Holiday Craft Fair

I went to the mall Friday, that's right. Black Friday. There were not as many sales as I had hoped. But then again, I didn't get out to the stores until 6ish. Lame in the eyes of serious shoppers i guess. So, I didn't get nearly as much shopping as done as I had hoped. Something that will be helpful to me as well as people who hate malls this time of year: Union Square Main Streets' Annual Craft Fair.

A press release from Union Square Main Streets said four craft markets and open studios at the fair will feature gifts including sculpture, jewelry, knitwear, photography, handbags, electronics, greeting cards, wreaths, and more. The Sherman Café and Bloc 11 will be on the scene if you get hungry. Local bands The Doctors Faux and Chris Mancini and the Pretty Pennies are set to headline live performances throughout the day.

Something else I always think about it to hit up artist co-ops. Family members usually enjoy home made gifts. It doesn't say anything about you needing to be the one to make them anymore. What are we third graders? I kid I kid.

Union Square Main Streets' Annual Craft Fair
December 1
Union Square Plaza and Toast Lounge

Holiday Trivia: Black Friday is not the busiest shopping day of the year as most assume. It is usually the Saturday before Christmas. OR December 23rd if Christmas falls on a weekend.

Re-opening of the parks!

Saturday October 20th, two Parks in Somerville will re-open! Mayor Joe Curtatone will host a small reception and park tour.
Free food and beverages will also be available.

Stone Place Park
Union Square
It contains hopscotch, play structures, and swings for younger children.
9:00am

Perry Park
Washington St. (Between Dane and Leland St.)
It contains two separate play areas with play equipment for older and younger children, hopscotch, four square, a tennis court, a basketball court, and a passive recreational area with walkways, grass, and trees.
9:30am

>>List of Somerville Parks

Project YUM

A festival of FOOD! Union Square plaza hosts the most amazing festivals! This upcoming weekend it is one of tasty treats. Experience locally grown veggies, as well as exotic foods.

Hankering for some kimchee with your curry? Craving chilis with your cheese puffs? Ever wanted to try chucchitos? Or bitter melon? At ArtsUnion's first ever food festival, you'll now have the chance to indulge and explore all your culinary desires.

Other reasons to attend?
*Ethnic food tastings from the Square's restaurants and markets
*How to heal through ayurveda, flower essences, plants and herbs
*Food themed music and art, as well as preservation techniques.
*3 local chefs face each other in an Iron Chef cook-off
*Dish! A giant interactive culinary map of the world
AND:
*Berwick Institute's potluck conversation table

Project YUM
Union Square Plaza Somerville
Saturday October 13
3:00p-6:00p

>>Somerville Arts Council

Tour de Somerville

Unless you are hard core and don't mind frost bit, prime bike riding season is coming to an end. So, next Saturday, bring out the bike for a little tour of Somerville.

This year's ride will explore the flat side of Somerville, avoiding all of the city's hills. We'll ride along the Community Path and its future extension, then take a level, low-traffic route through East Somerville to the Mystic River at Assembly Square. From there, we'll ride alongside the river into a bit of South Medford, then return through West Somerville back to our starting point.

The Tour begins at 10 am at Seven Hills Park, behind the Somerville Theatre in Davis Square. Our nine-mile ride will be leisurely-paced, easy for cyclists of all ages. We strongly encourage all riders to wear helmets.

Saturday, October 13 (rain date Sunday Oct 14)
Somerville

>> Tour de Somerville

Open Air What?

Open Air Circus is hosting a face painting fundraiser. Activities include:

• Face painting
• Ballooning
• Yard Sale
  
• other circus related activities

Saturday 10/29
10a-4p
Davis Square (Holland and Simpson St.)

What the Fluff?

Thats right...you know! It's time for the 90th anniversary of Fluff! Archibald Query didn't spend many a day and night creating this magical substance. Personally, crappy thing to eat, but seems like a fun substance to play with!
Which is what I think this day is all about. There will be activities galore along with musical and theatrical performances. Rumor has it there will also be fluff martini's and a pool of fluff. I just don't know if such fun is true!

What the Fluff
Celebration of a Union Square invention
Union Square Plaza
Saturday 9/29 4p-7p
Rain Date 9/30

>>What the Fluff

Somerville Community Gardens

When I first heard about the opening of the Durrell Community Garden, I thought it would be simialr to the Boston Gardens. That doesn't make sense though. But what I found out was better anyway.
Somerville is home to six (2 more very soon) Communtiy Gardens. You can rent a plot of grass to create your very own garden. Living in a city with very little green, never mind actual yards with rooms for gardening, I thought this was huge.

Each garden is managed by one or more volunteer Garden Coordinators. Coordinators assign plots, help gardeners get seeds and compost, and provide information and advice to those who want it. Garden plots are available on a first-come-first-served basis. If no plot is available, your name may be added to a “wait list”. Gardeners are charged a nominal fee and asked to sign a letter of agreement recognizing the cities rights and the gardener’s responsibilities.

Durrell Park is special because this will be the first designed for gardeners with physical disabilities. There are raised beds for people who are in wheelchairs.

Durrell's opening will occur Tuesday 9/18 at 4:00pm.
Allen St. Garden will open the next day, Wednesday 9/19 at 4:00pm.
For more information, call Steve Winslow, senior planner, at 617-625-6600, ext. 2519

>>City Of Somerville Gardens

It's all Hawaii tonight!

Join Somerville Arts Council for a Hawaiin theme night in Union Square!

Grab your leis and flowered shirts as Todd Sargent transforms Union Square into a tropical destination, with sights and sounds from the Hawaiian isles.
DJ Brother Cleve will launch the evening with a tropical soundtrack to a backdrop of vintage surf and Hawaiian footage. The Mai Tai Serenaders, featuring Rick Russo on ukulele, will croon to the sounds of Hawaiian pop. Polynesian Dance Arts will perform Tahitian dance as well as the Hulas of Hawaii. Headlining the evening will be Waitiki, presenting lounge sounds in the vein of Martin Denny, Les Baxter and Arthur Lyman, along with original compositions, for a sonic Tiki cocktail.
The evening will finish with a pastiche of clips from films and documentaries about Hawaiian music, including Susan Friedman’s “The Ki Ho’alu: That’s Slack Key Guitar.” Sargent, responsible for turning the space under McGrath Highway into a 70’s dance rave up this summer, will create a magical landscape, festooning Union Square with palm trees and other tiki ephemera.

The first 50 people to arrive receive a free lei.

Friday: 9/14 (Tonight!!)
Rain date: Saturday 9/15
Union Square
Somerville
7:30p-10p

Calling all Somerville Dog Lovers

I wish I had a puppy. I would take him to this doggy heaven! AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day. At Nunziato Field. You may also know it by seeing all the super awesome kickball players there on Wed/Thurs. nights this summer. Speaking of, if you own a very large white dog and often go to the dog park-your dog is awesome! He was considered our mascot.
In appreciation for all dog lovers, there will be pet portraits, pet massages, and nail clippings.

Saturday 9/15
10:30am-2:00pm
Nunziato Field
Summer St.

>>AKC

Rock & Roll Yard Sale

An outdoor sale of all things rock and roll! Cd's, vinyl records, t-shirts, old stereos, posters, and more! Vegan food and vintage clothing will also be around.
DJ xdonricklesx will be providing the entertainment

everything he will be playing was found in thrift stores or at yard sales - and always bought for a buck or less . . .everything is priceless . . . No DJ secrets here!
there will be a "Now Playing" and "On Deck" display to showcase the music being played for curious listeners

There will also be a hideous lamp contest. "Better to Curse the Darkness" If you have a lamp with character, or just plain hideous you are encouraged to bring it and join the contest. The winner will be voted "Worst in Show" and the light bulb will be mashed with a hammer.

Union Square
Somerville
9/15
3:00p-7:00p

Davis Square Block Party

Davis square lover? Or even a young professional who lives there and is a Davis Square hater-you are invited! DARBI is presenting its first annual Davis Square Block Party.

The Davis Area Resident/Business Initiative (DARBI) is a newly formed community organization whose goal is to maintain and enhance the quality of life in the Davis Square area through creative and strategic collaboration between residents and the business community.

You will have a chance to meet your neighbors, business owners, and enjoy food from Redbones.
Cost: $5 for DARBI members
$10 for non-members.
Not a member, but would like to be? You can sign up at the event, and still get in for $5. Memberships are $20 for the year, and includes a free T-shirt!
Don't forget to check out the door prizes and the cash bar!

Proceeds from the event will support the HONK! Festival’s return to Davis Square Friday, Oct. 5. HONK! (www.honkfest.org) is a grassroots festival of activist street bands from all over the United States and beyond, playing music that celebrates progressive ideals.

Monday 9/10
6p-8p
Redbones
Chester St. (Davis Sq.)

Tango by Moonlight

Dancing under the stars, literally. It is so romantic.

Join us to dance the Argentine Tango outdoors in a romantic and atmospheric setting,or just to watch and listen to the music.

Not sure how to Tango? Impromptu 15minute lessons available.
On the Weeks pedestrian bridge near Harvard Square (at Memorial Drive, just east of JFK Street, across from DeWolfe Street).

Thursday 8/30
7:30p-11:00p (free)
Rain date: 8/31.
Tango by Moonlight™ is sponsored by The Tango Society of Boston

>>Tango Society

Somerville Outdoor Movie Addition

Some of you may remember the post in July about the Somerville outdoor movies. Well an addition has been made. Due to popular demand Madagascar has been added to the line up. Madagascar will be shown tomorrow 8.28 at Hodgkins Park. (Holland St./Simpson Ave.) Movie will start at dusk.
Also added to the line up was viewers choice Ferris Bueller's Day Off. (Conway Park) Footloose was a close second, but unfortunately will not be seen until next year.

Project MUM

Project MUM (Meet under McGrath) is Somerville's unique way of fund raising.

Project MUM, a unique and unforgettable open-air dance party, could only take place in Somerville, a city known for its innovative use of art space. A fundraiser for the arts in Somerville, MUM is free and open to the public (with a $10 suggested donation fee.) Proceeds will benefit ARTSomerville, the Somerville Arts Council, Mudflat Pottery Studio and Somerville Community Access Television.
This year's event pays tribute to the glorious 1970s and features four hours of music spun by DJs Flack, Axel Foley and Pace, with lighting (and mirror ball) by Todd Sargent/VDA Productions that provide the perfect backdrop for your fabulous dance moves. Eye-popping video and light sculptures will include a psychedelic slideshow flashback featuring your own* authentic 70s photos. Special guest video artist jackbackrack.

To get into it even more, take some shots of you and your friends in your 70's outfits and send them in. They will be put on display during the show! Email digital images at least 4”x6” 300 dpi to: info@artsomerville.org

Project MUM
August 18th
9:00pm-1:00am
McGrath Highway
Washington St. & McGrath Highway

>>ARTSomerville
>>Jackbackrack
>>Somerville Arts Council

National Night Out

National Night Out Against Crime-self explanatory. What do I do about it? Write about two places. Same time, same day different activities different location.

National Night Out is a unique crime prevention event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW) and Target to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for and participation in local anticrime programs, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships, and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

Somerville first since this is my home town:
SCAP(Somerville Cares about Prevention) partners with local businesses, civic groups, local and state organizations for the fourth year for this event. Where: Foss Park. Tuesday August 7. Activities will begin at 4:00pm. Activities include: K-9 presentation(6:00pm), obstacle course, dance performances, and to end the night, a movie under the stars. (Shark Tale) Complimentary popcorn. THere will also be face painting and Child ID kits to help engage families.

Cambridge:
Again-Tuesday August 7. For the 16th year in a row, Cambridge Task Force will host there event at Rindge Field. (Adjacent to the Peabody School.) Cambridge also includes a morning addition. Morning Out will be from 9:30am to 1:30pm. Pony rides, entertainment for kids, a DJ, roaming clown, and a reptile/amphibian presentation.
Cambridge Night Out will then begin at 5:30pm and go until 8:30pm. Activities include: Basketball competition for 11-16 year olds, cookout, safety demonstrations, DJ, McGruff the Crime Dog, and again more pony rides!

Both events are free and open to the public. Both communitie ask for the public's help to prevent crime by simply leaving your outside light on at night.

>>National Night Out

Similar to a drive in...

Same concept, watching a movie outside. Although no car necessary.
Somerville Movie fest. This week's movie "Babe" to be held at Conway Park. Also known as SomerMovie fest.

Every Thursday night at dusk, beginning on July 5th, join fellow Somerville residents for the annual, summer-long “movie in the park” festival. Each week, different Hollywood movies will be shown at parks throughout the City – including Seven Hills Park in Davis Square, Conway Park on Somerville Ave., and Prospect Hill Park in Union Square.

Click here for full Summer Schedule.
The fun part is, some are meant for kids some are not. Next week's movie for those of you that are too lazy to check out the schedule is Rent. Seven Hills Park in Davis Square.
Movies may be cancelled in the event of rain. Somerville residents dial 311. Other interested non-somerville residents could visit City of Somerville and click on the “Summertime in Somerville” logo.

Davis Square ArtBeat

Once a year mid-summer Davis Square is transformed, thanks to the Somerville Arts Council. This year's theme, ArtBeast. Beginning with a Beastly Parade Workshop Friday night, this event will go through Saturday evening. Performers, vendors, and talents of all kinds.
Check out the schedule.
Stage area's include: Seven Hills Park, Elm St. Statue Park, and many more.

ArtBeat includes music, performance art, craft vendors, dance, theater, food,
and a whole more. Each year we develop a theme that serves as a launching point
for artists and the community to express themselves. Take a look at our previous festivals.

ArtBeast
Friday July20, and Saturday July21. Events happening throughout the day.
Davis Square

Tour De France Breakfast

Nothing like a sweet ride ending with a tasty breakfast. I say that like I ride a bike often. I don't even own a bike anymore. I want to though, and will soon, it is just not something happening right this second. Anywho, you do it :)
Ride your bike to Davis Square Redbones, they have valet parking for bikes. Or you can walk in. The cost is $7 and they set up a tv outside. Sit back, relax and enjoy the mountain stage of the tour. (Stage 9)

Each day of the tour is considered a separate race or stage; the 20 stages are of varying degrees of difficulty as the route travels 3,550 kilometers from July 7 to July 20. Redbones breakfasts are scheduled during two of the six mountain stages — the most challenging for competitors and the most exciting for viewers. Local cyclists are encouraged to put together a group or ride in alone, stay for breakfast and the broadcast, and then ride away inspired by the competition.

Redbones will be serving breakfast at 9am. Including: fruit, sausage, coffee, yogurt, scrambled eggs and more!

Redbones
55 Chester St.
Davis Square
9am
Tuesday July17 AND Wednesday July 25.

Life is good

Life is good festival is being held at Fenway this year. I know this is not Camberville events, but sometimes things are just worth crossing the river for. I am pretty sure this is one of them. The list of entertainment seems endless! Things such as: Dugout Photos, Seed Spitting, Dunk a Yank, Gin Blossoms, Superfan Competition and so much more!
Tickets are $20 bucks for adults and $10 for kids. Proceeds are to benefit Project Joy
and Red Sox Foundation. The goal is to reach 1 million dollars.
Spend a day at Fenway and benefit kids in need throughout Boston. I can't get in when the Red Sox are there, so I might as well take advantage of this! Rumor has it there will be some legends available for autographs and photos.

Saturday July 7th
11a-6p
Fenway Park

>>Life is Good

Somerville Family Fun Day

It is almost July 4th, and to begin the festivities Somerville is hosting Family Fun Day. They have scheduled fireworks fro Thursday and Fun Day Saturday. They have set their sights high this year, and expect a spectacular performance. Fireworks and patriotic performances will be done by the Sunsetters and the USO Metropolitan New York Performers.
To continue the fun Saturday is ready to go with a giant slide, face painting, BBQ, obstacle course, and DJ and so much more!

Fireworks
Thursday 6/28
Music starts at 6:30
Fireworks set for 9:15.
Rain Date: 7/7

Fun Day
Trum Field MAP
12:00-5:00
Rain Date: 7/8

Don't forget to check out road closures during these events!
*Also Bus routes 80 and 89 will detour slightly.

>>Somerville Article