Saturday, June 7 is Scout Discount Day at Canobie Lake Park

Saturday, June 7th is SCOUT day at Canobie Lake Park in Salem, N.H.
Any Scout (Boy or Girl) in a uniform item (ie vest, shirt, etc) can get a special discount -- buy one admission and get one admission free.
Ticket prices this season are $29 for those over 48 inches tall and $20 for seniors and those under 48 inches.
The park is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. this Saturday.
For more information, visit http://www.canobielake.com/
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Independence Day Celebrations in June

Here are a few Independence Day fireworks & celebrations that missed our June print edition:

June 23: Upton is holding a Fireworks Festival at Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School on 65 Pleasant St. in Upton. Shuttles from the Center will run from 2 - 11 p.m. Enjoy food, rides, entertainment, a car show, and fireworks at dusk.

June 24: Millbury's parade will begin at 1 p.m. Fireworks will be held after dusk on July 3 & 4. Rain Date: July 5

June 29: Grafton will hold fireworks over Lake Ripple at dusk.

June 29: Westboro is celebrating from 6 - 10 p.m. with a Block Dance in front of Town Hall, featuring the band Tailspin. Enjoy hayrides, a magician, pond rides, food and more.

June 30: Auburn is holding a parade at 11 a.m. from Auburn St. to the Horgan Rink. Skydivers will be landing on Lemansky Park (opposite the rink) between 1 - 1:30 p.m. There will be games for kids, trike and bike decorating contests, and food booths. Fireworks will be at 9:30 p.m. in the park with a July 7th rain date. 508-832-3581.

For a complete listing of Independence Day celebrations, check out this blog and the magazine's web site at www.baystateparent.com.

WEEKEND PICK: Art Beat: The Creativity Store Opens Second Location in Franklin on June 16

ArtBeat: The Creativity Store will open its second location in the Bay State this Saturday, June 16 in Franklin. “ARTBEAT The Creativity Store is a place where inspiration and creativity intersect,” says owner Jan Whitted. “For over 11 years we have enriched family experiences around the arts in Arlington and now we offer the same opportunity to parents in the southern and MetroWest areas. Here in rooms awash in lively color you’ll find art supplies, handmade gifts, toys and project kits for children and adults as well as inspirational and how-to books that will inspire people to think creatively about their lives.”
“At ARTBEAT, we will show you how to structure fun activities and create family memories,” says Andrai Whitted, a resident of Bellingham and father of three young children. “We want families to think of us as a unique family resource where we make it easy for young and old alike to create. By the end of an art studio visit, everyone will have a treasure to take home or to give as a gift.”
Located at the corner of Summer Street and Route 140, the walk-in art studio will offer a featured art project for children 8 and older (younger if accompanied by an adult) every Saturday. ARTBEAT will be open for children and adult parties and can accommodate private parties of up to 15.

Saturday's Grand opening schedule (all events FREE):
11 a.m.: Kids’ craft project­ Fancy Flowers
Noon: Face Painting
1 p.m.: Musical entertainment and sing-along with Ben Rudnick and Friends
3 p.m.: Kids’ craft project­ Sand Magnets

ARTBEAT will be open seven days a week: Sunday and Monday from noon to 6 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Thursday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
For more information, visit www.artbeatonline.com/ to find descriptions of upcoming events and store information.

WEEKEND PICK: FirstWorksKids Festival in Providence

Providence, Rhode Island will play host to the FirstWorksKids Festival this week. The festival line-up features over 30 artists in performances and workshops, a rollicking parade, and two free shows by 2007 Grammy-winner Dan Zanes and Friends.
The 4th Annual FirstWorksKids Festival promises a cross-cultural jamboree loaded with dance, music and fun drawn from the four corners of the globe and the rich diversity of the Providence community.
The all-FREE FirstWorksKids Festival takes place from Market Square (Main & College Streets) to Benefit Street to Waterplace Park in downtown Providence, June 16th performances start at 1 p.m. and conclude with the Family Fiesta Finale beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Waterplace Park.
A “Sneak-Peek” dance demonstration by Lydia Perez and the Bombitas on Friday night, June 15 from 5-7 kicks off the festival at the Providence Children’s Museum.
Zanes will perform two high-energy shows at the RISD Auditorium at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 16. Tickets are free and available on a first-come, first-served basis at the box office, which opens at 12 noon for both shows. Limit four tickets per person. (Note: last year’s shows sold-out).
“FirstWorksKids celebrates the richness of this city’s diverse cultural landscape,” says Lynne McCormack, director of the Providence Department of Art, Culture, and Tourism. “The festival showcases local and global performing artists, truly bringing the world to our doorstep.”



FirstWorksKids 2007 Schedule
* 1:00, 4:00 pm Dan Zanes and Friends RISD Auditorium, College and Main Streets All ages. Tickets free but will go fast. Box office opens at 12 noon for both shows. Four tickets per person limit.
* 1:00, 2:30 pm Akwaaba African Drum and Dance Ensemble, College Street Stage
* 2:00, 3:30 pm Czechoslovak-American Marionette Theatre,
RISD Museum
* 1:30, 3:30 pm Grand Falloons, “Cirque Menagerie” Benefit Street, Frazier Terrace Stage
* 1:30, 3:15 pm Leonard FourHawks, Native American storytelling, Benefit Street, Farago Entrance to RISD Museum
* 1 – 5 pm Outdoor performances, including Opera Outside Inside Out, What Cheer? Marching Brigade, Providence Roller Derby, Nettukkusq, Native American songs, Shanti and Pavitra Muthu with traditional dances of India, and Rising Stars Showcase, talented young performers from Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts perform the cultural traditions of Brazil, Cambodia, China, the Dominican Republic, Greece, India, Mexico, Puerto Rico and the US.
College Street Stage, Riverwalk, Market Square, and Benefit Street stages.
* 5:00 pm Join Big Nazo, What Cheer? Marching Brigade, the folk art workshop’s Chinese Lion, Roller Derby Glams, Akwaaba and others for the Pick-Up Parade to Waterplace Park to be led by Dan Zanes.
* 5:30 – 7:30 pm FirstWorksKids Family Fiesta, Waterplace Park Featuring the Afro-Caribbean rhythms of Puerto Rico’s Guarayson Ensemble with Lydia Perez and the Bombitas.
In the case of sustained rain, these performances will be moved to the RISD Auditorium.

Continuous Events
* 1 – 5 pm Big Nazo puppet-making workshop, Market Square Stage
* 1:00 – 4:45 pm Chinese Folk Art Workshops, Dough Art and other activities
Riverwalk Gazebo Presented by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office of Boston
* 1 – 5 pm “Day of the African Child” Empowerment Through Art–The Strength of Creative Human Expression exhibit and virtual tour of Uganda, Illustration Studies Gallery, RISD
Presented by Plan USA and YUGA (Youth United for Global Action and Awareness)
* 1 – 5 pm R.I. Rock Gym’s Rock Climbing Wall , Benefit Street West
* 1 – 5 pm 93.3 Coast FM Kidz N’ Family, College Street Bridge, Educational…interactive…fun at Imagination Market
* 1 – 5 pm WBSR 88.1 FM, Brown Student Radio, Riverwalk Inset.
* 2 – 4 pm Vejigante Mask-Making Demonstration, Benefit Street, Frazier Terrace Demonstration Area Traditional Carnavale character masks of Puerto Rico
Note: A Red Cross first-aid station will be located at the corner of South Main and College Streets.

Dan Zanes Photo by ARTHUR ELGORT

June 27: Alice in Wonderland Tea

The historic Asa Waters Mansion on 123 Elm Street in Millbury is hosting an Alice in Wonderland Tea complete with tea, punch, goodies, a doll parade, and craft project on Wednesday, June 27.
The cost is $30 for 1 adult with 1 child. Each additional child is $10, adults are $20. Children must be school age. Reservations are required: 508-865-5528 or 508-735-2322.

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.

Free Concerts in Lexington on Sunday, June 10

Keys for Kids will hold 2 free, public concerts on Sunday, June 10 at Pilgrim's Congregational Church, 55 Coolidge Ave. in Lexington. Concert times are 2:30 and 4:45 p.m. Each concert will feature 3 to 4 group classes performing in the keyboard orchestra ensemble style and about 30 private piano students, ages 4 to adult. The first afternoon concert also will feature two small singing groups. The second concert will have a few guitar performances.
Keys for Kids is an engaging comprehensive group music program, designed to help children discover the world of music through music games, ear training, solfege singing, rhythm activities, and keyboard playing. Courses are designed to encourage development of both the individual's and the group's musical skills. Lessons are organized in a carefully planned sequence that guarantees fun and success. Class time activities cover many aspects of musicianship while accommodating children's attention spans. Children develop a solid musical foundation, regardless of future instrument choice. Classes are taught to small groups of parent-child teams. Groups are carefully organized according to children's age, skill level, and musical goals. Parents are encouraged (and for the youngest students, required) to learn along with their children. Each semester, students receive a new, exciting, and challenging book that includes music pieces, theory, sight-reading, ear training, and technique activities. Students who progress through each level will graduate as independent musicians who can read, write, perform, love, and understand music. The graduation performances at the end of each semester and annual recitals provide opportunities for students to perform. For more information on Keys for Kids visit http://www.keys-for-kids.com/Locations.html

Scout Day in West Boylston & Dragon Boat Festival in Pittsfield on Saturday June 9th

Scout Day on the Common and Race for Safety in West Boylston
Everyone is welcome to participate in a 5K "Race for Safety" Run/Walk at 8:30 a.m. in leaving from the Middle School/High School on Rte. 140 in West Boylston.
There is also a fun-filled Scout Day planned for all to enjoy at the West Boylston Bandstand Common at the intersection of Routes 12 & 140 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Events and activities include Revolutionary Fife & Drum Corps, Knights & Ladies of the
Society of Creative Anachronis, Worcester Kiltie Pipe Band, White Thunder & friends Native American Drumming & Dancing, West Boylston Food Pantry & US Troop Care packages (Please bring items to donate!), Frontiersman camp 15th Massachusetts infantry
Civil War Soldiers, Races & Games, Live Reptiles & Amphibians, National Wild Turkey Federation, YoYo Mama & the Spinheads, NEADS "Canines for Vets" &"Canines for Kids," Silent Auction , Cake Walk, and much more!

Dragon Boat Festival-Pittsfield
The Berkshire Museum in Pittsfield is holding an afternoon of family fun celebrating Asian arts and culture from 1 - 4 p.m.
Make a dragon boat and race it in the Gutter Regatta
Design a Peking Opera Mask, make a carp kite, and try origami.
Have your face painted with Asian designs.
At 2 p.m. experience traditional Japanese taiko drumming with Okaido New England (ONE).
The Dragon Boat Festival is free with Berkshire Museum admission.
Tickets to the performance are available first-come, first-served, beginning at 10 a.m. Activities are first-come, first served, while supplies last.
The Berkshire Museum is located at 39 South Street in Pittsfield.
Visit them at http://www.berkshiremuseum.org/.

WEEKEND PICK: 12 Dancing Princesses in Newburyport Saturdays & Sundays in June

Newburyport is a beautiful city to explore on a sunny day. Plan a day trip to the Cape Ann area and take in a performance of A Theatre in the Open's adaptation of Brothers Grimm Fairy Tale the 12 Dancing Princesses (recently turned into a Barbie DVD -- your kids will know that version) Saturdays & Sundays this month through June 24.performances are at 2 p.m.

In the adaptation, the King must discover how 12 pairs of dancing shoes get completely worn out in one night. With 12 unique princesses, your family is sure to find a little of yourselves on stage. Are you like Princess Callie who wants to ride her horse everyday? Or you might know someone like Princess Janie who loves to follow rules. Join the princesses and Benjamin, the cobbler's son, as he tries to solve this "locked room" mystery in a production filled with color, movement, wonder and magic.
This show is a great way to introduce children to live theater, and every little girl who has ever wanted to be a princess is sure to be spellbound by the lovely dozen.
Included in the cast are many Bay State residents --- Abigail Davis of Newburyport as Sarah, Zach Bloomfield of South Hampton, NH as Benjamin, Beth Randall of Newburyport as Augusta, Alyssa Theriault of Newburyport as Janie, Rachel Harris of Newburyport as Stella, Rachel Hawkes of Amesbury as Lesley, Madeleine Moore of Newburyport as Nell, Eliza Bradley of Newbury as Marza , Allegra Larson of West Newbury as Cora, Shelby Steeves of Newburyport as Nonnie, along with others and an original score by Jessica Rybicki of Amesbury.

Where: Maudslay State Park, 76 Curzon Mill Road in Newburyport.

Parking: Park in the Maudslay State Parking lot and follow the flags to the play site. Allow for a 10 minute stroll while you follow the Theater in the Open flags.
Tickets: Children and Seniors $5.00, Adults $8.00. Children age 3 and under are free.
For information call 978-465-2572 or visit http://www.theaterintheopen.org/

Photo courtesy of Theatre in the Open. Pictured: (Standing: left to right - Hannah Zwickerhill, Allegra Larson, Alyssa Theriault,Beth Randall, Grace Pezella. Seated: left - right - Madison Moran, Madeleine Moore, Abigail Davis,Shelby Steeves)

WEEKEND PICK: Saturday is Family Fun Day at Chickatawbut Hill in

Saturday, June 9, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Blue Hills Trailside Museum is sponsoring a Family Fun Day at the Chickatawbut Hill Education Center in Milton.***
Join Trailside for a celebration for all ages! There will be games, crafts and live animal presentations. Cost is $5 per person or $15 per carload.
Pre-registration is not required, however, if you are thinking of coming, the center would love to know! For more information or to let us know your planning on attending, please call us at 617-333-0690 x225.
If you can't make this event -- the Mass Audubon society has scores of events every month for families. Check out its web site at http://www.massaudubon.org/
Also read Bay State Parent magazine's report on how to get children involved in nature in the June issue or go online at: www.baystateparent.com/news/2007/0601/Articles/027.html


***As the meteorologists are calling for clouds & possible rain on Saturday, please call ahead to see if all activities on Saturday are still scheduled.

Weekend Pick: Family Concert on June 16

Room to Grow hosts a special family concert on Saturday, June 16 -- Featuring Smithsonian Folkways Recording Artist Elizabeth Mitchell and Family & David Weinstone’s Music for Aardvarks and Other Mammals

1) Elizabeth Mitchell and Family: Mitchell brings a fresh sound to cherished American folk songs and other melodies from around the world. In a peaceful yet powerful way, she reintroduces us to the songs we thought we knew so well. Featuring homespun renditions of songs by Woody Guthrie, Bob Marley, The Velvet Underground, Vashti Bunyan, Gillian Welch and more. (Pictured is Liz Mitchell with her husband Daniel Littleton and her daughter Storey, who will also perform with her.)
2) David Weinstone’s Music for Aardvarks and Other Mammals: Music for Aardvarks is a multi-faceted world of musical adventures created by classically trained ex-punk rocker, David Weinstone. After the birth of this first child, David began Music for Aardvarks and Other Mammals in reaction to the dearth of cool music available. In an exhilarating range of musical styles executed with superb musical literacy and richness of instrumentation, his songs reflect and celebrate the lives of children growing up in urban environments as well as themes universal to all children.

BENEFITS: Room to Grow (www.roomtogrow.org) - the proceeds of which will support their efforts to enrich the lives of babies born into poverty throughout their critical first three years of development.

BUY TICKETS: Call Ticket Fusion at 877-548-3237 or visit www.backbayeventscenter.com/calendar.html for online sales.

CONCERT DETAILS: Saturday, June 16th, doors open at 10:30 a.m., at John Hancock Hall
180 Berkeley Street, in Boston

For more information, visit www.roomtogrow.org

Harry Potter Bus Coming to Boston

If you've ever wanted to hop aboard the Knight Bus of Harry Potter fame, you'll have your chance tomorrow, June 5 at two branches of the Boston Public Library. Wizards and Muggles alike are invited to tour the very purple triple-decker bus that was featured prominently in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Fans can record a 30-second video saying why you love the Potter books. Some video clips will be posted on www.scholastic.com/harrypotter. Feel free to dress up like your favorite Potter character.
The bus is at the Providence Public Library, Mount Pleasant Branch today, Monday from 3 to 6 p.m. It will be at the Boston Public Library, Central Library Branch, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., & then off to the Codman Square Branch from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. This is the bus' only stop in Massachusetts. It will be in NYC the eve before the final book release in July.

Photo courtesy of Scholastic & The Today Show

WEEKEND PICK: Girl Authority CD Launch Concert!

My pick for the start of the weekend is a CD release concert by Girl Authority (http://www.girlauthority.com/) Friday night, June 1 at 7 at Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High in Sudbury. Tickets were selling very fast for this concert, benefiting The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. The concert celebrates the official release of the group's second CD Road Trip Tickets are $12 at the door and $10 in advance. Parking is free.

If Friday's concert sells out before you can get tickets, the girls are performing Sunday, June 3 at the Striar Jewish Community Center in Stoughton at 2:30 p.m. and will sign autographs after the show. Tickets are $10 for non-members.

*** And if you can't get tickets to either show, take heart, the girls have several shows planned throughout the summer (http://www.girlauthority.com/?id=toursSearch.php&new_target=tours) to promote their CD. And on Sept. 1 the tween-teen group will make its national television debut on CBS' The Saturday Early Show.

Okay, for moms & dads unfamiliar with Girl Authority - it is a LOCAL singing group of nine girls (ages 10-15) each with an individual "identity" that ties in with their personalities: Tarr (Rock-n-Roll Girl), Alex (Fashion Girl), Jacqueline (All-Star Girl), Carly (Glamour Girl), Jess (Boho Girl), Gina (Urban Girl), Crystal (Country Girl), Kate (Party Girl) and Zoë (Preppy Girl). They go to school, are Girl Scouts, cheerlead, play sports, play instruments, have fun sleepover parties and… just happen to make hit records in their spare time (more than 100,000 and counting of their CDs, filled with songs us parents grew up with & listen to now like the Go-Go's Vacation, Walking on Sunshine, We are Family, Christina Aguilera's Beautiful, Gwen's Hollaback Girl, etc...)

Earlier this month the group signed a deal with PorchLight Entertainment which has partnered with Rounder Records (the group’s label) to co-develop TV series, specials, Web site and direct-to-video programming, merchandising, and an original book series for the tween-targeted singing group sensation.