At last, some relief from the chain of snow, ice and frigid winds that have battered the Valley Forge and Montgomery County, Pa., area. If our weather apps are correct, we should be seeing temps rise into the 50s, making it a good weekend to shake off the blues and get yourself out of the house.
As you go In Pursuit of a pre-spring spree, give the following events a shot:
Thousands of authentic Native American art pieces are available for purchase at the Americana Indian Jewelry and Art Sale, February 21-23. The aisles of the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center will bring you everything from turquoise jewelry to Navajo rugs. Tired of the black and white landscape viewed from your living room window? Come and browse the colorful kachinas, paintings, baskets, sand paintings, pottery and carvings. Prices are generally 30-40 percent below gallery retail.
Here's something to sing about: Work up your best act and take it before the judges of Pottstown's Got Talent. Auditions are being held Saturday, February 22, at 10 a.m. at Coventry Mall. The contest has no limit on age, and what you choose to showcase is limited only by your imagination and ability (although the directors ask for no animal acts or dangerous stunts). Dance, tell jokes, yodel, pull a mile of silk scarves out of your sleeve, do your best Arnold Schwarzenegger impression, call your garage band-mates and lay it all on the line for a good cause. Proceeds from registrations (and the show that follows in April at Sunnybrook Ballroom) benefit the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life.
A collection of rare art goes on display at Valley Forge National Historical Park starting this Saturday, February 22, and lasting until April 28. The walls of the Visitor Center will tell the tale of the struggles of the Revolutionary War (including that watershed winter at Valley Forge), as depicted in 42 vintage illustrations. The show, entitled "Bringing the War of Independence to Life: 19th Century Illustrations of the American Revolution," features the leaders, battles and events of our nation's stirring quest for liberty. Be sure to check back with our Tuesday posting of The Pursuit for an interview with the artwork's owner, Kurt Zwikl, of the Schuylkill River Heritage Area.
Kurt Zwikl hangs his illustration collection.
The Bryn Athyn Orchestra is performing a winter concert on Sunday, February 23. The program features Music Director Daniel Kujala leading the musicians through the works of three masterful M's: Mozart, Mahler and Mendelssohn. The soothing strings and brash brass fill the Mitchell Performing Arts Center at 3 p.m.
Under all that snow, have you wondered where the squirrels and chipmunks have gone? What about our insect friends? How do they fare in the freeze? These and other wildlife questions will be answered at the "Wildlife in Montgomery County Parks," presentation on Sunday, February 23, at Norristown Farm Park. You might just find out if a honeybee's fuzzies provide adequate protection against Jack Frost.
It's the last weekend in February, and although March can provide its own share of harsh weather (lion/lamb anyone?), Winter 2014 is coming down to its last few weeks. As the snow and ice melts, our winter deals on hotels, attractions and dining are also evaporating. Be sure to take advantage of our Cabin Fever Relievers while they're still available.
