Things to do this week
This weekend, local ethnic festivals seem to be starting up in full force, including a Greek festival in Annapolis and a Polish festival in Baltimore.
Sometime I'll have to tell the story of how I ended up dancing in a circle at one of Baltimore's Greek festivals because my little girl wanted to make some new friends.
Friday (May 30):
Annual Greek Festival: This festival at Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 2747 Riva Road, Annapolis, features Greek cuisine, wine, jewelry, crafts and books, Greek and Cypriot folk dance performances and live music. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 1 p.m.-7 p.m. Sunday. Call 410-573-2072 or go to schgochurch.org. Free.
Panel Discussion: The Y of Central Maryland hosts a panel discussion on "Nurturing the Whole Child." at 8 a.m. at the University of Baltimore Student Center, 5th Floor, 21 W. Mount Royal Ave. Panel experts include Dr. Peter Beilenson, Health Officer for Howard County; Eva Tansky Blum, of the PNC Foundation; and Dr. David Bromberg, of the American Academy of Pediatrics for the Mid-Atlantic region. Topics include the effects of test taking on children and childhood obesity. Call 410-837-1077 x 223 or go to ymaryland.org. Free.
Polish Festival: From 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and noon-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Patterson Park hosts a celebration of Polish culture. with polka bands, folk dancing, a cultural exhibit, and traditional food and crafts. The park is at Linwood and Eastern avenues. Call 410-879-6336 or go to bop.org. Free.
(Photo from the Greek Festival in Annapolis in 2006 by Sun photographer Nanine Hartzenbusch)
Saturday, May 31:
12th annual Charles Village Festival: Wyman Park Dell hosts two days of events and activities. The festival features children's games, a 5K race, crafts, food, beverages and live music. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The dell is at Charles and 29th streets. Free. Call 410-243-5952 or go to charlesvillage.net.
Reisterstowns Bloomin’ Art Fest: The event features arts, crafts, flowers, food and live music on Main Street. Local shops will offer discounts, and there will be a children’s area. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Franklin Middle School, 120 Main St., Reisterstown. Free. Call 410-833-5151 or go to reisterstownrec.com.
Table Tennis Championships: The Carrolltown Center, at the corner of Ridge Road and Route 26 in Eldersburg, hosts the Maryland State Table Tennis Championships. Free for spectators. The event starts at 9 a.m. Call 410-579-8462.
Sunday (June 1):
Comic Book and Nonsports Card Show: The event, featuring Golden Age, Silver Age, Bronze Age and Modern comics and related items, runs from 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn, 6323 Ritchie Highway, Glen Burnie. Free. Call 410-569-8357 or go to clandestinecomics.com.
Israel @ 60 Family Festival: Activities include games, a moon bounce, miniature golf, a climbing wall and more. The Walk the Land section offers a virtual tour of destinations in Israel, such as Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and the Dead Sea. Food vendors will sell Israeli food, drinks, hot dogs, hamburgers, desserts and cotton candy. 1 p.m.-4 p.m. at the Rosenbloom Owings Mills Jewish Community Center, 3506 Gwynnbrook Ave., Owings Mills. Free. Call 410-356-5200 or go to jcc.org.
