool. You can find the performances on the dates below at their respective locations.

August 8: David Sinclair and Keith Bennett. Roots and Blues. 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Location: Sullivan Park, 6272 152nd Street.

August 15: Flint and Feather. Rocky Mountain Folk/Pop. 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Location: Surrey Nature Centre. 14225 Green Timbers Way.

August 17: True North Troubadours. Peter, Paul and Mary Tribute/60s Folk. 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm. Location: Francis Park. 15951 83 Avenue.

August 22: The Wheat in the Barley. Folk Fusion/Roots. 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Location: Historic Stewart Farmhouse, 13723 Crescent Road (additional parking west of 136 St. Crescent Road)

Note: All pets must be on leash  For more information: phone 604-501-5050 or email: partnersinparks@surrey.ca

Music on the Plaza

Here is a series of musical performances that will allow you to enjoy the civic plaza at Surrey’s City hall during August. These Tuesday evening performances are free of charge and feature Jazz, Cuban, Country, and Swing music from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Here’s the performance schedule for the rest of this month:

August 7: Kutapira

August 14: Paul Filek Duo

August 21: Sean Michael Simpson Duo

August 28: Taylor Rae & the Backseat Drivers

Bring your own folding chai and perhaps a blanket to enjoy these free evening performances. For more information contact: Briana Barone at 604-591-4012 or email: BBarone@surrey.ca

Lunch and Lyrics

Another series at the Surrey City Hall civic plaza this month is the daytime concert series from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm on the following Mondays

August 13 – Bruce Coughlan

August 20 – Bruce Coughlan Duo

August 27 – Beauty Shop Dolls

Bring your lunch or try one of the different food trucks that will be on hand each week.

For more information contact: Briana Barone at 604-591-4012 or email: BBarone@surrey.ca

photo via dailyhive.com

Thanks for reading!

Sibo Zhang, REALTOR®

How to Spend July in Surrey, BC

Now that July is here and kids are out of school for the summer, it’s time again to post some of the great activities happening this month in Surrey. Our Canada Day celebration on July 1 was a super way to kick of this month and was a great success with entertainment and activities for the whole family at the Bill Reid Millennium Amphitheatre. Here are some other activities for the rest of July.

A fun way to stay cool: swimming

If you are looking for somewhere to stay cool when the July weather gets hot in Surrey there are public swimming pools which are now open until September, and they’re free! Try a pool in your area. There are great outdoor pools in all around Surrey so you won’t have to drive a long way to find one. Here’s a list of neighbourhood outdoor pools:

  • Sunnyside Outdoor Pool at 15433 – 26 Avenue in South Surrey
  • Bear Creek Outdoor Pool at 13820 – 88 Avenue in North Surrey
  • Kwantlen Outdoor Pool at 13035 – 104 Avenue in North Surrey
  • Unwin Outdoor Pool at 6845 – 133 Street in Newton
  • Greenaway Outdoor Pool at 17901 – 60 Avenue in Cloversdale
  • Hjorth Road Outdoor Pool at 10277 – 148 Street in Guildford
  • Holly Outdoor Pool at 10662 – 148 Street in Guilford
  • Port Kells Outdoor Pool at 19340 – 88 Avenue in Guildford

There are also excellent indoor pools throughout Surrey but you will need to get a recreation pass for these: Grandview Heights Aquatic Centre; North Surrey Recreation Centre; South Surrey Indoor Pool; and the Surrey Sport and Leisure Complex.

There is also a great indoor wave pool at the Newton Recreation Centre at 13730 – 72 Avenue, and thanks to sponsorship by Fortis BC sponsorship, this is a free activity for the whole family to enjoy.

Newton Days

Newton also has a special program of summer events on four Saturdays this month. July 7, 14, 21, and 28 mark the return of the second Newton Days this year. On each of these Saturdays from noon to 4:00 pm at the Newton Grove there will be a number of fun events for families to enjoy such as a farms’ market, food trucks, and a free BBQ along with lots of activities for kids like a fun zone, face painting, and a Science World demonstration. Be sure to pick up your free $5.00 Farm voucher beforehand (one customer per day) at the Newton Recreation Centre, Newton Senior Centre, Newton Library, or from the Newton BIA photo booth.

Surrey’s neighbourhood parks are also great places for families with kids to enjoy this summer. Starting July 2 and running though to August 23, each of the parks will have free sports, games, and other activities.

On July 21 at Cloverdale Youth Park and Chuck Bailey Park there will be the Surrey Rides Tournament. Whether it’s on a skateboard, scooter or bike, young riders are invited to show their skills, as well as practice, in a safe and competitive environment provided in Surrey’s various parks. The Surrey Rises event series takes place at all Surry youth parks listed here:

  • Bear Creek Park, 84 Avenue and King George Blvd.
  • Chuck Bailey Youth Park, Tom Binnie Park at 12458 197 A Avenue.
  • Cloverdale Youth Park, 17800 64 Avenue
  • Fleetwood Youth Park, 16555 Fraser Highway
  • Fraser Heights Youth Park, 10588 – 160 Avenue
  • Guildford Youth Park, 15105 – 105 Avfenue
  • Kwantlen Youth Park, 13035 – 104 Avenue
  • South Surrey Youth Park, 14601 – 20 Avenue

Nature hikes and sights

If you would prefer a connection to nature, I recommend exploring Blackie Spit Park in the Crescent Beach area of South Surrey. Here you can find birds of many kinds. As one of the best bird watching areas in Canada, there are some 200 different species throughout the year. And basking in the sun on the sandbars you will see harbour seals and their pups. You can get some great walking exercise too. The nature trail around the park is 5 kilometre long and seeing the sights in this urban forest is a great way to spend a couple of hours.

Summer Music Series

Summer is Surrey is also rich in cultural life as well. This July you can take in some excellent music at free live performances featuring music styles from Bluegrass to New Orleans Jazz. Bring a blanket with you for these evening concerts and enjoy the music in one of these lovely park settings:

  • July 4 in Glades of Garden Park at 561 – 172 Street it’s Pop-eclectica with Caviar & Lace from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm.
  • July 11 in Fleetwood Park at 15802 – 80 Avenue it Celtic with Tiller’s Folloy from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm.
  • July 18 in Bear Creek Park Garden at 13750 – 88 Avenue it’s Folk Blues with Cannery Row from 6:30 t0 8:00 pm.
  • July 25 in Darts Hill Garden Park at 1633 – 170 Street there’s a free concert from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. Gates open at 5 pm, but note the park does not allow pets.
  • And if it’s an afternoon concert that appeals to you, then on July 13 Darts Hill Garden Park from 1:00 to 2:30 pm there’s the Razz Matazz Trio jazz concert.

Surrey Fusion Festival

Photo via: https://www.facebook.com/pg/SurreyFusionFestival/

Of course, you don’t want to miss Surrey’s annual Fusion Festival which takes place this year July 21 and July 22. This is a must attend event in Holland Park just south of the Surrey Centre Mall. The festival is a fantastic multicultural celebration of Surrey’s incredibly diverse population and this year will host over 45 cultural and community groups from around the world including more than 150 artists and performers.

These are just some of the great summer activities happening in Surrey during July. I don’t have space to describe everything there is to do, but Surrey is never without fun activities. They show you why Surrey is such a great place to live and raise a family.

Thanks for reading!

Sibo Zhang, REALTOR®

March in Surrey

Let’s hope Spring weather is on its way this month of March. There’s so much to do in Surrey this month, we will be eager to get around. By the end of the month, we can test the old saying: “If March comes in like a lion, it goes out like a lamb.” What this means is that if weather at the beginning of March is like a lion – blustery, cold, maybe snowing – then the end of March will be gentle – calm, warm, sunny. The general idea is that the weather at the end of March is supposed to be the opposite of the beginning. We will have to wait and see, but there are many activities around our city to take our minds off the weather.

Here are events throughout the month to help you plan some activities for the whole family.

Some of the many things to do in Surrey this month of March

On March 1 at the Surrey Art Gallery is an evening show (7:30 to 9:00 pm) by artists Erica Grimm, Tracie Stewart and Sheinagh Anderson entitled “Skin Boats and Ocean Surroundings.” The show deals with problems of climate change and the changing ocean environment. The installation of the artists’ salt water skin boats – designed to resemble human skin – and the accompanying soundscape uses analogies between human bodies and the ocean to create a connection between participants and the ocean.

On March 1 and March 15, youth and young adults (ages 15 to 30) are invited to join the Community Art Planning Team. This group creates different art projects to enliven and brighten neighborhoods through Surrey. The meeting locations are to be determined, and you can get information by phoning 604-591-4194.

On March 4 (2:30 pm to 4:00 pm) at the Surrey Art Gallery, you can explore and enjoy indigenous art from India. There will be a panel of experts to discuss the art and provide insights for visitors to the show.

On March 8 at the Kensington Prairie Recreation Centre (4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.) is hosting the Kinder Café Kindergarten. This event is for parents, but you can bring your children and learn how they can be prepared for kindergarten. You can register your child for the child minding service there as well, so you can concentrate on the lesson. To register call 604-592-2605 and use reference code 4565025.

On March 9, enjoy Family Movie Night at the Fleetwood Community Centre (6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.) You can wear your pyjamas and cover up in your own blanket while you watch a family movie together, complete with popcorn and other treats. You can enjoy this family event for free, but you will need to register for your spot. Phone 604-501-5100.

On March 10 at the Surrey Archives from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. local history buffs can enjoy discovering the photos by the legendary Surrey Newsman Stan Mckinnon. Pictures of Surrey residents, businesses and landscapes in the 1950s and 1960s are featured. For registration information phone the Surrey Archives at 604-502-6459.

On March 13 at the Cloverdale Recreation Centre there is Movie afternoon from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. This is an afternoon the whole family can enjoy together with classical and other great family movies. Register by phoning 604-501-5100.

On March 17, the Surrey Nature Centre will hold a birding walk from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. This nature lover’s event will meet in the Nature Centre’s parking lot and then walk along the forest trails to Green Timbers Lake where they can observe osprey and cormorants fishing for rainbow trout.

On March 18 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. the Surrey Art Gallery will host Family Day. This fun-filled day will include creating your own art with paint, pastels, clay, and chalk. There will also be interactive musical performances from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. as well as the Art from Indigenous Communities in India in case you missed it on March 1. This is a free event, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

On March 19, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. the North Surrey Recreation Centre will hold an information session on getting started in lifeguard or aquatic instructor courses. The session will inform you on training process and volunteer opportunities. This is a free event, but participants must be age 10 or older. You can phone for information at 604-501-5100.

On March 21 at the Guildford Recreation Centre from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. celebrate the beginning of Spring (first day of Spring is March 20). There will be lots of fun family activities to launch the season of Spring this year.

On March 24 at the Guilford Recreation Centre, the second annual Active Aging Resource Fair takes place from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. There will booths to connect with others and to learn about new technologies as well as health, nutrition, travel, and fitness. For more information you can phone: Carissa Bootsma at 604-591-4274.

Have we missed anything? Be sure to leave your comments of fun activities to check out this March in Surrey, BC.

Thanks for reading!

Sibo Zhang, REALTOR®

Valentine’s Day and Family Day in Surrey, BC

February is a lovely month – perhaps it’s better to say a month in which we celebrate love – with Valentine’s Day on February 14. By happy timing it follows close behind another day to celebrate a different kind of love: Family Day, a B.C. holiday which this year falls on February 12. Each lovely day has different ways of expressing its own celebration.

Valentine’s Day is Big Business

The celebration of romantic love is big business. Statistics for Valentine’s Day spending in the USA in 2017 show the total economic value to that economy was $18.2-billion. That wasn’t even the all-time record high spending, which occurred in 2016 with $19.7-billion, but the trend appears to be upward. In 2015, it was $18.9-billion and in 2014 it was 17.4-billon. In case you are wondering how that breaks down into different kinds of Valentines expenditures, here are some statistics on the most popular types of gifts. Candy or chocolates account for about 50 per cent of gift choices and $1.7-billion spent by consumers last year. Greeting cards came in around 46 per cent but of course with a lower dollar amount totalling 1.0-billion. Going out for an evening of entertainment was the choice of 37 per cent for romantic celebrations with $3.8-billion spent. Close behind in popularity was the category of flowers with 37 per cent accounting for $2.0-billion; and finally, 19 per cent of romantics spent money of jewelry but with a whopping $4.3-bilion in expenditures.

For Canada, I found Statistics Canada figures that tracked similar categories of spending for all of 2015. Let’s assume these numbers are close to this year’s expenditures, and, keeping in mind that Canada’s population is much smaller than the USA, we’ve still got some serious romantic spending. For jewelry, it was $3.60-billion taking top spot. Next were perfumes and cosmetics at $2.89-billion. Canadian households spent an average of $225 on chocolates. Another source of statistics for Valentines spending in 2016 showed Canadian men spent more on gifts than women, with men averaging over $200.00 and women just over $100.00. One very interesting statistic I found was that just over 10 per cent of Canadians celebrate Valentine’s Day with their families. Which brings me to our other celebration this month, Family Day.

BC’s Family Day: An Economical Celebration

Unlike Valentines Day which has the same date each year, Family Day is set for the second Monday in February so the date changes. And of course, the history of Valentine’s Day goes back thousands of years, some scholars say to the second century AD. BC’s Family Day was established by an Act of the provincial Legislature and came into existence as an annual February holiday in 2013. I think it’s a wonderful holiday because my family is the most important part of my life and it gives us a day, along with other families, to enjoy doing something together. My wife and I can still exchange Valentine’s gifts and this is nice way keep the romance in our relationship, but when we are all together on Family Day, it let’s me know this is the happiest way to live.

One of the really nice things about Family Day is that you don’t have spend a lot of money on a big-ticket item to show your love. In Surrey, where we live, there are some great Family Day events this year that are absolutely free! Check out the Stewart Farm in South Surrey at 13723 Crescent Road where they will have free crafts, games and tours of the farm house. Or visit any of these Recreation Centres for free family friendly games late morning until early or mid-afternoon: Chuck Bailey Recreation Centre; Cloverdale Recreation Centre, Fleetwood Community Centre, Fraser Heights Recreation Centre, Guildford Recreation Centre and South Surrey Recreation Centre. There’s even free swimming at the South Surrey Indoor Pool from 1:30 to 3:00 pm on Family Day.

Whatever you happen to enjoy, living where we are to able to experience the joy of love in both our romantic relationships and with our families is worth a great fortune. I wish you much happiness for this time of year.

Thanks for reading!

Sibo Zhang, REALTOR®

green timbers urbanforest

North Surrey’s Green Timbers Urban Forest

One of my favourite places in Surrey is the Green Timbers Urban Forest, near the King George Skytrain station; or by car just off Green Timbers Way from 140th Street. It’s almost like a secret park – nestled behind big trees that hide it — and sound proof it — from the nearby Fraser Highway. For many families who live in towers or townhouses, this lovely park is their big back yard with lots of space for their kids to play, and for adults just to enjoy experiencing nature’s gifts. The expansive green space has hills and bushes that make for a perfect game of hide-and-seek, or just letting your energetic children run around to their heart’s content. There’s also an enchanted forest – well, the wooded area that can seem like one to a small child who will love to climb on the giant tree stump, or build a fort out of branch poles. At age two, my son Kingston had a wonderful time finding interesting little bugs on the forest floor. His curiosity about nature grew immensely and he still stops any time he sees a little insect on the ground and watches it intently.

Not only is the outdoor area a natural classroom, but the Park also has an indoor learning centre which can be used for social events as well. One year we reserved the large room for my son Warren’s eighth birthday. After he and his friends were worn out from all their outdoor games in the park, everyone came inside for cake and juice, and there were lots of indoor activities for the group as well.

During the school year, the Park offers a great choice of actual outdoor education courses to supplement regular school classes. Teachers can sign up their whole class for special elementary education, and there are even pre-school field trips for younger kids. There’s even something for teachers themselves. For the next Pro-D day, they might want to check out the outdoors teaching workshop offered at the Park.

This fall there are some great programs lined up at Green Timbers. Some are free and others that are longer and have more structure have a charge. For kids aged 3 to 5, there are Saturday morning sessions that are free. On October 20th and November 10 there are free Discovery Days for families with kids of all ages. Activities on these days are from 10 am to 2 pm and include a Nature Guide, books, puppets and other materials in the Sky Room before heading outdoors to explore the natural surroundings. If you have teenagers from 13 to 17 in your family, they can enjoy the Surrey Youth Stewardship Program, which has a collaborative art project and is also free on November 18 from 10 am to 2 pm.

Or there is the 24-session program on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting September 26 for about $400.00. This sounds like a great combination of day care and outdoor education. For older children aged 6 to 9, there are full day Friday classes on November 3rd and 9th which combine art with nature studies for about $50.00.

And I’ve saved for the last an event for what my own kids really love – Halloween! On Saturday October 28, there will be “Halloween in the Forest” from 10 am to 2 pm. This will be a free indoor and outdoor event complete with Halloween treats and a special Forest Fairy for young children.

You can find out more about the great times for families at Surrey’s Green Timbers Urban Forest by phoning 604-502-6065 or visiting the website at http://www.surrey.ca/culture-recreation/2311.aspx

Image via www.surrey.ca

Thanks for reading!

Sibo Zhang, REALTOR®