Hey, Procrastinators: The Opportunity for Summer Fun Is Ticking Away
The children's fantasy novel Tuck Everlasting begins: "The first week of August hangs at the very top of summer, the top of the live-long year, like the highest seat of a Ferris wheel when it pauses in its turning. The weeks that come before are only a climb from balmy spring, and those that follow a drop to the chill of autumn, but the first week of August is motionless."
Motionless though it may seem - especially when the heat and humidity remain stubbornly high - our first August 2013 weekend in Montgomery County, Pa., is anything but still. If that dizzying view from summer's Ferris wheel has you scanning the horizon in "The Pursuit" of things to do this weekend, hang on. And please keep your hands and feet inside the car at all times.
If summer has a soundtrack it surely includes the anthems of Bruce Springsteen, and although we can't bring you The Boss himself, we can give you the opportunity to hear the next best thing. The B Street Band, a Springsteen tribute group, is performing free at the Providence Town Center Courtyard (Collegeville), Friday, August 2. B Street members got together in Asbury Park, NJ (where else?), and haven't looked back since, opening for Bruce himself at the Philadelphia Spectrum and playing at both the Super Bowl and the Pro Bowl. There's more to this group than just "Born in the USA," as the vocals also recreate the unique tones of Roy Orbison, Billy Joel, Tom Petty and John Mellencamp.
George Lucas' 1973 film American Graffiti reminded audiences of the 1950s love affair between hot summer nights and hot rod cars. Relive the era of tricked-out cars and specialty vehicles by cruising into the Tuner Evolution Car Show at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center August 3. Displays will include the work of Neil Tjin, one of the most influential designers in the automotive industry; he'll be showing a Chevy Camaro and a Toyota Tacoma like you've never seen before. Demos also include the free-wheeling BMX stunts of the Am Flatland Circuit, described as "freestyle breakdancing on a bike."
Corn on the cob is a summer staple, dripping in traditional butter, slathered in olive oil or sprinkled with parmesan cheese. The Whole Foods Market, Jenkintown, has themed an entire weekend around this hot crop: On Friday, August 2, test your smarts at a Quizzo competition that requires you to "brush up" on corn-related factoids. Saturday, August 3, the kids can take part in an a-maize-ing dance party. And Sunday, August 4, will feature an all-ears cookout, with grilled ears, corn dogs and corn chips. While you're saluting kernels, make a donation to Concern for Children, a nonprofit organization supporting adoptions in Latin America. If you miss this three-day corn-fest, you're sure to cry: "Aww, shucks!"
An old-fashioned summer festival at Pennypacker Mills on August 3 gives you the chance to see how our forebears entertained themselves during scorching summers. Music helped pass the time on soupy afternoons, as you'll hear for yourself from the Cracked Walnuts Band, a toe-tapping duo on banjo and washboard. Cycling was another way to catch a breeze (or create one yourself). Bob Swaim, "The Bike Guy," will display a collection of antique bikes, including several that visitors will be able to ride themselves. Swaim's story was featured in The Pursuit earlier this week. He's a real character who you'll enjoy reading about here. We're not yanking your chain!
Nothing says summer louder than the sizzling sound of a T-bone steak cooking to perfection over an open fire. You can enjoy the savory taste of a delectable cut, without any of the labor, at the Lower Frederick Fire Company's Annual Steak Nite, August 3. The menu includes entrée, homemade Manhattan clam chowder, corn on the cob, salad bar, beverages and dessert. It's the rare diner who won't walk away thinking "Well done!"
Although the calendar has flipped to August, but there's still plenty of time to take advantage of our Weekends Rule! program, highlighting the Open Spaces and Fun Places throughout Montgomery County. Check out the cool hotels and hot nightlife that can transform your average Saturday and Sunday into a true getaway.
