Queens Park Classic + Stolen Purse Recovered

Issue #542

Author

Carla McNeil
March 21, 2026

Inside the New West Spotlight

 🌤️ Weather - Mainly sunny

 😜 Rain Joke - Why does the storm arrive confidently? 😎

 🗓️ New West Events - A Mix of What’s Happening

 🗞️ New West Local News - Queens Park Classic + Stolen Purse Recovered

 🔗 Use the links above to skip to your favorite section.

 📧 Did someone forward you our New West Spotlight? You can Subscribe Here!

Local New Westminster Weather

Historical Records for Today - Record high 21.1 1915, 1939 - Record low -6.7 1913

Check out all of our local New Westminster Events

March 21, 2026

👕 Olivet Church Clothing Event – 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

🗣️ Spanish Conversation Drop-in – 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

🌊 Spring Discovery Days: Roots of the Fraser – 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

🗣️ English Conversation Circles – Saturday Sessions – 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM

🛍️ New West Craft at River Market – 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM

🎶 Tea and Tunes at The Habitat – 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

🎨 Linocut Print Making at Arrieta Art Studio – 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM

🎸 Walk Right Back at Massey Theatre – 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

🎙️ Karaoke Saturdays at Kelly & Carlos O’Bryan’s – 9:00 PM to 12:30 AM

🕺 Saturday Dance Party at Georgie's – 10:00 PM to 1:00 AM

🕹️ Fighting Game Night – Phantom Alley

March 22, 2026

🌊 Spring Discovery Days: Learning from the River – 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

☕️ Ladies Coffee at Waves Coffee House – 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM

🪡 Needle Felting Workshop at Arrieta Art Studio – 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM

💆 Chemical Peel Masterclass at Aegis Laser and Skin – 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM

🎭️ Poetry and Art Salon at Anvil Centre – 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM

👗 Introduction to Garment Making One Day Retreat – 2:30 PM to 8:00 PM

🧘 Yang Tai Chi 24 form – 5:00 PM

🎙️ Georgie's Local Sunday Night Open Mic! – 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

🎲 Sunday Funday Bingo at RCCC - – 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM

March 23, 2026

🌊 Spring Discovery Days: Learning from the River – 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

🧘 Peace, Be Still Monday Meditation – 10:30 AM to 11:15 AM

🧩 Steel & Oak Puzzle Mondays – 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

🎨 Downtown’s Living Room at Anvil Centre – 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM

🎨 HEDGELORE: Stepping into folklore Art Exhibition – 6:30 PM to 12:00 AM

🎙️ Begbie's Open Mic – 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM

Lace Up! The Queens Park Classic 5K Returns April 4

Grab your running shoes and get ready for one of New Westminster’s most anticipated community events. Steel & Oak Brewing Co. is bringing back the Queens Park Classic on Saturday, April 4, 2026, as part of the S&O Beer Run Race Series.

Now in its fourth year, this lively 5K run invites participants of all levels to experience the beauty of Queen’s Park along a scenic course that blends road and trail terrain. Runners will pass through forested pathways, enjoy views of the surrounding mountains, and tackle a short but spirited hill along the way.

The Queens Park Classic is more than just a race. The event proudly supports KidSport New West, helping local kids gain access to sports programs and stay active in the community.

Once runners cross the finish line, the celebration continues. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Steel & Oak will host a festive post-race beer garden featuring craft beer, BBQ, and non-alcoholic drinks. Awards will be given to the top three finishers in the male, female, and non-binary categories, and all participants will have a chance to win prizes through a race raffle.

Whether you’re racing, cheering, or just enjoying the atmosphere, the Queens Park Classic promises a fun-filled afternoon in the park.

Photo courtesy of NWPD

A quick report and fast police work helped recover a stolen purse in New Westminster’s Uptown neighbourhood earlier this month.

On March 14, a New Westminster Police Department officer on patrol was approached by a woman who said her purse had just been stolen from her seat at a local coffee shop. The officer immediately went inside to speak with staff and review CCTV footage, leaving the shop with a detailed description of the suspect.

Less than an hour later, police located and arrested a person matching the description. The stolen purse was recovered and returned to its owner.

“This underscores the importance of reporting a crime as soon as possible,” said Sergeant Andrew Leaver. “The officer was able to work quickly and locate the suspect while he was still in the area.”

Police say purse thefts often happen quickly, and victims sometimes don’t realize their belongings are missing until much later. By that time, suspects may have already left the area.

The department is reminding the public to keep a close eye on their belongings and to report suspicious activity or theft immediately.

🔔 Weekend challenge time

The Tin Man is hiding somewhere new, and the prize is still up for grabs. 👀

🎁 This week’s prize (Mar 19 - Mar 25):
One Ukulele Plus Two Lessons from Neil Douglas Guitar Shop.

Visit Facebook and Instagram and drop your guess.

🎉 Congratulations to this week’s “How Well Do You Know New West?” winner:

Courtney Pritchard

Our latest winner has scored a $150 Gift Certificate – Initial Chiropractic Consultation, Examination & Treatment with Dr. Wayne Jakeman.

⛈️ Rain Joke of the Day 🌧️ 

⛈️ Why does the storm arrive confidently? 😎

It thrives on confusion.🔀❓

Groan O' Meter

What do you say?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Meme of the Day

Brought to you by New West Spotlight Daily Digital Newsletter

What’s faster than word of mouth? New West Spotlight! It keeps you updated on what is happening locally and connects businesses to our vibrant community.

Who else do you know in New West who might also enjoy reading the New West Spotlight?

Click to Share the newsletter

Shall we continue with a daily meme? Vote Today.

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Want to see your local business in the spotlight?
We’d love to feature you in an upcoming issue of New West Spotlight, where thousands of New West residents discover what’s new and local.

Not a business owner but have a favorite local spot?

Tell us all about it - email us at [email protected]

What did you think of today’s issue? (anonymous)

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.