Events

THIS WEEK: MARCH 5 to 11, 2010

Orchid Extravaganza, with 1000s of orchid blooms, displays and special exhibits throughout a four-acre conservatory along with concerts, special OrKid Days and the International Orchid Show & Sale with renowned vendors (March 26 to 28). Longwood Gardens, Route 1, Kennett Square. Through March 31. Open daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 610-388-1000 or longwoodgardens.org.

Philadelphia Flower Show, the annual horticultural extravaganza themed “Passport to the World,” with thousands of plant and floral designs illustrating India, Brazil, the Netherlands, Africa, New Zealand and Singapore. Also: free gardening presentations, educational displays, the Flower Show Marketplace, a World Bazaar of exotic crafts and products, the International Wine and Spirits Garden and live musical performances at the World Caf�. Pennsylvania Convention Center, 12th and Arch streets, Philadelphia. Today, 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. $22, $13 children. 215-988-8899 or theflowershow.com.

Who Runs Russia? Deciphering Moscow’s Centers of Power, a talk by Jill Dougherty, foreign correspondent for CNN. Room 509, Brennan Hall, University of Scranton. Today at noon. $20 includes luncheon. 941-7816.

Home Building and Remodeling Show, sponsored by the Building Industry Association of Northeastern Pennsylvania. With more than 100 vendor booths, food and a doghouse-building contest. 109th Field Artillery Armory, 280 Market St., Wilkes-Barre. Tonight, 4 to 9; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free admission with the donation of a food item for the St. Vincent De Paul Soup Kitchen. 287-3331.

Quilt Show, with 200 entries from large bed quilts to miniature wall hangings along with vendors selling quilt-related items, a Quilters Corner of gift items and a lunch menu. Hughesville Fire Hall, Water and Railroad streets, Hughesville. Tonight, 6 to 9; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. $5. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Valley Quilters. 916-7281.

Night at the Races, a fundraiser for Candy’s Place at the Center for Cancer Wellness. American Legion, 259 Shoemaker St., Swoyersville. Tonight, 6 to 11. 714-8800.

Gravity Slashers. Freestyle motocross daredevils invade the Mohegan Sun Arena for two nights of intense competition performing aerial acrobatics including cliffhangers, sterilizers and tsunamis. 255 Highland Park Blvd., Wilkes-Barre Township. Tonight and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. $16.50. 970-7600.

Free Dinner and a Movie, with a pasta dinner followed by a screening of “Facing the Giants” about an underdog football team. Forty Fort United Methodist Church, 26 Yeager Ave., Forty Fort. Saturday with dinner at 5 p.m. and movie at 6:15 p.m. Attend either or both. Free but tickets required. 287-3840.

Nite at the Races, with a Chinese auction, silent auction and raffles. St. Mary’s Church of Dorrance, 3529 Saint Mary’s Road, Wapwallopen. Saturday with doors at 6 p.m. and races at 7 p.m. $10 per horse. 868-5855.

New England Contra Dance, with music by Eileen Nicholson and Tom Hodgson. Church of Christ Uniting, 190 S. Sprague Ave., Kingston. Saturday at 7:30 p.m. $9, $24 per family. 333-4007.

March Bingo, with cash prizes, door prizes and refreshments. St. Joseph’s Church, 107 E. Noble St., Nanticoke. Sunday with doors at 12:30 p.m. and early-bird games at 1:45 p.m. 735-4833.

Designer Bingo, with prizes by Longaberger, Pandora, Donney & Bourk Purses, Ralph Lauren, Vera Bradley and more. St. Leo’s/Holy Rosary Church, 33 Manhattan St., Ashley. Sunday with doors at 1 p.m. and games at 2 p.m. $20 for 20 games. 822-8788.

Polka Sunday, with music by the Matty Rock/Johnny Jay Polka Band. VFW Post 4909, 403 Main St., Dupont. Sunday, 2 to 6 p.m. $12. 654-9104.

Family Focus Workshop, with experts to help with early development and child rearing including early literacy, safety, nutrition and more. Children’s activities include structured play, finger play and stories. This week’s topic: Library Services. Marian Sutherland Kirby Library, 35 Kirby Ave., Mountain Top. Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m. through May 1. Registration: 474-9313.

Family Game Night, with a large variety of board games for all ages. Marian Sutherland Kirby Library, 35 Kirby Ave., Mountain Top. Wednesday, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Registration: 474-9313.

Gettysburg As You’ve Never Seen It, a living-history program by Civil War historians and re-enactors Joseph and Christine Mieczkowski with music and sound effects. Presented by the Wyoming Valley Civil War Round Table at the Lakeside Skillet, 279 Lakeside Drive, Harveys Lake. Thursday at 6 p.m. $22 includes dinner. Reservations: 639-1283.

Railway Talk, on “Restored Vintage Movies: 1964-1974” with photographer Ed Kaspriske. Sponsored by the Lackawanna and Wyoming Valley Railway Historical Society at the Iron Skillet Restaurant, Petro Truck Stop, 98 Grove St., Avoca. Thursday at 7:30 p.m. Free. 822-0693.

FUTURE

Ye Olde Pocono Irish Pub Crawl. Eat, drink, sing, dance and be merry in a traditional Irish way with stops at McGinley’s, Da’s Irish Pub, the Village Squire, Murphy’s Loft, Robert Christians and more. Meet at Robert Christians Restaurant, Route 940, Pocono Lake. March 13, 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. $30 includes transportation. Registration: 646-0433.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade, one of the largest parades in the country with live entertainment, pipe-and-drum corps, marching bands and festive floats. Along Wyoming, Lackawanna, Jefferson, Spruce and North Washington avenues in downtown Scranton. March 13 at noon. Followed by a Post-Parade Party 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Scranton Cultural Center with food, cash bar and music by Kilrush. Details at stpatparade.com.

St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Dance, with music by Gary Dee and Co. VFW Post 4909, 403 Main St., Dupont. March 13 with buffet dinner at 7:30 p.m. and dancing 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. $23. 654-9104.

Fire Company Fundraiser, with music by Rock N Horse. Hunlock Creek Volunteer Fire Company, Main Road, Hunlock Creek. March 13 with doors at 8 p.m. and music at 9 p.m. $8. 256-7616.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the annual Irish celebration with kilted bagpipers, marching bands and civic organizations. Along Broadway in Jim Thorpe. March 14 at noon. Followed by a post-parade party at the Mauch Chunk Museum & Cultural Center, 41 W. Broadway, with an Irish buffet and music by the Barley Boys. $12 advance; $15 at the door. 325-5810.

Wales in America, celebrating the Welsh culture with a performance by St. David’s Male Chorus, a lecture and book signing by Dr. Williams D. Jones, author of “Wales in America,” and the accompanying exhibition which tells the story of the Welsh mining industry and the migration of Welsh miners to the Pennsylvania coalfields. Pennsylvania Anthracite Heritage Museum, McDade Park, off Keyser Ave., Scranton. March 14, noon to 5 p.m. Free admission. 963-4804.

The Irish Presence in Eckley, an illustrated talk by Bryan Dunnigan, president of the Ancient Order of Hibernians of Hazleton who appears in authentic period costume. Eckley Miners Village, Highland Road, off Route 940, Eckley. March 14 at 1 p.m. Free. 636-2070.

Art of the Brick Community Day, with hands-on activities, demonstrations and a LEGO-building contest for all ages. Held in conjunction with the LEGO exhibit “The Art of the Brick.” Everhart Museum, 1901 Mulberry St., Scranton. March 14, 1 to 4 p.m. $5. 346-7186.

Saint Patrick’s World, the story of Ireland’s patron saint with tales of kidnapping and slavery, daring escapes, Imperial Rome and the early Christian church along with the nature, history and culture of Ireland. Presented by Clem McIntyre at the Susquehanna Riverlands, 634 Salem Blvd., Berwick. March 14 at 1:30 p.m.; March 17 at 7 p.m. Free. 866-832-3312.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the annual “wearin’ of the green” with a march along South Main Street in downtown Wilkes-Barre. With pipe-and-drum corps, string bands, marching bands, step dancers, the Victorian Highwheelers, giant helium balloons and civic groups. March 14 at 2 p.m. 208-4149.

St. Patrick’s Day Polka Dance, with music by John Stevens’ Doubleshot. VFW Post 4909, 403 Main St., Dupont. March 14, 2 to 6 p.m. $12. 654-9104.

St. Patrick’s World, a program on the nature, history and culture of Ireland. Susquehanna Riverlands, Route 11 and Salem Boulevard, Berwick. March 13 at 1:30 p.m.; March 17 at 7 p.m. Free. 866-832-3312.

Misericordia Movie, a screening of “The Twilight Saga: New Moon,” the second installment in Stephenie Meyer’s popular Twilight series. Rated PG-13. Lemmond Theater, Walsh Hall, Misericordia University, 301 Lake St., Dallas. March 14 at 3 and 8 p.m. $2. 674-6411.

Cool Cities: Solving Global Warming One City at a Time, a talk by Frank Muraca of the Sierra Club on Scranton’s Cool Cities Campaign to use smart energy solutions to combat global warming. Lackawanna Environmental Institute, Route 435, Covington Township. March 16 at 6:30 p.m. $4. Registration: 842-1506.

Movies You Might Have Missed, a screening of “The Twelve Chairs” starring Frank Langella, Dom DeLuise and Mel Brooks, a 1970 slapstick comedy set in the Soviet Union in 1923. Hosted by movie maven Richie Kramer with commentary, discussions and refreshments. Jewish Community Center, 60 S. River St., Wilkes-Barre. March 16 at 7 p.m. Free. 824-4646.

Electric City Tattoo Convention, with 70 tattoo artists, live entertainment, food and retail vendors, contests, custom hot rods and educational seminars. Hilton Scranton & Conference Center, 100 Adams Ave., Scranton. March 19, 3 to 11 p.m.; March 20, noon to 11 p.m.; March 21, noon to 8 p.m. Details at electriccitytattooconvention.com.

Arts for Everyone Open House, with make it/take it art sessions, yoga, decorative painting, theater arts, quilting, pottery and sculpture. Dietrich Theater, 60 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock. March 20, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Free. 996-1500.

Fight for Air Arena Climb, scale 1,224 steps up and down the arena in this fundraiser for the American Lung Association. Mohegan Sun Arena, 255 Highland Park Blvd., Wilkes-Barre Township. March 20 at 2 p.m. $25 registration fee. 970-7600.

Saving Grace, a benefit for pancreatic cancer victim Grace King of Peckville. With food, raffles, cash bar and music by Double Cross, the Wanabees, Cameron Avenue Band, Indigo 6 and Maybe Someday. The Banshee Irish Pub, 320 Penn Ave., Scranton. March 21, 1 to 7 p.m. $10. 604-2166.

St. Joseph’s Day Polka Dance, with music by Stanky & the Coalminers. VFW Post 4909, 403 Main St., Dupont. March 21, 2 to 6 p.m. $12. 654-9104.

The Avondale Tragedy, a talk by author Robert P. Wolensky who presents new evidence suggesting that the mining disaster may have been an act of arson grounded in labor and ethnic disputes. Sponsored by the Northeast Pennsylvania Genealogical Society in Room 221, William G. McGowan Building, West Union and North River streets, King’s College, Wilkes-Barre. March 22 at 7 p.m. Free. 610-298-8417.

Moral Bystanders and the Virtue of Forgiveness, a talk by Dr. Linda Radzik, philosophy professor at the University of Texas A&M. Burke Auditorium, William G. McGowan School of Business, West Union and North River streets, King’s College, Wilkes-Barre. March 22 at 7 p.m. Free. 208-5957.

Jim Thorpe Burlesque Festival, the first annual event dedicated to the classic art of burlesque and vaudeville with a slate of performers, a burlesque bazaar, poster pinup contest, workshops, dance sessions, contests, lectures and the Saturday night show “The Big Reveal.” Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe. March 27, 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; March 28, 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. 325-0249 or jimthorpeburlesque.com.

Genealogy Class, with tips on searching for ancestors with Times Leader genealogy columnist Tom Mooney. Osterhout Free Library, 71 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. March 27 at 10:30 a.m. Free. 823-0156.

Polka Sunday, with music by Joe Lastovica & Polka Punch. VFW Post 4909, 403 Main St., Dupont. March 28, 2 to 6 p.m. $12. 654-9104.

Going Solar 101, an exploration of clean alternative energy sources with A.J. Bittner, president of Keystone Energy. Lackawanna Environmental Institute, Route 435, Covington Township. March 30 at 6:30 p.m. $4. Registration: 842-1506.

Corruption: Global Virus or Weapon of Mass Destruction, a talk by Miklos Marchall, regional director for Europe and Central Asia for Transparency International, the global civil society leading the fight against corruption. Room 509, Brennan Hall, University of Scranton. March 31 at noon. $20 includes luncheon. 941-7816.

Irem Shrine Circus, the annual springtime tradition. 109th Field Artillery Armory, 280 Market St., Wilkes-Barre. April 5-6 at 1:30 and 7:15 p.m.; April 7-9 at 10 a.m. and 7:15 p.m.; April 10 at 9:30 a.m., 1:30 and 7:15 p.m. $18, $14, $11, $10, $6. 714-0783.

Dyngus Day Polka Dance, an Easter Monday celebration with music by Eddie Derwin & the Polka Naturals. VFW Post 4909, 403 Main St., Dupont. April 5, 7 to 10:30 p.m. $12. 654-9104.

The Taming of the Brew, a fundraiser for the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble. With fine microbrews, food, entertainment, beer-tasting talk, silent auction and raffles. Caldwell Consistory, Market Square, Bloomsburg. April 10, 7 to 11 p.m. $60. 784-5530.

Night at the Races, a fundraiser for Leadership Lackawanna with virtual horse races, raffles, door prizes and instant bingo. Reception Hall, Main Building, Lackawanna College, 501 Vine St., Scranton. April 10, 7 to 11 p.m. 342-7711.

Family Game Night, with a large variety of board games for all ages. Marian Sutherland Kirby Library, 35 Kirby Ave., Mountain Top. April 14, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Registration: 474-9313.

Great Gatsby Gala, the sixth annual gala sponsored by the Osterhout Free Library honoring the F. Scott Fitzgerald classic novel. With flappers, gangsters and “dapper dans” in 1920s attire, classic cars and entertainment by the David Leonhardt Jazz Group along with the charleston and other period dances performed by the David Blight Dancers. Hosted by WNEP-TV morning anchors Mindi Ramsey and Tom Williams. Westmoreland Club, 59 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. April 17 beginning with cocktails at 6 p.m. $135. 823-0156.

Lovin’ the Music, a trip back to the sights and sounds of the 1970s in this fundraising gala for the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic. With passed hors d’oeuvres, interactive parlor games, 45-RPM record toss, dinner and music by the Dance Hall Docs. Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, 1280 Highway 315, Plains. April 17, 6 to 11:30 p.m. $120. 341-1568.

Polka Sunday, with music by the Pennsylvania Villagers. VFW Post 4909, 403 Main St., Dupont. April 18, 2 to 6 p.m. $12. 654-9104.

Wine & Dine Fundraiser, the annual benefit presented by the Junior League of Wilkes-Barre which aids various non-profit programs. With food and wines by area restaurants including Rustic Kitchen, Ruth Chris Steakhouse, Cork Bar & Restaurant, Caf� Toscana and Bar Louie. Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, 1280 Route 315, Plains. April 18, 5 to 8 p.m. $55, $100 per couple. 288-4818.

Cherry Blossom Festival, the annual springtime event with family-friendly entertainment, food vendors, fun rides and handmade arts and crafts. Kirby Park, Wilkes-Barre. April 24-25, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. 208-4292.

Renaissance Jamboree, the annual downtown street festival with hundreds of original arts-and-crafts vendors, a variety of foods, games of skill, live entertainment including a Kids Stage, dance performances, karate exhibitions, musical groups and an extreme aerial trampoline show by Flippenout. Main Street, Bloomsburg. April 24, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 784-2522.

Night at the Races, sponsored by St. Mary’s Knights of Columbus Council 12325. St. Mary’s Social Hall, 522 Madison St., Wilkes-Barre. April 24 with doors at 5 p.m. and post time at 5:45 p.m. $5 admission includes refreshments. 822-6028.

Smucker’s Stars on Ice, the spring tour with 2009 Men’s World Champion Evan Lysacek, 2006 Olympic Silver Medalists Sasha Cohen, Tanith Belbin and Benjamin Agosto along with World Champion and six-time National Champion Todd Eldredge. Mohegan Sun Arena, 155 Highland Park Blvd., Wilkes-Barre Township. April 25. 800-745-3000 or 970-7600.

Polka Sunday, with music by Joe Stanky & the Cadets. VFW Post 4909, 403 Main St., Dupont. April 25, 2 to 6 p.m. $12. 654-9104.

Jackson Mansion Open House. Visit the newly renovated Jackson Mansion, home to the Berwick Historical Society. With live music on the lawn at 5 p.m. 344 Market St., Berwick. May 1, 3 to 6 p.m. 752-2723.

Polka Sunday, with music by George Tarasek & the Polka Partners. VFW Post 4909, 403 Main St., Dupont. May 2, 2 to 6 p.m. $12. 654-9104.

Polka Sunday, with music by the Golden Tones. VFW Post 4909, 403 Main St., Dupont. May 9, 2 to 6 p.m. $12. 654-9104.

Volunteers of America Celebrity Dinner, with NBA legend Bill Walton, a two-time National Champion and three-time NCAA Player of the Year. Genetti’s Best Western Hotel, 77 E. Market St., Wilkes-Barre. May 12 with VIP reception at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. $100; $50 students. 825-5261.

Family Game Night, with a large variety of board games for all ages. Marian Sutherland Kirby Library, 35 Kirby Ave., Mountain Top. May 12, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Registration: 474-9313.

The Ultimate Motorhead Show, with all varieties of vehicles, live bands, parts vendors, food, games and competitions, flea market, cruises, trophies and giveaways. On-site camping available. Bloomsburg Fairgrounds, 620 W. Third St., Bloomsburg. May 14-15, 9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; May 16, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 380-9065.

Polka Sunday, with music by Joe Lastovica & Polka Punch. VFW Post 4909, 403 Main St., Dupont. May 16, 2 to 6 p.m. $12. 654-9104.

Bengal Festival, a celebration of Bengali song, dance, music and food. Town Park, off Market Street, Bloomsburg. May 23, 2 to 5:30 p.m. 389-0281.

Polka Sunday, with music by the Shoreliners. VFW Post 4909, 403 Main St., Dupont. May 23, 2 to 6 p.m. $12. 654-9104.

Polka Sunday, with music by Jude’s Polka Band. VFW Post 4909, 403 Main St., Dupont. May 30, 2 to 6 p.m. $12. 654-9104.

Car Show and Flea Market, 49th annual event with 30 classes of cars, trucks and motorcycles along with DJ music, food and a model-car competition. Luzerne County Community College, 1333 S. Prospect St., Nanticoke. June 6 with gates at 8 a.m., judging until 1 p.m. and awards at 3 p.m. 735-7064.

Polka Sunday, with music by the Matty Rock/Johnny Jay Polka Band. VFW Post 4909, 403 Main St., Dupont. June 6, 2 to 6 p.m. $12. 654-9104.

Polka Sunday, with music by Tony’s Polka Band. VFW Post 4909, 403 Main St., Dupont. June 13, 2 to 6 p.m. $12. 654-9104.

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