Oxford, Maryland Calendar of Events - 2013

Oxford, Maryland

2013 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Saturday, March 16
– St. Patricks Day at Oxford Community Center with traditional Irish Dinner and Music – 6:00 pm

Saturday, April 6
– NCAA Final Four on the Big Screen at Oxford Community Center – 5:30 p.m.

Sunday, April 14
– Pancake Breakfast sponsored by the Oxford Fire Department – 8 am to 11 am

Saturday, April 20
– Salter’s Chesapeake Winter Cookery Demo – 10 am to Noon

Salter's Tavern in Oxford, Maryland

Saturday, April 27

– OXFORD DAY

Tred Avon Players presents "Enchanted April". Show dates are
April 25-28, May 3-5, and May 10-12

Wednesday, May 1
– Oxford’s Farmers Market begins at Oxford Community Center – 4 pm to 6 pm (through September)

Saturday, May 4
– Kentucky Derby on the Big Screen at Oxford Community Center – 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm

Saturday and Sunday, May 18 and 19
– Annual Fine Arts Fair @ Oxford Community Center

May 25 through September
– 5th Annual Tour of Oxford’s Picket Fences will be on display throughout Town

Sunday, May 12
– Pancake Breakfast sponsored by the Oxford Fire Department – 8 am to 11 am

Saturday, May 18
– Rummage Sale at the Fire House by the Oxford Ladies Aux. – 9 to Noon

 

 View from Sandaway Waterfront Lodging

 

Friday through Sunday, Mary 31-June 2
– Quilt Show at Oxford Community Center sponsored by Bayside Quilters

Saturday, June 1
– Secret Garden Tour sponsored by the Oxford Garden Club

Sunday, June 9
– Pancake Breakfast sponsored by the Oxford Fire Department – 8 am to 11 am

Thursday, June 13
– "Red, White & Blues" Concert & Buffet at Oxford Community Center.

Saturday, June 22
–Annual Cardboard Boat Races @ The Strand

June 24 through July 26
– Oxford Kids Camp at Oxford Community Center

Wednesday, July 3
– Oxford’s Fireworks sponsored by the Tred Avon Yacht Club (Dusk)

Fireworks at Sandaway Beach in Oxford, MD

Wednesday, July 4
– Mystery Love Company’s 7th Birthday Celebration

Sunday, July 14
– Pancake Breakfast sponsored by the Oxford Fire Department – 8 am to 11 am

Saturday, July 27
– "Mambo Combo" Dinner Dance at Oxford Community Center

Saturday, August 3
– Coast Guard Day in Town Park – games, demonstrations and music!

August 5 through August 16
– August Fun for Kids classes at Oxford Community Center

 

Saturday and Sunday, August 10 and 11
– Oxford Regatta hosted by the Tred Avon Yacht Club

Tred Avon Players presents "The Fox on the Fairway". Show dates are
August 15-18, 23-25, and August 30 and Sept 1

Sunday, August 11 –
Pancake Breakfast sponsored by the Oxford Fire Department – 8 am to 11 am

August 23-25
– Heritage Regatta, Tred Avon Yacht Club

Saturday, August 31
– 3rd Annual Nautical Festival

Monday, September 2
– Oxford Museum’s Pig-Fig-A-Licious

Sunday, September 8
– Pancake Breakfast sponsored by the Oxford Fire Department – 8 am to 11 am

September 14 & 15
– Hammond Regatta, Tred Avon Yacht Club

Saturday, September 21
– Oxford’s Patriotic Lighted Boat Parade (at dusk)

Saturday and Sunday, September 21 and 22
– Chesapeake Film Festival at Oxford Community Center

Saturday, September 28
– Oxford Library’s Annual Book Sale

Saturday, September 28
– Rummage Sale at the Fire House hosted by the Oxford Ladies Auxiliary

Saturday, October 12
– 5th Annual Picket Fence Auction, Oxford Community Center, 4-6 pm

Tred Avon Players presents "She Loves Me". Show dates are
October 17-20, 25-27, and Nov. 1-3.

Saturday and Sunday, November 9 and 10
-Annual Antique Show and Sale hosted by the Oxford VFD Ladies Auxiliary

December 6-8
– Christmas on the Creek Activities throughout Oxford

Sunday, December 8
– Holiday House Tour sponsored by the Oxford Community Center

Wednesday, December 11
– Holiday Potluck Dinner at Oxford Community Center





 

More details for each event are listed in the Calendar section of the website –

www.portofoxford.com

Oxford, Maryland is located on the Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake Bay

St Michaels, Easton, Oxford - Maryland Fireworks

Oxford, Maryland Fireworks
Guests at Sandaway Waterfront Lodging will have a great view!

 



OXFORD FIREWORKS 
July 3, 2012 

Oxford, MD 
The lovely port town of Oxford will celebrate Fourth of July with fireworks on July 3. Sponsored by the Tred Avon Yacht Club, the fireworks will begin at dusk. Watch the display from The Strand. Rain date is July 5.

EASTON FIREWORKS
July 4, 2012


Easton, MD
A traditional Independence Celebration takes place in Easton on July 4. The Easton Carnival is in full swing on July 4, opening at 4 p.m., located behind the Target store. Enjoy a vintage base ball game at 4 p.m. and various musical acts, including The Shades at 6 p.m., and the XPDs at 8 p.m. A Patriotic Program will take place at 7:15 p.m. and the fireworks show begins at dusk.

ST. MICHAELS TRADITIONAL INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION
July 4, 2012


St. Michaels, MD
On Wednesday, July 4th, St Michaels Museum will again sponsor a traditional Independence Day Celebration at the Museum on the corner of East Chestnut Street and St. Mary’s Square. Events will start at 10 AM with a Children’s Parade. Children and parents should arrive at 9:30 AM. We encourage festively dressed participants with decorated bicycles, tricycles, wagons and pets.

At 11AM the Traditional Program will begin with Boy Scout Troup 741 raising the flag and leading a Pledge of Allegiance at the Flag Pole in front of the Museum. A formal program will follow on the north side lawn with a benediction, patriotic songs, and a speaker. This year Pete Lesher, Chief Curator of the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum will speak on “The Civil War in St Michaels”.

Following the program the magician John Dodge will perform for everyone. Children’s activities will include the Phillips Warf Environmental Center’s Fishmobile, face painting, games and more. St Michaels Museum will be open with free admission. Refreshments will be available from the St. Michaels Fire Department and the Scottish Creamery.


Publish Post

Eastern Shore Fireworks - Times, Dates, and Schedules sourced from

http://tourtalbot.org/events.asp

Ocean City MD Fireworks - 4th of July Celebration

Ocean City MD Fourth of July Celebration
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
8 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Free concert at 8 p.m., followed by fireworks at 9:30 p.m. downtown on the beach at North Division Street and simultaneously, uptown at 125th Street at Northside Park. For more Ocean City Maryland 4th of July Celebration information, please call 1-800-626-2326 or the Ocean City Department of Recreation & Parks at 410-250-0125.

8:00 p.m. at Northside Park:

The U.S. Army Band Downrange

Enjoy up-to-date repertoire of rock, country and R&B. Although modern, Downrange sill inspires listeners with signature patriotic arrangements. Come celebrate Fourth of July in Ocean City, Maryland.

8:00 p.m. at North Division Street, On the Beach:

78th Army Band

The 78th Army Band is one of the premier musical organizations of the 99th United States Army Reserve Support Command. In addition to its ceremonial and concert bands, the 78th Army Band also features a Jazz Combo, Brass Quintet, Dixieland Band and Rock Band. Celebrate 4th of July in Ocean City, MD.

Ocean City fireworks schedule sourced from 

http://ococean.com/events

Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum Hosts Plein Air-Easton

Photo: - Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum

CHESAPEAKE BAY MARITIME MUSEUM HOSTS PLEIN AIR-EASTON!

July 20, 2011

St. Michaels, MD - Eastern Shore Event
The Avalon Foundation and the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum have launched a new partnership as part of the 7th Annual Plein Air–Easton! Competition & Arts Festival, to be held July 18-24, 2011.

During this year’s Plein Air–Easton! the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum will present an exciting all day event on Wednesday, July 20, 2011. On this date, the museum campus, including the grounds, harbor, and buildings, will be opened to competition artists for a day long painting extravaganza. This is an ideal setting for landscape and marine scenes—the museum’s floating fleet of historic Chesapeake Bay watercraft is the largest in existence and its small boat collection includes crabbing skiffs, workboats, and log canoes. Situated in the historic town of St. Michaels and boasting 18 waterfront acres on the Miles River, the museum is sure to attract many painters, art enthusiasts, and visitors to the area for this unique opportunity to experience two Talbot County’s treasures at one time.

Other components of this special day will include docent tours of the museum grounds and buildings, a Plein Air–Easton! information headquarters, and sights of evening sailboat racing.

To top off the day, the museum will host an invitational picnic open to Plein Air–Easton! artists, volunteers, and sponsors. The dinner includes a BBQ-style buffet, live music, and the opportunity to talk with artists and watch them at work. During this private gathering, attendees may stroll the museum grounds and enjoy the picturesque Miles River and Fogg’s Cove.

“This the first time our two nonprofit organizations have worked together,” says Avalon Foundation Operations Director Jessica Rogers. “We are both very excited about this partnership between two like minded organizations. As one of the region’s most scenic and favored sites, the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is a perfect match for a plein air celebration. If you haven’t been to the Maritime Museum lately, this is a great way to enjoy two of the area’s treasurers in one day!”

The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is a non-profit organization dedicated to sharing the heritage and stories of the Chesapeake Bay. The museum offers exhibits, demonstrations, boat rides, and annual festivals that celebrate Chesapeake Bay culture, boats, seafood, and history. Shipwrights building authentic Chesapeake wooden boats are part of the museum experience, and they are available to share the heritage of traditional boatbuilding with visitors. In addition to hosting changing art exhibits from around the Chesapeake Bay and the maritime trade, the Maritime Museum creates and encourages a memorable, hands-on experience in its permanent exhibits, making it a fun place for all ages to visit.

For more information, visit www.cbmm.org. Mark your calendar now for this and other events during the 7th Annual Plein Air–Easton! on July 18-24, 2011.

For the latest information, visit www.pleinaireaston.com, email info@pleinaireaston.com or phone 410.822.7297.

Contact

410.822.7297

Web Site URL

www.pleinaireaston.com

Avalon Foundation and the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum have launched a new partnership as part of the 7th Annual Plein Air–Easton! Competition & Arts Festival, to be held July 18-24, 2011.
Eastern Shore Art Event information sourced from - http://tourtalbot.org/showevent.asp?eid=6718

Chesapeake Folk Festival - St. Michaels, MD

4TH ANNUAL CHESAPEAKE FOLK FESTIVAL - St. Michaels, Maryland

July 23, 2011

St. Michaels, MD
Come to St. Michaels and enjoy the food and traditions of the Chesapeake region from 10am to 5pm on Saturday, July 23 at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum’s 4th Annual Chesapeake Folk Festival. This celebration of the Bay’s cultures will feature live music, food and drink, storytelling and films, and many opportunities for conversation.

Visitors can meet regional artists, craftspeople, and those whose lives and work are immersed in Chesapeake’s waterways, marshes, and fields. Family activities will be available throughout the day, including fishing and trotlining, hands-on pottery demonstrations with the museum’s own Marc Barto, workshops with papier-mâché folk artist Mama Girl, skipjack and buyboat rides on the Miles River, and much more.

The Talbot County Watermen’s Association will be serving local, steamed crabs alongside beer on tap. Slices of Smith Island cake, fresh melons and steamed corn from local farmers, and many other regional foods also will be available. Festival visitors will be able to sample, smell, see, and hear how the people of the Chesapeake region have fed their families and produced food for others, in the process shaping unique communities.

“You are what you eat!” commented museum Folklorist Michelle Zacks. “Food can make you feel at home, and food can tell you who you are. Finding, cooking, and eating food feeds your sense of belonging to a place and a group, not just your appetite.” Cooking demonstrations and discussions will include such topics as: “Bait and Bycatch: It’s What’s for Dinner!” and “Eating and Sharing Wild Foods”—from figs and persimmons to muskrat, herring, and eel.

The Bay area’s diverse artistic traditions will also be represented. Live bands throughout the day will include the gospel sounds of the Sensational Royal Lights out of Cambridge, MD and a New River bluegrass show by Hugh and Zane Campbell of Elkton, MD. Country, Latin, and other live music will also be performed throughout the day. Local artists and craftspeople will display and sell their work in the Artisan’s Tent, and stained glass and other demonstrations will be featured.

The Shore Stories stages throughout the festival grounds will highlight many dimensions of the region’s cultural history, such as African American maritime traditions, the Chesapeake’s Latino food producers, and the past and present of Talbot County seafood and agricultural processing. Visitors can interact with participants in the Watermen Heritage Tourism training program while experiencing live demonstrations of traditional Chesapeake skills, including trotlining for crabs, crab pot making, boat building, decoy carving, and more.

A number of short documentary films about living and working on the Bay will be shown throughout the day, including Maryland Public Television’s Eatin’ Crabs and Island out of Time. A viewing of Growing Up on Tilghman will be attended by several of the film’s local stars, and a presentation of clips from Hands of Harvest will be accompanied by filmmaker Adrian Muys and some of the Mexican workers involved in the Shore’s seafood industry.

The event is presented in partnership with Maryland Traditions and is sponsored by Maryland Public Television, What’s Up? Publishing, and Pepsi Bottling Company.

Museum members enjoy free admission to the Chesapeake Folk Festival, with other tickets for the July 23 event at $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, $6 for children between the ages of six and 17 and children five years and under free. All Museum exhibits will be open during the event and are included in the admission price. Food and boat rides are an additional cost. For more information about the festival or upcoming events at the museum, visit www.cbmm.org or call 410-745-2916.

 

Chesapeake Folk Festival information sourced from:

http://tourtalbot.org/showevent.asp?eid=6589

Plein Air Easton Arts Festival & Competition

PLEIN AIR-EASTON - PRESENTS ART FOR EVERYONE - JULY 18 - 24

 

Easton, Maryland - The Plein Air–Easton! Competition & Arts Festival celebrates its seventh anniversary by continuing the vibrant dynamic that has made it the nation’s premier plein air festival and one of Easton’s main attractions. Plein Air–Easton! is at the forefront of the modern plein air movement. Artists, collectors, and art lovers alike have discovered that this event lives up to its motto of “Art for Everyone” by producing some of the best representational artwork in the country, along with events that appeal to a wide variety of art enthusiasts. Most events are free and open to the public. With hundreds of artists and a wealth of artwork to choose from, this weeklong artfest is one of the country’s hottest art sales of the year, offering the art collector a unique opportunity to select from a huge inventory of reasonably priced paintings. Festival highlights . .

• Collectors’ Preview Party, July 22 at 7pm, offers the first chance to view and purchase competition paintings. Nearly $20,000 in prizes will be awarded. The full $150 ticket price may be applied to any Plein Air–Easton! art purchase at the Academy Art Museum on July 22, 23, and 24, or at the Winners’ Paint-Out & Brunch on Sunday, July 24.

• Plein Air–Easton! Competition Gallery Exhibit & Sale, July 23 and 24. Sales promise to be brisk, but there will be no bare walls here! As paintings sell, replacements will take their places, so that this exciting exhibit evolves throughout the weekend. Stop by several times to see and purchase new artwork. Free and open to the public.

• National Quick Draw, Exhibit and Sale, Saturday, July 23, 10am-2pm. Long on excitement, short on time, this two hour paint-out, followed by an outdoor Exhibit and Sale, is one of Plein Air–Easton!’s most popular events. Spectators and art buyers flock to downtown Easton to watch more than 150 artists paint within a six-block area, creating entire paintings in just two hours. Open to any artist; registration information at www.pleinaireaston.com

• Children’s Quick Draw, July 23 10am-12pm, on the Academy Art Museum lawn, free to young artists, ages 5-12. Supplies and basic instruction provided. Space is limited; pre-registered is recommended. To register call Jeanne Saulsbury at 410.634.2360 or e-mail jsauls@comcast.net

• Quick Draw: The Next Generation, a new painting competition for emerging artists age 25 and younger. The event takes place Sunday, July 24, and consists of a four-hour paint-out and subsequent outdoor exhibit and sale. The paint-out will be from 10am-2pm, with an exhibit and sale on S. Harrison Street from 2-4pm. Cash prizes totaling over $3,600 will be awarded. Registration information at www.pleinaireaston.com

• Sunday Winners’ Paint Out, Brunch & Live Art Auction, July 24, open by special invitation to the members of the Friends of Plein Air–Easton! Information about joining this dedicated support organization is available at www.pleinaireaston.com

More hot picks . . .
• Discover Local Talent: “Local Color” Exhibit and Sale, July 22-24. A juried and judged show featuring the works of 32 of our best local artists. Tidewater Inn. Free

• Workshops, Demos, and More . . . Galore!: Monday through Sunday, July 18-24, check out the extensive schedule at www.pleinaireaston.com. Free

• Bay Hundred Studio Tour: Visit artists as they work in their studios. Self-guided map available at www.pleinaireaston.com. Free

• Fascinating Film Screening: Thursday, July 21, 7pm, Avalon Theatre, showing of The Art of the Steal Followed by discussion. Sponsored by Chesapeake Film Festival. Free

• Outstanding Operetta: July 22-24, Avalon Theatre, Wye Operetta performs Gilbert and Sullivan’s popular show, Pirates of Penzance, full of romance, complications and pirates! Free

• Focus on Photography: Enter the Plein Air–Easton! Photography Competition. Guidelines available at: www.pleinaireaston.com. Be sure to check out this year’s contest prizes and photography workshops.

• Strong Support: Friends of Plein Air–Easton! continues to ensure the success of its namesake event while celebrating and preserving local landscapes and strengthening the arts in our community. For information or to become a Friend, call 410.822.7297 or visit www.pleinaireaston.com

SPECIAL PAINT-OUT LOCATIONS
See invited artists from the Plein Air–Easton! National Competition do more of what they do best: create beautiful artwork of local landscapes during a series of both public and private paint-outs. Works created prior to the start of the competition on July 18 will not be eligible to enter in the competition, but these paintings will be sold at the Academy Art Museum over the Plein Air–Easton! weekend.

TALBOT COUNTY

The Inn at Perry Cabin, St. Michaels
Thursday, July 14, 7am-7pm (Exhibit 5-7pm)
A five star accommodation, this charming manor house resort and spa sits in gardens that reach to the waters of the Miles River. Artists may paint all day and will exhibit work from 5-7pm.

Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, St. Michaels
Wednesday, July 20
The museum campus, including the grounds, harbor, and buildings, will be open to competition artists for a day-long painting extravaganza. This is a fantastic way to enjoy two of the area’s treasurers in one day!

Londonderry Manor House, Easton Thursday, July 21 The lovely waterfront manor house and lush grounds will be open to competition artists all day.

QUEEN ANNE’S COUNTY
In partnership with the Queen Anne’s County Arts Council

Chesapeake Exploration Center at Kent Narrows
Piney Narrows Yacht Haven
Saturday, July 16 8am-12Noon
This is a prime opportunity for artists to experience the beauty of a neighboring county and for collectors in Queen Anne’s County to see some of the nation’s finest plein air painters in action.

PRIVATE PAINT-OUTS Private events will be hosted by the Plein Air Painters of the Eastern Shore and the Garden Club of the Eastern Shore. A private, members only paint-out will be held at the Tred Avon Yacht Club.

Plein Air–Easton! is the work of the Avalon Foundation, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide diversified arts and educational programs that improve the quality of life in the Mid-Shore region. The Academy Art Museum is the accredited museum venue for the competition exhibit.

The event is sponsored by Friends of Plein Air–Easton!, the Talbot County Arts Council, Maryland Public Television, corporate donors, and media sponsors. For full itinerary, artist information, ticket sales, and more, call 410.822.7297, email info@pleinaireaston.com or visit www.pleinaireaston.com

MORE INFORMATION:
During the festival week, obtain official festival information, programs, artist locations, and more at the Plein Air–Easton! Information Center located at Coffee Cat, 5 Goldsborough St. in downtown Easton.

Latest information, including full itinerary, artists’ bios, ticket sales, galleries, and more is available at www.pleinaireaston.com. Regular updates are also posted on Facebook and Twitter. The Plein Air–Easton! Hotline can be reached at 410.822.7297.

Contact

410.822.7297

Web Site URL

www.pleinaireaston.com

 

Eastern Shore Arts Festival information sourced from:

http://tourtalbot.org/showevent.asp?eid=6527

'A Capitol Fourth' Concert Washington DC - Music News

'A Capitol Fourth' Features All-Star Cast; Jill Scott Scores Hit Album

VOA - Mary Morningstar | Washington

 - July 04, 2011

'A Capitol Fourth' Concert Features Morrison, Sparks, Groban


Actor Jimmy Smits will host “A Capitol Fourth,” which takes place on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol.  Performers at the Independence Day celebration include actor and Grammy-winning musician Steve Martin with the Steep Canyon Rangers, Josh Groban, Glee’s Matthew Morrison, Jordin Sparks, Little Richard with the Million Dollar Quartet, Broadway star Kelli O’Hara, and the National Symphony Orchestra.  “A Capitol Fourth” will air live on PBS television.


Scott Scores No. 1 Album 

Jill Scott's "The Light of the Sun" CD

R&B singer Jill Scott scores her first Number One on this week’s Billboard 200 with her fourth album, The Light of the Sun.  The 39-year-old Philadelphia, Pennsylvania native will promote the album on her 17-city “Summer Block Party” tour, which begins on July 26 in Boston, Massachusetts.  Mint Condition and Anthony Hamilton will open the U.S. concerts.  Hamilton is featured on “So In Love,” the Top 10 debut single from Scott’s new album.


Colon Wins 'The Voice' Singing Competition

Javier Colon, the winner of the first season of the singing competition series, "The Voice," July 1, 2011

34-year-old Javier Colon is the winner of NBC-TV’s singing competition, “The Voice.”  The Connecticut native earned a $100,000 record contract after beating out runner-up Dia Frampton.  Colon is the former lead singer of the Derek Trucks Band.  He was signed to Capitol Records, which released his 2003 and 2006 albums, but was later dropped from the label due to low sales.  Universal Republic plans to release Colon’s new album in September.  On July 27, the top eight finalists of “The Voice” will kick off a U.S. tour in Los Angeles.  Joining Colon and Frampton on the outing are Beverly McClellan, Xenia, Vicci Martinez, Frenchie Davis, Nakia and Casey Weston.  Plans are already underway for the second season of “The Voice.”  It will premiere on February 5, 2012 following Super Bowl XLVI.


Goldberg to Emcee Tibetan Association Event 

Whoopi Goldberg

On July 9, the Capital Area Tibetan Association will host “A Talk for World Peace” on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol.  The event, featuring the Dalai Lama, is free to the public.  Actress, comedian and talk show host Whoopi Goldberg will serve as emcee.  Grammy-nominated singer Skylar Grey will perform a never-before-heard song as a tribute to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan People.


New Album Releases July 5:


“Drums Between the Bells” by Brian Eno
“King of Hearts” by Lloyd


Look Who's Goin On Tour!

Styx band

Classic rock bands Styx and Yes will kick off a 21-city co-headlining tour on July 5 in Holmdel, New Jersey.  Yes will be supporting its upcoming album, Fly From Here, due out on July 12.  The latest album by Styx,Regeneration, Volume 2, is the follow-up to the 2010 seven-song EP, Regeneration, Volume 1, which features six re-recorded classics, including “Come Sail Away,” “Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man)” and “The Grand Illusion.” 


The 2011 American Idols Live! tour will begin on July 6 in West Valley City, Utah.  The lineup features Season 10’s top 11 finalists Casey Abrams, Haley Reinhart, Jacob Lusk, James Durbin, Lauren Alaina, Naima Adedapo, Paul McDonald, Pia Toscano, Scotty McCreery, Stefano Langone and Thia Megia.  Although the annual tour usually features only the top 10 finalists, Casey Abrams was added after being “saved” by the judges during the competition.  The 45-tour wraps up on September 9 in Rochester, New York.

'A Capitol Fourth' Features All-Star Cast; Jill Scott Scores Hit Album

Article from VOA

Fourth of July Fireworks, Parties - Americans Celebrate Independence Day

Americans Celebrate Independence With Parties, Fireworks


VOA - July 04, 2011

Americans are celebrating Independence Day on Monday - the anniversary of the day the country's founding fathers declared independence from Britain in 1776.

On the day known informally as the Fourth of July, U.S. citizens celebrate with parades, picnics, ball games, and concerts. Fourth of July decorations feature the colors of the American flag - red, white, and blue.

Traditional fireworks will light up the nighttime skies over small towns and major cities, including Washington, New York and Philadelphia, where the Declaration of Independence was signed.

One hundred new citizens will be sworn in at Mount Vernon, in the state of Virginia outside Washington, D.C., the home of the first U.S. president George Washington. The current president, Barack Obama, will host members of the military and their families for a White House barbecue and concert.

On a lighter note, New York City's beach resort area, Coney Island, celebrates with an annual hot dog-eating contest on July 4. Contenders have 10 minutes to eat as many hot dogs and buns as possible. World champion Joey Chestnut won for the fifth year in a row, but did not break his 2009 record of 68 hot dogs. The women's winner, Sonya Thomas, ate 40 hot dogs.

Americans Celebrate Independence With Parties, Fireworks
Article from VOA

Fireworks - Words and Their Stories

Words and Their Stories : Fireworks

Now the VOA Special English program WORDS AND THEIR STORIES. I’m Rich Kleinfeldt. Today we tell about the word fireworks.

The expression fireworks gets its meaning from the fireworks that people shoot into the sky when they are celebrating a great event. Rockets explode to fill the dark, night sky with bright reds and blues, with yellows and greens and whites.

The expression also means a great show of noisy anger, or something exciting. For example, a defense lawyer in a court trial may become very emotional in arguing with the government lawyer about evidence affecting the accused. The judge finally stops the loud argument and calls the two lawyers forward. He tells them, “I want no more of these fireworks in my courtroom.”

Another kind of fireworks can be any event or activity that is especially exciting. One such event is falling in love. If anything can produce fireworks, it is a sweetheart’s kiss or the touch of a lover’s hand. Often movie or television cartoons show fireworks to represent the excitement of a kiss.

People use the expression fireworks throughout the year. But if you live in the United States and want to see real fireworks, the best time of the year is about now. The Fourth of July is Independence Day in the United States. Americans traditionally celebrate their nation’s freedom with giant public parties and fireworks at night.

In Washington, for example, large crowds gather near the Washington Monument to listen to music and watch a huge fireworks show. In other cities and smaller towns, local people listen to band concerts and watch fireworks explode in a dark sky.

Many other countries around the world also enjoy the tradition of exploding fireworks on special days. In Australia, the city of Sydney begins each new year with a fireworks show at midnight. China is the birthplace of fireworks. Large fireworks shows were held often during earlier times in China. Now, people use small fireworks to help celebrate weddings and birthdays.

France also has a great fireworks tradition. A large fireworks show always takes place on Bastille day which celebrates the beginning of the French Revolution. The French city of Cannes holds an international fireworks competition each year in July and August.

In India, people have been using fireworks for more than five hundred years. A great Indian fireworks show takes place during the religious celebration of Diwali, every autumn.

Fireworks shows are popular around the world. But if I do not end this program right now, there will be fireworks from my producer.



This VOA Special English program, WORDS AND THEIR STORIES, was written by David Jarmul. I’m Rich Kleinfeldt.


01 July 2011

Fourth of July - Americans Celebrate Independence Day

Americans Set to Celebrate 235th Independence Day
VOA
July 03, 2011

Monday is U.S. Independence Day, the holiday informally called the Fourth of July.

Americans will celebrate the day the country's Founding Fathers declared independence from Britain in 1776 with picnics, parades and concerts.

Traditional fireworks will light up the nighttime skies over small towns and major cities, including Washington, New York and Philadelphia, where the Declaration of Independence was signed.

One hundred new citizens will be sworn-in at Mount Vernon, in the state of Virginia outside Washington DC, the home of the first U.S. president George Washington. The current president, Barack Obama, will host members of the military and their families for a White House barbecue and concert.

Americans Set to Celebrate 235th Independence Day

Article from VOA

Easton MD Events - Eastern Shore July

Easton, Maryland Area Events - Eastern Shore things to do...

Jul 1: First Friday Gallery Walk - Enjoy the exhibits at galleries, shops and restaurants in downtown Easton during the evening event. Refreshments and discussion are available at several galleries and many stores stay open late, so plan to make an evening of it! 5-9 PM. Easton Town Center. 410-820-8822.

Jul 1- Aug 28: Exhibit Plein Air Masters - South Street Art Gallery, 5 South Street, Easton. 410-770-8350.

Jul 1: Swift Robinson - NightCat, 5 Goldsborough Street, Easton. NightCat will be serving beer & wine. An impressive variety of beers and glasses of wine ranging from $5-$10. Lite fare menu and table service. Admission charge. 410-690-4544. www.nightcattickets.com

Jul 1: Easton's Annual Carnival - 6 - 11 PM. Enjoy super rides, carnival food, games and prizes all week long. Try your hand at the Big Six Wheel, which benefits the fireworks. One Price Bracelet Nights Tuesday through Friday. Discount coupons available at Koons Easton Toyota and the Avalon Threatre. Carnival grounds on Marlboro Road behind Target Store, Easton. 410-822-7299.

Jul 2: Big Band Night - Jazzy big band sounds come alive on the Museum's Tolchester Beach Bandstand at this special Independence Day celebration. Stay into the evening to enjoy the St. Michaels fireworks over the Miles River. 7-10 PM. Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, 213 N. Talbot Street, St. Michaels. Admission $5 members, or $10 non-members. 410-745-2916.

Jul 2: St. Michaels Old Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration - 10:30 AM Children's Parade lead by Uncle Sam. The parade proceeds south on Talbot from Mill Street, to East Chestnut ending at St. Michael's Museum at St. Mary's Square. Formal ceremonies at 11:45 AM. Event includes magic show, face painting or tattoos, live critters to view and educate the children about marine life on the Chesapeake, clowns, balloon animals, tug of war, burlap bag races and egg & spoon races. Good Food and Good Fun. Rain Date July Fourth. 410-745-5525.

Jul 2-4: Easton's Annual Carnival - 4 - 11 PM. Enjoy super rides, carnival food, games and prizes all week long. Try your hand at the Big Six Wheel, which benefits the fireworks. Discount coupons available at Koons Easton Toyota and the Avalon Threatre. Carnival grounds on Marlboro Road behind Target Store, Easton. 410-822-7299.

Jul 3: Oxford Fireworks - At Dusk over the Tred Avon River.

Jul 4: Easton's Annual Carnival & Fireworks - 4 - 11 PM. Enjoy super rides, carnival food, games and prizes all week long. Try your hand at the Big Six Wheel, which benefits the fireworks. Discount coupons available at Koons Easton Toyota and the Avalon Threatre. Carnival grounds on Marlboro Road behind Target Store, Easton. 6 - 7:30 PM Patriotic Program featuring Maryland Skydivers of America, the US Marine Corp Silent Drill Platoon, 500 feet flyovers. 7:30 - Dusk The Landsharks will perform two sets, Jimmy Buffett favorites and popular Beach Boys songs. At Dusk Easton's biggest ever Fireworks choreographed to popular music. Rain Date for Carnival and Fireworks July 5th. 410-822-7299.

Jul 7-10: 38th Annual Tuckahoe Steam and Gas Show - Displays of antique engines, tractors, cars, and farm machinery, crafts, flea market, tractor pulls, great food, model railroading, model gas and steam engines, as well as access to all of the Tuckahoe collections and the Rural Life Museum. Show offers a wide variety of things to enjoy...antique steam engines, gas engines, working blacksmiths, horse pull, auction, crafts, refreshments & music. Thurs. Noon-10 PM; Fri-Sun 10 AM-10 PM. Tuckahoe Showgrounds, Ocean Gateway Highway, Easton. 410-822-9868. E-mail: information@tuckahoesteam.org Admission charge.

Jul 8: The Twees - 8 PM. Doors open at 7:30 PM. The Stoltz Listening Room, 2nd floor Avalon Theatre, 40 E. Dover Street, Easton. Handcrafted beers on tap, fine wines served. Admission charge. 410-822-7299.

Jul 8: Chris Merritt - NightCat, 5 Goldsborough Street, Easton. NightCat will be serving beer & wine. An impressive variety of beers and glasses of wine ranging from $5-$10. Lite fare menu and table service. Admission charge. 410-690-4544. www.nightcattickets.com

Jul 8 & 9: 9th Annual Dinner Theatre Murder Mystery "Murder Aboard The Mayhem" - 7 PM. Presented by the Peake Players. Admission includes show, complete dinner, dessert, coffee, tea & soft drinks. Todd Performing Arts Center, Lobby, Chesapeake College, Wye Mills. Admission $40 per person. Advance reservation required. 410-822-5400 Ext. 278.

Jul 8-11: Schooner Sultana Visits - Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, 213 N. Talbot Street, St. Michaels. 410-745-2916. Visit Sultanaprojects.org for more information.

Jul 9: Vintage Base Ball Season - Come warm up the Fair Plays and enjoy a truly old-fashioned game. 1 PM. Fair Plays vs. Brooklyn. From 12:30 to 2:30 PM enjoy BBQ available by the Milestone for purchase. Regular practice schedule in Easton on Sundays at 1 PM & Thurs. at 6 PM. All practices are at Mt. Pleasant Park on Springdale Street, (of f N. Washington St., behind the 7-Eleven & near the Talbot County Public School Office). Fair Plays play ball according to the rules of the year 1864. Sponsored by the Historical Society of Talbot County, Easton.

Jul 9: Guthrie and Bill Matthews - NightCat, 5 Goldsborough Street, Easton. NightCat will be serving beer & wine. An impressive variety of beers and glasses of wine ranging from $5-$10. Lite fare menu and table service. Admission charge. 410-690-4544. www.nightcattickets.com

Jul 9: Kings of Crownsville - 8 PM. Doors open at 7:30 PM. The Stoltz Listening Room, 2nd floor Avalon Theatre, 40 E. Dover Street, Easton. Handcrafted beers on tap, fine wines served. Admission charge. 410-822-7299.

Jul 10: 9th Annual Dinner Theatre Murder Mystery "Murder Aboard The Mayhem" - 3 PM. Presented by the Peake Players. Admission includes show, complete dinner, dessert, coffee, tea & soft drinks. Todd Performing Arts Center, Lobby, Chesapeake College, Wye Mills. Admission $40 per person. Advance reservation required. 410-822-5400 Ext. 278.

Jul 12: Call Me Mercy - NightCat, 5 Goldsborough Street, Easton. NightCat will be serving beer & wine. An impressive variety of beers and glasses of wine ranging from $5-$10. Lite fare menu and table service. Admission charge. 410-690-4544. www.nightcattickets.com

Jul 13: La Fille du Regiment Live in HD from The Met - 7 PM. Avalon Theatre, 40 E. Dover Street, Easton. Admission charge. Tickets 410-822-7299

Jul 13: Jimbo Mathus (of Squirrel Nut Zippers) and the Tri-State Coalition - NightCat, 5 Goldsborough Street, Easton. NightCat will be serving beer & wine. An impressive variety of beers and glasses of wine ranging from $5-$10. Lite fare menu and table service. Admission charge. 410-690-4544. www.nightcattickets.com

Jul 14: Kopecky Family Band and Rachel Platten - NightCat, 5 Goldsborough Street, Easton. NightCat will be serving beer & wine. An impressive variety of beers and glasses of wine ranging from $5-$10. Lite fare menu and table service. Admission charge. 410-690-4544. www.nightcattickets.com

Jul 14: Gretchen Richie - 8 PM. Doors open at 7:30 PM. The Stoltz Listening Room, 2nd floor Avalon Theatre, 40 E. Dover Street, Easton. Handcrafted beers on tap, fine wines served. Admission charge. 410-822-7299.

Jul 15: Kirsten Thien - NightCat, 5 Goldsborough Street, Easton. NightCat will be serving beer & wine. An impressive variety of beers and glasses of wine ranging from $5-$10. Lite fare menu and table service. Admission charge. 410-690-4544. www.nightcattickets.com

Jul 15: Dahlia Flute Duo - 8 PM. Doors open at 7:30 PM. The Stoltz Listening Room, 2nd floor Avalon Theatre, 40 E. Dover Street, Easton. Handcrafted beers on tap, fine wines served. Admission charge. 410-822-7299.

Jul 15 & 16: 9th Annual Dinner Theatre Murder Mystery "Murder Aboard The Mayhem" - 7 PM. Presented by the Peake Players. Admission includes show, complete dinner, dessert, coffee, tea & soft drinks. Todd Performing Arts Center, Lobby, Chesapeake College, Wye Mills. Admission $40 per person. Advance reservation required. 410-822-5400 Ext. 278.

Most wearing uniforms on 4th of July have served honorably, but not all...

Fraud Hunters Unmask Military Imposters
Most wearing uniforms on July 4th have served honorably, but not all
VOA - Ted Landphair
Washington, D.C.
July 01, 2011



If you were to attend a parade or musical celebration of the 235th anniversary of Americans’ declaration of independence today, you’d likely see lots of men and women in the uniforms of the United States military.

Almost all of them are serving their country honorably and well. But a tiny percentage aren’t servicemen and women at all, or are wearing medals and other decorations that they did not earn. “Stolen valor,” some call such behavior.

Even prominent men and women have lied about their military service or decorations. And a good many of them have been exposed by a cadre of veterans who keep a look-out for imposters - particularly at holiday gatherings such as those on the 4th of July.

One of the most determined military fraud hunters is Larry Bailey of Mount Vernon, Virginia. He is a retired Navy captain and SEAL. That’s the same elite Navy parachute and demolitions unit that swooped down and killed al-Qaeda terrorist leader Osama bin Laden in May.

Over several years, Bailey, who regretfully concludes that military fakery is rampant, has exposed a rogues’ gallery of military masqueraders that has included corporate executives and members of Congress.

Some fakers did serve their nation honorably but could not resist dressing up their records with claims of battles they never fought, medals they never won, or tortures they never endured.

For example, Bailey points to Joseph Ellis, a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian who admitted embellishing his resume by claiming to have served as a platoon leader in Vietnam. In truth, he spent the war at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York, teaching history.

And a few years ago, Los Angeles, California, Superior Court Judge Patrick Couwenberg was removed from the bench after falsely claiming to be a decorated Vietnam War veteran who worked undercover in Laos for the Central Intelligence Agency.

Bailey says men often make up heroic war stories to impress women, to puff up their job credentials or because they think it will inspire youngsters such as Boy Scouts and military recruits. He says some people have lived their falsehoods so long that they could pass lie-detector tests about their stories.



Fraud Hunters Unmask Military Imposters

Most wearing uniforms on July 4th have served honorably, but not all
Article from VOA