West Chester
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Notes from the Publisher
Happy gorgeous Friday MacKid WC friends! Thanks for checking up on the latest and greatest in our fab towns:).
Today was mini-mac's last "real" day of preschool for the year...and no lie, it will be painful to give up those precious very few hours of deciding between work, grocery shopping without grabby hands, working out a summer-cannot-be-here-already body, and cleaning (oh who am I kidding, I never choose that one). But there IS a silver lining. For the next month... one less child will have to witness a daily episode of "what did mommy forget that you need for school today?". Even though she's only four, my guess is she's caught on. Some of my friends think I have my act totally together, and then there's the ones who know the truth.
Truth is, every morning I wake up like 2 minutes before I get my very self sufficient big mac to the bus stop, and I wish I could say it was still dark out, but really it's all birds chirping, sunshine and happiness outside my bedroom window. Whatevs, this bed is seriously comfy and staying up late + getting up early does not a pretty mommy make. Those chirpy birds could have totally helped out this morning by stuffing $3 for a track party in an envelope on the way to the busstop... apparently they aren't the same breed that swoops in to sew up Cinderella's dress. What up, normal birds? Bummer. Then comes middle mac's turn. You know, the one I forgot to wake up early for before school orchestra practice. She readies herself in record time, yet one minute prior to the neighbor-pick up, we're searching for money for a charity raffle and sunscreen for an outdoor school event. The one we've known about since March. OK, 2 down, 1 to go. On cue, in comes the littlest macaroni, and her frantic quest for a missing backpack. Because she needs somewhere to put her stuffed turtle, jewelry, random coins, and favorite rocks. Turns out it was already in the car... and if we're going to be unorganized, the least we can do is shove it all in a backpack. So, yes... losing 2 hours of freedom by day might actually be a fair trade for reclaiming 5 minutes of sanity each morning. Oh and by the way, if you ever come to my house... please don't open the closets.
Cheers to a week of peace, love, joy, and flying by the seat of your pants!
Here's the latest newsletter scoop...scroll down for details:
- Check out the calendar and don't miss out on all the upcoming local fairs ~ bring on the funnel cake!
- Random holiday list, keep the boredom at bay and party like it's 1999!
- 7th Annual Chester County Polo Cup ~ fun for the whole family & only 3 days left for the FREE TICKET giveaway!
- Check out Kiwi Crate, a totally affordable way to surprise and entertain your kids monthly with arts, crafts, science and more ~ enter to WIN a Year's Supply of fun!
- Time to start thinking about SUMMER CAMP! Check out our featured camps, summer will be here in the blink of an eye!
- Weekly Meal Deals & Local Farmers Market List!
- Our local CALENDAR is PACKED, it's never been easier to entertain, stimulate and exhaust your kids!
Random Holidays to liven up your day!
Are you in need of making your days a little more exciting? Here's a list of absolutely random holidays (and of course, the biggies too!) from now until the end of May. Today is Pack Rat day, who knew?!? Hoarders beware! Enjoy!
MAY
17 (always) - Pack Rat Day
17 (3rd Fri in May) - National Bike to Work or School Day
18 (always) - No Dirty Dishes Day
18 (always) - Visit Your Relatives Day
18 (3rd Sat in May) - Armed Forces Day
20 (always) - Pick Strawberries Day
22 (always) - Buy a ...
MAY
17 (always) - Pack Rat Day
17 (3rd Fri in May) - National Bike to Work or School Day
18 (always) - No Dirty Dishes Day
18 (always) - Visit Your Relatives Day
18 (3rd Sat in May) - Armed Forces Day
20 (always) - Pick Strawberries Day
22 (always) - Buy a ...
The 7th Annual Chester County Polo Cup
...and last few days for the FREE ticket giveaway!
I'm excited to share with you one of the best kept secrets of Chester County: The Chester County Hospital Polo Cup! I'm also excited to be able to offer TWO FREE TICKETS for this amazing family-friendly event to a lucky winner at the bottom of this post.
The 7th annual Polo Cup will be held on Sunday, June 9, 2013 at the Brandywine Polo Club at Toughkenamon and benefits the Prenatal Clinic and The Women's Auxiliary's "On the Cutting Edge" Pledge to the Chester County Hospital ...
GIVEAWAY!! Win a full year of Kiwi Crate!
Sponsored
Kids and parents everywhere are buzzing about Kiwi Crate – the creativity company for kids that delivers hands-on fun to your doorstep.
For just $20 per month, your little one receives all the materials needed for multiple fun & engaging arts, crafts and science activities.
Kiwi Crate’s high-quality projects are perfect for kids ages 3-7 and designed to encourage creativity, exploration and discovery. Enter the giveaway for a chance to win a FREE full year (12 crates) of Kiwi Crate!
In addition to its popular monthly subscription service, Kiwi Crate also ...
For just $20 per month, your little one receives all the materials needed for multiple fun & engaging arts, crafts and science activities.
Kiwi Crate’s high-quality projects are perfect for kids ages 3-7 and designed to encourage creativity, exploration and discovery. Enter the giveaway for a chance to win a FREE full year (12 crates) of Kiwi Crate!
In addition to its popular monthly subscription service, Kiwi Crate also ...
Local Farmers Markets, Farms and Orchards
Buy fresh, buy local ~ family fun in Chester County!
Show your family the value of supporting local and eating fresh by visiting our many wonderful Farmers Markets, Farms and Orchards in Northern Chester County! (Great way to involve a picky eater, too... choose some fresh ingredients together and let them help make the meal!) Kids are very welcome, as many of the markets have children's activities and live music to celebrate the community coming together for a few hours. Farmers markets typically offer much more than just-picked fruits and veggies... you can find breads, baked goods, dairy, spices ...
HAVE A QUESTION FOR OUR READERS?
Need advice or recommendations from other local parents?
Send your question to angelinam@macaronikid.com and we'll post the question for you (anonymously, of course) on facebook. Be sure to "like" us to see the responses! If you are not on facebook, let us know that so we can email you the responses personally. After all, it takes a village!
Send your question to angelinam@macaronikid.com and we'll post the question for you (anonymously, of course) on facebook. Be sure to "like" us to see the responses! If you are not on facebook, let us know that so we can email you the responses personally. After all, it takes a village!
May 17th through May 23rd
Friday, May 17 through Saturday, May 18 - Phoenixville Dogwood Festival
The Dogwood Parade and Festival has become part of the rubric of Phoenixville since it first started as a means of celebrating the arrival of spring and Armed Forces. Join us for 6 days of rides, food, live entertainment and more! Dogwood Parade on Saturday, May 18th at 1:00pm. Presented by the Phoenixville Jaycees.
Where: Reeve's Park
Main Street & 3rd Avenue
Phoenixville, PA 19460When: n/aWho: whole family!How: *Cost: *For more info: http://www.phoenixvilledogwoodfestival.org/index.html
Friday, May 17 through Sunday, May 19 - Powers Midway Spring Carnival at Exton Mall
People of all ages are invited to experience thrills and excitement May 09 – May 19 at the Spring Carnival at Exton Square Mall with Powers Great American Midways, one of America’s highest rated carnival companies with wholesome family entertainment. From family-friendly children’s rides to major adult rides, there will be over 20 amusement rides in addition to good old fashioned food and a variety of carnival games.
Where: Exton Square Mall parking lotWhen: n/aWho: whole family!How: Weekdays 5 p.m. – 10 p.m., Friday 5 p.m. – 11 p.m., Saturday 12 p.m. – 11 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. - 9 p.m. (Rain will call for closing.)Cost: *For more info: http://extonsquare.com/calendar/event/11993
Friday, May 17 through Sunday, May 19 - Chester County Hospital May Festival
Join The Chester County Hospital and for a fun-filled, family friendly weekend at the 30th Annual May Festival. See list of events and details HERE
Where: The Chester County Hospital
701 E. Marshall St., West ChesterWhen: n/aWho: whole family!How: Friday, May 17: 4pm - 9pm - Rides: 4 - 9:30pm
Saturday, May 18: 10am - 9pm - Rides: 10am - 9:30pm, Shops: 10am - 6pm
Sunday, May 19: 11am - 5pm - Rides: 11am to 5pmCost: $10 Play All Day Wristbands - includes amusement rides, inflatables, games in the children's area, trackless train and petting zoo. Festival food, pony rides, face painting and games of chance are additional.
Quantity limitedFor more info: Chester County Hospital May Festival Events Page
Friday, May 17 through Saturday, May 18 - School of Rock Concert - Shreddy Metal
Free live rock concert performance featuring The School of Rock's students and the music of Shreddy Metal. All are welcome!
Where: School of Rock
478 Acorn Lane
Downingtown, PA 19335When: 8:00 PMWho: whole familyHow: *Cost: $8, but mention Macaroni Kid to get in for FREE!For more info: School of Rock Downingtown Events Page
Saturday, May 18 - Police and Fire Community Day
W. Whiteland Township’s newest police and fire vehicles will be on display with emergency services personnel on hand to discuss and demonstrate the uses and functions of their equipment and gear.
Among the presentations will be crime and fire prevention programs, as well as, infant car seat installations. As a special treat, the West Chester Area Regional Emergency Response Team will be on hand to exhibit and discuss their special weapons and tactics (SWAT) operations and capabilities. ‘Community Day’ promises to be a fun and educational event for the entire family.
Where: West Whiteland Township BuildingWhen: *Reschedule from May 11 due to weatherWho: whole familyHow: If you would like to arrange a child car seat installation on ‘Community Day’, please call Officer Gary Moore at 610-363-0200 (ext. 1905) to make an appointment.Cost: free
Saturday, May 18 - Family Fishing at Nottingham
A great way to connect with your family! No fishing license required. Learn knot tying, casting, baiting and taking a fish off the hook. All equipment provided. BYOB - bring your own bait. The catch? Adults must bring a child and children must bring an adult. Program also offered June 1 at Hibernia. Leader: Andrew McMullen, Regional Park Ranger & PA Fish & Boat Commission Fishing Skills Instructor
Where: Nottingham County Park (McPherson Lake)
150 Park Road
Nottingham, PA 19362
610-932-2589When: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM (instruction 9-10:15am)Who: whole family!Cost: *
Saturday, May 18 - Exton B&N "Oh, The Places You'll Go" Story Time
Come to the Children's Department and meet us "under the trees" for Oh, The Places You'll Go Storytime.
Where: Barnes & Noble
301 Main Street
Exton, PA 19341When: 11:00 AMWho: All ages!How: Just show up!Cost: Free!For more info: 610-524-0103
Saturday, May 18 - Cooking w/Kids @ Wegmans Collegeville
Stir Fry for Small Fry
Kids will use their noodles in this stir-fry class as they discover how to prepare meat and veggies for this super-fast cooking technique. Then they’ll slice and dice up some tropical fruits to create refreshing Asian salad.
Where: Wegmans Collegeville
600 Commerce Drive
Collegeville, PA 19426When: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PMWho: Ages 4 & upHow: Purchase tickets in advance at the Service DeskCost: $5 per child and parent w/Shoppers Club ($10 without)For more info: 610-902-1500
Wegmans Collegeville
Saturday, May 18 - West Bradford Community Day
Family Fun Day with Music, Games, Petting zoo & pony rides, Face Painting, Silent Auction, Rock Climbing Wall, Flea Market and more! See flyer HERE
Where: Broad Run ParkWhen: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PMWho: whole familyHow: join us!Cost: FREEFor more info: http://westbradford.org
Saturday, May 18 - Family Struble Trail Bicycle Ride
After Downingtown Bicycle Shop performs safety checks and reviews important bicycle riding skills, take a short, ranger-led ride on the Struble Trail. A helmet is mandatory; drinking water is highly suggested. Leaders: Margaret Van Gilder, Downingtown Bicycle Shop & Jay Erb, Park Ranger
Where: Norwood Road TrailheadWhen: 2:00 PM - 3:30 PMWho: whole bicycle-riding familyHow: *Cost: freeFor more info: Call 610-469-1916 for directions
Saturday, May 18 through Sunday, May 19 - Family Fun Campout
Gather ‘round the fire, hear a tale and enjoy roasted marshmallows. Hike to spy our forest friends and listen for their calls. Bed down in your tent and drift off to the sounds of Nottingham Park. You’ll need tents and camping supplies; we’ll supply the ingredients for s’mores. Leader: Rachel Bishop, Regional Park Ranger
Where: Nottingham County Park
150 Park Road
Nottingham, PA 19362
610-932-2589When: 7:00 PM - 9:00 AMWho: whole family!How: Register through Chester County Parks
Limit 30Cost: $10 per tent
Sunday, May 19 - Free Sun morns @ Brandywine River Museum
Free Sunday Mornings
through November 24, 2013
Museum admission is free on most Sunday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Please note: paid admission is required on May 27 during the Annual Antiques Show, which is a benefit for the Museum Volunteers' Art Purchase Fund.
Where: Brandywine River Museum
US Route 1
Chadds FordWhen: 9:30 AM - 12:00 PMWho: everyone!How: *Cost: FREEFor more info: Brandywine River Museum website
Sunday, May 19 - Spectrum Kids Can
For families with members on the autism spectrum, including Asperger's. Play/interact with peers in a non-judgmental setting. Use and improve socialization skills. All ages welcome. No registration.
Where: Henrietta Hankin Library Annex
215 Windgate Drive
Chester Springs, PA 19425When: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PMWho: Families/All agesHow: no regsistration necessaryCost: FREEFor more info: 610-321-1724
Henrietta Hankin Libraray
Tuesday, May 21 - Exton B&N Story Time
Join us in the Children's Department "under the trees" for Storytime!
Where: Barnes & Noble
301 Main Street
Exton, PA 19341When: 11:00 AMWho: All ages!How: Just show up!Cost: Free!For more info: 610-524-0103
Wednesday, May 22 - $1 ArtClass@ExtonMall
Pop in the Exton Square Studio for only $1 per class!
11-12: Mommy & Me Story Art, Birds1-2: Parents & Kids, Sand painting
3-4: All ages, Stamping
Where: Chester County Art Association
Exton Square Mall Studio
Main Level by H&M
260 Exton Square Parkway
Exton, PA 19341When: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PMWho: kids & parents!How: *Cost: $1 per particpant!For more info: Chester County Art Association
610-524-1925
Thursday, May 23 through Sunday, June 2 - Devon Horse Show
In 1896, the Devon Horse Show started as a one-day show. Now, years later, it has become the oldest and largest outdoor multi-breed competition in the United States. It is internationally recognized, USEF-A rated, and one of the most exciting events to happen in our area. While it draws top competitors from around the world, the show continues to reflect the local traditions and lifestyles of the Philadelphia Main Line. Complete with Country Fair, Vendors, Food, Raffles and More!
Where: 23 Dorset Road
Devon, PA 19333When: n/aWho: whole family!How: *Cost: General Admission ages 13-64, $10
Children 3-12 and seniors 65+, $5
(children 2 and under are free)
More ticketing options here: http://www.devonhorseshow.net/tickets/ticket-faq/For more info: http://www.devonhorseshow.net
Monday, May 20 - Advanced Nature Photography
This class is for those familiar with image composition and aperture and shutter priority modes. In addition to the topics and outdoor practice session offered in the May 20 intermediate session, discuss limitations of camera and lens, shooting mode, intermediate image manipulation, image repair, advanced aperture/shutter speed /ISO sensitivity selection, diffraction limiting aperture and image histogram. Please bring your own camera (no smart phones); none will be provided. 6:30pm to Sunset
When: 6:30 PMWho:ages 14 & olderHow: must pre-register, limit 20 per session
registration directions HERECost: *For more info: Chesco.org website
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