Clear your ears if you're "In Pursuit" of a memorable weekend coming up. Block out the whir of the vacuum cleaner, the whine of the kids, the tweedle of the cell phone and the drone of the lawnmower; you'll find the following recommendations worth listening to:
Attune your ears carefully while on the grounds of Montgomery County Community College August 17-18, and you'll hear the thudding footfalls and chattering bike gears of the LiveSTRONG Challenge. The event comprises a 5K walk/run, a 10K run and 20-, 45-, 65- and 100-mile bike rides that take cyclists through Montgomery County scenery that includes the natural beauty of Green Lane Park. There's music, kids' activities and food a-plenty, including a chance to carb-up at the breakfast taco bar. Afterward, why not ease those tired muscles in a plush room at nearby Normandy Farm Hotel and Conference Center. The Jacuzzi is calling.
The hills of Schwenksville will be alive with the sound of music August 16-18, but not exactly yodeling. It's the 52nd annual Philadelphia Folk Festival, in Upper Salford Township.
This renowned event is the longest continual outdoor music festival of
its kind in North America, featuring what the organizers describe as
"straight-through programming." What that means is a streamlined and
convenient ticketing arrangement (there are discounts if you attend all
three days) and a chance to groove throughout the day and into the night
across a total of six stages. The event is family-friendly, with
plenty of things for the younger "folk." Accommodations are available to
camp onsite, but if you prefer the comfort of a hot shower and cool
sheets, the Woodside Lodge is the closest option, with other hotels available through our website.
Pets are not permitted at the Philadelphia Folk Festival, but if you love hound dogs, you're sure to hear the one of the most famous ones in recorded history at the Doug Church True Voice of Elvis concert at the historic Sunnybrook Ballroom on August 17. Church is no mere Elvis impersonator but rather, prides himself on being an "Elvis tribute artist." He has won numerous awards for his recreations of the King of Rock and Roll, and peers and industry experts alike give him the nod as having the closest voice to the real-deal. More of Church's story was covered in our edition of The Pursuit earlier this week.
The Elmwood Park Zoo's Country Fest takes place August 17, when karaoke and line dancing are two opportunities to tune your ears southern-fried music. The evening also includes mechanical bull riding, courtesy of Dave & Busters, and a lasso contest. Come and hear a "gee-tar" serenade a "jag-u-ar"!
The clang of cast iron pots and kettles will ring out August 18 as part of the Living History Sundays at Pottsgrove Manor. Period artisans will demo 18th century cooking, along with tape weaving,
needlework and horn-smithing (the colonial art of making buttons and
combs out of horns, shells and bone - don't worry, we had to look it up,
too). More than just a how-to, these instructions include hands-on,
giving you the chance to try these long-ago skills for yourself.
This Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Montgomery County is the perfect place to (ear)drum up a terrific weekend. Harken to the call to take advantage of these last, precious few weekends before fall schedules overwhelm your calendar. Check out our Weekends Rule! page for ideas.
