WEEKEND PICK: FREE Charlie & Lola Puppet Show

Charlie and Lola, the quirky and comedic sibling stars of the hit Playhouse Disney series for preschoolers will be the stars of 3 free shows this Saturday, July 28 at 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m. at the Macy's wing at the Northshore Mall in Peabody. Presented by BBC Worldwide, produced by Tiger Aspect Productions, and based on the books by award-winning children's author, Lauren Child, Charlie and Lola is a highly-visual, laugh-out-loud puppet show presentation based on the Charlie and Lola TV episode and book I will not ever NEVER eat a Tomato. The show is presented in the artful and captivating Bunraku style (puppeteers in plain view). This production is part of a national 10-city tour. The Peabody stop is the only one in Massachusetts. Charlie and Lola is one of the only shows for kids devoted to portraying the important world of sibling interaction and influence. Every exuberant episode is a charming, quirky and funny exploration of the close bond between 7-year-old Charlie and his livewire 4-year-old sister, Lola.

WEEKEND PICK: Circus Smirkus Celebrates 20th Season

Circus Smirkus, Vermont’s award-winning international traveling youth circus prepares for its 20th Anniversary Tour with an all-star line up of youngsters and a full-on swinging and spying escapade called The Zoot Suit Caper: A Boogie Woogie Whodunit. The story revolves around a 1940’s traveling circus and a mischievous stunt by a mysterious culprit as someone douses the lights and the stage goes black. Chaos ensues as a bumbling band of detective clowns step in to solve the Whodunit mystery amidst the circus’s 20th Anniversary Tour celebration featuring dazzling dance moves, heart-pounding ground routines and astounding aerial acts. The result is an amazing, foot-stomping, action-packed, family friendly adventure that’s sure to bring hearty laughs to mixed-age audiences. Complete with juggling, tumbling, high wire, trapezes of many varieties, clowns, and live original music by Boston’s own Peter Bufano, this is a show “not to be missed!”
The2007 line-up of International troupers will feature many talented local teens from Massachusetts: Eric Allen (18) from Shelburne; Janoah Bailin (18) from West Falmouth;
Hazel Briner (18) & Lindsay Culbert-Olds (16) from Arlington; Cat Klaus (18) from Wellesley; Kia Eastman (17) from Waltham; Ariana Ferber-Carter (16) from Leeds; Sam Galison (18) from Cambridge; Joy Powers (19) from Lexington; and Jacob Stein-Sharpe (18) from Canton; plus Charlie-mentors Rafi Benjamin (10) from Newton and Nathaniel Stein-Sharpe (20) a junior at MIT.
The tour wraps up shows in Wellesley this Sunday. Tickets are $20 for adults and $16 for children. The tour then moves to Sandwich from July 23-25. Tickets are $20 for adults and $16 for children. From there, Circus Smirkus has 6 shows on Martha’s Vineyard on July 27-29. Tickets are $20 adults and $18 children. The last stop in Massachusetts on the tour is Revere, with four shows on July 31 and Aug. 1. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for children.

For more information or to order tickets visit www.circussmirkus.org

Also pick up a copy of the July issue of Bay State Parent magazine, featuring freelance writer Michelle Xiarhos Curran's profile on the Vermont-based circus celebrating its 20th season or read her article at: http://www.baystateparent.com/news/2007/0701/Articles/013.html

Wizardstock at Harvard Square Tonight to Celebrate Harry Potter Release

MAKE WAY FOR MUGGLES AND WIZARDS as they make their way to A FREE WIZARD WROCK Concert with Harry and the Potters, Draco and the Malfoys, and the Hungarian Horntails on the steps of Memorial Church in Hogwarts (aka Harvard Yard).
This mid-summers eve in Hogwarts Square begins at 5 p.m. and ends when the NEED TO READ sends everyone on their merry way. The 7th and Final Harry Potter installment in the series is available for sale at 12:01am tomorrow at Harvard Square book stores --- The Harvard Coop, The Harvard Bookstore, Curious George Books and Toys, and Newbury Comics. Many Harvard Square stores and restaurants plan to stay open until Midnight with Special Harry Potter themed menus, windows, events and surprises ... Check out the Harry Potter Chalk Art Gallery in front of Holyoke Center, 1350 Massachusetts Ave, too!

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS:
* WIZARDSTOCK in HOGWARTS YARD - 7 to 10 p.m. featuring Harry & the Potters, Draco and the Malfoys, and the Hungarian Horntails and other special guests!!!Hosted by Lesley Bannatyne, author of 4 Books on Halloween and noted History Channel expert on Witches, Wizards, Halloween history, and events. Lesley will take the wand and led us on our magical and musical journey for the evening.including a little light reading, an ask the witch q & a, a trivia question or two and a few prizes. This once in a lifetime MUSICAL CELEBRATION of LITERATURE features world renowned wizard rock bands: Harry & the Potters, Draco and the Malfoys, and the Hungarian Horntails and other special guests. Bring a blanket and friends and family to Hogwarts Yard and enjoy the music under the Whomping Willows in the Shade of the Hallowed Halls! The concert area will feature a display Museum Area of Harry Potter Artifacts from the Harvard Museum of Natural History and other "Storied" surprises!

Other Events:
* Visit The Harvard Museum of Natural History now through July 22 to uncover the science behind Harry Potter magic! Find Harry's Hedwig and your own messenger owl, seek the sorcerer's stone; select a personal patronus from many powerful creatures; learn the secrets of the mysterious herbs used in Harry's potions class in the Blaschka 'Glass Flowers' gallery; and discover the wonders of thousands of fantastic specimens of nature. Come to the Harvard Museum of Natural History, nab your Museum Marauder's Map and explore. The Harry Potter Scavenger Hunt will be free with museum admission, through July 22.
* The Harvard Coop will be distributing wristbands for RESERVED ORDERS starting at 5 p.m. on July 20. Muggles who have placed a reservation for Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows with us will be able to be first in line. Wristbands must be picked up in person and are not available until 5 p.m.. Anyone in line must have a wristband. Line will form after the concert (you'll get details when you pick your wristband up). The first 500 people with a reserved order will receive a FREE Harry Potter gift bag when they pick their wristband. 8 lucky muggles will receive an extra prize in their gift bag (FREE Harry Potter DVD; Deluxe edition of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows; Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows on CD; 2 movie passes to see Harry Potter and the Order of The Phoenix). More details will be following regarding a costume contest, trivia contests, and candid photos while in line, free treats & ! lots more - including a "fan fiction" contest. Harvard Coop wristbands will also entitle you to discounts or free beverages at several Harvard Square casual restaurant locations. We can't wait for this party to start. Reserve your book now at 40% discount (you pay $20.99). If you didn't place reservation, you can join still join the line (behind those have reserved a book) or you can still count on getting a book this weekend
* Harvard Book Store, starting at 9 p.m. has activities for both kids and adults. Expand your mind with magical classes! Look into your future with our magic ball! Practice your defense against the dark arts skills! Test your Harry Potter knowledge against that of your peers! For Harry Potter fans of a certain age, there'll be potent brews served up at Grafton Street Pub & Grille. Younger readers may want to take a break from the noise (and perhaps a small nap before midnight) next door at the Grolier Poetry Book Shop. And everyone will want to partake of the scrumptious ice-creamy treats served up by Toscanini's Ice Cream, back in Harvard Square for this special evening!When you purchase this book from us (at 20% off!) you'll help keep Harvard Boo! k Store a thriving member of the Cambridge community.
* Curious George Books and Toys, Harvard Square's only independent children's bookseller will host its 7th Harry Potter Extravaganza. Doors will open at 8 p.m. to welcome all Muggles, both in or out of costume. Our fabulous in-store celebration of all things Harry Potter will include:Wand making, Trivia quizzes, Fortune telling, Sweets from Honeyduke's Candy Store, Raffles Harry Potter themed snacks and more. .. At 11:30 p.m.! Curious George's doors will close and will reopen at midnight for book sales and pick-ups. Even a wizard will be amazed at how fast the line moves.
*Brattle Film Theather Presents Harry Potter & The Sorcerer's Stone at 9:15 pm. The Brattle Theatre is located at 40 Brattle Street. Tickets for this screening are $38 and include a copy of Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows. Books will be released to ticket holders at the conclusion of the program (Harvard Book Store cannot release books until midnight). A limited number of $10 "companion" tickets will be available for this event (limit of 4, you will be contacted after we have received your order confirmation with ordering info).The Brattle Film Theatre, 40 Brattle Street, http://www.brattlefilm.org/
* All Things (To Eat & Drink!) Harry Potter at UpStairs on the Square Friday evening, July 20 from 5 to 1 a.m. All-night long the evening of July 20th, as we await the thrilling release of the final!Harry Potter adventure at midnight, UpStairs on the Square will feature a special Harry Potter menu, featuring a great kids and family friendly menu inspired by all things Harry Potter--with alcoholic and non-alcoholic butter beer and Pollyjuice flowing! The cost for this special menu will be $25, half price for kids under 12 (main course and dessert). The full a la carte menu will be available throughout the evening as well. We will host a late-night after party with secret celebrity guests until 2 a.m. The first 30 reservations will have the opportunity to get a 20% discounted book at midnight (for $30), thanks to our partnership with Harvard Book Store. UpStairs on the Square, 91 Winthrop Street, 617-864-1933 http://www.upstairsonthesquare.com/
* Grendel's Den will feature a special beer collection from Middle Ages Brewing in addition to Hogwarts-themed menus for adults and children. Grendel's Den, 617-491-1160, 89 Winthrop Street, http://www.grendelsden.com/
* Uno Harvard Square will be serving Buttered Beers for our 21 plus guests. We will also be serving Earthworm Delight Desserts, our famous brownie bowls with gummy worms to one and all. Our dining room will be decorated in Harry Potter style and our staff will be fully costumed. Uno Harvard Square, 22 JFK 617-497-1530 http://www.unos.com/
* IHOP will be until 4 a.m. serving Harry's most favorite food BACON with stacks of pancakes!IHOP, 16 Eliot Street 617-354-0999 http://www.ihop.com/
* Herrell's Ice Cream and Frozen Yogurt is open until 1 a.m. and will offer free hot fudge topping to all Harry Potter Partiers!
For Complete Details of all the events visit http://www.harvardsquare.com/
This special event is sponsored by the Harvard Square Business Association, Harvard Summer School, The Harvard Coop, UpStairs on the Square, Nantucket Nectars, Qdoba Mexican Grill, Burns and Levinson, and Boston's Weekly Dig.

If you choose not to venture to far from your Muggles' home for the new book and a celebration,
many local libraries and bookstores have special late night celebrations and parties planned. Inside the July issue of Bay State Parent magazine is a list of our favorite local events. Check them out at www.baystateparent.com/news/2007/0701/Articles/006.html or try www.PotterParties.com

Harry Potter Mania!

Okay, the fifth Harry Potter movie -- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix -- opened to blazing sales last week ---$140 million. The first four films totalled $1.175 billion in the U.S. So now, factor in the midnight release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows on July 21st and you have Harry Potter mania!!! Many local libraries and bookstores have special late night celebrations and parties planned. Inside the July issue of Bay State Parent magazine is a list of our favorite local events. Check them out at www.baystateparent.com/news/2007/0701/Articles/006.html or try www.PotterParties.com

Beautiful Day (and night) at America's Oldest Public Beach!

Saturday, my family & I sent the afternoon & evening at Revere Beach. We attended the New England Sand Sculpture Festival. The most impressive sculpture was the one by Sean Fitzpatrick and his Fitzy Snowman Sculpting team with its Pirates of the Caribbean theme. The Massachusetts-based sculpting team not only perfectly created the characters from the movie trilogy but also carved each of the sponsor's names or logos into the impressive display.
The competing sculptures were awesome too. The winner was a couple sculpture titled the "apology." The people's choice winner was the angry fishes creation. For more info, visit www.reverebeachpartnership.com/nessf07/index.htm
Later that night, beachgoers were treated to a 20-minute fireworks display.
It was a great FREE event for families.
For other inexpensive and free things to do with your family this month, check out this article inside the July issue of Bay State Parent magazine --- www.baystateparent.com/news/2007/0701/Articles/016.html

WEEKEND PICK: New England Sand Sculpting Festival at Revere Beach

The annual New England Sand Sculpting Festival wraps up this weekend at America's oldest public beach - Revere Beach.

Tomorrow's (Saturday) schedule:

8 a.m. to 4 p.m. -- New England Sand Sculpting Master Sculptors Competition

10 a.m. to 9 p.m. -- New England Sand Sculpting Festival

8: 30 p.m. -- Awards announced at 8:30 p.m. at the beach's bandstand

9 p.m. -- Fireworks

Sunday's schedule:

10 a.m. to 6 p.m. -- New England Sand Sculpting Festival

noon to 2 p.m. -- Appearance by Tim Thomas

WEEKEND PICK: Family Fun Day in the Berkshires

Consider making a trek to Western Massachusetts Saturday for the Williams College Museum of Art, FREE Family Festival to celebrate the opening of the exhibition “MAKING IT NEW: THE ART AND STYLE OF SARA AND GERALD MURPHY.” The festival begisnat 1 p.m.
Discover how the Murphys inspired modern artists and writers such as Picasso and Hemingway as they traveled from America to France. Enjoy French crêpes, ice cream, and other treats; make paintings and collages in Paris; and learn to dance the Charleston on Broadway. Go on a treasure hunt in the galleries and join an exhibition tour at 3 p.m. An all-day outdoor concert by the Kwajmal Jazz Band showcases the music from the 1920s to 1940s.

About the exhibition: Making It New explores how the Murphys’ legendary style—modern in its apparent simplicity and freedom from stifling social regimentation—was a kind of manifesto, and touchstone, for the artists and writers of the Lost Generation. The exhibition shows how the Murphys' friends—F. Scott Fitzgerald, Pablo Picasso, Cole Porter, Ernest Hemingway, Serge Diaghilev, and Jean Cocteau—were among those who encoded the ethos of the Murphy’s lives into progressive 20th-century art, literature, music, and taste. The exhibition features works of art by Pablo Picasso, Georges Braque, Fernand Léger, and Man Ray, as well as theatrical sets and costumes, the music of Cole Porter, the Murphys’ unique home movies, and reminiscences by famous authors and their friends, along with artwork seen for the first time in the United States from major European museums.

The Williams College Museum of Art is located on Main Street in Williamstown, Massachusetts. It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am-5 pm and Sunday from 1-5 pm. The museum is wheelchair accessible and open to the public. For more information, contact the museum at 413-597-2429.

Celebrate America's Independence With These Events!

Tuesday, July 3
Downtown Block Party. Main St., Fitchburg. 5 - 11 p.m. Main Street closes from Putnam St. to Academy St. starting at 4 p.m. Featuring live entertainment, international food court, basketball tournament, and kids games and activities at Monument Park. Also the area's largest assembly of antique and classic cars. 978-345-9550.
The Thayer Symphony Orchestra and Fitchburg's Fireworks. Crocker Field, Fitchburg. 9 p.m.
Fireworks. Franklin. Boston Soul Revue Show, 7 - 10 p.m. Fireworks at the Franklin High School Field, 10 p.m. 508-528-2494 or 508-528-3466.
Horribles Parade & Fireworks. Downtown Gloucester. 6 p.m. Bands from all over the country, floats, and people in costumes compete for prizes and trophies. Traditional fireworks after the parade at 10 p.m. 978-283-1601. thegloucesterfund.org.
4th of July Concert. Grafton Town Common, Grafton. 6 p.m. Enjoy the US Air Force Band of Liberty. E-mail graftonlionsma@yahoo.com.
Fourth of July Horribles Parade. Maple St., Mendon. Time TBA. Children in costume parade to the Fire Station. BBQ, fire truck tour, hose demo. 508-473-5330.
Fireworks. Windle Field, Millbury. Dusk. Also 7/4. Rain Date: 7/5.
Needham 2007 Celebration. Memorial Park, Needham. Food tents, 5 - 8:45 p.m.; Hometown folk & blues band, 5 - 7 p.m.; Children's Entertainment, 5 - 7 p.m.; Reminisants Concert, 7 - 9:15 p.m.; Fireworks, dark. needhamexchangeclub.org.
July 4th Celebration. Behind the Fire Station, Rutland. Chicken BBQ, 4:30 p.m.; Strawberry Festival, 5 p.m.; Band Concert, 7 p.m.; Fireworks, 9:20 Memorial Field.
Family Fun Beach Events. Sharon. Potato sack races, tug-o-war, and other wacky relays at Memorial Park Beach, Lake Massapoag, 2 p.m.; Bicycle & Doll Carriage Parade at Beech Tree Park, 3:45 p.m. The parade travels on Beach St. to the bandstand. DJ, music, and entertainment. Lakeside Celebration at Memorial Park Beach, 4 - 9:30 p.m. Bandstand concert 7 - 9 p.m. Spectacular Fireworks over Lake Massapoag at 9:30 p.m. Worcester's Fourth of July. Cristoforo Park, Shrewsbury St., Worcester. Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra, 8 p.m. Fireworks accompanied by Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture and Sousa marches, 9:30 p.m. 508-753- 2924. Rain Date: Thurs. 7/5.

Wednesday, July 4
Fireworks. Nara Park, Acton. Lois Greco Band performs before the display. 978-264-9608.
Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular. Hatch Shell, Charles River Esplanade,
Boston. 8:30 a.m. - 11 p.m. Free outdoor concerts includes patriotic favorites. 888-484-7677. July4.org.
Independence Day. Concord Museum. Celebrate Independence Day with a visit to the Museum. A rare opportunity to see the Museum's 1824 facsimile edition of the original Declaration of Independence. This is one of an edition of only 200 facsimiles printed by order of John Quincy Adams on parchment from a copperplate prepared by engraver W. I. Stone. A$10, Y (6-17) $6, Under 5 free. Also on July 4th, stop by the Museum booth at Picnic in the Park, the annual celebration held at Emerson Field, 11:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. concordmuseum.org.
Concord Celebrates the 4th. Picnic in the Park at Emerson Field: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Concord Band plays at 3 p.m. 978-369-9763. 978-369-3120.
Annual 4th of July Parade. Downtown Fitchburg. 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Parade starts at 10 a.m. from the Bernardian Bowl, going down Summer St. onto Main St. and ending at the Upper Common. Bands, floats, and fun for the whole family. One of the region's last and largest 4th of July Parades. 978-345-9550.
Children's Parade. Franklin Town Common. For children newborn - Gr. 5. Register, 12 p.m. for the 1 p.m. parade. Okey-Dokey DJ Bob Brown, 12 - 4 p.m. ; The New Orleans Jazz Band, 4 - 6 p.m. Closing ceremonies/lowering of the Flag, Church Sq., end of Common, 6 p.m. 508-528-2494 or 508-528-3466.
49th Annual Hingham 4th of July Road Race. 7 a.m. Pancakes at the Hingham Common from 7 - 9:45 a.m. Parade at 10 a.m. Starts at Hingham High School. 781-741-1464.
Independence Day Fireworks & Concert. Crane Estate, Ipswich. 4 - 10 p.m. Children's activities include a Boston Children's Theatre performance, How to Eat Like a Child, and Other Lessons in Not Being a Grown-up, at 5 p.m. Tickets available in advance online, or at the gate: A$25, C$15 (NM). 978-412-2555. thetrustees.org. craneestate.org. Rain Date: 7/5.
July Fourth Celebration at Tanglewood: The New Cars. Tanglewood, Lenox. 7 p.m. The New Cars - comprising original members of the successful and influential new wave band The Cars - will perform at Tanglewood, the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Fireworks to follow. tanglewood.org.
July 4th Festivities. Lincoln. An old-fashioned Fire Fighters Pancake breakfast (7 - 9 a.m.) in the Brooks School Gymnasium. Park in Codman Pool Parking area. A$4, C under 10 free. Register for the "Firecracker Run" Road Races at 8:45 a.m. A $12, C 12 and under $8. Children's bicycle parade (10 a.m.) on Lincoln Rd. Decorate your bikes! A small- town parade along Lincoln Rd. (10:40 a.m.). Free swim with music, fun, and prizes at the Codman Pool (12 - 7:30 p.m.). Family soccer game on the Center Field (1 p.m.), Patriotic Sing-Along (8:45 p.m.), and Fireworks next to Codman Pool, 9 a.m. Park before 8:30 p.m. $15 donation requested. Fireworks Rain Date: July 5. lincoln-ma.com.
Fireworks. Windle Field, Millbury. Dusk. Rain Date: 7/5.
Claflin Hill's Independence Day Spectacular Concert. Plains Park, Route 85, Cedar St., Milford. 5 p.m. Fireworks, 10 p.m. Arrive early and make it a "family picnic" event. 508-478-5924. claflinhill.org.
Natick 4th. Parade starts at 9 a.m. at Rt. 9/27 Plaza, then comes down Rt. 27 into Natick Center. Parade then goes East on Rt. 135/ E.Central Street. 508-397-9493. natick4th.org.
Needham 2007 Celebration. Needham. Register for children's parade, 8:30 a.m., at Greene's Field. Wear costumes; decorate bikes; Annual 3-Mile Road Race, 8 a.m., at Needham Heights Post Office; Grand Parade, 9 a.m.; Craft Fair and Flea Market, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.; Children's Races and Contests, 12:30 p.m., at the Football Field; Open Swim Meet, 2 p.m., at Rosemary Pool; Needham Little League All-Star Game, 2 p.m., at Memorial Park #2. needhamexchangeclub.org.
Fourth of July Festivities. Newton. Kids Morning at Newton Centre Playground. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Grande pet parade, teddy bear parade, decorated doll carriage promenade, foot races, and free candy, drinks and ice cream. Fireworks at Albemarle Field: open air market and amusement rides from 10 a.m. - dusk. Picnic and Big Band Sounds at 6 p.m. 617-796-1540. 617-527-8283. ci.newton.ma.us.
America's Hometown 4th of July Celebration. South and North Streets., Pittsfield. 11:30 a.m. The 2007 "Reach for the Stars" parade is the largest 4th of July parade in America. More than 100 floats, marching bands, and participants. An old-fashioned family Picnic On The Common follows with craft/food booths and entertainment. 413-447-7763, info@ pittsfieldparade.com, or berkshireweb.com.
Parade, Concert, Fireworks in Downtown Plymouth. 508-747-1620. seeplymouth.com.
July 4th Celebrations. Rutland. Grand Marshal/Celebrity Pancake Bfast at the Rutland Community Center, 7 a.m. - Noon; Power to Dream Parade, 2 p.m., Begins at Central Tree Middle School and ends at Prescott St.
Shrewsbury Celebrates. Dean Park, Shrewsbury. Noon- 4 p.m. Food, doll carriage and bike parade at 12:30 p.m., disk jockey and game show, Sunny the clown, face painting, and inflatable rides. $8 wrist band needed for rides. 508-841-8503.
Star Spangled Springfield. Court Square, Springfield. 7:30 p.m. on the steps of City Hall, featuring the United States Air Force Liberty Pops. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. from the Memorial Bridge w/musical simulcast on ROCK 102, live musical entertainment and food. 413-733-3800. spiritofspringfield.org.
Independence Day Celebration. Old Sturbridge Village. 9:30 a.m.- 5 p.m. Rousing reading of the Declaration of Independence, music, marching, mustering, and old-fashioned fun and games. Bring a picnic to enjoy on the Common. A$20, Y (3-17) $6, Under 3 free. 800- SEE-1830.osv.org.
Sudbury Parade. Union Ave. to Rt. 20 to Concord Rd. to Town Hall, Sudbury. 1 p.m.
Happy Birthday USA Family Day. Spellman Stamp Museum, 235 Wellesley St., Weston. Noon - 4 p.m. Stamp hunts, special philatelic games w/prizes, etc. Free snacks w/ admission. Ice cream $1. A $5, Sr/St $3, under 16 free. 781-768-8367. spellman.org.

Saturday, July 7
All American Patriotic Pops Program. Claflin Hill Summer Winds at The Daniels Farmstead , 286 Mendon St., Blackstone. 7:30 p.m. Enjoy music of Aaron Copland, Glenn Miller, John Phillip Sousa, and music from "Les Miserables," "Saving Private Ryan" and numerous other Fourth of July patriotic favorites. Free. Open to the publc. 508-478-5924.claflinhill.org.
Fireworks and Live Music. Clinton Middle School, Route 110, Clinton. Sponsored by the Clinton Fire Dpt. Live music TBA. 978-365- 4165. Rain date: July 8.
Bangma's Farm Independence Day Celebration. 504 W. Hartford Ave., Uxbridge. 5 p.m. Fireworks, 9:30 p.m. Rain Date: July 8.

Life is good at Fenway Park on Saturday!

Life is good® will take to the field at "America's Most Beloved Ballpark."
The Boston-based lifestyle and apparel company is moving its annual summer festival to Fenway Park on Saturday, July 7 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets ($10 children, $20 adults) are on sale at www.lifeisgood. com and in person at Life is good® retail stores, participating Dick's Sporting Goods stores, Bob's Stores, and REI stores. Pre-purchasing of tickets is recommended as tickets are limited to this special event, and likely will not be available at Fenway Park on Saturday!
Life is good ® at Fenway is also stepping up to bat for children facing unfair challenges. Organizers are hoping for a grand slam in fundraising as they aim to raise more than $1 million to support The Red Sox Foundation and Project Joy, a grassroots non-profit organization that utilizes the healing power of play to foster the social and emotional development of Boston's poorest children.
The annual celebration of summer fun and good oldfashioned Americana will feature a spirited athletic competition, classic ballpark food (at an additional fee), great live music, and a colorful mix of good-time activities for all ages.
Attendees will have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience Fenway Park like never before at this family-friendly event. The festival will feature a host of activities including:
+ Contests throughout the day. Compete in bubble gum blowing, peanut tossing, and seed spitting contests for all ages.
+ Red Sox legends. Watch for guest appearances from Red Sox immortals and Wally the Green Monster.
+ Dunk-a-Yank. This is your opportunity to sink one of Boston's arch rivals in the Dunk-a-Yank tank set up on the concourse.
+ Dugout pictures. Don't miss the opportunity for you and your friends to have a once-in-a-lifetime picture taken as you sit in the third base dugout.
+ Pitching and batting cages in the Big Concourse, sponsored by Dick's Sporting Goods. Think your fastball is blazing? Have your pitch clocked by radar and swing in the batting cage.
+ Participate in the world's biggest game of catch in the stands.
+ FREE Concerts: Family favorite SteveSongs, Neil Diamond tribute band SuperDiamond, and The Gin Blossoms will entertain the crowds throughout the day.
+ Visit the Bay State Parent booth for a free children's craft. At the booth, consider registering your child, for a $30 fee, in our annual Cover Model Search. $5 of the registration fee will go to the Red Sox Foundation and another $5 will go to Project Joy. Photo shoots will take place at Portrait Simple studios at the Atrium Mall in Chestnut Hill on Route 9 on Saturday, Sept 15.
+ Compete for the title of World's Greatest Backyard Athlete: Once again, the title of World's Greatest Backyard Athlete is up for grabs, this time with a baseball twist. More than 100 "athletes" are expected to take to the Fenway field to compete in athletic endeavors such as the Wiffle Ball homerun derby, the Green Monster Frisbee Toss, Peanut Pitching, and the Warning Track Dash. To compete for the title, athletes must display a mastery of odd skills and backyard savvy. More importantly, athletes commit to raising $5,000 for children who face unfair challenges. One hundred percent of funds raised from the 2007 World's Greatest Back Yard Athlete competition will benefit Project Joy and The Red Sox Foundation. To register for the competition, visit www. fenwayathletes.kintera.org
+ Super Fan Contest: Not sure if you can compete for the title of World's Greatest Backyard Athlete? Every team needs its fans - and you could be named the Sox Super Fan Contest Winner. To enter the contest, fans can visit Boston.com and upload a picture and description demonstrating their fanatic desire to be named this year's Super Fan. Boston.com will select 10 finalists who will compete onsite for the judges, hoping to be named the 2007 Super Fan atop the dugout at Fenway Park.
+ Sponsors for Life is good at Fenway include Dick's Sporting Goods, SAP, UPS, Four Points by Sheraton, Harvard Pilgrim Health Plan, Splenda, DS Graphics, Silvertech, Juniper Graphics, REI, Braver P.C., Upper Crust, Island Oasis and REI. Media sponsors include 93.7 MIKE FM, Boston.com, The Improper Bostonian, Comcast, Bostoncentral.com, and Bay State Parent magazine.
For complete information on the festival, visit www.lifeisgood.com.

July Issue at the Printers!

The July issue was shipped to the printers yesterday. Look for it to be at your favorite locations by next weekend. Bay State Parent magazine is at more than 850 locations in Eastern & Central Massachusetts. This issue features our 8th Annual Day Trip Guide, including a review of CoCo Key Water Resort, which is where the cover shot was captured.

Harry Potter Overknight at Higgins Armory July 21-22

Getting excited for the Harry Potter book release and movie? Register now to sleep in Massachusetts' own Hogwarts located right here in Worcester. Higgins Armory in Worcester is the perfect site for a one-of –a-kind Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Overknight. The evening begins at 8 p.m. on Friday, July 20th and includes a scavenger hunt, workshop, costume contest, readings, and more. Guests sleep in the Quest gallery and receive their own copy of the 7th book at a special midnight book release. Guests also receive snacks, breakfast, and a souvenir. The experience ends on Saturday, July 21 at 9 a.m. Space is limited. Tickets are $145 per adult and child. Additional tickets are $60 each. The deadline to register is June 27.
Higgins Armory is located on 100 Barber Ave. in Worcester. The Armory can be reached at 508-853-6015 or www.higginsarmory.org.



Harry Potter fans, be sure to pick up a copy of our July issue. Meet some of Harry Potter's biggest fans and find more exciting Harry Potter events.