Summer weekends are the perfect time to be in downtown Langley. There’s no better time or place for science, sports and Jedi training.
Yes, Jedi training.
This year, young ones strong in the force will be called to learn Jedi skills from Obi-Wan Kenobi’s descendant, Jedi master Obi-Kai Kenobi (whose day-to-day name is Marty Carew).
Adding to the live-action training, those interested in being on the side of the Republic, rather than the Empire, have the ability to take part in a Star Wars-inspired painting. Local artist Freda Lombard will lead the special creative training between the live Jedi shows.
“We have about 10 to 12 different types of themed birthday parties and events and we do about 80 per cent Jedi, Star Wars birthday parties/events,” Carew said. “I just love everything magic, imagination… using swords, lightsaber. I just find that so much fun and the kids love it.”
At the Jedi training in McBurney Plaza kids will be doing the moves along with Carew (or is that Kenobi?) with their own foam stage-three training lightsaber which they get to keep after the show to continue their practice.
“I have done a lot of events in Langley,” he explained.
But it is the first time he is doing the Jedi training in Langley, so kids wanting to experience the Jedi education will be in the first batch of students on July 15.
“Expect to be moving around. Expect to be engaged in your imagination. Expect to be able to use the force. Expect objects to be moving. Strange things happen with the force,” he said
Langley’s Lombard has seen people in her painting sessions work within the Star Wars theme on their own, so she was excited to contribute to the Jedi training. While she admitted to having watched all the Star Wars movies several times, she also noted she doesn’t know every single character’s name.
“I don’t know how many Star Wars fans paint, but if you can make your own little piece of Star Wars to take home, I think it’s double the excitement,” she said.
It took Lombard only a split second to agree to participate in the event when organizers contacted her about doing the paint workshops at the Jedi training.
“I kept reminding them that I want to be part of the summer series,” she noted. “It’s so great to see all these different activities available. I’ve had so many people just in the last few weeks in my studio that take my flamingo painting and turn it into Star Wars… I think it’s amazing.”
She will be working with kids for 20 or 25 minutes on their paintings.
“We will have a different Star Wars theme for each session,” she explained. “It’s a quick session but it’s amazing what can be accomplished in a short period of time.”
Lombard’s studio has always been based in downtown Langley and has been doing painting parties since 2012.
If learning the ways of the Jedi is on anyone’s to-do list, visiting McBurney Plaza on July 15 will be a highlight.
Summer fun for everyone
• June 24 – Science in the Plaza
Shows at 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Other activities run noon to 3 p.m.
• July 15 – Jedi in the Plaza
Shows at 12:15 p.m. and 2 p.m.
Other activities run noon to 3 p.m.
• July 29 – Sports in the Plaza
Various sports teams, mascots and games from noon to 3 p.m.
• Aug. 12 – World Music in the Plaza
Music, dance and more from noon to 3 p.m.
• Sept. 17 – Create it in the Plaza
DIY ideas for everyone
Demonstrations run noon to 3 p.m.
A diverse range of activities
With so much going on, it takes teamwork to pull the Summer Series together.
Event coordinator Laura Warren works hand-in-hand with Teri James, the executive director of the Downtown Langley Business Association, to ensure everything happens without a hitch and crowds are entertained.
“This is the third year for the McBurney Plaza Summer Series,” Warren said. “[It] had an immediate positive response from the community and attendance continues to grow with each event.”
Every summer series event has its own theme to keep things fresh and ensure attendees see something different each time they visit the downtown core for a summer Saturday.
“Our event staff consistently hear from attendees that while they came for the event, they ended up also discovering a restaurant or shop that would have them returning to the area in the near future,” she noted. “Thanks to the generous support of the City of Langley and the Downtown Langley Business Association, these fun, family-friendly events are completely free to attend.”
All the performers in the series are local to the Lower Mainland, some from the Langleys and some from a little further, but all close enough to easily enjoy at another event soon.
“We try to focus on supporting businesses and entertainers local to Langley, wherever possible,” said Warren.
She also noted that with Science in the Plaza coming up this Saturday, it’s an opportunity to have hands-on fun while enjoying “spectacular and engaging live shows.”
Embrace the inner science nerd for Science in the Plaza (experience electricity, energy and flying rubber chickens) and bring out all the other creative and fun parts to this year’s McBurney Plaza Summer Series.
