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CALENDAR

Norman Bird Sanctuary Harvest Fair

by Newport Now Staff on October 1, 2009 · 0 comments

in CALENDAR

MIDDLETOWN, R.I. — As fall officially settles onto the Northern Hemisphere, the Norman Bird Sanctuary is gearing up for their 35th annual Harvest Fair on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 3 and 4 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The annual affair is arguably the first rite of autumn and one of the island’s best family events. Admission is $6 for adults, $3 for children 3-12.

Below are just some of the activities you can try your hand in:

Home and Garden Competition

Amateur gardeners, growers, canners and bakers of all ages are welcome to enter their best gardening effort. Each entry must be grown, or cooked from scratch, solely by the contestant. One entry per category per person. Entries must be registered at the Home and Garden Tent from 8 to 9:30 a.m. on the day of the judging and must be removed by 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4. All entries should be labeled discreetly with the contestant’s name, address, phone number and competition category. Young grower or baker contestants (including group entries) must be 14 years old or younger. After judging, all food entries will be sold at the Country Store. Proceeds will benefit the Sanctuary.

Categories include:

FLOWERS
Saturday judging, 11:00 am

  • Best Single Rose
  • Best Single Dahlia
  • Best Fresh Arrangement
  • Best Dried Arrangement
  • Best Sunflower
  • Biggest Sunflower Face
  • Young Growers – Best Arrangement

PRODUCE
Saturday judging, 11:00 am

  • Best Single Fruit
  • Best Single Vegetable
  • Best Collection
  • Biggest Pumpkin
  • Most Unusual Vegetable/Edible Plant
  • Young Growers – Best Produce
  • Jack-o-lantern Contest

FOOD
Saturday judging, 11:00 am

  • Best Apple Pie
  • Best Pesto
  • Best Salsa
  • Best Jam/Jelly
  • Best Savory Relish/Preserves
  • Best Cookies/Dessert Bars
  • Young Bakers – Baked Goods
  • Best Quick Bread/Muffins

GROUP/CLASS ENTRIES
Saturday judging, 11:00 am

  • Produce
  • Flowers
  • Baked Goods

SCARECROW CONTEST
Sunday judging, 3:00 pm
Spook the crows with your original creation. Bring your entry, or make one at the Fair. Straw and a limited number of poles will be available on Saturday.

Other family-friendly activities include the Mudpit, The Monkey Bridge, Midway Games, Pony Rides, the Children’s Tent and Games, and the Mabel Express! -the NBS’ very own Barrel Train ride.

For more information, visit www.normanbirdsanctuary.org or call 846-2577. All festivities will take place at the sanctuary at 583 Third Beach Road, Middletown.

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Taste of Rhode Island

by Newport Now Staff on September 2, 2009 · 0 comments

in CALENDAR

NEWPORT, R.I. – Taste of Rhode Island captures the essence of why Rhode Island is loved by travelers and locals alike —fantastic foods! Taking place at the Newport Yachting Center, this annual event draws foodies from far and wide.

From the fruits of the sea, to Federal Hill, to summer shoreline standards, it’s all here! Explore tastes of favorite eateries dotting the map of the Ocean State. Then enjoy live entertainment from Rhode Island’s most acclaimed musicians, culinary demonstrations from celebrity chefs, nonstop children activities at our KidStops, and hand-crafted goods from our marketplace. You won’t want to miss Rhode Island making history as it serves up 21 years of gastronomic glory.

Food and non-alcoholic beverages must be purchased with Food Tokens, which can be purchased at the event for $1.00 each. Food and beverage items are priced 1 to 10 Tokens. Food Tokens cannot be used for alcoholic beverages; bars are cash only. Tokens are non-refundable.

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