June 25, 2009

One last chance to see The Shrew

Hark! Is it the last Friday in June already? That means it's the last weekend to see Taming of the Shrew for free at Deering Oaks Park. The show's put on by Fenix Theatre Co. so don't expect it to follow perfectly along with the prose of The Bard. Dare we say it might be even more entertaining than Will could imagine? The action starts at 6:30 pm.

If you're not feelin' the Shakespeare, maybe it's time to get your motor runnin'. Your lawn mower motor, that is. It's the third scheduled racing night at Pathfinders in Saco where souped up John Deeres play the part of NASCAR vehicles and anyone whose trimmed the backyard can get on and drive. Racing starts at 7 pm sharp and it's bound to be a hoot.

Feel like getting out of town on Saturday? How about destination Kittery? The Red Door Pottery Studio is hosting a Salon Night Series at 7 pm. The eve will feature local poets, musicians and artists and the admission and refreshments are absolutely free.

Or head to Saco for the annual Sidewalk Arts Festival on Main Street. The event goes from 9 am-4 pm and its free to look at all the awesome art.

If you're sticking around, there are some interesting freebies right in the city. The Maine Historical Society is holding its grand opening celebration and all the tours are free. Check out the Brown Library and its two-year, $9.5-million renovation between 10 am-4:30 pm. Or choose to visit the Longfellow House or its adjourning garden, which was closed during the library reno. With any luck, the weather will cooperate long enough for a relaxing stroll through the greenery.

Need a beverage after all the walking? Kitchen and Cork in Scarborough is holding its monthly wine tasting from 3-7 pm. Sip a few free selections to figure out what you like, then maybe you can grab a bottle to go.

Sunday's sometimes a tough day to find a reason good enough to leave the comfy Adirondack chair on the back porch (or to escape your length to-do list), but I think you'll want to be at The Great Lost Bear at high noon. The Bear is celebrating its 30th anniversary with free food, a Shipyard beer tent, The Hounds and skaters from Maine Roller Derby. Be there from noon-4 pm.

There's also free admission at Scarborough Downs where the track is celebrating its 59th anniversary today. Post time is 1:30 pm. Bet a little or don't bet at all. It'll still be exciting to watch the horses run.

Finally today, if you've always wanted to see the inner workings of an artists gallery, take the East End Artists Tour between 10 am and 4 pm. Artists working on the East End will open their studios to visitors on this self-guided tour. Get maps for the 30-plus stops at 81 Congress St. or at www.seaportland.org.