What You'll Do: Aug. 19-22

By WYDaily Staff Thursday, August 19, 2010

The summer winds down and it’s not going to go away without some pretty big events. There’s still plenty of time to create a cardboard boat and get in on the first-ever pirate-themed cardboard boat regatta. We knew that would intrigue you. Read on for details, and if you are aware of other things we’ve missed, please share them below in the comments and encourage the event planners in your world to use our free, well-read Talk of the Town calendar. To the weekend!

Mommy and her small pals
We used to call the kids our “constant companions,” which is a fine thing to be but boy, oh boy, is it nice to get a little adult conversation. Chick-fil-a on Mooretown Road feels that need and plans to fill it with a new program, Mommy and Me. Check it out Thursday from 9 to 10:30 a.m., when the store will have a Play-Doh  and coloring tables for the kids, plus a storytime and the ever-popular Play Land. Moms can enjoy a coffee on Chick-fil-a. Click here for details.

Take a walk and learn something
Every Monday through Friday at 11 a.m. you can take a 30-minute archaeological walking tour of Historic Jamestown, led by a knowledgeable member of the Preservation Virginia team. You’ll learn about the history of the on-going Jamestown Rediscovery archaeological project and receive news on the most recent discoveries. We’ve taken this tour a few times this summer and trust us: Every single time it’s been different. Why? Those archaeologists keep discovering new, cool things and they are built to share them. Click here for details.

A cardboard boat regatta and pirate theme
What, we ask, could be better? This event, a pirate-themed fundraiser sponsored by the Williamsburg Jaycees to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters, is the social equivalent of peanut butter and jelly. It’s Saturday at the Yorktown Watermen’s Museum, with a $25 donation putting your cardboard craft on the water to compete against others. The Yorktown Pub will provide refreshments and this event is free to watch. But won’t it be more fun if you break down that refrigerator box with the kids, strap some duct tape in appropriate places and participate? Click here for details and get on it!

Outdoor music not to be missed
Sawyer Brown at Rockahock is the main attraction, some might say, at the Lanexa campground’s 5th annual Hawgs, Hosses and Hineys fest, which runs Friday and Saturday. Click here for full details.

Yankee Candle Flagship Summer Concert Series & BBQ is the weekly spot on Saturdays from 6 to 8 p.m. There’s a different local band each week, with a special bbq dinner at Mrs. Claus’ Café – and special pricing for kids. This week’s featured artist is acoustic rock by Stone’s Throw. Click here to get all the info.

On Saturday, from 7 to 10 p.m., is the latest installment of the Presidents Park Summer Concert Series, located among the quite large sculptures of our forefathers (minus our current president; they’re raising funds to build that one). This week: Rawelement. There’s special family pricing, and even a season pass, and you can details by clicking here.

Karaoke Fridays at the Rivah Café - If the Friday night shagging concerts on the Riverwalk made you want to sing, here’s your chance. Every Friday through July and August there’s karaoke in the Rivah Café courtyard. Things get going at 8:30 p.m. but call 875-1522 if in doubt. For more info, click right here.

Movies at the Mariners Museum
The Maritime Movie Café is open for business! See films about sea monsters this August every Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Mariners Museum in Newport News. This Thursday’s film is “It Came from Beneath the Sea.” Cost is $4 for members, $5 for nonmembers; popcorn is on the house. Click here for details.

It’s the Third Thursday, and it’s time for Anne Morrow Lindbergh
Third Thursdays, for the uninitiated, is the Williamsburg Regional Library’s way of saying “Come to the WRL for an outstanding, innovative, free program that will not disappoint.” This Thursday it’s a program about Anne Morrow Lindbergh, who was more than just an author and tragic figure. Local author and playwright Virnell Bruce will introduce you to this extraordinary figure in a program (we did mention it is free, correct?) at the Schell Room of the Williamsburg Library, 515 Scotland St. Thursday at 7 p.m. Get details here.

3rd annual VIMS yard sale and kayak raffle
This is a good one – there’s all the great stuff of a yard sale, plus the chance to win a handmade kayak worth $4,000. Raffle tickets for the kayak are just $25, with all proceeds going toward supporting student travel and research (if you’ve been paying attention you’ll remember this has taken a big hit in the past two years). There will be other raffle prizes from area businesses. It’s Saturday from 7:30 a.m. onward, at the VIMS Gloucester campus. Click here for info.

Red Cross wilderness and remote first aid course
WYDaily’s very own Dr. Decipher wrote about providing emergency care off the beaten path just this week (click here to read it). The York-Poquoson chapter of the American Red Cross offers a class on the topic this Saturday. Pre-registration is required, but the class is offered periodically. Participants must be at least 14 years old and possess a current CPR/AED certification. Click here for more info.

Films about icy locales a hot – and free – ticket at WRL
The Williamsburg Regional Library Theatre’s the place every Thursday at 2 p.m. for their free films. This month’s theme is movies set in icy locales. Clever, right? This week enjoy 2003’s “Touching the Void,” a documentary about the riveting battle for survival when a man is seriously injured while climbing a remote mountain in the Peruvian Andes. Be forewarned: The film, while the stuff of interest for kids, is rated R for language. Click here for details.

Another free film, but outdoors
Blue Talon Bistro again sponsors its Sunday evening film on their giant, blow-up screen they’ll plunk in the middle of Prince George Street. It’s free and it is really fun – be sure to arrive early enough to patronize a local business (Wythe Candies, anyone?) – and this week’s film is “New Moon,” a movie for young girls everywhere to swoon over. Get details and the summer schedule right here.

ArtWorks 2010 this weekend
See the work of more than 20 very talented regional artists and maybe buy a piece or two. It’s ArtWorks 2010, a fundraising event for the Peninsula Pastoral Counseling Center, which provides counseling to all in need, regardless of ability to pay. Funds will benefit the client assistance fund. An invitation-only preview is Friday night, but the doors of the Saints Constantine and Helen Hellenic Center in Newport News open to all at 9 a.m. Saturday. Click here for more information.

Farmers Markets – aka where to buy local
High Street’s market is on Thursday, from 5 to 8 p.m., and features the best in local produce, including just-picked Virginia sweet corn. You’ll also find arts, crafts and prepared foods. Click here for details, including a map of just where you’ll find the new High Street development.

Merchants Square Farmers Market happens on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon, but also on Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Expect fresh produce, flowers, meats and all the rest on both days, but Saturdays feature presentations by local chefs, musicians and master gardeners. Click here for a schedule, and where to park.

Yorktown Market Days at the River happens Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon. You’ll find the standard fare of a farmers market, including organics, plus featured local musicians, artists and chefs each week. Click here for details.

Downward dogs and kids
Body Balance Studio is offering some zen moments to parents and their young children with yoga classes for kids this summer. You can sign up for a bunch or just drop in. It’s on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. for ages 3-5; and 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. for ages 6-8. Click here for details.

Pick your paddle and get on the water
You can choose – creek or river – in these paddling programs at our tucked-away state park jewel, York River State Park. Rangers guide the tours, which are perfect for first-timers, novices or the experienced just looking for a knowledgeable person to lead the way. We have to say these are a couple of the very best things to do in our area – seriously. Check it out, and click here to learn more.