By Angela Espinoza, News Editor
Summer courses can be especially stressful when the sun starts sticking around. To mitigate some of the stress, take advantage of New Westminster and Coquitlam’s upcoming events this June. Most are free, and provide for some relaxation time around your campus’ respective cities.
Coquitlam’s Teddy Bear Picnic Grand Parade (June 8)
Starting at 9:45 a.m. the parade will set course from Coquitlam Centre up Pinetree Way to Town Centre Park. Following the parade, the Teddy Bear Picnic will commence at 11 a.m. Admission for the picnic is $3.
Sapperton Day Street Festival (June 8)
Starting at 11 a.m. the 10th Sapperton Day Street Festival will commence. Each year, money raised at the festival is donated to the Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation, with $10,000 raised back in 2013. The 400 block on East Columbia Street will be lined with performers, entertainment, snacks, a pancake breakfast, and vendors.
New West Pride’s Boat Cruise (June 13)
Taking place on the Paddlewheeler Riverboat, the event leaves the dock at 7 p.m. (boarding starts at 6:30 p.m.). Each year the New West LGBT community rents out the boat for a night of fun and drinks out on the water. The boat takes a route along the Fraser River, with a scheduled docking for 11 p.m. Tickets for this event are priced at $25, and it’s heavily encouraged that potential patrons buy their tickets as soon as possible, as the event sells out yearly.
Casks for a Cause (June 14)
This craft beer festival is being held to support the BC Children’s Hospital, raising money while serving drinks. With over 15 craft brewers partaking, there will be many beers, ciders, and wines to taste. Taking place at Frankie G’s Pub (305 Ewen Avenue, New West) from 1 to 6 p.m., there will be a live band, silent auction, prizes, and free shuttles to and from 22nd street SkyTrain station and the bar. Tickets are $25 and include a souvenir six-ounce glass and three tasting tickets.
Westminster Savings Free Swim (June 20)
Each month throughout the summer, City Centre Aquatic Complex (1210 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam)hosts one free swim day courtesy of Westminster Savings Credit Union. Each free swim goes from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Additional dates include July 18 and August 15.
Westminster Savings Free Skate (June 21)
Westminster Savings will also be teaming up with Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex (633 Poirier Street, Coquitlam) for their free skate day. There are two sessions, from 2 to 3:15 p.m. and from 3:45 to 5 p.m., taking place on the same day. The complex will also be hosting scheduled free swim days, also in association with Westminster Savings Credit Union, on June 1, July 6, August 3, and September 7, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
