ICE! and Christmas on the Potomac

Filling up on Ogre pops and Ogre milk with other bloggers and their families before getting started!

Have you been to ICE! yet? Thanks to this little 'ole blog, our family had the incredible opportunity to attend for free this year and we had a BLAST! In past years we've participated in different aspects of Christmas on the Potomac, but we hadn't ever been to ICE! Now that we have experienced ICE! I can promise it won't be our last time!

It's not too late for you to make Christmas on the Potomac a new family tradition, too! It continues through January 6!

As you may have heard, it's really, really cold inside ICE! -- 9 degrees to be exact. We bundled up in our warmest clothes and happily donned the bright blue loaner parkas but were still just a bit chilly. Actually, Abel passed on the parka touting the cold rating of his winter coat. Um, he regretted that decision!

The sculptures themselves were truly incredible. The kids (as a 6 and 2yo are wont to do) were trying to race to the next thing and so I had to keep up with them, but I could have lingered a lot longer to really take in and appreciate the sculptures. In fact, I recommended ICE! to friends with an 18mo but suggested they get a sitter and make it a date night.

Nathaniel LOVES Puss in Boots so this was his favorite! I mean look at those details -- incredible, right?

We all gave the ice slides a go. I, however, was really, really bad at it! I guess I assumed since it was ice I'd slide right down and so I didn't really get my legs up in the air (as instructed!) so I kind of scooted down. Abel got a good laugh at that one!

By the last room, the boys were cold and ready to be done. But I could have spent a lot of time here. This nativity scene was truly breath taking!

One of my favorite parts of the Gaylord is just being at National Harbor. After ICE! we (literally in this case!) rolled around the grounds for a bit!

Then we went back inside, met Gingy and decorated a gingerbread train!

Then rolled around a little more!

By then Nathaniel was pooped. Plus, he's kind of terrified of costumed people (including Santa!) so Lucas and I had some bonding time with the character meet and greet. Lucas is just the perfect age for this -- his smile got bigger and bigger with each character!

ICE! -- definitely a new holiday tradition for our family!

I was provided free tickets for my family to attend these events but all opinions are my own! ICE! and Christmas on the Potomac are open until January 6, 2013.

Original post by Out by Ten. Thanks for reading!

Free Comic Book Day!

I had never read a comic book in my life until my husband stopped by Big Planet Comics in College Park, MD, about two years ago. If I recall, he was looking for the new comic his friend illustrated, but instead he came home with a stack of comic books that were perfect for then four-year-old Lucas.

Friends, it was amazing. Our little ball of energy who NEVER had even one minute to sit and page through a book on his own was suddenly sitting for 10-15 minute stretches pouring over his new comic books.

Wow!

Since then I have definitely read my share of comics as bed time stories!

And tomorrow, May 5, is Free Comic Book Day! Yes, comic book stores across the country, including our favorite, Big Planet Comics, will be giving away free comics to anyone who stops by the store!

But! Wait! There's more!

Capitalizing on the timing of the release of the Avengers movie and Free Comic Book day, Disney is offering a free comics app! The app is free but several comics are for purchase. But there are lots of free comics under the DigiFree section! I just downloaded it, which unfortunately means Lucas will be trying to steal my phone even more than ever!

Are you as clueless about comics as I was a few years ago? Here's a great article that recommends comics based on books or shows your kids (or you!) already enjoy.

Happy Free Comic Book Day!


Original post by Out by Ten. Thanks for reading!

PBS KIDS is encouraging kids to Explore the Outdoors!

The two things my boys love most in the world are playing outside and watching TV so when I heard that PBS KIDS was partnering with the National Recreation and Parks Association (of which my dad is a 30+ year member!) I was intrigued to learn more.

Through April 20, PBS will present four weeks of themed on-air programming and online content designed to inspire kids and families to get outside and discover nature.  Locally, National Recreation and Park Association member parks, along with local PBS member stations, will be hosting events where kids are invited to experience the environment with fun and educational activities from PBS KIDS. 

 

I feel pretty lucky to have a retired park ranger and recreation director for a dad and some of my best childhood memories are being outside with my family. My dad was constantly pointing out hawks, trees, snakes, plants (hello poison ivy!) and one time we encountered a super-cool beaver dam!

And I'm grateful that both our boys love being outside, too. All they need is a stick and some dirt or mud and they'll happily get filthy and entertain themselves for a long time!

As happy as they are to be outside, though, I'd be lying if I didn't mention how much my boys LOVE watching TV! PBS KIDS is our go-to station and so it's great to know that there will be shows encouraging them to actually turn off the TV and get outside to explore! 

Here are the details:

Explore the Outdoors Programming

Leading up to Earth Day, PBS KIDS will present four weeks of “Explore the Outdoors” themed programming from popular series including WILD KRATTS, DINOSAUR TRAIN, THE CAT IN THE HAT KNOWS A LOT ABOUT THAT!, and CURIOUS GEORGE. Premieres include new episodes from WILD KRATTS, THE CAT IN THE HAT KNOWS A LOT ABOUT THAT!, CURIOUS GEORGE and a new Earth Day themed episode of ARTHUR, airing Monday, April 16.  On Friday, April 20 (the Friday before Earth Day), PBS will also present a special line-up of environmentally-themed programs to gear kids up to celebrate Earth Day. Themed weeks include:

 

WILD KRATTS “Backyard Adventures Week” - March 26-30

This special week features five episodes all about venturing outside to explore the wonders that are as close as your own backyard. The week concludes with the premiere of a new episode, “Flight of the Pollinators,” on Friday, March 30, which explores the amazing delivery system of plants and their animal partners.

 

DINOSAUR TRAIN “Nature Trackers Week” - April 2-6

This encore presentation of four “Nature Trackers” episodes of DINOSAUR TRAIN includes “Stargazing on the Night Train/Get Into Nature!,” “Shiny and Snakes/Tiny Flowers,” “Buddy Explores the Tyrannosaurs/Rainy Day Fight” and “That’s Not a Dinosaur/Tiny’s Garden.” The storylines follow Buddy, Shiny, Tiny and Don as they make their own discoveries in nature.

The episodes encourage kids to get outside, get into nature and make their own discoveries.

 

THE CAT IN THE HAT KNOWS A LOT ABOUT THAT! “Nature’s Know-How Week” - April 9-13

The Cat, Nick and Sally go on a variety of outdoor adventures this week, including journeys to Drippety Dry Desert and Splishy Splashy Pond.  Two new episodes premiere: “Super Cleaner Uppers/Itty Bitty Water” on Monday, April 9, and “Amazing Eyes/Water Walkers” on Thursday, April 12.

 

CURIOUS GEORGE “Explore Your World Week” - April 16-20

During this special week, everyone’s favorite monkey dabbles in a range of activities – from radio DJ-ing, to painting, to building a home for a squirrel.  The week includes three premiere episodes – “DJ George/Curious George Paints the Desert” on Monday, April 16, “No Knowing Gnocchi/Here Comes the Tide” on Wednesday, April 18, and a special Earth Day episode, “Junky Monkey/Jumpy Warms Up,” on Friday, April 20.

 

 

Online and Mobile Resources for Families

Kids can continue their environmental exploration online at PBSKIDS.org/outdoors  to find environmental and outdoor themed games, activities and videos and on mobile through the PBS KIDS Video App for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch.

 

PBS Parents will provide resources for parents to explore the outdoors with their own families on PBSParents.org/outdoors. The site will provide activities from the on-air episodes, listings for PBS KIDS Day in the Park events, and ideas and resources that families can use to explore the outdoors any time.

I was not compensated in any way for this post. We're just big fans of PBS KIDS and the National Recreation and Parks Society in our family so I am happy to pass along this great info!

Original post by Out by Ten. Thanks for reading!

See the Notre Dame Marching Band on Friday, November 11

Notre Dame is traveling to Maryland to take on the Terps on Saturday, November 12, at FedEx Field. Their redound marching band, Band of the Fighting Irish, is making the trek as well and they'll be practicing at Bishop McNamara High School's Tyoka Jackson Field on Friday, November 11th from 10:15 AM to 11:45 AM. This is an open, full dress rehearsal and it is free and open to the public!

This is a great opportunity for Notre Dame fans, musicians or burgeoning musicians to see one of the best college marching bands in the nation* perform up close and personal!

Bishop McNamara High School
6800 Marlboro Pike
Forestville, MD 20747


*Not to be confused with the best college marching bands in the nation, OSU's The Best Damn Band In The Land and Penn State's The Blue Band. (Ugh. I wrote this prior to the scandal coming to light and can't even stomach promoting the school's band right now.)

Original post by Out by Ten. Thanks for reading!

Jump Off! this weekend

Regular readers of this blog won't be surprised to know that my two absolute most favorite places for children in Prince George's County are Watkins Park and the National Children's Museum Launch Zone.


So can you imagine my excitement that the Launch Zone is hosting an event at Watkins Park?! It doesn't get any better than that, my friends!

Here is the scoop!

                  

The National Children's Museum will present the fourth annual Jump Off! at Watkins Regional Park on October 22, from noon until 4pm. This event is designed to inspire children to be physically active while having fun.

The afternoon will feature free, outdoor exhibition performances by nationally renowned Double Dutch jump rope teams along with numerous family friendly activities. Highlights include:

·         Stellar performances and workshops by Jump Off! veterans the Greenbelt S.I.T.Y. (Sensational, Inspiring, Talented, Youthful) Stars, Kangaroo Kids, and Youth Sports Jump Rope FX;
·         Special guest appearances by The Washington Mystics representatives, with an inflatable basketball challenge, and the WPGC 95.5 street team (1-2 p.m.) who will provide music and live entertainment, as well as giveaways and promos;
·         Frisbee decorating (while supplies last) and parachute play with NCM staff.

In addition, the Museum is welcoming six community exhibitors to Jump Off! Community exhibitors include:

• The Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission, bringing coloring books and handouts;
• RJ Smiles Inc., providing arts and crafts activities;
• Echoes of Nature, with animal artifacts and pelts, and a finger puppet craft;
• Prince George’s County Memorial Library System, giving away pens, pencils, and bookmarks;
• X-Treme Teens, in their Tahoe truck with handouts and interactive fun;
• M.O.M.I.E.’s TLC, hosting hands-on activities.

This year, Jump Off! turns into a festival with food vendors, hula-hooping, face painting, and all-day music, in addition to the community exhibitors and performances on the main stage. Also, don’t miss out on Watkins Regional Park’s Fall into Fun event from 1 to 4 p.m! Take a train ride around the park as you enjoy the fall foliage, or get into the seasonal spirit with a hayride and a trip to the Nature Center for fall-themed arts and crafts. 

Where:                
Watkins Regional Park
301 Watkins Drive
Upper Marlboro, MD


Details:

Free parking is available at Watkins Regional Park. All Jump Off! events are free of charge. There is a $5 admission fee for the Watkins Regional Park Fall into Fun event. For additional information or for a schedule of upcoming NCM programs, visit www.ncm.museum.

Original post by Out by Ten. Thanks for reading!

Free Admission to Museums on Saturday!

This Saturday, September 24, is the annual Smithsonian magazine museum day! Of course we all know that the Smithsonian museums are free every day of the year, but on this particular day, many other museums are also offering free admission. You simply have to request a free ticket (limit 2 per household) here and then use that ticket on Saturday.

Here are several of the wonderful local museums that are participating but you can find the entire list here.

Prince George's County: 

College Park Aviation Museum
Montpelier Mansion
Radio & Television Museum 

Riversdale House Museum

Baltimore: 

American Visionary Art Museum

B&O Railroad Museum 

Baltimore Museum of Art 

Baltimore Museum of Industry 

Baltimore Streetcar Museum

Solomons: 

Calvert Marine Museum

Original post by Out by Ten. Thanks for reading!

Port Towns Day, Saturday, September 17

It's the 15th Annual Port Towns Day this Saturday, September 17, from noon until 8pm at Bladensburg Waterfront Park!

We love the Bladensburg Waterfront Park and Port Towns Day is always a lot of fun. This year there are TONS of great activities throughout the day.

There will be great music, Anacostia boat rides very 30 minutes, crafts, games, face painting and even a free mobile roller skate van -- with youth and adult sizes!

Find all the details here.


 
Original post by Out by Ten. Thanks for reading!

The Big Build on Saturday, September 17

A festival attendee learns how to lay brick.

Photo by Museum staff.

We love the free family events at the National Building Museum! Usually they are totally packed, but they are so full of awesomeness that it is definitely worth it.

The Big Build: A Hands-on Family Festival of Tools, Trucks and Building Arts sounds amazing!

It will take place THIS Saturday, September 17 from 10am until 4:30pm at the National Building Museum.



 Here are all the details:

• Do it!
  Activities for visitors of all ages: drywall finishing, bricklaying, roof thatching, woodworking, surveying, nail driving, and more.
• Kids build!
  Young architects and builders let their imaginations soar as they design and construct miniature houses of sticks.
• Create!
  Budding artists and designers can try gilding and stone carving, or create their own mosaics to take home.
• Learn!
  Talk with plumbers, roofers, architects, landscape designers, conservationists, and other experts in many fields to learn about both traditional and new building techniques and materials.
• Play!
  Bob the Builder™ will be live and on stage at 11:00 am and 1:30 pm.  The youngest builders and construction workers explore the tools of the trade as they sing and dance their way through building projects with Bob the Builder. 
• Bring your cameras!
  Shake hands and take pictures with Bob the Builder at special meet and greet sessions at 12:00 pm and 2:30 pm.
• Much, much more!

FREE. $5 donation suggested. Most appropriate for ages 4–12. Drop-In. Individual registration is not required. Formerly called the Festival of the Building Arts.



Original post by Out by Ten. Thanks for reading!

Ahhhh...SHARKS!

Whale shark compared to the size of an average human. Image from Wikipedia

One of Lucas's favorite beach activities is hunting for shark teeth. And while I'm sad to say that due to an extremely tight budget we aren't going to the beach this year, he can still hunt for shark teeth thanks to the National Children's Museum Launch Zone!

Monday, August 8, kicks off their "Ahhh...SHARKS!" program where they will celebrate all things shark! Kids can hunt for shark teeth on a "beach," see and touch real shark jaws and other artifacts and make a craft.

The FREE event (no registration required!) takes place August 8, 9 and 10 from 11am-4pm and Saturday, August 13, from 11am-6pm.

National Children's Museum Launch Zone
112 Waterfront St.
National Harbor, MD 20745

Original post by Out by Ten. Thanks for reading!

Summer Outdoor Movies at the College Park Aviation Museum

The College Park Aviation Museum is hosting free (with museum admission) summer outdoor movies this year. How fun!

They kick-off this Friday, July 29 at 9pm with Despicable Me. The museum doors re-open at 7pm when there will be fun, hands-on activities, sno cones and popcorn. Then, the movie begins promptly at 9pm (when, hopefully, it will be a tad bit cooler!).

The series continues on August 19 with How to Train Your Dragon.

Museum admission is (as usual) $4 for adults, $3 for seniors, $2 for kids and free for those under 2.

College Park Aviation Museum
1985 Cpl. Frank Scott Drive
College Park 20740


Original post by Out by Ten. Thanks for reading!

Get Up & Go at the National Children's Museum

It seems like my major focus of these dog days of summer is wearing my boys out! They are both high energy and if I don't keep them active then they'll keep themselves active by (literally!) jumping on the furniture and up the walls!

I can't wait to take them to Get Up & Go at the National Children's Museum Launch Zone. This free event (and no registration required--woohoo!) will feature all kinds of activities to keep your kids moving--from spoon and "egg" (curious to find out why they have that in quotes!) relays to dancing, Simon Says and jumping jack contests throughout the day. Really, is there anything cuter than a group of kids doing jumping jacks?

There will also be plenty of tips on healthy living.

Get Up & Go will take place July 25, 27 and 27, and August 1, 3 and 5 from 11am-4pm and on July 30 and August 6 from 11am-6pm.

National Children's Museum
112 Waterfront St.
National Harbor, MD 20745



Original post by Out by Ten. Thanks for reading!

Operation Firefly

Some of my fondest childhood memories include catching fireflies in the evenings.  Now that Lucas's summer bed time is a little later, observing and catching fireflies has become an almost-nightly ritual for him, too. Although my little lover-of-creatues-great-and-small was horrified to learn that when I was a little girl, I often pulled off the glowing part to make myself a diamond ring!

I imagine that the scientists behind Operation Firefly would be horrified as well. They are studying an important question: Are fireflies disappearing?

And they need your kids to become citizen scientists to help find the answer!

Head over to the site to learn more then register and start observing. And for my future grandkids' sake...I really hope the answer is NO!

Yeah, and it's probably a good idea, um, not to mention the, er, "diamond" ring idea to your kids. And let's not discuss the idea of "diamond" earrings either!


Original post by Out by Ten. Thanks for reading!

Kids Bowl Free All Summer!

AMF Bowling Centers across the country are offering free bowling for kids all summer long! Sounds like a great way to enjoy a too-steamy-to-go-outside or rainy summer day! I signed up and am getting my coupons via e-mail every Sunday!

Click here to find your closest AMF bowling center and register your kids. You'll receive your first coupons via e-mail within 24 hours and additional weekly coupons every Sunday.

Lots of Prince George's County locations are participating, including: Hyattsville, College Park, Temple Hills and Laurel.



Original post by Out by Ten. Thanks for reading!

Backyard Campout at the National Children's Museum

Photo via REI

Lucas and Abel, along with a friend, enjoyed their first back-yard campout last week and loved it. I expect lots more camping (both of the backyard and actual forest variety!) in our future.

I can't wait to take Lucas and Nathaniel to the National Children's Museum Launch Zone's latest hands-on experience for kids: Backyard Campout! They've teamed up with REI to help kids learn all about camping--from checking out camping equipment, crawling into and through tents to exploring deer and bear tracks thanks to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

This FREE event takes place July 11, 13, 15, 18, 20 and 22 from 11am-4pm and on July 16 and 23 from 11am-6pm.

No registration is necessary.

Are you going on your own outdoor adventure? Head over to REI and download a free Kids' Adventure Journal for some sneaky learning!


National Chlidren's Museum Launch Zone
112 Waterfront Street
National Harbor, MD 20745
Original post by Out by Ten. Thanks for reading!

Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens - Another great reason to visit!

Thanks to Our-Kids and Hiking Along for giving us another great reason to visit the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens this summer: The River Trail!

Outside of the National Arboretum, the Aquatic Gardens are definitely the least-known gem of Northeast DC! I highly recommend a visit!

Click here to get all the details on the River Trail, which Hiking Along says is perfect for toddlers, kids and strollers (with larger wheels!).


Original post by Out by Ten. Thanks for reading!

Free Concerts at Strathmore

Longtime readers know that I love, love, love the plethora of free outdoor summer concerts in the DC-area. Last summer (or was it the year before?) I found a free outdoor concert for my readers nearly every. single. night. all. summer. long.

Can I do it again this year? So far, you know about Sunday night concerts and Thursday night concerts. Now I'm excited to tell you about free Wednesday night concerts!

Yes, these are outside of Prince George's County, but not too far, and at such a lovely venue it will be worth the beltway. (Bonus if you already work in MoCo, head over straight from work and completely miss rush hour traffic to get home!)

It's the Strathmore Free Summer Outdoor Concert Series! And it takes place every Wednesday evening through August 24.

Concerts start at 7pm and take place in front of the Gudelsky Concert Gazebo, in front of the mansion (bring your blankets and lawn chairs!). But here's the totally cool part--roving street performers and special (surprise!) guests will be there starting at 5:30pm to entertain you! Here's what the Strathmore folks say, "Jesters Nicolo Whimsey and Michael Rosman will delight visitors with plate spinning, uncicles, juggling and accordion, while Elena Day, Sabrina Mandell and Mark Jaster engage audience with their mimery and interactive merriment. Mischevious shrubbery from Ambush Theater will sneak, snoop and surprise unsuspecting audience members at the free outdoor concerts."

How fun is that? Even better, they'll have very, very yummy-sounding food and drink (regular 'ole American burgers, etc. plus international fare inspired by the performers!) plus soda, water, beer and wine (date night anyone?!) for sale.

So, here's my recommendation: leave early, arrive by 5:30pm and purchase dinner (or pre-pack it yourself!) and beat the traffic (well, try to anyway!) and crowds to enjoy the pre-show and concert. Lovely!

You can find more info and details at http://www.strathmore.org/

Here's the remaining schedule:

Wednesday, July 6, 2011
7 p.m., Gudelsky Concert Gazebo

CHOPTEETH AFROFUNK BIG BAND
This 14-piece orchestra based in D.C. combines West African music styles with American pop beats - hear modern jazz, Yoruba tribal music and Afrobeat all in one movement.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011
7 p.m., Gudelsky Concert Gazebo

ARMAND NTEP
A native of Cameroon, Armand Ntep adds African beats and traditional Lihongo dance from his native country to jazz, salsa and hip-hop for an eclectic performance.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011
7 p.m., Gudelsky Concert Gazebo

ANDES MANTA
Four brothers comprise Andes Manta: Fernando, Luis, Bolivar and Jorge Lopez. These natives of Ecuador perform true South American music, drawing on more than 35 instruments and centuries of tradition.

Wednesday, July 27, 2011
7 p.m., Gudelsky Concert Gazebo

OLI BROWN BAND
Nineteen year old guitar phenom Oli Brown, the 2010 British Blues Awards Male Vocalist of the Year and Young Artist of the Year, “brings a freshness and excitement to every performance and is at the forefront of the UK's New Blues movement" (Planet Rock Radio).

Wednesday, August 3, 2011
7 p.m., Gudelsky Concert Gazebo

EDWIN ORTIZ AND ORQUESTA LA ROMANA
After 20 years experience in the D.C. salsa scene, Edwin Ortiz and his Orquesta La Romana know how to get a crowd dancing to an addictive beat. The salsa dura offers hard-charging percussive rhythms and vibrant musical energy.

Wednesday, August 10, 2011
7 p.m., Gudelsky Concert Gazebo

RED BARAAT
Baraat is Hindi for a marriage procession and the joyous dancing and singing that ensues. Hear the infectious North Indian rhythm Bhangra meet the sound of a funky brass band, complete with a dhol, drumset, percussion, sousaphone and horns in a tantalizing mix of fresh originals and Bollywood favorites.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011
7 p.m., Gudelsky Concert Gazebo

UKEFEST 2011: Put Up Your Ukes
Strathmore has a passion for the uke - and has made the UkeFest an annual occasion. Grammy winners Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer highlight the festival, bringing with them a merry assortment of uke soloists and uke bands including Gerald Ross, Victoria Vox and the Sweater Set, plus The Riders, The Piney Branch Kids Ukulele Ensemble and the Washington Ukulele Orchestra.


Disclosure: The Strathmore provided my family with free tickets to two Backyard Children's Theater performances and sent along info about the free summer concerts. But, I was under no obligation to write about them. I just really love FREE summer concerts!!

Original post by Out by Ten. Thanks for reading!

Free Thursday Concerts at Watkins Regional Park

There are so many reasons to visit Watkins Park this summer! On Thursday evenings, go for the free summer concerts! All performances take place on the "Green" -- bring your own blanket! -- from 7pm-8:30pm.

Here's the schedule:

June 30 - STORM Reggae Band

July 7 - Comfort Zone

July 14 - Shakespeare in the Park - "As You Like It"

July 21 - 8 Ohms Band

July 28 - Teri S

August 4 - Junkyard Saints

On the Green
Watkins Regional Park
301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro



Original post by Out by Ten. Thanks for reading!

Free Sunday Concerts at Bladensburg Waterfront Park

Again this summer there are FREE concerts and performances every Sunday at Bladensburg Waterfront Park. Shows are from 6pm-7:30pm. Here's the schedule:

June 26 - Blue Sky Puppet Theatre & Mr. D's Magic Show

July 10 - Kukuwa African Dance Company

July 17 - Electro Koustic (modern & jazz)

July 24 - Mambo Combo (Latin)

July 31 - Mr. Marcus Young (Jazz & R&B)

August 7 - Heda Rose (Hip=Hop, Reggae & Go Go)

August 14 - Oasis/Island Sounds (Steel Drum, Reggae, Calypso, Soca & African Music)


Bladensburg Waterfront Park
4601 Annapolis Road
Bladensburg

View a full schedule of free summer concerts and performances in Prince George's County here.


Original post by Out by Ten. Thanks for reading!

Cheverly Day, Saturday, May 14

The grandest day of the year in Cheverly is Cheverly Day and it's coming up this Saturday, May 14. The wonderful hamlet of Cheverly turns 80 this year and big celebrations are in store.

Stake our your spot on Cheverly Avenue between Kilmer and Forest to see the parade which begins at 10am. Although, quite frankly, it seems everyone in town is in at least one participating group so I don't know who will actually be on hand to view it!

Then, head over to Town Park for a great line-up of musicians and performers on the Main Stage, games at the Midway, tables hosted by town organizations, food vendors, the infamous St. Ambrose Beer Garden, the East v West Softball game (East side rules!), and much, much more.

Make sure to head back to Town Park or another good viewing area (the parking lot of the Methodist Church is good for kiddos who don't like the noise) for the fireworks at 9:15. It's the best show in the area--a trial run for the 4th of July show on the National Mall--you don't want to miss it.

All kinds of details can be found at http://www.cheverlyday.org/.


Original post by Out by Ten. Thanks for reading!

Maryland Day

There are so many great events to choose from on Saturday, April 30, including Maryland Day, which takes place from 10am until 4pm at the University of Maryland College Park. There is SO MUCH going on at Maryland Day that I can't even begin to scratch the surface on this little 'ole blog. So, instead, I urge you to go direcly to the Maryland Day website at http://www.marylandday.umd.edu/ to get all the details and plan your day.

Have fun!

Original post by Out by Ten. Thanks for reading!