Discover the Delaware Valley

Great American Backyard Campout 2011

2011-06-23T05:05:00.002-04:00

The 7th Annual Great American Backyard Campout 2011 is set for Saturday June 25 -- in your backyard, parks, campgrounds or even your balcony! No site is too big or too small to spend a night sleeping under the stars.

Why Camp?

Think how good you'll feel giving your children the benefits of spending more time outdoors, providing them with memories to last a lifetime while supporting the National Wildlife Federation (NWF). NWF uses 80 cents of every dollar you raise in the Great American Backyard Campout® to support programs that address the problems of America's indoor childhood and the health risks associated with them. Your funds are used to establish and maintain programs to make outdoor time a priority to protect children's health and ensure their readiness to learn.

What's New With Campout?

We're using a brand-new tool that allows you to form "Campout Teams" and raise money that goes right back to helping connect even more kids to the outdoors through National Wildlife Federation's programs, such as Wildlife Watch and Trees for the 21st Century.

When you register your campsite, you'll be able to choose whether you want to set a fund-raising goal. You'll get your own personal page to customize with stories about your own camping experiences or even a treasured photo. Plus you can watch how much money you raise and also send personalized email invites to your friends, family members, co-workers, and neighbors.

It Started With One Ronald McDonald House

2011-06-22T08:05:00.001-04:00

For Ronald McDonald House Charities^® (RMHC^®) it all started with one: one child who needed health care, one family who hoped to stay nearby and one community who came together to build the first Ronald McDonald House^®. And, just one penny can make a difference today in the lives of children and families. The Charity is asking people to support their 1 campaign and “Join RMHC for 1” on July 1, 2011, by adding one penny, one dime, quarter or dollar to the RMHC Donation Boxes at local participating McDonald’s restaurants.
Kim Hill, a little girl who battled leukemia, was that one child who inspired the RMHC system. Her mother, Fran Hill and her father, former NFL Philadelphia Eagle’s player Fred Hill, slept on hospital chairs and ate from vending machines to stay by her side. The Hill family’s struggle to remain close to their daughter while receiving treatment inspired one doctor, one football team, one community and one company, McDonald’s, to create and build the first Ronald McDonald House in Philadelphia in 1974. This House, a “home-away-from-home” for families of seriously ill children like Kim, has grown exponentially serving more than 7200 families each night in the more than 306 Houses across the globe. When Kim was a teenager, she appeared on the TODAY show. She said, “At the time I didn’t enjoy being sick, but I’m glad I did get sick, because through my suffering, a great thing has come from it.”

Kim died this year in March at the age of 44, but her legacy of love, care and courage continues to inspire RMHC today. This summer, because of Kim and the meaning of the number one, the Charity plans to connect with supporters, stakeholders, individuals and corporate donors to create excitement and mobilize the multitudes to actively support RMHC families by giving in small ways. Last year alone, nearly $25 million was raised through the RMHC Donation Boxes in the U.S. These funds support programs which provide a bridge to quality health care and allow families to give 100 percent of their time to their children so they can heal faster and cope better. In fact, one full Donation Box could provide a safe place to stay in a Ronald McDonald House for up to one night or cover the cost of a dental screening for a child on the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile.

“Our ‘1’ Campaign and the Join Us for 1 event day is designed to raise awareness for the RMHC Donation Box program and inspire greater giving throughout the year by sharing with people our history and the profound impact we have on families’ lives,” said Jennifer Blanchard Smith, senior director of Communications and Special Programs, RMHC.

While some may think that one penny or some spare change found in a couch can’t really mean much, we know that for RMHC families, small change means resources and stability they desperately need at a critical time in their child’s life. It adds up to a lot – there’s undoubtedly strength in numbers. We are very thankful for the millions of McDonald’s customers who help to support families through our programs by donating their change all year long."

Beyond sharing spare change, there are other ways to get involved and support this important cause. RMHC invites people to RSVP for the Join Us for 1 event day on the Charity’s Facebook event page, display the 1 campaign badge on websites and blogs, and encourage friends and followers to join by passing the word to others in their community. Information about getting involved with this campaign is available now at www.rmhc.org and other social media channels such as Twitter, Flickr and YouTube.

Dora the Explorer Live at Adventure Aquarium June 24 - 26

2011-06-21T04:03:00.000-04:00

Nickelodeon - the number one entertainment brand for kids, and Adventure Aquarium - America’s Most Touchable Aquarium, invite you to meet Dora, star of Nickelodeon's popular animated series Dora the Explorer June 24, 25, and 26 at Adventure Aquarium on the Camden Waterfront. The costumed character will be roaming around Adventure Aquarium’s Rotunda from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday and between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Dora will also be available to pose with kids and families to take photos.

Adventure Aquarium Annual Passport holders are invited to an exclusive, passport-only event Thursday, June 23 from 6 - 8 p.m. for Adventure Aquarium’s Nights of Adventure. In addition to a one-on-one meet and greet with Dora, member families will be able to enjoy America’s Most Touchable Aquarium all to themselves after-hours, as well as FREE parking for the duration of the event.

In celebration of Dora’s upcoming appearance, Adventure Aquarium and Nickelodeon are also offering you and your family the chance to win an all-inclusive trip for 4 to Atlantis in the Bahamas in the Dora the Explorer You're the Explorer Sweepstakes. Trip includes round trip airfare, 4 days/3 nights at the Atlantis Hotel Coral Tower, roundtrip transportation to and from the airport, breakfast, lunch and dinner for 3 days, access to Atlantis Kids Adventure, and a chance to interact with your choice of dolphins or sea lions! Visit www.AdventureAquarium.com the week of June 20 to enter for your chance to win.

Currently the number-one preschool show on commercial television, Dora the Explorer is a play-along, animated adventure series starring Dora, a seven-year-old Latina heroine whose adventures take place in an imaginative, tropical world filled with jungles, beaches and rainforests. Dora explores her world just as preschoolers do everyday, and the show is designed to actively engage its audience in an interactive quest using a variety of learning techniques.

Dazzling Fireworks Display Highlights Celebration on July 2, 2011

2011-06-20T15:58:00.000-04:00

Celebrate America’s birthday at the 8th Annual Peddler’s Village “Celebration of Freedom,” on Saturday, July 2, 2011 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. The fireworks display is at 9:30 pm. Rain or shine. Free admission and parking.

A spectacular fireworks display will be presented at 9:30 p.m. by the renowned Pyrotecnico, creator of dazzling pyrotechnic displays for the Philadelphia Eagles and the Phillies, with musical accompaniment by Signature DJ’s. Live entertainment, delicious picnic style favorites, and children’s crafts and activities round out this fun-filled family event.

Three generations wear red, white & blue at 2010's Celebration of Freedom

In 2012, Peddler’s Village will celebrate its 50^th anniversary as the premier shopping and dining destination in Bucks County, PA. Follow the winding brick pathways of the colonial style village throughout 42 acres of award-winning gardens for a unique shopping and dining experience. Peddler’s Village has something for everyone, from 70 quality specialty shops and six restaurants to the 70-room Golden Plough Inn and Giggleberry Fair family entertainment center. Enjoy free seasonal festivals and year-round family events. For more information, please visitwww.peddlersvillage.com or call 215-794-4000.

PEDDLER’S VILLAGE 32nd ANNUAL SCARECROW FESTIVAL

2010-09-08T11:28:00.000-04:00

The Peddler’s Village 32nd Annual Scarecrow Festival on Saturday, September 18, and Sunday, September 19, is a weekend of family fun including scarecrow-making workshops, pumpkin pie eating contests, pumpkin painting, live musical entertainment and children’s activities. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. both days. Rain or shine.

The Scarecrow-Making Workshops will take place both days on the Street Road Green at 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Peddler’s Village staff will teach you how to create a unique, life-size scarecrow to take home and display. All scarecrow building materials are included in the $25 fee, maximum four people per scarecrow. Space is limited--reserve yours in advance!
Registration information is available on the website at http://peddlersvillage.com/special_events/scarecrow_workshop.htm , or for more information, please call 215-794-4000.

Pumpkin Pie Eating Contests will be held both days at 3 p.m. on the Main Green. Categories are 10 years old and under, 11 to 14 years old and 15 years old and over. Sign up at the hospitality booth each day from 10 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Six participants per age group, names are drawn before the contest at 3 p.m.

Pumpkin Painting will take place on the Main Green on Sunday from 11 a.m. until supplies run out. Brushes, paint and pumpkins will be provided and a nominal fee will be charged based on pumpkin weight. No reservations are needed for this first-come, first-served activity.

Enjoy strolling through the 32nd Annual Scarecrow Competition and Display which features more than 100 colorful scarecrow creations through October 24. Participants compete for $5,000 in prizes. The public votes for their favorites through September 24.

Peddler’s Village has been a popular leisure destination for 48 years, attracting 1.8 million visitors annually. Located in the heart of beautiful Bucks County, Peddler’s Village consists of 70 unique specialty shops, 5 restaurants, the 70-room Golden Plough Inn, and the Giggleberry Fair family entertainment center. Enjoy free seasonal festivals and year-round family events in our colonial-style village with award winning gardens. More information is available on the Peddler’s Village website at www.peddlersvillage.com or at 215-794-4000.

Sesame Place in the Fall

2010-09-02T11:08:00.000-04:00

We all know Sesame Place is the place to go in the Philadelphia/Bucks County area. It's been a giant attraction since even I was a child ( i have the pictures to prove it). But did you know that they also put on a really cool Fall/Halloween event called Count's Halloween Spooktacular.

It takes place this year weekends from September 25th through October 31st 10am-6pm. Even better is Sesame Place is offering buyers of 2011 season passes the opportunity to visit this season for no additional cost.

Get your season passes for next year, win a 4-pack for this year and have a blast at Count's Halloween Spooktacular.

Looks what’s new for 2011!

The Not-Too-Spooky Howl-o-ween Radio Show! - New this year, the Count’s Not-Too-Spooky Howl-o-ween Radio Show is sure to entertain the whole family. In this brand new Halloween show, The Count Von Count serves as the master of scare-emonies on an old-time radio show. With help from his Sesame Street friends—Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, Zoe, Grover, Oscar and Elmo—The Count produces a not-too-spooky Halloween radio show. The WSME Howl-o-ween show features, song and dance numbers that get everyone involved comedy sketches with Elmo and Oscar, a few magical surprises from everyone’s favorite fairy, Abby Cadabby and a cooking segment with Cookie Monster that goes awry. The show ends with a special finale that is sure to be a “Thriller.”

The Count's UN-Haunted Castle Maze - From the outside, this castle of a maze looks quite spooky but guests are thrilled to learn that it is The Count’s UN-Haunted Castle, and therefore, not so spooky at all. The twists and turns of the maze will allow guests to discover that although some things may appear scary at first, in actuality they are not. Children and parents are encouraged to experience The Count's UN-Haunted Castle together for a spooktacular good time.

Look what else is going on at The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular:

Elmo’s World Live! Halloween Show
Today Elmo is thinking about Halloween! Join Elmo, Mr. Noodle and Dorothy as they explore this fun, fantastic holiday. This interactive show encourages audience participation as children will pretend to be a ghost, help Mr. Noodle decide what Halloween costume to wear this year and join Elmo as he learns all about scarecrows. Filled with songs, surprises and special effects, Elmo’s World Live – Halloween Show will transport Sesame Place guests into Elmo’s world of make-believe.
“Countdown to Halloween” Show
Abby Cadabby's Magical Halloween Maze - In Abby Cadabby’s Magical Halloween Maze, our littlest guests can embark on a journey filled with sounds, sights and interactions. By completing the maze, guests help Abby Cadabby find her missing fairy wand. It is a fun adventure that children and parents are sure to enjoy together.
Themed character dining opportunities
October 9th and 10th—The Count’s Halloween Party- Celebrate Halloween with The Count at Dine With Me! Party includes buffet dinner, appearances and sing-a-longs with your favorite Sesame Street Friends! Dinner will be at 5 p.m. in Dine With Me. For reservations,click here
October 23rd—Abby’ Fairy Pumpkin Party- Help your favorite Sesame Street friends celebrate Abby Cadabby's birthday with her very own Fairy Party! This hour long party will consist of an all you can eat buffet, singing, and dancing! What birthday party would be complete without singing Happy Birthday to the Fairy in Training! Dinner will be at 5 p.m. in Dine With Me. For reservations Click here
Not-too-spooky Halloween decorations throughout the park
Trick-or-treat throughout the park
Guests are invited to visit Sesame Place dressed in costume each week! Don’t miss our annual Halloween Costume Contest that takes place on 10/31/10 . Click here for more information.
Enjoy hayrides and story time with the Sesame Street characters
Of course, Sesame Place will still have our dry attractions open for everyone to enjoy throughout Spooktacular as well as everyone’s favorite Rock Around the Block parade.

This event is fun for the whole family to enjoy together! You can find $20 off single day admission coupons at any of our participating retail partners.

Events, show times, talent and dates are subject to change or cancellation without notice. Seating capacity may be limited.

Wilmington Blue Rocks Ticket Fest

2010-07-31T03:10:00.000-04:00

TICKET FEST 2010 is almost here. Beginning on Monday, August 2nd, fans will have the opportunity to purchase tickets for specific games for the insanely low price of just $4 and $3 per person.

TICKET FEST #1:
Purchase tickets between August 2nd - August 6th for games from August 9th - August 15th for just $4 per ticket.
For tickets, call 302-888-BLUE or stop by one of our ticket office windows.

TICKET FEST #2:
Purchase tickets between August 23rd - August 27th for games from August 30th - Sept. 6th for only $3 per ticket.
For tickets, call 302-888-BLUE or stop by one of our ticket office windows.

Rob

Wilmington Blue Rocks - 7/30 and 7/31 Events

2010-07-30T03:10:00.000-04:00

What is better then fireworks and hot dogs? Not much. If you live close to Wilmington Delaware be sure to check out a Blue Rocks Game. Tickets are as cheap as $6 for general admission and the most expensive is $10 for 1st, 3rd and home plate box seats.

Fireworks & Christmas in July Night: July 30th

Join us on Friday, July 30th at 7:05 PM for post-game FIREWORKS, sponsored by Bank of America. It's also a Christmas in July theme night. The forecast is calling for snow during the 7th inning stretch. Appearance by classic Christmas characters, courtesy of Jokes R Wild. Gates open at 6:05 PM. For tickets, call 302-888-BLUE or stop by the ticket office windows.

DOLLAR DOG Night on Saturday (6:05 PM gates)

Join us Saturday, July 31st for another DOLLAR DOG night during our 6:05 PM game. It's also a Rocky Recovery Act with $1 hot dogs, $5 tickets, classic hats for just $2, and one $100 cash prize to one lucky fan (selected at random). It's also Star Wars Night with Star Wars character appearances. For tickets, call 302-888-BLUE or stop by the Blue Rocks ticket office windows.

Rob

Things Going On In Ocean City, NJ This Weekend

2010-07-29T20:59:00.000-04:00

This weekend in Ocean City NJ there are some pretty cool event going on.

On Saturday July 31st:

The Dog Days of Summer Biathlon which starts at 8am at the 59th street beach. This event benefits the Ocean City K-9 Unit. The race consists of a ½ mile swim followed by a 4 mile beach run. You can sign up as an individual or as a team. The cost of race is $60 per entry. Amenities include race t-shirts for all pre-registered athletes and as supplies last, post-race refreshments and door prizes. You can register for this event at http://www.dqtridu.com/

The second event is the 7th Annual Open American Martial Arts. Open to all styles and ages. 9:00am – 6:00pm. For more information call 856-783-1133 or visit http://www.bbkacademy.com/.

On Sunday August 1st:

Joe M. Turner Magic Show. Ocean City Tabernacle, 5th & Wesley Ave. 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Christian illusionist. Admission is free. For more information call 609.399.1915 or visit http://www.octabernacle.org/.

Ocean City Pops - Pianist Jeffrey Biegel. Pianist Jeffrey Biegel Dazzles with a Tribute to Chopin’s 200th Birthday. at the Music Pier, Moorlyn Terrace and Boardwalk. Sponsored by John W. C. Brooks. 8:00pm Tickets $15/10. Call the Music Pier Box Office at 609-525-9248 or visit http://www.ocnj.us/.

Rob