Mother’s Day is May 8, and New West is full of beautiful ways to celebrate.
Yes, it’s Mother’s Day again this weekend – it’s Sunday May 8th for those who may have forgotten.
So, once you’ve had breakfast in bed and the bouquet of flowers, what else can you do for the special mother figure in your life?
the Record The team brings up these five made-in-New-Westminster options to inject some local love into your Mother’s Day gift ideas for 2022.
Take her to the theater
We in the New West are fortunate to have both the iconic Massey Theater and the contemporary Anvil Center Theater with us – and as it happens, they both have shows on offer this weekend.
At the Massey Theater (735 Eighth Ave.), you can take music of the night Friday evening (May 6) at 7:30 p.m. As the name suggests, Song Night is a tribute to legendary composer Andrew Lloyd Webber in recognition of his 75th birthday. If mom is a fan of The Phantom of the Opera, Cats, Avoided and Jesus Christ Superstar, then this one is definitely for her. Everything is staged by professional musical theater artists who have been seen on stages around the world. Tickets are limited at the time of this writing, so buy online now.
Meanwhile, at the Anvil Center (777 Columbia Street), the Royal Canadian Theater Company presents Norm Foster’s hilarious show crazy comedy – will delight all fans of Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn and other stars of the big screen. Catch it Thursday, May 5 through Sunday, May 8, with shows at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday and matinees at 3:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. You can find more details and tickets online.
Take her to tea
Drop by the Eighth and Eighth Arts Space (the Massey Theater complex at 735 Eighth Ave.) on Sunday afternoon for the next episode of the Global Tea Room series. Join curator/host Cassius Khan – tabla magician and local resident – as he introduces you to renowned Chinese musician Lan Tang, an erhu (Chinese fiddle) performer and singer whose music falls somewhere between new music, improvisation and world music scenes. You’ll enjoy music and refreshments, and it’s all free. It takes place from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. in Studio 1B.
Take her for a nature walk
What’s your favorite place in New Westminster to connect with nature? We have a few newsroom favorites to suggest, starting with the gem that is Glenbrook Ravine. Or maybe Sapperton Landing is more your style, with its lovely flat walk along the river (don’t miss the path down to the little beach where you can sit on a log and feel away from the city) . There’s Hume Park, where you can take trails down to the lower park and join the Brunette River, or cross East Columbia Street for a walk along the river as it meanders through the woods. You can also walk the lovely wooded paths of Queen’s Park or stroll along the waterfront at the Quay (and, of course, stop at the River Market to eat).
You can find more information at city parks and trails online.
If you want, you can even enjoy guided walks this weekend as part of the popular Jane’s Walk series – check out this list of New Westminster Jane’s Walks, from Friday May 6 to Sunday May 8.
Take her out for an ice cream
Yes, the forecast is indeed calling for a cool and rainy Sunday, but don’t let that stop you. Ice cream is an all-weather treat (I say that, and I’m a mom, and so it actually is). And we in the New West are blessed with some very good choices. You can, of course, never go wrong at Rocky Point Ice Cream (500 Sixth Ave.), where Lemon Yogurt Cookie, Earl Gray & Honey, and Salted Caramel flavors are always good choices (well, all the other choices are). also, so choose what your heart desires). Or, if you’re walking along the river as shown above, don’t miss Tre Galli Gelato at the River Market (810 Quayside Dr.); my house gelato expert (that would be my nine-year-old) recommends all berry flavors, though I personally lean towards the coffee-infused options.
I would be remiss if I didn’t remind you of the maple-infused delights on offer at Anny’s Dairy Bar uptown (722 Sixth St.) – although, if you go there, you naturally also have to leave room for poutine, so prepare accordingly.
Take her to the gallery
Mom loves art? New West has you covered.
You can drop by the Plaskett Gallery at the Massey Theater (735 Eighth Ave.) for New Refuge, a exhibition of works by Jane Appleby. It is open Tuesday through Friday, 1-4 p.m., during Massey Theater performances (pre-show and intermission) and by appointment.
The Queen’s Park Gallery is presenting Artist’s Choice, a juried exhibition by the Fraser Valley Potters Guild. It is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; you can find the gallery at Centennial Lodge (near the bandstand).
At the Anvil Center Community art gallery (on the third floor at 777 Columbia St.), you can check out Art Talks, an exhibition of works by nine artists who connected virtually during the pandemic and are now bringing their artistic conversations to the public domain. An official opening will take place on Thursday May 5 and the show will continue until June 10.
And of course, don’t forget New West Craft, with its Mother’s Day Craft Market on Saturday, May 7 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the River Market.
Or why not create your own mini art and stop at all of the above?
However you choose to spend your weekend, here’s a tribute to all moms and moms out there. Happy Mother’s Day!
Follow Julie MacLellan on Twitter @juliemaclellan.
Email Julie, [email protected]
