Sleepover at the Smithsonian

Way back when I was a Girl Scout, our troop joined other troops from central Pennsylvania to sleep at one of those hands-on type museums in Harrisburg, PA. I have no idea if the museum still exists or what it was called, but to this day, I vividly remember spending the night there. It was seriously one of the coolest experiences ever.

But you know what would be WAY more cool? Spending the night at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History!

I don't usually write about the things that PR reps send to me, but, my friends, even though Lucas is too young to join in on this adventure, it has crossed my mind to do it myself!

That's right, the Smithsonian is offering a limited number of spots for a limited number of sleepover nights at the National History Museum in July and August. According to the website, you get to screen an IMAX film, join a scavenger hunt, have a guided tour then sleep in the Sant Ocean Hall, Mammal Hall or Hall of Dinosaurs.

So, it is a bit pricey, $125 general admission or $115 if you are a resident member and you have to be 8-12 years old (chaperons must be 21 or older). But, if you can swing it, I am sure this would be a true once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Original post by Out by Ten. Thanks for reading!

Juneteenth Celebration

On June 19, 1865, two and a half years after Lincoln proclaimed the freedom of all slaves in the Emancipation Proclamation, Union soldiers finally brought the news to Galvestan, TX that the war was over and all the slaves were freed. Until that point, there were not enough Union soldiers in Texas to enforce the new law, but the additional troops under the leadership of Major General Gordan Granger were finally able to enforce freedom for every slave. (Read more here.)

Now, Juneteenth is a day for all people to come together to acknowledge a truly horrid period of US history and to focus on education and achievement.

Come celebrate this Saturday, June 19, at Watkins Regional Park from noon until 5pm. This free Juneteenth celebration features live entertainment throughout the day (Jazz, Blues, Gospel and lots of dancing!), guest speakers, arts and craft and--of course!--great food. (I imagine there are nominal costs for the food and arts and crafts.) You can attend a "Footprints and Roots" genealogical and historical workshop or bring your chessboard and meet and learn from Chess Instructor/Coach Ted Fagan of the Eagle Chess Academy.

Don't forget your picnic blanket or lawn chairs!

Additional Details:

Juneteenth Celebration
Saturday, June 19, noon-5pm
Watkins Regional Park
301 Watkins park Drive
Upper Marlboro, MD

Original post by Out by Ten. Thanks for reading!

Cheverly Community Market: Now Featuring a Kids Corner

You'll want to be sure to get out by ten this Saturday for this season's 2nd Cheverly Community Market!* That's because the Cheverly Parent Resource Center will kick off their Market Kids Corner this Saturday at 10am!


At every market this season, CPRC will sponsor a storytelling or craft event featuring one or two of the market vendors. For this Saturday's kick-off, a volunteer will read The Giant Jam Sandwich by John Vernon Lord and all the kids in attendance will receive a coupon for 50 cents off a jar of deliciousness (aka Martha's Jam!). In addition, all kids who sign up for the Kids Corner will receive a card, each time they participate they will receive a sticker and--as if stickers aren't prize enough!--when they get five stickers they will receive a small prize from a vendor.

Photo by Kathryn Andrews. Martha's Jam: Also great on cake!

What a great way to get your kids interested in and excited about local, fresh and delicious food!

*Don't forget this Saturday's Market is also Market on the Avenue--the market will take place on Cheverly Avenue at Legion Park from 8am-Noon instead of the regular location next to the Community Center.

Additional Details:

Cheverly Community Market
Saturday, June 12, 8am-Noon
Cheverly Avenue at Legion Park, Cheverly
(And every other Saturday through the fall at the Cheverly Community Center.)
www.cheverlycommunitymarket.com/


Original post by Out by Ten. Thanks for reading!

Beltsville Agricultural Research Center Field Day: Saturday, June 5

Have you ever driven by the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center on your way to Ikea and wondered what goes on there? Well, this Saturday is your chance to find out!

It is their 100th Anniversary and they are celebrating with fun for the whole family including hay rides; animal, farm machinery and research exhibits; and, hands on demonstrations. Best part? It's all free! (But, as usual at things like this, light refreshments will be for sale.) We haven't been to this in the past, but a quick perusal of their photo gallery of past field days make it look like it will be a really great event!

The event will take place rain or shine as they have large tents for the displays and exhibits.

Additional Details:

Beltsville Agricultural Reserach Center Field Day
Saturday, June 5, 2010
10am until 5pm

10300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD 20705
Click here for directions.

Original post by Out by Ten. Thanks for reading!