What You'll Do: Aug. 26-29

By WYDaily Staff Thursday, August 26, 2010

Take a deep breath – this weather makes it seem like summer is just getting started. But Mother Nature is a trickster. Enjoy these last few weeks of summer liberation. 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!

Model and emcee casting for an American Girl Fashion Show

That’s right – there’s going to be an American Girl Fashion Show right here in the Historic Triangle. The Institute for Dance is sponsoring this big event, and is looking for 100 younger girls who will model American Girl clothing and some high school girls who can serve as emcees. There are some size requirements, since the American Girl company is providing outfits in certain limited sizes. Click here to get all the details about Saturday’s audition.

Bird Walk at New Quarter Park

Members of the Williamsburg Bird Club lead the way on a walk through New Quarter Park in upper York County to spy on the area’s many bird species. They do this twice a month, on the second and fourth Saturdays. With this Saturday being the fourth, expect to start walking at 7 a.m. and wrap by 9 a.m. Click here for details.

Prepare your audition for the frenzy of flutes

Flute Frenzy is now accepting auditions for the 2010-11 season. What’s a flute frenzy? According to organizers, it’s  “Fabulous Fun with Fantastic Friends playing Fine Flutes.” Sounds great! Click here for details.

Second annual Chick-fil-A Character Carnival

Has it already been a year? Apparently so – and that means n Saturday at 4 p.m. it’s time to head over to the Chick-fil-A on Mooretown Road for carnival games, entertainment, raffles and fun ways to learn character lessons. It’s free and there will be IceDream sundaes. Click here for more information.

A folk singer on the rise comes to Bena

The Bena Country Store & Almost Square Picture Framing’s concert series gets rolling Saturday night with folk-rock singer Julie Clark. She’s won numerous awards, including the Kerrville New Folk Songwriting Competition - past winners included Lyle Lovett, Nanci Griffith and Shawn Colvin. Reserve your seats early, as the Bena Store can only seat 60 for concerts. Click here for details.

The Virginia Symphony, unplugged

Virginia Symphony Orchestra music director JoAnn Falletta will be the emcee for this special event at the Granby Theatre in Norfolk on Saturday night. Guests will see performances by former Canadian Brass player Joe Burgstaller, VSO's own dynamic duo-Vahn and Amanda Armstrong, Broadway singer Sarah Williams, and pianist Robert Thies. Tickets for this VSO benefit are $75 apiece; 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.

Outdoor music not to be missed

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 Irish Celtic music by Clan McCool Celtic. 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 make 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 the original “Clash of the Titans.” Cost is $4 for members, $5 for nonmembers; popcorn is on the house. Click here for details.

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 1960’s “North to Alaska,” a comedy western in which John Wayne plays a miner who strikes it rich during the Alaskan gold rush only to find trouble when he falls for his partner’s prospective bride. That would have a way of mucking up the works, eh?  The theme song by Johnnie Horton became a popular hit on the country music charts. 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 the Disney hit “Up.” Get details and the summer schedule right here.

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.

Deltaville’s Farmers Market is a bit of a hike, but so worth it for the 30 vendors, flea market and beautiful drive. Click here for directions and details, then build your Saturday around the market.

Make a fabulous, fun day with some girls

It’s a Fun and Fabulous Fancy Nancy lunch this Saturday at Yankee Candle’s flagship store in Williamsburg. Lunch and a story begin at 11 a.m. in the café, and all girls are asked to “dress fancy.” Cost is just $6 per person. Click here for more info on how to take the special young lady in your life to lunch.