Dung Beatles playing CD release show

Merritt band the Dung Beatles is playing a concert tomorrow night to celebrate the release of its debut album.

The band, which comprises members from Merritt and Kamloops, is a kind of jug band (save the jug), which plays a mix of cover songs and original tunes in their backyard roots style.

Tickets are available at Brambles, Black’s Pharmacy and the Nicola Valley Medical Centre.

First on the bill is Rory McClure and the Sweet Thangs, followed up by River City Magic.

The Dung Beatles will play two sets.

Doors to the Culture Club on Granite Avenue open at 7 p.m. for the show on April 24.

Free health fair Saturday at Civic Centre

Health and wellness are taking centre stage this Saturday at the Civic Centre.

Scw’exmx Community Health is holding a free health and wellness fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 25.

The event includes exercise classes throughout the day (think yoga, Zumba, and self-defence) and displays on a wide variety of topics, including healthy eating, diabetes management and bike safety.

Door prizes for the day include Fitbit fitness trackers, massages, and even bicycles.

Free movie screening Wednesday

The City of Merritt is hosting a free movie night next Wednesday to celebrate National Canadian Film Day.

The Whale is a Canadian film based on the true story of Luna, an orca who became a regular around the rugged coastline of the west side of Vancouver Island.

Separated from his pod, Luna’s behaviour around people was interpreted as an attempt at befriending them.

The 2011 film is narrated by Vancouver actor Ryan Reynolds, who also has an executive producer credit along with Scarlett Johansson.

The City of Merritt is one of many organizations across Canada to partner with Reel Canada to screen a film in the second year of National Canadian Film Day.

Across Canada, more than 140 screenings in every province and territory are expected to take place.

The Whale starts at 6 p.m. at the Civic Centre on April 29.

Spirit Square vandalized over weekend

Spirit Square was vandalized sometime Sunday night.

This window at the Fireside Centre was damaged sometime overnight on Sunday.

This window at the Fireside Centre was damaged sometime overnight on Sunday.

A window was broken at the Fireside Centre, electrical outlets inside three flower beds were dug up and damaged and the metal box cover for a gas hookup on the stage was pulled off. Graffiti was spraypainted along the entire back wall of the stage, as well as the side and back of the building.

The three-foot-tall black spraypaint had to be sandblasted away.

RCMP Const. Tracy Dunsmore said police do not have any suspects and anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.