Long table dinner makes long awaited comeback; plus a few other events to cap off the summer

Five local chefs are set to turn a heap of local ingredients into a dinner to remember at ths year’s long table dinner.

After being off the menu for two years, the gala event is set to return Aug. 31 with a denim and white theme and a secret location.

Presented by the Grow Local Society, the meal is meant to highlight ingredients found at the farmers market. Money raised at the $95-dinner is earmarked for the Power of Produce Club, a youth program that teachers children about local food systems.

The event is also set to include raffle baskets, music and a champagne toast.

Click here for more information.

Back to school blast

Celebrate (or mourn) the return of school days with a free barbecue lunch at 1932 Cameron Ave. in Port Coquitlam on Aug. 20.

The free event is set to include bouncy castles, cotton candy, complimentary haircuts for kids. Backpacks with school supplies will also be distributed to registered families.

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Sports and slushies slated for Town Centre Park

From oldtimers hockey to ultimate Frisbee, from bamboo martial arts to radio control aircraft flyers, there’s an activity for just about everyone at Coquitlam’s sports fair.

Approximately 21 sports organizations are set to take over North Field #6 at Town Centre Park on Saturday in a bid to get Coquitlam residents of all ages and abilities involved in sports.

The event is set to feature sports booths, try-it stations and free slushies.

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Dan Mangan set to headline Kaleidoscope Arts fest

The experience might be rich but the admission is free.

Coquitlam’s tribute to the arts is back and in-person this year with the three-day celebration set to kick off August 19 with a performance from “Robots” singer Dan Mangan at Town Centre Park.

The music is set to begin at 6 p.m. with a performance from Carmanah. The West Coast band that plays folk music touched by electricity and backed with pop arrangements.

Besides music, the event is set to feature food trucks and the Rocky Point Ice Cream concession. Visitors are welcome to bring their own drinks – including alcoholic beverages.

The event switches to Blue Mountain Park on Saturday for an event featuring performances from Aeriosa Dance Society and Yvonne Kushe Ugandan-Canadian singer Yvonne Kushe.

Scheduled to run from noon to 4 p.m., the event is also set to feature a plant walk led by artist and Indigenous ethnobotanist T’uy’t’tanat Cease Wyss.

The event wraps up Sunday at Victoria Park with storyteller Kung Jaadee and three performances from musician Ana Bon-Bon.

Sunday’s festivities are slated to begin at noon and to wrap up at 4 p.m. Check out the full schedule here.