Unity Day, The Verdi Band, and FREE National Parks

One note before I list all the Norristown events for the week. Yesterday, August 25, the National Park Service celebrated its 100th birthday. All national parks sites are FREE this weekend, now through Sunday (the 28th). We have Valley Forge in our area, of course. Yesterday Norristown students from Stewart and Eisenhower sang there under the arch. If you haven't been inside the historic buildings at VF since the last time you had out-of-town guests, think about taking the family over for an afternoon. But there are also a few other park sites easy to get to from here. Take the train down to Philly and check out Independence National Historical Park. Drive out to Hopewell Village near French Creek Park in Chester County. Or go to this link to find park sites within a few hours' drive. We all own our National Parks. We ought to be proud of them and pass that pride down to our kids.

Meanwhile, In N-town:

Friday, August 26, 11 am-noon, New PennDot Office Grand Opening at Logan Square, Suite 30. This is the new Norristown Driver’s License Center, open for photo and driver license services.

Saturday, 8-9 am at Five Saints Distilling (Main and Green) in the Distillery Front Tasting Room/Bar ~Yoga with Instructor Regina Ramage $10 per attendee payable at the distillery on Saturday morning.  The doors open at 7:30 am to set up.

Saturday, noon-8 pm at Five Saints, Willis Bros. BBQ serving up ribs, chicken and corn. From 7-10 pm, Peggy Keller will perform.

Sunday, Noon-8 pm, Unity Day/Paula Robinson Day at MLK/Simmons Park. Live music, food and more.

Sunday, 7 pm at the Elmwood Park bandshell, Sunday concerts in the Park continues. This week, a local favorite, The Verdi Band will perform. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. The snack stand will be open.

Thursday from 11 am-2:30 pm, Main St. between Swede and Dekalb. Farmers market. Produce from Lone Wolf Farms. For more info, call CADCOM at 610-277-6363

Next Saturday, September 4 (raindate 9/11), NPD Thomas Barone Memorial Car Show at Norristown Maenner-chor Club , 920 Haws Ave. Breakfast 8:30 am, Registration begins at 9 am. Show is from 11 am-3 pm. Pre-registration $15, $20 day of show. Food, drinks, music, door prizes. Cars, motorcycles, trucks, tuners. Proceeds benefit the Thomas Barone Scholarship Fund. Info, contact Rich at 610-585-7115, raceitch3@verizon.net.

Irish Fest, Experimental Theater, Music

Another festival this weekend. Irish this time, at St. Pat's on Sunday. Plus lots of free music around town and a special event at Theatre Horizon.

Friday, August  19, 4-9 pm in front of Five Saints Distillery (Main and Green), the WOW Food Truck will serve a delicious assortment of food.

Friday and Saturday at 8 pm, Theatre Horizon (410 Dekalb). New Voices, New Viewpoints is an evening of scenes from 4 new plays that have not yet been seen in our region, which represent a diversity of voices and viewpoints. Stay after the event to share your opinions over a complimentary drink with the artists. The event will be Pay What You Decide--audience pays AFTER seeing the show, whatever they can afford or think the show was worth.

Saturday, 3-6 pm at Elmwood Park Bandshell, The Art of Worship Gospel Concert.

Saturday, 4-9 pm at Five Saints Distilling, the Wheely Wheely Good Food Truck will offer an assortment of Asian Fusion food. From 7:45-11 pm, Ken Pierson will perform.

Sunday, 10:30 am-12:30 pm, Coffee With A Cop outside of Christ UCC Church, 1003 W Marshall. Come and chat with Norristown's Finest. Ask questions, voice concerns.

Sunday, 2-6 pm at St. Patrick's Church Parish Hall (Dekalb and Chestnut--basement of church, enter from Dekalb between church and rectory) the Annual Irish Festival. Homemade food, beer (Guinness, Yuengling, Smithwick's) and other drinks, music by The Fair Trade, Dance, Irish Vendors.

Sunday, 7 pm at the Elmwood Park bandshell, Sunday concerts in the Park continues. This week, The Monkeephiles (Monkee's Tribute Band). Bring a lawn chair or blanket. The snack stand will be open.

Tuesday, 7 pm, Municipal Hall, Zoning Board Hearing. Agenda at this link

Wednesday, 7 pm, Municipal Hall, HARB Meeting.

Thursday from 11 am-2:30 pm, Main st. between Swede and Dekalb. Farmers market. Produce from Lone Wolf Farms. For more info, call CADCOM at 610-277-6363

Next Saturday, August 27, 10:30 am-1:30 pm, at Riverfront Park (1 Haws Avenue), come out to the river for a kayaking trip lead by an expert guide from Take It Outdoors. Gear, boats, and instruction are provided. Pre-registration is required - your spot is not reserved until your Eventbrite registration is completed at this link. $10-25. UPDATE: This event has been moved to Bridgeport.

Diva's Opens Downtown, Festivals, Concerts, Etc.

The exciting news is, yet another restaurant will open downtown on Saturday ~ Diva's Kitchen (soul food/seafood). Plus we have 2 festivals this weekend: Caribbean and Sicilian. If you're not into eating, there are children's programs and FREE concerts.

Friday, August  12 starting at 5:30 pm, Zoo Snooze: Summer on the Savannah at Elmwood Park Zoo. Camp out under the stars with our African animal friends, the giraffes and the zebras. Wear your spots and stripes and travel on an overnight safari filled with fun, activities and more. Zoo Snooze is suitable for both first time and experienced campers and provides a great opportunity for families to spend time outdoors in a safe and unique environment.  Pricing  $34.95 for members, $49.95 for non-member. Kids under 3 are FREE. Price includes admission, pizza dinner, a craft or activity, live animal show, flashlight tour of the zoo, s'mores by the campfire, a movie and popcorn under the stars, and continental breakfast. For more information or to register, visit this link http://bit.ly/1LWSxrh or contact Guest Services at 610-277-3825 x 222 or email guestservices@elmwoodparkzoo.org.

Saturday starting at 1 pm at Five Saints Distillery (129 E Main). Curbside Cafe Food Truck (seafood) and later from 7-11 pm, the musical duo "Canadian Tuxedo" will be playing.

Saturday starting at 2 pm, the Grand Opening of Diva's Kitchen at 9 W Main. Music, Raffles, Giveaways. Set menu for this event: Chicken Wings, Turkey Wings, Fish, Ribs, Mac and Cheese, Sweet Potatoes, Potato Salad, String Beans, Collard Greens. For $15, you get a choice of meat, 2 sides, cornbread and drink. For children, Chicken Nuggets, 1 side and a drink for $5.

Saturday from 4-6 pm, Mt. Zion AME Church (1312 Willow) will host a Caribbean Festival. Multicultural dinner, fashion show and gospel concert. Featuring Bro Ted Robinson & 20th Street New Testament Church of God Praise and Worship Choir. Donation $25, children (12 & under) $12. Additional information 484-213-3020.

Sunday beginning approx 1:30-6 pm, Saviour Hall, 410 E Airy, MSS Sicilian Feast. Italian food, DJ Paul Catagnus from Starlite Entertainment, and Accordion Player/Singer Jerry Trecrose.

Sunday, 7 pm at the Elmwood Park bandshell, Sunday concerts in the Park continues. This week, Mark Reno, Elvis Impersonator. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. The snack stand will be open.

Monday, 2 pm at Norristown Library (Powell and Swede) Children’s Learning Center. Summer Movie.  All ages. Drop in.

Tuesday and Thursday, 10 am-12:30 pm at the Montco Intermediate Unit, 2 W Lafayette. Early Initiative Parent and Youth FREE Summer Workshop Series. The theme is Work Readiness. Register by calling or emailing the coordinator, 484-250-4340 ext 161, stperry@pa.gov. Registration is first-come, first- served.

Tuesday, 6:30 pm at Municipal Hall. Council Workshop. No agenda yet.

Wednesday, 10 am, Human Services Building, 1430 DeKalb, Job Corps will be conducting information sessions for young adults (16-24). To register, contact Leon Holman at 215-292-5119.

Wednesday, 5-6:30 pm at Montco OIC (1101 Arch). Join Greener Partners for a free cooking demonstration. Staff from  Longview Farm will host a cooking demo using seasonal vegetables. Participants will be able to sample the recipes as well.

Thursday from 11 am-2:30 pm, Main St. between Swede and Dekalb. Farmers market. Produce from Lone Wolf Farms. For more info, call CADCOM at 610-277-6363

Thursday, 7 pm, Elmwood Park Bandshell. Free night of jazz featuring Los Vagos (African, Brazilian, Caribbean and American jazz). Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Snack bar will be open.

Next Friday, Aug 19, and Saturday the 20th at 8 pm, Theatre Horizon (410 Dekalb). New Voices, New Viewpoints is an evening of scenes from 4 new plays that have not yet been seen in our region, which represent a diversity of voices and viewpoints. Stay after the event to share your opinions over a complimentary drink with the artists. The event will be Pay What You Decide ~ Audience pays AFTER seeing the show, whatever they can afford or think the show was worth.

Next Saturday, August 20, 3-6 pm at Elmwood Park Bandshell, The Art of Worship Gospel Concert.

Two Months of Festivals Begins

Come eat your way around Norristown this weekend, from The Italian Festival at Holy Saviour, special food at Five Saints Distillery, Impact's Grand Opening, or breakfast Saturday with your congressman.

Tonight, Friday, August 5 starting at 5 pm, Norristown Festa Italiana will begin at the Holy Saviour Club at 436 E Main. Walk down the drive to the back lot (park across the street in Holy Saviour's church lot). Italian Food, live music, rides and games, bocce, souvenirs. (I can personally recommend the pork sandwiches and fried dough (think Italian donuts)). The feast continues Saturday from 4-11 pm and Sunday from about 1-9 pm.

Also Friday from 4-11 pm at Five Saints Distillery (129 E Main). Egg Food Truck, serving up hot food. Joe Stoudt (guitarist) will be entertaining from 7 to 11 pm.

Saturday, 9 am-5 pm at Norristown Centre (Logan Square), Impact Thrift Store will host their Grand Reopening in their new location (under the USM building, right across from what used to be the Peanut Gallery). Prizes, refreshments, entertainment and a 30% discount to customers on all items that day. ALCAMO Family Center and Montco OIC will receive 10% of the day's net proceeds.

Saturday, 10-11:30 am at Pauline's Deli, 36 E Main, Breakfast with Congressman Brendan Boyle. Enjoy a light meal and talk about political issues with your congressman. To RSVP, email ShaeAshe@mail.house.gov.

Saturday from noon-11 pm at Five Saints Distillery. Willis Brothers BBQ will be smoking up ribs, chicken and more. Also on hand will be musical DJ Shadow to spin the latest tunes for your listening pleasure.

Saturday, 7-9 pm at Centre Theater, 208 DeKalb. The Hilarious Magic of Sam Sandler. Come spend some time with one of America's premier close up magicians. Sam Sandler is also the creator of the nationally renowned school assembly show - DEAFinitely Magic. Tix: http://brownpapertickets.com/event/2558297

Sunday between 2-5 pm, FREE admission to Elmwood Park Zoo for all Norristown residents. Must show proof of address.

Sunday, 7 pm at the Elmwood Park bandshell, Sunday concerts in the Park continues. This week, Flower Power performs. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. The snack stand will be open.

Tuesday, 7 pm at Municipal Hall. Planning Commission Meeting. Only one item on the agenda, which is at this link.

Wednesday and Friday, 10 am-12:30 pm at the Montco Intermediate Unit, 2 W Lafayette. Early Initiative Parent and Youth FREE Summer Workshop Series. The theme is Work Readiness. Register by calling or emailing the coordinator, 484-250-4340 ext 161, stperry@pa.gov. Registration is first-come, first- served. If you miss this week's workshops, they will repeat on August 16th and 18th.

Thursday from 11 am-2:30 pm, Main st. between Swede and Dekalb. Farmers market. Produce from Lone Wolf Farms. For more info, call CADCOM at 610-277-6363

Next Friday, August 12 starting at 5:30 pm, Zoo Snooze: Summer on the Savannah at Elmwood Park Zoo. Camp out under the stars with African animal friends, the giraffes and the zebras. Wear your spots and stripes and travel on an overnight safari filled with fun, activities and more. Zoo Snooze is suitable for both first time and experienced campers and provides a great opportunity for families to spend time outdoors in a safe and unique environment.  Pricing  $34.95 for members, $49.95 for non-member. Kids under 3 are FREE. Price includes admission, pizza dinner, a craft or activity, live animal show, flashlight tour of the zoo, s'mores by the campfire, a movie and popcorn under the stars, and continental breakfast. For more information or to register, visit http://bit.ly/1LWSxrh or contact Guest Services at 610-277-3825 x 222 or email guestservices@elmwoodparkzoo.org.

Next Saturday from 4-6 pm, Mt. Zion AME Church (1312 Willow) will host a Caribbean Festival. Multicultural dinner, fashion show and gospel concert. Featuring Bro Ted Robinson & 20th Street New Testament Church of God Praise and Worship Choir. Donation $25, children (12 & under) $12. Additional information 484-213-3020.