Let the Fun Begin!

I'm thrilled to report: It has begun!  With the very exciting events this weekend, it feels to me like winter is officially over.  This weekend holds some big excitement for kids and families in the Willamette Valley.  Then next weekend, St. Patrick's Day. Then it's just a fabulously slippery slope from here to Summer Festival Season! So, starting today, Let The Fun Begin!

With school out Friday, the Kroc Center is hosting Kroc Olympics, a one-day camp where sport is twisted into the something extraordinary!  This is a wonderful opportunity for elementary age children to get their ya-ya's out (see this week's post) while parents finish up their work week.

Friday night kicks off this weekend with Ceili of the Valley Society's St. Patrick's Concert and Ceili.  The concert starts at 7:00, but come early for the 6:00 annual Irish dinner.  Then the party really gets rolling when the lively and talented Irish band, Story Road, starts up the music, joined by Preston Howard on the Uilleann pipes and tin whistle.  Come prepared to shake a clover and dance the night away.

Saturday promises a don't-miss event for the whole family:  Willamette University's Native American Enlightenment Association is hosting its 11th Annual Social Pow Wow.  Come on down at 4:00 for Native music, food, arts, and the always-spectacular Men's Grass Dance Contest. This free event is an opportunity for family cultural exploration and shouldn't be missed!

As always, I am every eager to hear back about your adventures.  If you've learned about your activities from Mid-Valley Kid Calendar, send me some pics and let us know all about your fun.  If you have an event or activity you would like included on the Calendar, just email me here.  Have a wonderful time this weekend and let the season begin!

FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

ALL DAY

• No School for K-5, Salem Keizer Schools
• 8:00-5:00 Kroc Olympics, Kroc Center, Ages 5-12, $50

MORNING

• 10:00 or 1:00, My Garden Journal, Oregon Gardens, Ages 5-12, $3-11
• 10:30 Salem Library, Lapsit Storytime, infants and toddlers

AFTERNOON

• 2:00 Salem Library, Friday Family Film, All Ages

EVENING

• 6:00-11:00 Irish Dinner & Ceili, Concert and Dance, Ceili of the Valley Society, All Ages, Dinner - $7, Dance - adults $12 / 10 and under free 
• 6:00-11:00 Friday Night Magic!, Hopscotch Toys, Ages 8+, Must bring or purchase Magic the Gathering Standard Deck
• 6:30 Family Open Gym, Defy Aerial Fitness Studio, All Ages, Under 13years must be accompanied by a parent, $3/person
• Planetarium Shows, Chemeketa Community College, All Ages, $4/$5

SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 2013

ALL DAY

• 9:00-1:00 Corvallis Winter Farmers Market at Benton County Fairgrounds

MORNING

• 10:30 Salem Library, Preschool Storytime, Ages 3-6
• 11:00-12:30 Junior Gardener's Club - My Garden Journal, Oregon Garden, Ages 5-10, $3-$8

AFTERNOON

• 1:00-4:00 Discovery Saturday: Bird Eggs and Nests, Gilbert Discovery Village, all ages, Free with Admission
• 1:00-2:30 Salem Library, Read to a Pet, All Ages
• 4:00 11th Annual Social Pow Wow, Sparks Athletic Center at Willamette University, All Ages, Free

EVENING

• 5:00 Dance Party!, Kroc Center, Ages 12+, $3

SUNDAY, MARCH 10, 2013
Daylight Savings Time Starts

ALL DAY

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MORNING

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AFTERNOON

• 1:00-4:00 Family Clay Sunday - Pottery Painting Party, Willamette Art Center, All Ages, $10 per family up to 4/$3 each additional kid.

EVENING

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