Now, as the leaves fall and the rain starts to pour here in the lush Fraser Valley, the local theatre seems like a great idea.  After all, there is something about spending a beautiful summer evening inside that just doesn’t seem right. But I believe that on a crisp fall night, there isn’t anything comparable to being entertained by the dialogue, action, and storytelling right in front of you.

Without further adieu, Fraser Valley Pulse would like you to meet the cast of 5 great local theatres to check out this season. Enjoy the show!

by skwirrel

Surrey Little Theatre

Located in northwest Cloverdale, the Surrey Little Theatre was formed in 1959 and is currently hosted in a heritage church. Shows usually run Thursday to Saturday, starting at 8:00pm.

This fall, starting October 27, the Surrey Little Theatre invites you to experience At First Sight, a comedy by Anne Pié. In the story, just when a widow thinks she has experienced it all, she meets a man who sweeps her off her feet and leaves her just as quickly, causing more than just memories.

Tickets are $15 at the door, or reserve your seats by calling 604-576-8451 or by emailing reservations@surreylittletheatre.com.

Langley Players

Founded in 1969, the Langley Players theatre group hosts three productions per year. Located in Brookswood, the Langley Players are affiliated with Theatre BC and the Community Theatre Coalition.

Starting October 20, the group performs John Murrell’s Waiting for the Parade, a play depicting how the lives of five women living in Calgary are affected during World War II. The story provides an insight into life that many of us have only heard second-hand; and perfectly mixes drama and comedy, with just the right amount of music.

Shows run from Thursday to Saturday, with Sunday matinees. Tickets are $15, and can be reserved through reservations@langleyplayers.com.

Gallery 7

Gallery 7 began in 1991 at the Eben-Ezer Mennonite Church and became a non-profit society in January 2005. A member of the Abbotsford Arts Council, Christians in Theatre Arts, and Theatre BC, all of Gallery 7’s productions are held at MEI Secondary School in Abbotsford.

Gallery 7’s season begins November 4 with The Outsiders. Yes, the Greasers and Socs are coming to Abbotsford on stage, in an adaptation of S.E. Hinton’s captivating tale of youth and social structure.

Season passes are available, or you can purchase tickets in person at House of James located at 2743 Emerson Street, Abbotsford, or by calling 604-852-3701 or toll free 1-800-665-8828.

Chilliwack Cultural Centre

The Chilliwack Cultural Centre opened to the public in September 2010. The $22 million state-of-the-art cultural facility is publicly owned and features an array of live theatre performances, along with dance, kids, classical, special, and partner concerts. This season, beginning October 7, visitors are invited to take in Jake’s Gift and the Songs of the War Years. The story explains the journey of a WWII veteran reluctantly returning to Normandy, where he meets an unlikely companion who helps him work through the ghosts of his past.

Theatre-goers are also treated to Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story; Chris Gibbs is… Antoine Feval; Good Timber; and Ubuntu: The Cape Town Project later in the season.

If you haven’t already visited the Chilliwack Cultural Centre, order your tickets by phone at 604-391-SHOW (7469), by email at boxoffice@chilliwackculturalcentre.ca, or at the box office at 9201 Corbould Street, Chilliwack.

Fraser Valley Stage

The Fraser Valley Stage is a non-profit organization of volunteer singers, actors, dancers and others who live and breathe live theatre. The Stage aims to promote live theater while encouraging theatrical arts and skills. For the past few years, the Stage has concentrated on the works of Gilbert and Sullivan, and the upcoming HMS Pinafore will continue that tradition at the Abby Arts Centre this spring. If it seems like a fair bit away, we promise it’s worth it. For more information, call 604-850-2470, or email info@fraservalleystage.com

Honourable mentions to the ACT in Maple Ridge and the Bell Centre for Performing Arts.

Do you have a local theatre you like to visit? We would love to hear your suggestions!

by miss604

1. Abbotsford Air Show

One of the most interesting events to hit the skies of the Fraser Valley, this year’s Abbotsford Air Show takes place August 12-14, 2011 at the Abbotsford International Airport. Grab the family, a few blankets (or lawn chairs), sunscreen and sunglasses then head out for a flight-filled day. Although there are a few great sky performers planned to wow you, the entertainment doesn’t end there. Be sure to check out the static displays and ground exhibits as well. You may also enjoy the marketplace, interactive zones and great food vendors. Tickets are $12 for children, $30 for adults or pay $100 for a carload (up to 8 people). Tickets can be purchased in advance by online or at the gate when you arrive.

2. Jam in Jubilee

The Jam in Jubilee brings entertainers, performers and a unique (and local) vendor marketplace to old town Abbotsford every Thursday from July 7 – August 11, 2011. Different local bands take the stage every Thursday, to keep things fresh for repeat visitors! Jam in Jubilee is also introducing a short film component to this year’s schedule, with a mini film festival to be shown on August 4^th. Admission is by donation, and don’t forget to bring a blanket or lawn chair for seating! A great family friendly and affordable summer evening activity!

3. Party in the Park

Party in the Park in Chilliwack is back for another entertainment packed year! Visit Central Community Park (corner of Victoria & Young) every Friday in July and August for incredible entertainment (last year’s performers included Whitey, Pardon My Striptease and Dean Brody) and a bustling nighttime shopping market! Great activities at the family fun zone include face painting stations, petting zoos and various craft “make and takes” for little hands! Admission is free, and if you are looking for a good seat for the concert series, aim to be there by 5:00pm.

4. Surrey Fusion Festival

Dubbed the “ultimate celebration of music, food and culture” the Surrey Fusion Festival lives up to its name! With 4 stages filled with great entertainment acts over 2 days, you can be sure there will be something to tickle your fancy! From theatric taiko drum shows, to reggae tribute bands and hip hop performers, to comedic jugglers this festival is an explosion of cultural experiences! This year’s Fusion Festival takes place July 16-17, 2011 at Holland Park. Tickets are free, but remember to bring a few dollars in cash to try out a few new food items!

5. Langley International Festival

Like the Surrey Fusion Festival, the Langley International Festival is a celebration of cultures all over the world! A great family oriented activity, the International Festival features a plethora of on-stage entertainment, static displays and a food and vendor marketplace organized in cultural pavilions! Catch a polish dancing demonstration, live Shakespearian play or the parade of nations while you are there! New this year is a bike and car show display, as well as an outdoor movie at the Open Air Theatre! The event takes place at Willoughby Community Park in Langley on August 27^th & 28^th! Visit their website for detailed stage and event schedules!

What is your favourite Fraser Valley summer event? Let us know!

And be sure to check out 5 Great Summer Events in Metro Vancouver over at MVP as well.

Golden Ears Provincial Park

Alouette (South Beach) Area
Fern Crescent, Maple Ridge MAP

One of the largest provincial parks in all of BC, this great picnic area offers lots to choose from! From excellent hiking and walking trails, to plenty of picnic areas (easy access and remote) Golden Ears Provincial Park has something for everyone. Use the charcoal BBQ’s to grill hamburgers without having to lug a portable BBQ around (but remember the charcoal!). Once you’re finished with your meal, pack everything up and venture to another area within Golden Ears for a change of scenery. With all of the space that this park covers, we can guarantee you’ll need more than a day to explore it all!

by keepitsurreal

Williams Park

68^th Avenue & 238 St, Langley MAP

Originally a retirement destination for Dr. Don Williams of UBC, Williams Park is a place where families can visit to enjoy nature at its best. With spectacular walking trails, shady trees and serene green space overlooking the Salmon River, there are plenty of great picnic spots here! The covered picnic area can easily accommodate a larger group of people, making it perfect for multi-family gatherings. Nearby children’s play areas are great for little ones and parents alike, and are usually shaded to keep things cool.

Cultus Lake Provincial Park

Entrance Bay or Maple Bay
Columbia Bay Highway, Chilliwack MAP

A true picnic destination area, Cultus Lake Provincial Park boasts the perfect mixture of sand and grass with plenty of shady trees to have a nap under. We recommend continuing on past Main Beach to get to Entrance or Maple Bay areas for better picnic table selections (some even have BBQ stands for your hibachi!). Cold-water taps for cooking (and cleaning) are available throughout the day use areas as well, which comes in handy when your hands get dirty. If you are bringing a four-legged friend, they do have pet friendly designated areas at both bay’s, but make sure to look for the signs. Since September of 2010, pay parking has been cancelled so no need to bring your change jar (yippee)!

by keepitsurreal

Fraser River Heritage Park

5^th Avenue, Mission MAP

An easily accessible picnic destination, the Fraser River Heritage Park is a great alternative to picnicking in the heart of a provincial park. Not only does this heritage park offer incredible views of the Fraser Valley and Mt. Baker (on clear days), it is also home to many exciting events throughout the year! Designated picnic areas can be found throughout the park (some with shelter and some without) and portable propane BBQs are welcome! If the weather is a little chilly, head into the nearby Blackberry Kitchen for a freshly brewed cup of coffee, hot chocolate or other signature beverage to warm up after your meal.

Bear Creek Park

13750 88^th Ave, Surrey MAP

A mixture of beautiful gardens, green space and stroller/wheelchair friendly walk-ways, Bear Creek Park is a great place to take busy children! Like the other picnic destinations, Bear Creek Park has picnic tables available for basket-toters throughout the park. After lunch, consider taking a ride on the miniature train, running around on the playground or through the waterpark! If you plan on going on an especially hot day – come prepared with flotation devices and jump into the outdoor swimming pool (just make sure it’s an hour after you eat!).

Helpful Picnic Pointers

• Try to plan out your main foods as much as you can. The more planning and prep you do beforehand, the more you can relax when you arrive at your picnic destination.
• Pasta and/or Greek salads are great “make ahead” picnic dishes that get better with a bit of marinating. By the time you get set up and ready to eat,  your salads will be full of flavour!
• Don’t forget to bring a few older blankets, just in case you need them. They work great if you can’t find a picnic table, if the picnic table is dirty or if you get chilly!
• If you are bringing chicken to grill, mix chicken and marinade/sauce in Ziploc bags the morning of your adventure. Make sure the bags are properly sealed and toss in the cooler – all ready for grilling! When you’re done, toss the bags in the garbage to eliminate mess!
• Bring wet-naps. You don’t want to be running off to the washroom everytime you get sauce or mustard on your hands! Or go jump in the nearest lake to clean off and cool off at the same time.

Where is your favourite spot to picnic in the Fraser Valley? There are so many beautiful parks, beaches, lakes and fields – we bet you will have some fabulous suggestions!

Be sure to also check out 5 Great Picnic Spots in Metro Vancouver!

Below is a list of some of our favourite places where we will know you will find something wonderful to spoil your Mom, Step Moms, Grandmas and Nanas with!

1. If Mom loves flowers, consider…

A Passion For Flowers in South Surrey; it is one of our fave places to visit when we are seeking an exquisite floral gift.

Buckets Fresh Flower Market in Abbotsford has some of the best prices around, and their blooms are gorgeous! Their rainbow roses are impressive.

Flowers & Company in Langley create some beautiful and unique bouquets and pots that will wow Mum for sure.

Horty Girl makes long-lasting, stylish plants which are available at retail outlets all over the Fraser Valley.

by WoofBC

2. If Mom loves the spa, consider…

Sour Apple Nail Bar in Pitt Meadows is fabulously divalicious! If Mom loves Audrey, Marilyn and all things feminine, this is a great fit.

The Wild Orange Spa is luxurious – your Mom will love any treatment from this Abbotsford spa. They have some great Mother’s Day spa packages on offer.

Aru Spa & Salon in South Surrey will spoil Mom rotten! It starts with valet parking… need we say more?

3. If Mom loves wine, consider…

A beautiful painting from Leanne Laine, the Women in Wine Artist.

Tickets to the Fraser Valley Wineries Association Wine & Culinary Extravaganza on May 28, 2011. Wine, food, community.

A bottle of any local wine! Visit the websites of two local gurus, Kathleen Rake and Mike Nierychlo. Both will have some great suggestions.

by Oncle Tom

4. If Mom loves to try new things, consider…

Cooking classes at Lepp Farm Market or Well Seasoned. Fraser Valley cooking classes are such a fun night out!

A Paverpol workshop at Orange Wire Art. Let Mom explore her creative side as she turns a t-shirt into a garden sculpture!

Ladies only fly fishing adventures with FlyGal are a super fun way for Mom to let loose, enjoy nature and learn a new skill!

5. If Mom has a sweet tooth, consider….

Limone tarts from Mozart Bakery in Langley. The perfect combination of tart and sweet.

Gourmet marshmallows from The Pink Spatula. Available in Mission and Langley. Lots of great uses but best eaten on their own!

Divine chocolate creations from Chocolatas in Abbotsford or sweet epicurean delights from Mink Chocolates in South Surrey.

6. If Mom loves bling, consider…

Gorgeous, elegant, unique designs from Sweet Piece.

A Thomas Sabo or Pandora charm bracelet that you can add to in the future. Both are available at McBurney Junction.

We have so many local jewelry designers that are simply amazing! Check out Brooklyn Designs, KV Bijou, Karyn Chopik, Breathe Couture, Wild Ruby Silversmithing, to name a few.

What are your Mother’s Day plans? Whatever they are, we hope you have a lovely day!

Township 7 Spring Release & Easter Egg Hunt

21152 16^th Avenue, Langley
Ring: 604.532.1766

For an unconventional Easter weekend activity, visit Township 7 on April 24^th for their 5^th Annual Easter egg hunt and animal rescue fundraiser! An excellent mixture of activities for both children and adults, the Easter celebrations include an Easter egg hunt, birdhouse making and other crafts, homemade goodies, live music and informative wine seminars. Bring a picnic lunch along with you to make the most of the festivities! Partial proceeds of money raised will be donated to the Small Animal Rescue Society to aid in their commitment to rescue abandoned rabbits in the Fraser Valley.

by splorp

Surrey Nature Center’s Eco Easter Egg Hunt

14255 – 96^th Avenue, Surrey
Ring: 604.502.6065

Take the family out to a true Easter Egg Hunt – in the forest! This year, the Surrey Nature Center presents an Eco-Easter Egg Hunt from 10:00 – 2:00pm on Saturday, April 23^rd 2011 (allowing you to make the most of your Easter weekend!). Take part in the egg hunt for only $5.00 per person, but don’t forget to bring your own basket! All participants will receive a candy treat, regardless of how many eggs they find. Easter Bunny photo opportunities will present themselves, so bring along your camera on this adventure as well!

Easter Brunch at Minter Gardens – Update: THIS EVENT IS NOW SOLD OUT

52892 Bunker Rd, Chilliwack
Ring: 604.794.7044

Easter brunches are always a great way to spend the holiday, whether it’s just yourself and a friend, or your whole extended family! Every Easter Sunday, the Trillium Restaurant at Minter Gardens presents its annual special Easter brunch that is sure to please even the pickiest brunch attendee. The neat part? The Trillium Restaurant also doubles as a conservatory, creating a one of a kind atmosphere for a special holiday meal. Make a whole day out of your trip to the Harrison area by exploring Minter Gardens either before or after your delicious brunch! Be sure to call ahead for reservations, as these brunches book up in advance.

by Oberazzi

Easter Scavenger Hunt at the Greater Vancouver Zoo

5048 264^th St, Aldergrove
Ring: 604.856.6825

Visit the Greater Vancouver Zoo this Easter Sunday for a family fun and educational scavenger hunt amongst the animals! Free of charge with regular zoo admission; visit the zoo for an all day adventure with a twist! Easter activities will include Easter Bunny photo opportunities between 12:00pm & 2:00pm, with the main feature scavenger hunt beginning at 2:00pm. All participants will receive a chocolate treat and a zoo animal coloring book to take home with them at the end of the day. Attend early or stay later to see the rest of the zoo animals as well (the zoo will stay open from 9:00am – 4:00pm on April 24^th).

Easter at Kilby

215 Kilby Rd, Harrison Mills
Ring: 604.796.9576

When it comes to Easter Egg Hunts, it’s all about the location, location, location! Kilby Historical site is celebrating Easter this year by setting up a one-of-a-kind Easter egg hunt throughout the historical grounds and pioneer museum! Visit Kilby on April 24^th & 25^th for Easter egg hunts & related activities between 11:00am and 1:00pm. After you’ve made a few Easter crafts, and visited the bunnies and other small animals on site, don’t forget to visit the rest of the museum for a trip back into the pioneer days! There will also be a specialty home-style lunch available at the Kilby Restaurant – call ahead for reservations!

Do you already have plans for your Easter weekend? Do you have a special event that you like to attend every year with family and friends? We’d love to hear your ideas and your favorite places to spend Easter with your family!

This month’s Frugal Fun feature highlights three of the Valley’s great flower festivals beginning in the next few weeks. For just a handful of change and a bit of gas in the car, the whole family can have a colourful afternoon!

Tulips of the Valley

Spend a lazy afternoon wandering 40 acres of beautiful tulips on Seabird Island, just east of Agassiz. Starting April 16^th (and going until all of the blooms are gone), visitors can park on the fields and walk through the endless rows of tulips of all colors. Make sure to bring your camera and expect to take a heap of photos. Not only are the fields incredible to look at, they make for excellent backgrounds for springtime family portraits!

They are open Wednesday – Friday (11:00am – 4:00pm), Saturday and Sunday (10:00am – 5:00pm) and are closed Monday and Tuesday. Admission is $6 for the vehicle and one admission (includes parking), and $3 for each extra admission (children under 12 are free!).

by Dru!

Bradner Daffodil Festival

Not only does springtime in Bradner (Abbotsford) bring beautiful daffodils, the Bradner Community Hall will also be hosting the 83^rd Annual Bradner Daffodil & Flower Festival from April 8^th – 10^th. More than just a flower festival, the Bradner Daffodil & Flower Festival is part of British Columbia’s Year of Science Initiative, and showcases interactive displays and entertainment from the Telus World of Science!

With three days of seminars, displays, and demonstrations there are a number of different things to see and do at the festival all day long. Interactive displays and make & takes will keep the children entertained while adults attend informative seminars on pollution, plant hybridization, pruning and growing organically. The community hall is open all days from 10:00am – 5:00pm, and admission is $2 per person.

TulipMania

The 3^rd Annual TulipMania festival takes place at Bloomz n’ Herbz Farms in Rosedale from April 16^th – May 1^st. Not only do you get to frolic in their fields of tulips, you get the pick them too! A fundraiser for the BC Cancer Foundation and the Chilliwack Hospice Society, the TulipMania Festival is a win-win for everyone. At only $2 for 5 tulips or $10 for 30, you and your family can pick to your hearts content and donate to a great cause!

Check their calendar of events ahead of time for live entertainment, children’s events and special days on the field! Admission is $3 per person or $6 per family.

We would love to hear from those of you who visit this year. Let us know which festival you attend and how much fun you have!

1.Gold Fever Day Camps – Fort Langley

Do you ever wonder what it might have been like to be a prospector in the 1858 Fraser Gold Rush? Now’s your chance with the Gold Fever Day Camps presented by historic Fort Langley! From 10:00am – 5:00pm, March 19^th – 27^th, visit the Fort to experience what life was like during the Fraser Gold Rush, and see the challenges they might have faced while searching for gold. At the beginning of your adventure, choose your supplies carefully to carry on your back for your trek. After learning how to pan for gold, take time to enjoy a prospector’s lunch! Cooking demonstrations will also be held at the Full Barrel Café for $5/person on March 19^th, 20^th 26^th & 27^th. Space is limited; pre-registration is recommended.

by Loutron Glouton

2. Have a Mini Photography Session

Spring break is the perfect time to round up the family for those family portraits you’ve been meaning to do. With the weather slowly starting to get warmer, getting the family outside is a wonderful way to capture your children just the way they are! If you aren’t skilled in the use of a camera, Kim Mallory Photography in Chilliwack is offering quick and easy 30 minute mini photography sessions on March 23^rd & 24^th to help you fill your walls and shelves with smiling pictures of your loved ones. Offered in their downtown Chilliwack studio, and all it’s urban outdoor glory, the mini sessions are available for up to 3 children (with additional children and/or pets welcome for an additional fee).

3. Visit Chapters & Indigo Locations for Free In-Store Activities

Have a craft day, without the mess! In light of spring break, Chapters and Indigo stores throughout the Fraser Valley have organized family friendly story-times and free activities for children of all ages! From craft classes, to board game sessions, to Wimpy Kid and Fancy Nancy themed afternoons – there is something available to interest all types of little ones. With different activities taking place everyday from March 16^th – 20^th, you can even attend a few activities in a row! Check the website for schedule and additional details.

by Tundra Books

4. Go For a Outdoorsy Spring Skate in Morgan Crossing

It’s not very often that we are treated to an outdoor skating rink right here in the Fraser Valley, especially with the warmer weather heading our way! Through the use of synthetic ice, the City of Surrey is home to BC’s largest outdoor skating rink, if only for a short period of time! Boasting 3000 square feet, the skating rink feels and skates like real ice regardless of the weather. Open from March 19^th – 23^rd, from 10:00am – 7:00pm the Morgan Crossing rink is a great affordable spring break destination for the whole family – admission is free! Skate rentals and sharpening services will be available on site by donation, with all proceeds going to the Canadian Cancer Society. Rink is located on the corner of 24^th and Croydon Drive in South Surrey.

5. Attend a Spring Break Arts Safari

Sometimes, we all need a little adventure. Why not enroll the little ones in an Art Safari adventure this spring break? With art classes for children aged 6 – 17 in two different groups of classes (March 21^st – 25^th or March 28^th – April 1^st), the Surrey Spring Break Arts Safari’s are a great way to introduce them to new forms of art. From clay working lessons to art theatre groups, the Safari’s range in various art concentrations to help students expand their artistic and creative experiences. To avoid disappointment, advanced registration is recommended. Visit the City of Surrey Cultural & Recreation Website for the various course details, ages and prices.

What are you looking forward to doing with your children this spring break? Do you have any favorite Fraser Valley camps or activities that you love to take part in this time of year?

The next time you find yourself craving a little quality time with your sweetie, grab this list (or leave a hint by leaving it on the fridge) and enjoy a fun local night out together!

1. Go Bowling

Bowling is one of those great interactive things you can do whether it’s your first date, or one hundredth date. The best part? Neither of you have to be any good (or even know what you’re doing) to have a great time. Most bowling alleys have switched over to automatic scoring now, so you can even leave your math skills at home. For something a little more upbeat, try out disco or cosmic bowling on a Friday or Saturday night, and bowl the night away while bopping to top 40 music and strobe lights.

Haven’t been bowling in a while, and aren’t sure where to go? A few great Fraser Valley bowling alleys:

Revs @ Maple Ridge
22730 119^th Avenue, Maple Ridge

Chillibowl Lanes
45916 Wellington Avenue, Chilliwack

Galaxy Bowl
32490 Simon Avenue, Abbotsford

Xcalibur Bowling Center
12350 Puttullo Place, Surrey

Willowbrook Lanes
6350 196th Street, Langley

by nats

2. Take a Cooking Class Together

Many local universities, and locally owned food markets (Lepp Farm Market) and kitchen stores (Kitchen Therapy, Well Seasoned) are now offering casual one-night cooking classes for singles, couples and groups. With exciting themes like Great Greek Food, Superbowl Sized Appetizers, Rustic Italian Soups and Pasta from Scratch, these classes are suitable for both cooking amateurs and foodies alike! Make sure to book your spot early though, as the promise of tons of fun and tons of food usually causes these classes to sell out quickly.

3. Get Your Dance On – Ballroom Style

As old fashioned as it may seem, sometimes a lady just wants to be taken out dancing. The next time the dancing bug strikes you, make reservations at the Copper Room in Harrison Hot Springs and give yourself (and your hunny) a reason to get all dolled up. Being one of the few places in the Fraser Valley where you can wear your ball gown to dinner (and fit in!), the Copper Room provides a dining and dancing experience like no other. If you don’t trust yourself on the dance floor, consider taking a few dance lessons or an introductory dance class that covers all styles of ballroom dancing, before your big date. For great beginners classes, try Dancing for Dessert Studio in Langley, Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Surrey or Ballroom Dance Fever for lessons in Chilliwack and Abbotsford.

by gwilmore

4. Take a Mystery Drive

A date idea that requires very little pre-planning, taking a mystery drive is a fun idea for a spontaneous date night where neither of you are sure what to do. Set off with a full tank of gas, a few snacks, a blanket for possible stargazing, a great mix playlist on your iPod (bonus points if you make the playlist especially for your drive), and there’s no telling where you might end up on your adventure. Roll dice to help make decisions when you’re unsure of where and when to turn (1/2 turn left, 3/4 turn right, 5/6 stay straight). Don’t forget to stop if you see something you’d like to do!

5. Go to a Local Play or Comedy Night

The next time you open the paper to check movie listings, consider taking in a local play or comedy show instead. There really is something to be said about watching a live production unfold, especially if it’s something you haven’t experienced before. In the upcoming months we are lucky enough to have a wide array of plays and shows performing all over the Fraser Valley. From “The Tempest” (Shakespeare) and Directors’ Theatre Festival (various) at UFV,  to “The Sea Horse” (Drama) at the Surrey Arts Center, to “Jailhouse Rock” (Elvis Tribute) at the Abbotsford Arts Center, and great productions at Langley Players Drama Club or the Surrey Little Theatre, you’re sure to find something that suits your fancy!

Since the Fraser Valley has no shortage of fantastic things to do with your loved one, this article was a tough one! Where are you favorite places to go when you are craving quality time together?

Not like they used to be, board games have changed a lot over the years. With the number of great party games on the market these days, a games night in is the perfect combination of casual dinner party interaction, laughter and a little dose of healthy competition. Not only are game nights significantly less expensive than going out, they can also be as simple or as extravagantly planned as you’d like them to be. From last minute plans to planning weeks in advance (complete with invitations!), the choice is up to you.  To help you get started, Fraser Valley Pulse has put together a list of tips to show you just how fun and simple of an event it can be!

by mtsofan

#1 Utilize your home. Contrary to what you may think, your home, and the homes of most of your friends can have the potential to be great visiting spots, regardless of their sizes. Sure, you probably shouldn’t try to fit 100 people into your 900 square foot apartment, but a coffee & monopoly date with your girlfriends would work quite nicely!

#2 Worried about what to feed your guests? Organize a pot-luck! Not only are they easy-peasy to plan, they are an affordable option for everyone involved and often yield a very interesting selection of dishes. Mix things up by giving it a theme like finger foods, favorite dishes of the guest of honor, all desserts, or types of ethnic foods (you can even give each guest a different country ahead of time).

by MikeOliveri

#3 Consider affordable decoration options. Sometimes, all you need is a little pizzazz – and sometimes, you can find it at the dollar store! To jazz up you home for a games night, fill a vase with dollar store dice, or borrowed poker chips for an interesting centerpiece. A twister mat makes a great table cloth for the pot-luck table, and neglected gameboards can be re-used as placemats!

#4 Get Out the games!  From board games (Monopoly & Sorry), to DVD trivia games (like the various types of Scene It games), to group interactive video games (Super Mario Bros. & Rock Band), to creative DIY games – the different types of possible game nights are absolutely endless. To stay frugal, ask guests to bring their favorite board game along with them when they come. Not only is it a great conversation topic for any new comers to the group, it also leaves you with a great game selection for the evening!

by Aquistbe

Need a few game ideas to get you started? These proven party games are guaranteed to provide lighthearted entertainment (and plenty of laughter) for all ages:

• Scattergories
• Catch Phrase
• Cranium
• Charades
• Taboo
• Balderdash
• Pictionary
• Scribblish

Always remember to take stock on any game notepads that might be running low, and make photocopies so you won’t have to purchase official notebooks later on.  Also, make sure to check all games beforehand to ensure there are no missing pieces necessary for game play.  You don’t want any game-day disappointment!

Have fun!

1.Go Ice Skating

With the number of ice skating rinks located throughout the Fraser Valley, you’re bound to be close to one, no matter where you are! Grab your skates, or a few dollars to rent a pair (don’t forget a clean pair of socks), pair of mittens and a hat, and you’re set for a wonderful winter-themed outing. A few local indoor skating rinks worth visiting before the end of winter: Twin Rinks & Prospera Center in Chilliwack, Matsqui Recreation Center & Centre Ice in Abbotsford, Twin Rinks & Sportsplex In Langley, or any of 5 public arenas throughout Surrey.

by Alex Ristea

2. Go Skiing or Snowboarding

Truly a winter activity, the Fraser Valley is lucky to have not only one, but two great ski and snowboard resorts nearby. With 3 lifts and 36 runs, Hemlock Valley Resort has started off fabulously this season, with a base of over 200cm at alpine level. A mere 45 minute drive from Chilliwack, or 60 from Langley, makes this mountain accessible even during the work week (3 of their runs are open, and well lit, until 8pm). To sweeten the deal even more, starting January 1^st ladies ski and snowboard free all day every Thursday for Ladies Nights!

Looking for more of an overnight ski/snowboard get-away? Head up to Manning Park Resort for a mini winter vacation! With great chalets and accommodations available, it makes the 1.5 hour drive seem like worlds away from your everyday life in the valley.

3. Go on a Snowshoeing Trek

When was the last time you strapped on a pair of snowshoes for a hike on fresh white powder? For most of us, it’s never! Why not try something new this year, and head up to Hemlock Valley Resort for one of their guided Fraser Valley snowshoeing treks? Perfect for the snowshoeing novice, treks are offered in 2 and 3 hour journeys on two different terrains (one at the lodge level of the mountain and one at alpine level). If you are feeling a little more confident, visitors are also able to embark on their own unguided tour on one of the many trails around the nordic activity section of the mountain. Not only is it a neat experience, snowshoeing is a great way to burn off those extra Christmas calories!

by Duncan Creamer

4. Set Out on a Winter Walk

Team FVP realizes not everyone would enjoy strapping on strange apparatuses to their feet and attempting to walk in fresh snow. If this sounds like you, why not set out a winter walk in your own neighborhood instead? With significantly less insects out there than any other season, winter is a great time to bundle up and take an early evening stroll under the (usually) clear skies. If you’re lucky, you might be pleasantly surprised with a light snowfall, or even still see a few fabulous Christmas light displays. If anything, the cool crisp air will leave you craving a hot chocolate, a blanket and perhaps a great book when you arrive back indoors! It’s surprising how a winter walk can leave you feeling so energenized, relaxed and focused.

5. Tubing, Sledding & Crazy Carpeting!

Although we haven’t received that big snowfall we’ve been promised…yet, you can bet that when we do, the local hills and tiny slopes will be filled with tubes and sliding devices. Most neighborhoods have plenty of little hills that are popular with local kids. Try taking a family drive around your own neighborhood in search one close by – then you’ll be all set when the snow arrives!

In the meantime, be sure to try Hemlock’s tubing park (they even pull you back up the hill!) or take a Sunday mountain drive to search out your own snow if you are the adventurous type.

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We LOVE hearing what our readers are up to in the Fraser Valley. What are your favorite things to do or places to visit during the winter months? Please leave your ideas below, thanks