Diwali (the Indian Festival of Lights) is celebrated on Saturday, Oct. 22 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Rick Hansen Secondary, 31150 Blueridge Drive. The free drop-in event features sari- and turban-wrapping demonstrations, a fashion show, crafts, henna, entertainment and refreshments (while quantities last). Sponsored by the Clearbrook Library, Abbotsford Community Services and Rick Hansen Secondary.
PUMPKIN TIME
Abbotsford Community Services Recycling Program hosts its annual pumpkin decorating event on Friday, Oct. 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the recycling depot (33670 Valley Rd.). Kids will have the opportunity to decorate a pumpkin using supplies from the Re-Creation Station, which teaches children about the importance of reusing. The pumpkins are provided by Willow View Farms. No registration is required to participate in this event. No knives or carving utensils will be used during the pumpkin decorating. Children must be accompanied by an adult to take part in the activity. Info: 604-850-3551.
YOUTH EVENTS
The Canada World Youth Group in Mission hosts several activities this week in celebration of its 40th anniversary. The first event is from 3 to 6:30 p.m. tomorrow (Oct. 18) at the Leisure Centre (7650 Grand St.), where youths can participate in a variety of sports. Donations of sports equipment will be accepted. The next event is a Ukrainian cartoon night on Thursday, Oct. 20 at 6:15 p.m. at Mission Library (33247 Second Ave.). Donations of toys will be collected. The last celebration is a multicultural performance night on Oct. 21 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Heritage Park Secondary, where non-perishable food items can be donated. Admission is $4 or two food items. Info: 604-768-9384 or msadike@cwy-jcm.org or svitlana_zasiekina@hotmail.com
HARVEST LUNCH
The Order of the Eastern Star hosts a Harvest Luncheon and Bake Sale on Saturday, Oct. 22 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Masonic Hall, 33860 Pine St. Cost for lunch is $8.
COMPUTER CLASS
Computer classes begin next week at the Abbotsford Seniors’ Association drop-in centre at 2631 Cyril St.
Registration takes place Tuesday, Oct. 25 from 11 a.m. to noon. Classes start Wednesday, Oct. 26. Beginners’ sessions are at noon, and intermediates are at 2 p.m. Classes run every Wednesday and Friday for three weeks. Cost is $60.
MARDI GRAS
Tickets are now available for the annual Mardi Gras celebration hosted by the Center for Epilepsy and Seizure Education in Abbotsford. The event takes place Saturday, Nov. 5 at The Rancho, 35110 DeLair Rd. and includes dinner, a dance, a silent auction and entertainment. Tickets are $50. Info: 604-853-7399
PIPER DOWN
Tickets are now available for a dance on Saturday, Nov. 5 in which proceeds go to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. The dance, featuring live music by Piper Down, runs from 8 p.m. to midnight at the Abbotsford Seniors’ Association Hall, 33889 Essendene Ave. Tickets are $15 and are available at the front counter of the Abbotsford Police Department at 2838 Justice Way.
DADDY AND ME
A free breakfast drop-in takes place every Saturday for dads and their children under six years old. My Daddy and Me runs from 9 to 11 a.m. at New Beginnings daycare adjacent to W. J. Mouat Secondary at 32355 Mouat Drive. Info: www.abbydads.ca or call Ed at 604-850-7303 (ext. 3)