Discover fun and educational events happening this week in Western Mass, along with announcements, upcoming events, links, resources and the HFVS podcast.

SUGGEST AN EVENT

If you have a family friendly event or educational program happening in Western Massachusetts that you’d like to let us know about, post your event on our “Suggest An Event” page. The events below are “suggested.” Please take the time to confirm that these events are happening, along with time, place, age appropriateness and costs before attending.

Serving Western Massachusetts since 2005, Hilltown Families supports development and enhancement of our local economy and community. Local businesses, individuals, schools and non-profits are encouraged to partner with Hilltown Families through sponsorship and advertising. Let us help get the word out about your after school class, event, camp, workshop, fundraiser, business/school, service, open house or general announcement. Deliver your message to thousands of families living throughout Western Massachusetts while supporting the work of Hilltown Families. Click HERE to find out more.

BEST BETS

Fourth of July celebrations continue this Saturday, June 30th with fireworks in Chicopee, Ware and Westfield! Check our 2012 Fourth of July Celebrations & Fireworks resource page for a full listing of events, parades & fireworks in Western MA!

Saturday, June 30th from 11am-10pm – COMMUNITY CELEBRATION: Chicopee Fest-of-All at Szot Park. Music, food and fun activities. Fireworks at dusk. 100 Abby Memorial Drive. Chicopee, MA

Sunday, July 1st from 9:30am-12noon – COMMUNITY DANCE: It’s Community Dance Day at Jacob’s Pillow!  There will be dance workshops throughout the day, to help the community learn about (and learn to do!) new types of dance and movement.  Workshops include tai chi, yoga, swing, and more!  There will also be guided tours of this National Historic Landmark, and picnicking on their Great Lawn.  413-243-9919.  385 George Carter Road.  Becket, MA.  (FREE)

Sunday, July 1st from 10am-4pm – HISTORY: Learn about the history of the Springfield Armory at Armory Day!  There will be tons of activities for families, including live Revolutionary and Civil War-era music, kite flying (bring your own if you have one!), and tours of the museum and grounds.  The armory played a very important role to the North during the Civil War – kids can learn about the importance of their city by visiting the historic site!  413-734-8551.  Federal Street.  Springfield, MA.  (FREE)

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Enter to win a pair of tickets to the Green River Festival happening July 14th & 15th in Greenfield, MA! Deadline to enter to win is Friday, July 6th

Saturday, July 7th from 4:30-10pm – FIREWORKS: Celebrate the 4th of July with the city of Greenfield!  There will be music, activities, and vendors, and fireworks at 9:30.  Takes place at Beacon Field and Greenfield Middle School.  Beacon Street.  Greenfield, MA.  (FREE)

Sunday, July 8th at 1pm – PUPPETS: Cactus Head Puppets present “Little Red Riding Hood” at the Eric Carle Museum!  The story is told with both hand and shadow puppets.  413-658-1100.  125 West Bay Road. Amherst, MA  (<$)

BULLETIN BOARD

Goldthread Herb Farm is providing Community Supported Medicine (CSM) Shares to the community… and Hilltown Families has a large share ( to giveaway to one lucky family! Deadline to enter to win is Monday, July 2nd.

CYCLING: MASS MoCA has discovered a way to provide environmentally friendly transportation for its visitors to explore North Adams and Williamstown with- bicycles! The museum now has a fleet of easy-to-ride bikes designed specifically for urban environments. There are even a couple kid-sized bikes! Rental is only $3 per hour- helmet included. There are plans in the works for a paved bike trail to Williamstown in the future. Enjoy a lovely morning touring the museum’s galleries, then head out on a bike into North Adams and explore the town! For more information, visit blog.massmoca.org.

JOIN OUR TEAM OF CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Interested in becoming a Contributing or Guest Writer for Hilltown Families? We welcome writings that reflect the community building and educational efforts parents, teens, teachers, artists, activists and community leaders work towards and accomplish and how that affects, supports and empowers our families. All writing styles welcomed, including DIY posts, seasonal cooking, and community-based educational opportunities. Send your query to hilltownfamilies@gmail.com.

SUMMER CAMP: Are you looking for a great summer experience for your kids? Check out our post Summer Camps and Programs in Western MA which highlights opportunities happening throughout the region. With a great variety of themes, there are many summer camp/programs your family can choose, including: farm & gardening, music, art, technology, nature, personal development, science, theater, sports, ballet, preK, college… as well as a good old fashion summer camp! Discover what’s being offered near you, and find out how you can add a camp to this growing list too!

SPONSORSHIP & ADVERTISING: Reach thousands of families in Western MA while supporting the work of Hilltown Families. See your event, camp, workshop, business featured here in the bulletin board section of our list of Weekly Suggested Events and eNewsletter! Find out more about our Enhanced Publicity options and how we can help with your marketing.

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LIST OF WEEKLY SUGGESTED EVENTS:
June 30th-July 6th, 2012

Saturday • Sunday
Monday • Tuesday • Wednesday • Thursday • Friday

Suggest an Event | Forecast | Museum Passes | Farmers’ Markets | Summer Playgroups
Weekly eNewsletter | Events for Working Parents | Workshops for Parents

Events Happening in the Hilltowns | ♦ On-going Events

Saturday, June 30th, 2012

Farmers’ Markets

“What would we do without all the valuable information and sense of community that Hilltown Families promotes?! You’re hard work has paid off.  You are well loved and such an important resource in this area, THANKS!” – Tina Cornell (West Chesterfield, MA) 

6-10am – FAMILY RADIO: Valley Free Radio (WXOJ-LP 103.3FM Northampton, MA) offers 4-hours of commercial-free family programing every Saturday, including the Hilltown Family Variety Show and Spare the Rock. – Tune in on your FM dial, or listen live via streaming audio at www.valleyfreeradio.org.

9-10am – HILLTOWN FAMILY VARIETY SHOW: Tune in on your FM dial, or listen live via streaming audio at www.valleyfreeradio.org. Listen to the most recent episodes of the Hilltown Family Variety Show anytime you want. Click here to see our current select of episodes, and be sure to subscribe to the podcast too.

8am-3pm – ANIMAL ADVENTURE: Visit the Big E to learn about all things equestrian today!  The Arabian Horse Show of New England is happening through the weekend – families can visit to see horses compete in many different classes, and to see how horses are cared for.  Great for kids interested in horseback riding or veterinary medicine!  413-737-2443.  1305 Memorial Avenue.  West Springfield, MA. (FREE)

10am-2:30pm – LIBRARY CELEBRATION: The Clapp Memorial Library is celebrating 150 years!  Today is their giant birthday celebration and everyone is invited!  Historic in theme, birthday attendees are invited to dress in period clothing is they wish.  There will be horse drawn carriage rides, slideshow, old-fashioned spelling bee, live music, sing-a-long, games on the lawn, and of course, cake. 413-323-0417. 19 South Main Street. Belchertown, MA (FREE) 

10am-3pm – ENTOMOLOGY: Explore the Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area and help to identify all of the species of beetles, bugs, and butterflies that are found!  Naturalist Dr. Josh Rose will lead the exploration – bring a lunch (to enjoy at the dam!) and dress for the weather. . Binoculars, cameras, and field guides may come in handy too. North Farms Road.  Florence, MA.  (FREE)

10am-4pm – HISTORY: Historic Deerfield’s open hearth cooking program is celebrating its 25th anniversary!  Throughout the month of June, cooks will be preparing traditional food and drink enjoyed during celebrations in early New England.  Visitors can learn about the history of food and cooking, and think about how food preparation has changed over time.  413-775-7127.  80 Old Main Street.  Deerfield, MA.  ($)

11am-10pm – COMMUNITY CELEBRATION: Chicopee Fest-of-All at Szot Park. Music, food and fun activities. Fireworks at dusk. 100 Abby Memorial Drive. Chicopee, MA

11am – KIDS’ PERFORMANCE: Mary Jo Maichack performs stories and songs about sleep, dreams, and stars at the Stockbridge Library to kick off the summer reading program!  413-298-4401.  46 Main Street.  Stockbridge, MA.  (FREE)

11am-12Noon – SUMMER READING: The Hatfield Library kicks-off their summer reading program with a party!  Northampton’s Omulu Guanabara Capoeira group with do a performance.  413-247-9097.  39 Main Street. Hatfield, MA.  (FREE)

11am and 1pm – PUPPETS: Puppeteer Tom Knight presents, “The Garbage Monster and Other Tales,” at the Eric Carle Museum!  The show includes hand puppets and catchy music that kids are sure to love.  413-658-1100. 125 West Bay Road. Amherst, MA.  (<$)

1-2pm – MAGIC: Magician Scott Jameson performs at the Mason Library!  Fun, funny, and entertaining for the whole family.  413-528-2403.  231 Main Street.  Great Barrington, MA.  (FREE)

1-4pm – OUTDOOR ADVENTURE: Explore the waterfalls of Mt. Greylock!  Each weekly hike will take visitors on a hike to explore a waterfall – great on a hot summer day!  Meet at the visitors center.  413-499-4262.  Rockwell Road.  Lanesborough, MA.  (FREE) ♦

2-3:30pm- JUGGLING: Magician Scott Jameson leads a juggling workshop for kids at the Mason Library!  Space is limited, call to register.  413-528-2403.  231 Main Street.  Great Barrington, MA.  (FREE)

4-11pm – FIREWORKS: The Westfield Rotary Club sponsors community fireworks  at Stanley Park.  Rain date is 7/6.  413-568-9312.  400 Western Avenue.  Westfield, MA.  (FREE)

4:30-5:30pm – PHYSICS: Learn yo-yo tricks at A2Z this afternoon!  Lead by world class pros, Yo-Yo School teaches kids basic yo-yo tricks.  Learning to yo-yo is a great supplement to studies of motion and physics!  413-586-1611.  57 King Street.  Northampton, MA.  (FREE) ♦

5pm – MUSICAL: Musical for all ages, “Shiprock and Anchordog,” happens at The Kitchen Garden with a potluck dinner. 413-491-7686. 81 Rocky Hill Road. Hadley, MA (>$)

7-9:30pm – CITIZEN SCIENTIST: Kids ages 12+ can be citizen scientists tonight at Northfield Mountain!  Learn all about fireflies, then search for them and collect data for the Museum of Science’s FireflyWatch program.  Call to register.  800-859-2960.  Millers Falls Road.  Northfield, MA.  (FREE)

8:50pm – DRIVE-IN MOVIE: Northfield Drive-in is screening Brave (PG) followed by Snow White and the Huntsman (PG-13). 981 Northfield Rd. Hinsdale, NH ($)

9:30pm – FIREWORKS: As part of the annual Chicopee Fest-of-All!  Takes place at Szot Park.  Rain date is 6/31.  Front Street.  Chicopee, MA.  (FREE)

DUSK – FIREWORKS: At Grenville Park, sponsored by the Ware Lions Club.  Walter Drive.  Ware, MA.  (FREE)

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Sunday, July 1st, 2012

“My mother has always enjoyed Hilltown Families. She grew up in Plainfield and I have relatives living in Chesterfield and Plainfield today. It’s great to have someone covering small town news.” – Ed Kubosiak
 (Southampton, MA)

7-8am – FAMILY RADIO: Valley Free Radio (WXOJ-LP 103.3FM Northampton, MA) airs encores the Hilltown Family Variety Show every Sunday morning. Tune in on your FM dial, or listen live via streaming audio at www.valleyfreeradio.org.

9am-12noon – COMMUNITY SERVICE: Help out at the Just Roots Food for All Garden! Vegetables grown will be donated to local hunger relief organizations. Glenbrook Drive. Greenfield, MA. (FREE) ♦

9am-6pm – COMMUNITY CELEBRATION: Today is the beginning of Chesterfield’s 250th anniversary celebration!  Events take place all day, and include historical tours of town, a one-mile walk, informational displays, and more!  This morning’s highlights include the opening ceremonies at Russell Field, and the “4 Before the 4th” race, which includes a 4-mile run and a 1-mile community/family walk.  Chesterfield, MA.  (FREE)

9:30am-12noon – COMMUNITY DANCE: It’s Community Dance Day at Jacob’s Pillow!  There will be dance workshops throughout the day, to help the community learn about (and learn to do!) new types of dance and movement.  Workshops include tai chi, yoga, swing, and more!  There will also be guided tours of this National Historic Landmark, and picnicking on their Great Lawn.  413-243-9919.  385 George Carter Road.  Becket, MA.  (FREE)

10am and 2pm – OUTDOOR ADVENTURE: Go on a medicinal plant walk at Mt. Greylock!  The walk will be easy, and will focus on teaching visitors to identify plants with medicinal properties.  Meet at the visitors center.  413-499-4262.  Rockwell Road.  Lanesborough, MA.  (FREE)

10am-4pm – HISTORY: Learn about the history of the Springfield Armory at Armory Day!  There will be tons of activities for families, including live Revolutionary and Civil War-era music, kite flying (bring your own if you have one!), and tours of the museum and grounds.  The armory played a very important role to the North during the Civil War – kids can learn about the importance of their city by visiting the historic site!  413-734-8551.  Federal Street.  Springfield, MA.  (FREE)

1-3pm – CHESS: An informal Chess Club is beginning at the Lilly Library. Participants are encouraged to supplement existing chess boards by bringing their own too. 413-587-1500. 19 Meadow Street. Florence, MA (FREE) ♦

2pm – STORYTIME: Special storytime at the Eric Carle Museum, with author Tracy Campbell Pearson!  She’ll read from her favorite books (of the 30 she has written!), and sign copies afterward.  413-658-1100.  125 West Bay Road.  Amherst, MA.  (<$)

4pm – DANCE PERFORMANCE: North Hall hosts “A Dance Collage,” a performance featuring dancers from the Huntington Dance Centre.  Includes jazz, tap, ballet, and more!  413-667-5543.  40 Searle Road.  Huntington, MA.  (DONATION)

4 or 5pm – LOCAL HISTORY: Join the Chesterfield Historical Society for a historical bus tour of the town!  There will be multiple stops, including discussions and visual aids.  Begins and ends at New Hingham Elementary School.  Space is limited – call to reserve a spot.  413-296-4090.  30 Smith Road.  Chesterfield, MA.  (FREE)

5pm – MUSICAL: Musical for all ages, “Shiprock and Anchordog,” happens at The Kitchen Garden with a potluck dinner. 413-491-7686. 81 Rocky Hill Road. Hadley, MA (>$)

5:30pm – LAWN CONCERT: At the gazebo in Huntington!  Dinner available for purchase.  Lots of great local acts!  Routes 20 and 112.  Huntington, MA.  (FREE) ♦

6pm – LAWN CONCERT: Stanley Park’s summer concert series features family-friendly performers!  413-568-9312.  400 Western Avenue.  Westfield, MA.  (FREE) ♦

6pm – MUSIC: Folk music from Argentina will bring you through a musical journey of South America at Bascom Lodge with Tomas Murmis’, The Sounds of Argentina. Atop Mount Greylock. Adams, MA

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Monday, July 2nd, 2012

10am – MOVIE: 10am showings of G and PG movies at the West Springfield 15 (Rave Cinema) are free!  864 Riverdale Street.  West Springfield, MA. (FREE)

10-11:30am – FARM ADVENTURE: Explore Red Gate Farm at Mornings on the Farm, where kids can do hands-on farm activities and learn about farm life.  413-625-9503.  4 Norman Road.  Buckland, MA.  (<$)

10am-6pm – COMMUNITY CELEBRATION: It’s Youth Day today, as part of Chesterfield’s 250th celebration!  The event takes place at New Hingham Elementary School, and features fun activities for kids ages 3-adult.  There will be a drumming performance with Tony Vacca beginning at 5pm!  30 Smith Road.  Chesterfield, MA.  (FREE)

10:15am-12:15pm – COMICS: Explore the Mason Library’s collection of comics and manga – then learn to make your own comics and zines with author Joey Chernila!  Registration required.  413-528-2403.  231 Main Street.  Great Barrington, MA. (FREE)

11am-12noon – LEGOS: LEGO Club at the Sunderland Library!  Kids can experiment and learn, through trial and error, about basic principles of design, architecture, engineering, and physics.  413-665-2642.  20 School Street.  Sunderland, MA.  (FREE)

2pm – MOVIE: Cool off at the Westfield Athenaeum with a screening of the family movie, Journey 2 The Mysterious Island (PG). No registration is required.  Drinks and snacks will be provided.  6 Elm Street. Westfield, MA (FREE)

6-8pm – WATER FUN: Visit the Dalton CRA for Wet ‘n Wild Summer Water Fun!  There will be a water balloon toss, water slides, and more!  Takes place at Pine Grove Park.  413-684-0260.  400 Main Street.  Dalton, MA.  (<$)

6:30pm – CYCLING: Kids ages 3-12 can try out bike racing tonight at Look Park! Sponsored by the Northampton Cycling Club and Northampton Area Pediatrics, the bike race promotes physical fitness, and helps introduce kids to the sport of cycling! Races are divided into age groups. Rain postpones race. 300 North Main Street. Northampton, MA. (FREE)

6:30pm – OUTDOOR ADVENTURE: Hear stories, riddles, and more around a campfire at the Westhampton Library!  Lara Ramsey presents.  Marshmallows for all!  Rain date is July 3rd.  413-527-5386.  1 North Road.  Westhampton, MA.  (FREE)

7pm – SING-A-LONG: Bring your singing voice, and an instrument if you play one, to the Westhampton Library for a community sing-a-long!  If you have a copy of Rise Up Singing, bring it along!  413-527-5386.  1 North Road.  Westhampton, MA.  (FREE)

7pm – KNITTING: The Westhampton Library hosts a knitting group for knitters of all abilities!  This intergenerational skillshare is great for knitters who enjoy the company of other needle-clacking scarf-makers, or for those in need of some help with dropped stitches.  413-527-5386.  1 North Road.  Westhampton, MA.  (FREE) ♦

SUMMER ONGOING FOR MONDAYS

• 10am- STORYTIME: The Shutesbury Library’s story hour is this morning!  Enjoy an hour of stories, songs, games and crafts.  413-259-1213.  10 Cooleyville Road.  Shutesbury, MA.  (FREE)  ♦
• 10am-4pm – HIKE: Go for a hike at Mt. Greylock!  The trek is somewhat strenuous – wear sturdy footwear!  Bring your own lunch, too.  Meet at the Visitors Center to carpool to location.  413-499-4262.  Rockwell Road.  Lanesborough, MA.  (FREE) ♦
• 2pm – STORYTIME: At the Eric Carle Museum!  Kids can enjoy a story, then learn about how illustration helps to tell stories, too!  Storytimes take place daily at the museum – check for time changes.  413-658-1100.  125 West Bay Road. Amherst, MA.  (<$)
• 3pm – STORYTIME: Mountain View Farm hosts storytime!  Farm-themed stories galore.  413-329-0211.  393 East Street.  Easthampton, MA.  (FREE) ♦
• 5:30-6:30pm – PLAYGROUP: Gym Group at the Haskins Center has moved outside for the summer!  Enjoy group playground time on the center’s playscape.  413-664-4821.  210 State Street.  North Adams, MA.  (FREE) ♦
• 7pm – KNITTING: The Westhampton Library hosts a knitting group for knitters of all abilities!  This intergenerational skillshare is great for knitters who enjoy the company of other needle-clacking scarf-makers, or for those in need of some help with dropped stitches.  413-527-5386.  1 North Road.  Westhampton, MA.  (FREE) ♦

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Tuesday, July 3rd, 2012

10-11am – STORYTIME: For kids ages 3-6 at the Greenfield Library!  There will be a new craft every week along with the exciting stories.  413-772-1544. 402 Main Street. Greenfield, MA.  ♦

11am-12noon – BUBBLE PLAY: The Hatfield Library host an hour of bubble fun, along with sidewalk chalk and parachute play. 413-247-9097.  39 Main Street. Hatfield, MA.  (FREE)

3-5pm – CRAFTS: Spend your crafternoon making patriotic creations at the Whately Library!  There will be wand-making and fireworks-themed projects.  413-665-2170.  202 Chestnut Plain Road.  Whately, MA.  (FREE)

4pm – DRUMMING: Drum away the afternoon at the Milne Library!  Drummer Otha Day will share a variety of percussion instruments with kids, as well as some of the basic principles of percussion.  413-458-5369.  1095 Main Street.  Williamstown, MA.  (FREE)

6pm – FIREWORKS: Visit Old Sturbridge Village for an Independence Day celebration!  The event includes opportunities to learn about history (including a reading of the Declaration of Independence), games, live music, and more!  Fireworks take place at dusk.  800-733-1830.  1 Old Sturbridge Village Road.  Sturbridge, MA.  ($)

6pm – MOVIE: The Sunderland Public Library screens, “National Treasure.”  Featuring Nicolas Cage, the movie uses the significance of the Masons within American history to create a fictional action-packed story.  413-665-2642.  20 School Street.  Sunderland, MA.  (FREE)

6pm – LAWN CONCERT: The Clark hosts live outdoor concerts throughout July!  Each week brings a new musical style to enjoy.  Dinner available for purchase.  In case of rain, concerts will take place in the museum’s auditorium.  413-458-2303.  225 South Street.  Williamstown, MA.  (FREE)  ♦

6pm – COMMUNITY CELEBRATION: The Montague Center Fire Association hosts their annual community bonfire!  Food available for purchase.  Fire will be lit at dusk!  Montague, MA.  (FREE)

6:30pm – LOCAL HISTORY: See a video presentation of oral local history!  The presentation was coordinated as part of Chesterfield’s 250th celebration, and can help kids put their community into historic and cultural context!  Takes place at New Hingham Elementary.  30 Smith Road.  Chesterfield, MA.  (FREE)

7:30-9:30pm – HIKING: Hike under the full moon with the Trustees of Reservations!  The hike will take place at Notchview. Windsor residents free.  413-532-1631 ex10.  Old Route 9.  Windsor, MA.  (DONATION)

DUSK – BOAT PARADE: The annual Lake Wyola boat parade takes place this evening!  Community members are encouraged to participate – all boats must have lights!  (Even if paddled)  Shutesbury, MA.  (FREE)

DUSK – FIREWORKS: Held at Michael Smith Middle School, the event includes games, music, and foods from local vendors as well.  Rain date is 7/5.  100 Mosier Street.  South Hadley, MA.  (FREE)

SUMMER ONGOING FOR TUESDAYS

• 9:30-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: Hosted by the Northampton Parents Center at the Jackson Street School playground.  413-582-2636.  Jackson Street.  Northampton, MA. ♦
• 10-11am – STORYTIME: For kids ages 3-6 at the Greenfield Library!  There will be a new craft every week along with the exciting stories.  413-772-1544. 402 Main Street. Greenfield, MA.  ♦
• 10-10:40am – PLAYGROUP: At Treehouse!  Lead by a parent volunteer – new activities each week!  For kids ages 2-4, siblings welcome.  413-344-4435.  305 North Street.  Pittsfield, MA.  (FREE) ♦
• 10-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: At the Palmer-Monson Family Network!  413-283-6246.  4 Springfield Street.  Three Rivers, MA.  (FREE) ♦
• 10:30am – MUSIC: Sing-a-long time for pre-schoolers at the Hubbard Library! 413-583-3408.  24 Center Street.  Ludlow, MA.  (FREE) ♦
• 10:30-11:30am – ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE: Visit the Great Falls Discovery Center for Kidleidescope, an environment-themed program for kids!  Interactive learning opportunities and crafts always included.  413-863-3221.  2 Avenue A.  Turners Falls, MA.  (FREE) ♦
• 3-4pm – PLAYGROUP: Drop-in crawl time for infants at Treehouse!  413-344-4435.  305 North Street.  Pittsfield, MA. ♦
• 3-6pm – TEEN: The Hubbard Library hosts Teen Anime Club!  Anime enthusiasts can watch movies or episodes of anime shows, and share information (and enthusiasm!) for anime.  413-548-3408 ex 3.  24 Center Street.  Ludlow, MA.  (FREE)  ♦
• 4pm – BIKING ADVENTURE: Join the Trustees of Reservations for a community bike ride, and explore Holyoke!  Meet at the Holyoke YMCA.  Bikes available to borrow if necessary, all abilities welcome.  413-532-1631 x19.  160 Beech Street.  Holyoke, MA.  (FREE)  ♦
• 6pm – LAWN CONCERT: The Clark hosts live outdoor concerts throughout July!  Each week brings a new musical style to enjoy.  Dinner available for purchase.  In case of rain, concerts will take place in the museum’s auditorium.  413-458-2303.  225 South Street.  Williamstown, MA.  (FREE)  ♦

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Wednesday, July 4th, 2012

DOG SHOW: The annual Nagatuck Valley Kennel Club Dog Show is at the Big E today!  Learn about dog breeding and the specifications for showing animals.  413-737-2443.  1305 Memorial Avenue.  West Springfield, MA.  (FREE)

9:30am-4pm – HISTORY: Celebrate Independence Day, 1830’s style!  Old Sturbridge Village offers a historic celebration, complete with a reading of the Declaration of Independence, patriotic music, hat-making, and more!  800-733-1830.  1 Old Sturbridge Village Road.  Sturbridge, MA.  ($)

10am – COMMUNITY CELEBRATION: The annual Water Carnival takes place today at Kinder Beach on Lake Wyola!  There will be swimming and kayaking races for all ages, and fun water-related activities.  413-367-2620.  Shutesbury, MA.  (FREE)

10am – PARADE: In downtown Westfield, celebrating Independence Day!  Westfield, MA.  (FREE)

10am – PARADE: Through Williamstown!  There will be marching bands, floats, and a picnic at the end!  Spring Street.  Williamstown, MA.  (FREE)

10am – PARADE: Celebrate Independence Day at Pittsfield’s annual parade!  The theme this year is “Movie Classics,” and the parade route moves through downtown Pittsfield.  Pittsfield, MA.  (FREE)

10am – PARADE: In East Longmeadow!  There will be live music, floats, and more!  Parade route will be reversed from route in previous years.  Maple, Main, Mapleshade, and Elm Streets.  East Longmeadow, MA.  (FREE)

10am-12Noon – SAND CASTLES:  There will be a sand sculpture exposition at DAR State Forest. 413-268-7098. 78 Cape St. Goshen, MA (>$)

10am-3pm – HISTORY: Deerfield celebrates the 4th with a presentation from the Stone Soul Peter Brace Brigade!  The event will teach visitors about the lives of African-American soldiers during the Civil War.  Throughout the day there will be demonstrations and talks on everything from cooking, gun gleaning, and camp set-up to the cultural changes that took place after the Civil War.  Takes place at the Memorial Hall Museum.  413-636-3881.  10 Memorial Street.  Deerfield, MA.  (FREE)

10:30am – PARADE: Celebrate the 4th as well as Chesterfield’s 250th celebration at the town’s annual parade!  Begins at the town center.  Chesterfield, MA.  (FREE)

10:30am – PARADE: Fourth of July parade lines up near the Buckland Maintenance Dept.  Shelburne Falls Cub Scouts (Pack 85) will lead the parade through town, followed with a BBQ at the Buckland Shelburne Elementary School.  Games for kids and live music.  413-625-6856. Shelburne Falls, MA (FREE)

10:30am – FAMILY THEATER: PaintBox Theater presents a stage adaptation of, “The Ugly Duckling” at Smith College’s Mendenhall Center.  413-587-3933.  Green Street.  Northampton, MA.  ($)

9:15pm – FIREWORKS: Fireworks on the West Springfield Town Common, following live music and food earlier in the day.  Wendell Road.  West Springfield, MA.  (FREE)

9:30pm – FIREWORKS: Over Grucci Memorial Bridge.  MIX 93.1 FM broadcasts a musical accompaniment.  Springfield, MA.  (FREE)

9:30pm – FIREWORKS: Following a Steeplecats game at Noel Field!  413-664-6180.  State Street.  North Adams, MA.  (FREE)

DUSK – FIREWORKS: Celebrate the 4th at Six Flags New England!  413-786-9300.  1623 Main Street.  Agawam, MA.  ($$)

DUSK – FIREWORKS: At McGuirk Stadium at UMass!  Family activities take place throughout the evening.  College Drive.  Amherst, MA.  (<$)

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Thursday, July 5th, 2012

DOG SHOW: The annual Nagatuck Valley Kennel Club Dog Show is at the Big E today!  Learn about dog breeding and the specifications for showing animals.  413-737-2443.  1305 Memorial Avenue.  West Springfield, MA.  (FREE)

10am – MOVIE: 10am showings of G and PG movies at the West Springfield 15 (Rave Cinema) are free!  864 Riverdale Street.  West Springfield, MA. (FREE)

10:30am – FAMILY THEATER: PaintBox Theater presents a stage adaptation of, “The Ugly Duckling” at Smith College’s Mendenhall Center.  413-587-3933.  Green Street.  Northampton, MA.  ($)

12noon and 3pm – LOCAL HISTORY: Learn about Hilltown residents past, as well as the history of local communities, by going on a cemetery tour!  The event is part of Chesterfield’s 250th celebration, and is great for kids learning about the history of early New England.  Meet at Russell Memorial Park.  Chesterfield, MA.  (FREE)

2pm – STORYTIME: Read with the best listener ever – a Great Dane!  Bright Spot Therapy dogs will bring a trained listening pup to the Westhampton Library for kids to practice reading with.  Registration required – space is limited.  413-527-5386.  1 North Road.  Westhampton, MA.  (FREE)

3-5pm – HISTORY/GAMES: Enjoy an afternoon of croquet on the lawn at Naumkeag!  Every other Thursday this summer, the historic Gilded-Age estate hosts an afternoon of play for families.  Kids can learn about cultural history by visiting.  413-298-3239.  5 Prospect Hill Road.  Stockbridge, MA.  (<$) ♦

4-5pm – CRAFTS: Visit the Mason Library for an afternoon of crafts!  Today’s project is dreamcatchers – traditionally used by Native Americans to ward away nightmares from sleeping children.  413-528-2403.  231 Main Street.  Great Barrington, MA. (FREE)

6pm – SCRABBLE: First and third Thursdays at the Westhampton Library!  Kids can practice spelling and vocabulary skills, as well as basic math while keeping score!  413-527-5386.  1 North Road.  Westhampton, MA.  (FREE)  ♦

6:15pm – OUTDOOR DANCE: Jacob’s Pillow hosts free outdoor dance performance as part of the summer Inside/Out series!  Kids can learn about professional dance, and dance and movement as artistic expression.  Best for kids with audience skills.  413-243-9919.  385 George Carter Road.  Becket, MA.  (FREE) ♦

6:30pm – LAWN CONCERT: The Lonesome Brothers play at the Westhampton Library tonight at the first of the library’s summer concerts! Bring a picnic and a blanket.  413-527-5386.  1 North Road.  Westhampton, MA.  (FREE)

7pm – LAWN CONCERT: The Russell VFW hosts fun, family-friendly outdoor concerts throughout July!  413-732-4137.  Route 20.  Russell, MA.  (FREE) ♦

SUMMER ONGOING FOR THURSDAYS

• 9:30-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: Hosted by the Northampton Parents’ Center at the Little Playground at Look Park.  413-582-2636.  300 North Main Street.  Florence, MA.  (FREE) ♦
• 10:30-11:30am – STORYTIME: At the New Salem Library! 978-544-5157. 21 South Main St. New Salem., MA (FREE) ♦
• 11am-12noon – STORYTIME: Preschool storytime at the Hatfield Library!  413-247-9097.  39 Main Street. Hatfield, MA.  (FREE)  ♦
• 11:30am-12:30pm – PLAYGROUP: Outside at the Haskins Center’s playground!  413-664-4821.  210 State Street.  North Adams, MA.  (FREE) ♦
• 3-5pm – HISTORY/GAMES: Enjoy an afternoon of croquet on the lawn at Naumkeag!  Every other Thursday this summer, the historic Gilded-Age estate hosts an afternoon of play for families.  Kids can learn about cultural history by visiting.  413-298-3239.  5 Prospect Hill Road.  Stockbridge, MA.  (<$) ♦
• 6pm – SCRABBLE: First and third Thursdays at the Westhampton Library!  Kids can practice spelling and vocabulary skills, as well as basic math while keeping score!  413-527-5386.  1 North Road.  Westhampton, MA.  (FREE)  ♦
• 6-8pm – LAWN CONCERT: Live music tonight at the Greenfield Energy Park!  New acts each week.  Bring your own seating, and maybe a picnic dinner!  Miles Street.  Greenfield, MA.  (FREE) ♦
• 6:15pm – OUTDOOR DANCE: Jacob’s Pillow hosts free outdoor dance performance as part of the summer Inside/Out series!  Kids can learn about professional dance, and dance and movement as artistic expression.  Best for kids with audience skills.  413-243-9919.  385 George Carter Road.  Becket, MA.  (FREE) ♦
• 6:30-8pm – LAWN CONCERT: Music on the porch at the Florence Civic Center!  90 Park Street.  Florence, MA.  (FREE) ♦
• 7pm – LAWN CONCERT: The Russell VFW hosts fun, family-friendly outdoor concerts throughout July!  413-732-4137.  Route 20.  Russell, MA.  (FREE) ♦

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Friday, July 6th, 2012

FREE FUN FRIDAY: Thanks to the Highland Street Foundation’s summer Free Fun Fridays series, the Clark Institute is offering free admission today!  413-458-2303.  225 South Street.  Williamstown, MA.  (FREE)

9-11am – MUSIC EDUCATION: Attend an educational program and a Boston Symphony Orchestra rehearsal at Tanglewood!  There will be a presentation for families, a tour, and, of course, music!  Shed seating is available for groups with kids ages 8+, while younger kiddos are asked to watch with their grown-ups from the lawn.  E-mail dwhite@bso.org to reserve seats.  (No rehearsal on August 17th!)  413-637-5274.  297 West Street.  Lenox, MA.  (FREE) ♦

10am-12noon – PLAYGROUP: At Northfield Mountain!  Hosted by the Community Network for Children, each playgroup will have a different theme and will include hands-on educational activities for kids.  978-544-5157.  Millers Falls Road.  Northfield, MA.  (FREE) ♦

10:30am – FAMILY THEATER: PaintBox Theater presents a stage adaptation of, “The Ugly Duckling” at Smith College’s Mendenhall Center.  413-587-3933.  Green Street.  Northampton, MA.  ($)

6-8pm – FAMILY NIGHT OUT: Spend the evening country dancing at New Hingham Elementary School! Family friendly, plus refreshments. Part of Chesterfield’s 250th celebration.  30 Smith Road.  Chesterfield, MA.  (FREE)

6:15pm – OUTDOOR DANCE: Jacob’s Pillow hosts free outdoor dance performance as part of the summer Inside/Out series!  Kids can learn about professional dance, and dance and movement as artistic expression.  Best for kids with audience skills.  413-243-9919.  385 George Carter Road.  Becket, MA.  (FREE) ♦

9pm – FIREWORKS: Celebrate the 4th of July and Chesterfield’s 250th anniversary at the Cummington Fairgrounds with an old-fashioned fireworks display. Part of Chesterfield’s 250th celebration. Rain date is 7/7. Cummington Fairgrounds. Cummington, MA.  (FREE)

PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT

7pm – See a group of local musicians perform at Memorial Hall at the Friends of the Falls concert!  The show raises money for renovations to the hall.  51 Bridge Street.  Memorial Hall.  Shelburne Falls, MA.  ($)

SUMMER ONGOING FOR FRIDAYS

• 9-11am – MUSIC EDUCATION: Attend an educational program and a Boston Symphony Orchestra rehearsal at Tanglewood!  There will be a presentation for families, a tour, and, of course, music!  Shed seating is available for groups with kids ages 8+, while younger kiddos are asked to watch with their grown-ups from the lawn.  Happens all summer (No rehearsal on August 17th!).  413-637-5274.  297 West Street.  Lenox, MA.  (FREE) ♦
• 10am – HIKE: Take little adventurers on a tyke hike at Mt. Greylock!  The hike is short, and ends with storytime.  Meet at the Visitors Center.  413-499-4262.  Rockwell Road.  Lanesborough, MA.  (FREE) ♦
• 10am – KIDS’ PERFORMANCE: Stanley Park hosts children’s performances at the Beverage Pavillion Annex!  Each week brings a new performer.  413-568-9312.  400 Western Avenue.  Westfield, MA.  (FREE) ♦
•  10am-12noon – PLAYGROUP: At the Gateway Family Center.  413-667-2203.  9 Russell Road.  Huntington, MA.  (FREE) ♦
• 10am-12noon – PLAYGROUP: At Northfield Mountain!  Hosted by the Community Network for Children, each playgroup will have a different theme and will include hands-on educational activities for kids.  978-544-5157.  Millers Falls Road.  Northfield, MA.  (FREE) ♦
• 11am-1pm – PLAYGROUP: Hosted by the Palmer-Monson Family Network at Eager Park (by Converse Middle School).  Bring a picnic lunch!  413-283-6246.  Walnut Street.  Palmer, MA.  (FREE) ♦
• 1-4pm – HIKE: Learn about safe hiking at Mt. Greylock!  Hiking 101 will teach visitors about trail safety, map reading, proper equipment, bear etiquette, etc.  Great for families interested in doing serious hiking, as well as slightly older kids interested in hiking on their own.  Meet at the visitors center.  413-499-4262.  Rockwell Road.  Lanesborough, MA.  (FREE) ♦
• 6:15pm – OUTDOOR DANCE: Jacob’s Pillow hosts free outdoor dance performance as part of the summer Inside/Out series!  Kids can learn about professional dance, and dance and movement as artistic expression.  Best for kids with audience skills.  413-243-9919.  385 George Carter Road.  Becket, MA.  (FREE) ♦
• 6:30-8pm – LAWN CONCERT: Easthampton’s Arts in the Park summer concert series features great live music at Millside Park!  Check the schedule for a list of performers.  2 Ferry Street.  Easthampton, MA.  (FREE) ♦ 

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