Determining who has the largest pumpkin in Langley, in B.C., and possibly even the world, is on the books this weekend at Krause’s.
BC’s giant pumpkin weigh off is being held this Saturday at Krause Berry Farms and Estate Winery, 6179 248th St., with registration from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. weigh off starting at 11:30 and the winners announced at 3 p.m.
The cost is $20 per contestant, and more information is online at GiantPumpkinsBC.com/Events.
Art crawl in City
Downtown Langley businesses are hosting dozens of local visual and performing arts artists this weekend as part of what’s dubbed the Downtown Langley Art Crawl.
This event runs Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, from noon to 5 p.m. with exhibits and demonstrations inside the local stores and shops. Musicians will also be playing along the route, with a drum circle and a youth mural being painted in McBurney Lane, said organizer Rosemary Wallace.
Wetlands wonder
Metro Vancouver parks is hosting a tour of the wetlands this weekend.
Working in partnership with the Langley Environmental Partners Society, Metro is offering a guided tour of West Creek Wetlands, in the Glen Valley Regional Park on Sunday, Oct. 2, from 1 to 3 p.m.
Organizers suggest this free event be limited to people ages 14 and older, offering a view of a variety of plant and wildlife. Registration required at metrovancouveronline.org or call 604-432-6359.
Grape stomping time
Township 7 Vineyard & Winery is once again hosting its annual Grape stomp, and calling on people to form teams for one of those bucket or “barrel” list type experiences.
“We’re accepting a limited number of teams to #getstomped,” said spokesperson Lori Pike-Raffan.
This is the seventh annual grape stomp, and it’s running both Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m., but the Sunday event is already sold out. The cost is $21 per person.
“Your team will need a skilled stomper to stand in the barrel and squish the juice out of the grapes using only their feet,” Pike-Raffan explained.
The other team members work together to keep the juice flowing into the wine bottle, while gathering grapes to be stomped.
“So, get ready to kick off your shoes, roll up your pants, and crush some grapes,” she said, noting prizes are given for top stomp and best costumet.
Info: township7.com, or email Wine@township7.com.
Ukes on loan
A new program, aimed at getting even more Langleyites to take up the ukulele, kicks off at the Langley City library Friday.
While popular for years in Langley, the uke is experiencing a wave of popularity elsewhere now, including the advent of Lower Mainland uke circles.
Well, from 2 to 3 p.m. on Sept. 30, the Fraser Valley Regional Library will host a special musical interlude with a Langley Ukulele Ensemble trio that is aimed at helping roll out a new Uke ’n Play program at FVRL libraries.
Starting in October, customers can check out the 50 soprano-sized ukes, free of charge, for a two or three-week period. Consider this event a preview.
Each uke for loan comes in a kit that includes a ukulele, a soft ukulele case, a digital tuner and a beginner ukulele book.
The ukulele, a small stringed instrument of Hawaiian origin, is currently experiencing a wave of popularity. It is small, portable, easy to learn and fun to play, said Heather Scoular, director of customer experience.
Ukulele circles are already popular at FVRL’s Tsawwassen and Port Coquitlam libraries.
These events encourage musical literacy, social inclusion, and the emotional rewards that come from creating music together.
By adding ukuleles to its collection, FVRL is taking its first step towards the Library of Things, a trend that sees public libraries offering musical instruments, tools, games, and other objects for loan, she said.
“FVRL is extremely proud to provide our customers with new experiences and opportunities,” Scoular added. “There has never been a better time to visit your local FVRL library.”
Uke ’n Play was born of a community partnership between FVRL and the Coquitlam Ukulele Tiny Instruments Enthusiasts Circle, or “Cutie Circle.”
It began when Cutie Circle founder Jen Chang approached staff at FVRL’s Terry Fox Library in Port Coquitlam with an idea for lending instruments through the library.
Chang has seen the life-transforming magic of the ukulele first-hand and believes wholeheartedly that “Where there’s a uke, there’s a way.”
As a result, the Cutie Circle has donated a gift of 50 ukuleles to FVRL and will assist with instrument maintenance.
“This generous gift” was made possible with the support of sponsors Empire Music, King’s Music, Ohana Music and Linda Thiessen, Scoular said.
The Uke ‘n Play lending collection is available to FVRL cardholders at any of the 25 locations in the Fraser Valley and Lower Mainland.
Uke ‘n Play launch events will be held at five FVRL locations.
·Tsawwassen Library: Friday, Sept. 30, 2 to 2:45 p.m.
·Chilliwack Library: Saturday, Oct. 1, 3 to 4:30 p.m.
·Terry Fox Library: Tuesday, Sept. 27 at 7 p.m. (DONE)
·City of Langley Library: Friday, Sept. 30, 2 to 3 p.m.
·Mission Library: Saturday, Oct. 1, 2 to 4 p.m.