Weekend Warriors...

We've got a busy one this weekend.

You can start off your Friday, as always, with Brunswick's First Friday event and then move on to downtown Frederick on Saturday for Mayfest, First Saturday and Marathon related events. Between the Mayfest and First Saturday, an individual can have a pretty exhausting and satisfying Saturday in downtown.

Then on Sunday I urge all the readers to take to the streets and support the runners in this year's Marathon. I ran in it a couple of years ago, and it's brutal - more mentally than physically, and it really helps in those final miles to have someone egging you on.

Foreign film fans, particularly of the Asian horror genre might want to make the pilgrimage to the Shepherdstown Opera House this weekend where The Host will be playing along with foreign language best picture winner The Lives of Others.

for those of you that want to avoid the crowds that Frederick might attract this weekend, there's a slate of open air market type events scheduled in Hagerstown that might be worth checking out, including the Spring Yard Sale and the Farmer's Market as well as a Museum Ramble.

Been a busy week...

But it's also looking like a busy weekend...unfortunately I will be missing local festivities due to visiting family. Brunswick's First Friday event is built around bicycling this month, then there's Frederick's Much Ado About Books First Saturday. Don't forget to stop into the Weinberg and meet local photographer David Raimist and see his work.

Early in the day...well, you fit freaks take heart - pre-registration for the 11th Garrett's 5k run held this weekend ends at midnight tonight. For more information, or to register, visit here. Runners that like causes, this one's worth it (the race is in memory of a teenager killed by drunk driving), and its a relaxing run around Baker Park.

Also check out the Hagerstown Farmer's Market this Saturday for some Easter fun. According to Hagerstown's municipal calendar, "From 9 to 11 a.m., children 12 and under can visit with the Easter Bunny and bring their baskets to gather goodies from the vendors."

Sometime in the near future I will have another restaurant review to post, and hopefully another movie review or two.

Once again, sorry about missing a week - and for those of you who have noted that the West Side does not yet seem to be closing, thanks for the info.

First Friday Calling again...

Brunswick is holding their monthly First-Friday event this week with an "Art Abounds" theme. It appears that the focus is heavily on the families with the art displays and events related to the kids.

Things to do will include a performance by the Brunswick High School Jazz Band and sidewalk chalk drawing for the rugrats.

Wish I'd caught this sooner - http://www.downtownfrederick.org/play/ProgressiveDinner.htm

Oh well - will try to keep an eye out for it for next year.

However, this Saturday's Gallery Walk in downtown Frederick is a celebration of the event's 4th birthday -

On Saturday, March 3rd from 5 - 9 PM, First Saturday Gallery Walk turns 4 years old! Help First Saturday celebrate its birthday with FREE birthday cake & punch at three locations, birthday-themed decor on the streets of Downtown Frederick, and party favors given out by participating
merchants!

Will post more for this weekend as I become aware of it.

Things To Do in Frederick When You're Dead, or at least a little wiped from the weekly grind...

The first weekend of every month typically offers a little bit extra in the way of things to do for those seeking recreation around Frederick County. Both the Brunswick Main Streets Program and Frederick's Downtown Partnership (Frederick's Main Streets Program) offer additional things to do as you window shop in those two communities.

Start on Friday evening in Brunswick for the family friendly "First Friday." Shops will have extended hours and will be offering complimentary food and wine. Special activities include a 5:30 showing of Lady and the Tramp and a 7:00 showing of A Summer Place at the Brunswick Railroad Museum while the Ambulance Company Building at 200 West Potomac Street will be hosting a Valentine's Dance for all ages.

Be sure to stop into The Book Crossing at the intersection of Potomac and Maple Ave. They will be offering a fondue fountain, wine and a craft for children. Also checkout Sundance Art & Frame, EBA Sports Apparel & Equipment, and Brunswick Hardware, all regular participants in the First Friday events.

On Saturday, move on to Frederick for the First Saturday Gallery Walk beginning at 5:00 pm. From the Downtown Partnership's Web site, "On Saturday, February 3rd from 5 - 9 PM, Downtown Frederick will turn fire into ice with the Fire in Ice First Saturday Gallery Walk! Join the First Saturday fun with 23 sparkling ice sculptures placed throughout Downtown, a LIVE ice carving demonstration, FREE hot cocoa, and luminary-lined streets!"

Many of the shops in Frederick will participate in the festivities with offerings of their own, however, make it a point to stop into Amber Coast on East Patrick Street (always good for celebratory-type treats), Shab Row and the relatively new Frederick Cellars on East Street, and kitsch-central, CineGraphics Studios where owner Erik Krasner always has something happening.

As for Sunday, if you haven't figured out that I'll be watching the Super Bowl, then you're not familiar with my other blog, or the work I do for bitterfans.com.