The Annual Perseid Meteor Shower August 2011

The annual Perseid Meteor Showers are happening right now.  From close to the end of July until mid August (the peak is mid-August, anyway) late night or early morning sky watchers can view the meteor showers hosted for free by the sky.  Get your binoculars, telescopes and blankets ready! 
The best times and dates to view the Perseid Showers are between moonset and the first light of dawn on August 10th and 11th.  On August 13, 2011, during the peak times the sky will be brightened by the full moon.  This may make the meteor showers difficult to see during more reasonable hours. 
Get your kids excited by science by educating them on the showers before watching.  You can find lots of great information at Space.com. Or view the 2011 Perseid Meteor Shower view table to prepare for your adventure. 


When we watched the Perseid Showers we decided to go to a family member's house since we have loud and crazy kids.  They definitely aren't the quiet type!  We brought blankets, got out chairs, binoculars.  The little one fell asleep in my arms- a pillow would have been a good idea.  Snacks will keep the kids occupied during slow times.  Printing up a star-gazing chart would be helpful as well.  Then you can play eye-spy games with older kids or race to see who finds certain ones first.    
 
Have you watched meteor showers with your kids in the past?  What are your tips for making the most out of educational activities like this? 

2011 Dallastown Carnival

The 2011 Dallastown Carnival at the Dallastown Community Park will be held from Tuesday August 16, 2011 until Saturday August 20, 2011.  This event offers free admission, free parking and free entertainment.  
The schedule is as follows:
Tuesday 8/16 from 6-10pm.  Musical entertainment by Long Ryde (bluegrass).
Wednesay 8/17 from 6-10pm.  Musical entertainment by Mark DeRose & The Way Home  (Acoustic Rock).
Thursday 8/18 from 6-10pm.  Musical entertainment by Revolve (Beetles Cover Band).
Friday 8/19 from 5-11pm.  Musical entertainment by Full Tilt (motown).
Saturday 8/20 from 5-11pm.  Musical entertainment by Jay Jackson Show (country).

Raffle tickets are on sale now and sales will continue throughout the carnival to win a TV, laptop, XBox Kinect, Ipod and E-reader. 

Red Lion's 35th Annual Street Fair 2011

The 35th annual Red Lion Street Fair- sponsored by the Red Lion Area Business Association- will be held on Saturday August 13, 2011 from 9am-4pm in downtown Red Lion.  This family-friendly event in Red Lion, PA has plenty of fun and free activities and entertainment for the whole family, plus shopping and lots of yummy food!