May 21-29, 2012: Lantern Walk, Scott Games, Louisa May Alcott, and 30 Memorial Day Paradees

05/21/12 by
This Week in ReviewJohnny Monsarrat

Memorial Day is a tough holiday for me because very few towns bother to list information for me to pass along. But I’ve managed to uncover 30 parades for you, and upbeat events like fireworks and kite flying. You’ll find some historical re-enactments this week as well. Why should we only honor the dead by being sad? The worst concert I’ve ever attended in my life was on Memorial Day, and it featured bad music performed by unsmiling children. So, basically worse than even a normal high school concert.

Personally, if I were dead, I’d want people to remember me with a big party. Why not make this Memorial Day an excuse to visit a remote part of New England? Go for a hike and keep in mind the people who have sacrificed for our freedom.

I hope you are having an awesome week. Now get out there and do something fun!

-Johnny

The Week in Weird

My new mobile app for high tech events at Boston Events INSIDER

My new mobile app for high tech events

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Are you an entrepreneur? Do you like business networking? Then I have the free app for you! This calendar for the iPhone, BlackBerry, and Android is the largest calendar of startup and business events around Boston. I’m going to lose money on this until we see some adoption and can attract sponsors, so please tell your friends. Thanks! (Click ‘more’ for details)Are you an entrepreneur? Do you like business networking? Then I…
All Over

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Horn Pond Memorial Lantern Walk at Boston Events INSIDER

Horn Pond Memorial Lantern Walk

Memorial Day is sad, but this lantern walk honors those who have died in war in a way that’s creative but appropriate. If you haven’t got your own lantern, you can buy one at the event for a small donation. You can also go to one of the lantern-making workshops at the local Whole Foods May 21-25. 2012: 7pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)Memorial Day is sad, but this lantern walk honors those who have died…
Horn Pond Woburn, MA

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Memorial Day Fireworks at Hampton Beach at Boston Events INSIDER

Memorial Day Fireworks at Hampton Beach

It’s not hard to find Memorial Day events. How about making it an excuse to get out of town? For example, the beach and fireworks make an uplifting contrast to the sadness of the day. 9:30pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)It’s not hard to find Memorial Day events. How about m…
Hampton Beach Hampton Beach, NH

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Memorial Day Parade: Cambridge, MA at Boston Events INSIDER

Memorial Day Parade: Cambridge, MA

A cannon salute begins this parade, followed by a cemetery service. 9:30am. (Click ‘more’ for details)A cannon salute begins this parade, followed by a cemetery serv…
Cambridge, MA

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Memorial Day Parade: Concord, MA at Boston Events INSIDER

Memorial Day Parade: Concord, MA

Memorial Day isn’t just for recent veterans. Re-enactors from the American Revolutionary War are featured in Concord. 9am. (Click ‘more’ for details)Memorial Day isn’t just for recent veterans. Re-enactors from the A…
From Rideout Field to Ash Street Concord, MA

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Southern New Hampshire Scottish Games & Celtic Festival at Boston Events INSIDER

Southern New Hampshire Scottish Games & C…

I’ve seen Scottish Games I expect this to be fantastic! Even though I couldn’t find a real website, you’ll discover — most likely — dance, live music, “clans” with booths, a parade of bagpipes, and all manner of weird sports, like throwing poles. (Click ‘more’ for details)I’ve seen Scottish Games I expect this to be fant…
Oak Park Greenfield, NH

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Centennial Celebration of Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House at Boston Events INSIDER

Centennial Celebration of Louisa May Alcott’s…

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Did you know that Little Women had a sequel, Little Men? No joke. This year her old-timey home museum features live re-enactors, an apple cider press, tours, and a silhouette artist. (Click ‘more’ for details)Did you know that Little Women had a sequel, Little…
399 Lexington Road Concord, MA

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Spring Planting Moon Pow-Wow & Crafts Festival at Boston Events INSIDER

Spring Planting Moon Pow-Wow & Crafts Fes…

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I’ve been to Native American festivals and they’re always intriguing, with great people who can show you dancing, demonstrations, and crafts. They’ll have storytelling and a tipi you can go inside of. 11am-6pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)I’ve been to Native American festivals and they’…
Marshfield Fairgrounds 140 Main St. Marshfield, MA

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Gaspee Days Arts & Crafts Festival at Boston Events INSIDER

Gaspee Days Arts & Crafts Festival

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This festival claims to attract 50,000 people to see 150 craft exhibitors with live music and entertainment, followed by a block party. Could it be true or are they just counting all the people who live nearby as attendees? (Click ‘more’ for details)This festival claims to attract 50,000 people to see 150 craf…
Pawtuxet Village, Narragansett Parkway Warwick, RI

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Stone Barn Farm Grand Opening Celebration

Combining birds and music, this festival spans across Arnold Arboretum, Forest Hills Cemetery, and other parks. Movies, bird watches, hawk demonstrations, tours, and live music. 2-5pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)Combining birds and music, this festival spans across Arnol…
Various Boston, MA

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Discovery Day in Lexington at Boston Events INSIDER

Discovery Day in Lexington

There’s a small town festival in Lexington. Live music and dancing, balloons and clowns, and the usual vendors. 10am-5:30pm. End with a free outdoor concert. Rain date 7 days later. (Click ‘more’ for details)There’s a small town festival in Lexington. Live music and dancing, bal…
Muzzey Street at Waltham Street Lexington, MA

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Newburyport Spring Fest at Boston Events INSIDER

Newburyport Spring Fest

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This street festival has the usual live music and vendors, but it’s a good bet! The street fests in downtown Newburyport are always fun, and if you get bored, you can take off and go to the beach. (Click ‘more’ for details)This street festival has the usual live music and vendors, but it’s a go…
Downtown Newburyport Newburyport, MA

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Bayou N' Boogie Fest at Boston Events INSIDER

Bayou N’ Boogie Fest

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My home town of Rehoboth, MA is doing something worth seeing! This isn’t just a music festival. There’s participatory dancing and music and dance workshops with late night jams. And they’ll have an authentic New England clambake!! Come for Cajun and Creole fun. Rain or shine. (Click ‘more’ for details)My home town of Rehoboth, MA is doing something worth seeing! This isn’t just …
Francis Farm 27 Francis Farm Rd Rehoboth, MA

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Get Johnny's 2012 New England Guide at Boston Events INSIDER

Get Johnny’s 2012 New England Guide

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I write about events weekly, but what about destinations? Where are the dinosaur footprints, the oddball museums, and a water park open indoors all year? Get my 2012 New England Guide! Just follow the link and help spread the word to friends about Events INSIDER to get it. (And then email me at johnny@eventsinsider.com. I’m not a mind reader.). (Click ‘more’ for details)I write about events weekly, but what about destinations? Where are…
All Over

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Also Fun

Music, Minute Men, and the Making of America at Boston Events INSIDER

Music, Minute Men, and the Making of America

“Living history” with re-enactors is a great way to learn about the past. 8:30am-5:30pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)“Living history” with re-enactors is a great way to lea…
Virginia Rd and Bedford Ln Lincoln, MA

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See the 1812 Marines in Action at Boston Events INSIDER

See the 1812 Marines in Action

“Living history” with re-enactors is a great way to learn about the past. 9am-3pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)“Living history” with re-enactors is a great way to learn about t…
Charlestown Navy Yard Charlestown, MA

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Forest Hills Poetry Slam and Walking Tour at Boston Events INSIDER

Forest Hills Poetry Slam and Walking Tour

For some reason these two events take place at the same time. You couldn’t nudge one forward an hour? Anyway, Memorial Day is a good day to visit a cemeter for either poetry or a walking tour, not both. (Click ‘more’ for details)For some reason these two events take place at the same tim…
Forest Hills Cemetery Boston, MA

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Lowell Spring Carnival at Boston Events INSIDER

Lowell Spring Carnival

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A traveling festival won’t be as exciting as Canobie Lake Park or Six Flags New England, but it’s a lot more convenient, and there’s a lot of local community fun. (Click ‘more’ for details)A traveling festival won’t be as exciting as Canobie Lake Park or Six Flags Ne…
Regatta Field 1217 Pawtucket Blvd Lowell, MA

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Attleboro Spring Carnival at Boston Events INSIDER

Attleboro Spring Carnival

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Cheesy but undeniably fun, the Fiesta Shows traveling carnival also visits next to my hometown. (Click ‘more’ for details)Cheesy but undeniably fun, the Fiesta Shows traveling carnival also visi…
La Sallette Shrine 947 Park Street Attleboro, MA

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Lakeside Family Festival at Boston Events INSIDER

Lakeside Family Festival

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I love carnivals. Have you been too lazy to drive to one? Fiesta Shows brings them to you! (Click ‘more’ for details)I love carnivals. Have you been too lazy to drive to one? Fiesta Show…
St John Neumann Church 157 Middleboro Rd East Freetown, MA

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Wildquack Duck River Festival at Boston Events INSIDER

Wildquack Duck River Festival

Rubber duckie, you’re the one! You make a river race lots of fun! Don’t feel motivated to get up so early? (I wouldn’t.) Find kids stuff like an obstacle course, pony rides, and a parade. 7am-5pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)Rubber duckie, you’re the one! You make a river race lots of fun! Don’…
Jackson Village Park Jackson, NH

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Massachusetts Sheep and Wool Show at Boston Events INSIDER

Massachusetts Sheep and Wool Show

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This is the oldest sheep festival in New England, they say. Does that make it good? They will have sheep. And bunny wabbits! 7am-4:30pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)This is the oldest sheep festival in New England, they say. Doe…
Cummington Fairgrounds Cummington, MA

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MFA Free Community Day at Boston Events INSIDER

MFA Free Community Day

The Museum of Fine Artsis free on Memorial Day. Thanks! Let’s all say it together: AAAAHTS. 10am-4:45pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)The Museum of Fine Artsis free on Memorial Day. Thanks! Let’s all say it toget…
Museum of Fine Arts Boston, MA

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North River Festival of the Arts at Boston Events INSIDER

North River Festival of the Arts

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Basically, vendors sell art, but is one of the less-commercial festivals going on, focused more on celebrating local artists than local shopping opportunities, with an opening reception Friday evening. (Click ‘more’ for details)Basically, vendors sell art, but is one of the less-commer…
Marshfield Hills Village Marshfield Hills, MA

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Asparagus Festival at Verrill Farm at Boston Events INSIDER

Asparagus Festival at Verrill Farm

These one-food festivals always make me laugh and shake my head. This time it’s asparagus. Or just a nice sunny day on this farm that’s open to the public. 11am. (Click ‘more’ for details)These one-food festivals always make me laugh and shake my head. …
11 Wheeler Road Concord, MA

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Open House: The Battle of Stonington in the War of 1812 at Boston Events INSIDER

Open House: The Battle of Stonington in the W…

This is a lecture, not a re-enactment, about the sequel to the American Revolutionary War, sort of the British Empire Stikes Back. 2-5pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)This is a lecture, not a re-enactment, about the s…
Babcock-Smith House Museum 124 Granite St Westerly, RI

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It! The Terror from Beyond Space at Boston Events INSIDER

It! The Terror from Beyond Space

I love this! A small libray in a small town is showing a scary movie from the 1950s, with commentary beforehand and popcorn. 6:30pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)I love this! A small libray in a small town is showing a scary m…
Library 104 North Main St Fall River, MA

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Memorial Day

Memorial Day Parade: Somerville, MA at Boston Events INSIDER

Memorial Day Parade: Somerville, MA

This Somerville parade claims to be the largest Memorial Day parade in the region! Why is it on Sunday, not Monday? 1pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)This Somerville parade claims to be the largest Memorial Day …
City Hall Somerville, MA

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Memorial Day Parade: Melrose, MA at Boston Events INSIDER

Memorial Day Parade: Melrose, MA

A parade… 1:30pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)A parade… 1:30pm.
Melrose, MA

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Memorial Day Parade: Woburn, MA at Boston Events INSIDER

Memorial Day Parade: Woburn, MA

A parade… 9am ? (Click ‘more’ for details)A parade… 9am ?
Woburn, MA

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Memorial Day Parade: Watertown, MA at Boston Events INSIDER

Memorial Day Parade: Watertown, MA

Memorial Day parades are not very well advertised. This one lacks a starting time. (Click ‘more’ for details)Memorial Day parades are not very well advertised. This one lac…
Watertown, MA

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Memorial Day Parade: Acton, MA at Boston Events INSIDER

Memorial Day Parade: Acton, MA

This one has even less information. I looked. I always look, but I couldn’t find anything on the town website. (Click ‘more’ for details)This one has even less information. I looked. I always look, but I coul…
Acton, MA

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Memorial Day Kite Tours at the Observatory at Boston Events INSIDER

Memorial Day Kite Tours at the Observatory

Or go fly a kite and go hiking at the Blue Hills! Kite-making sessions. I guess this wasn’t important enough for them to bother posting start and end times. (Click ‘more’ for details)Or go fly a kite and go hiking at the Blue Hills! Kite-mak…
Blue Hill Observatory 1904 Canton Avenue Milton, MA

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Memorial Day Parade: Sudbury, MA at Boston Events INSIDER

Memorial Day Parade: Sudbury, MA

This parade’s notable because it will have re-enactors and remembers to honor Native Americans vets, too. 9:30am. (Click ‘more’ for details)This parade’s notable because it will have re-enactors and remember…
Sudbury Town Center Sudbury, MA

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Memorial Day Parade: Westwood, MA at Boston Events INSIDER

Memorial Day Parade: Westwood, MA

Another parade… 9:30am-1pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)Another parade… 9:30am-1pm.
Westwood, MA

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Memorial Day Parade: Maynard, MA at Boston Events INSIDER

Memorial Day Parade: Maynard, MA

Another parade… 10am. (Click ‘more’ for details)Another parade… 10am.
Maynard, MA

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Memorial Day Parade: Littleton, MA at Boston Events INSIDER

Memorial Day Parade: Littleton, MA

Another parade… 9:30am. (Click ‘more’ for details)Another parade… 9:30am.
Littleton, MA

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Memorial Day Parade: Methuen, MA at Boston Events INSIDER

Memorial Day Parade: Methuen, MA

Another parade… 9:30am. (Click ‘more’ for details)Another parade… 9:30am.
Methuen, MA

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Memorial Day Parade: Lowell, MA at Boston Events INSIDER

Memorial Day Parade: Lowell, MA

Another parade… 10am. (Click ‘more’ for details)Another parade… 10am.
Savanna Palace 25 Market Street Lowell, MA

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Memorial Day Parade: Tyngsboro, MA at Boston Events INSIDER

Memorial Day Parade: Tyngsboro, MA

Another parade… 9am. Last year it was followed by a celebration. (Click ‘more’ for details)Another parade… 9am. Last year it was followed by a celebr…
Old Town Hall, Kendall Road Tyngsborough, MA

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Memorial Day Parade: Essex, MA at Boston Events INSIDER

Memorial Day Parade: Essex, MA

Another parade… 9am. (Click ‘more’ for details)Another parade… 9am.
Essex, MA

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Memorial Day Parade: Plymouth, MA at Boston Events INSIDER

Memorial Day Parade: Plymouth, MA

Another parade… 9:30-11:30am. (Click ‘more’ for details)Another parade… 9:30-11:30am.
Plymouth, MA

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Memorial Day Parade: Webster, MA at Boston Events INSIDER

Memorial Day Parade: Webster, MA

Another parade… 11am. (Click ‘more’ for details)Another parade… 11am.
Webster, MA

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Memorial Day Parade: Seekonk, MA at Boston Events INSIDER

Memorial Day Parade: Seekonk, MA

Seekonk celebrates their 200th anniversary. Old-timey re-enactors in this parade with no start time… Hmm… (Click ‘more’ for details)Seekonk celebrates their 200th anniversary. Old-timey re-enactors i…
Seekonk, MA

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Memorial Day Parade: Dighton / Rehoboth at Boston Events INSIDER

Memorial Day Parade: Dighton / Rehoboth

Dighton and Rehoboth are sharing a joint parade that they have failed to advertise… But I’m pretty sure it’s out there… (Click ‘more’ for details)Dighton and Rehoboth are sharing a joint parade that they h…
Rehoboth, MA

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Memorial Day Parade: Brookfield, MA at Boston Events INSIDER

Memorial Day Parade: Brookfield, MA

Another parade… 10am. (Click ‘more’ for details)Another parade… 10am.
Brookfield, MA

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Memorial Day Parade: Falmouth, MA at Boston Events INSIDER

Memorial Day Parade: Falmouth, MA

Another parade… 9:45am. (Click ‘more’ for details)Another parade… 9:45am.
Village Green, down Main Street to Library Lawn Falmouth, MA

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Memorial Day Parade: Nantucket, MA at Boston Events INSIDER

Memorial Day Parade: Nantucket, MA

There’s a parade but also a regatta on Nantucket, a word that is convenient for limericks. (Click ‘more’ for details)There’s a parade but also a regatta on Nantucket, a word that i…
Nantucket, MA

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Memorial Day Parade: Centerville, MA at Boston Events INSIDER

Memorial Day Parade: Centerville, MA

I guess there’s a parade in Centerville. (You guys know that I always research and try to learn the facts, right?). (Click ‘more’ for details)I guess there’s a parade in Centerville. (You guys know tha…
Centerville, MA

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Memorial Day Parade: Hyannis, MA at Boston Events INSIDER

Memorial Day Parade: Hyannis, MA

Musket salutes are part of this parade. 10am. (Click ‘more’ for details)Musket salutes are part of this parade. 10am.
Hyannis, MA

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Memorial Day Parade: Fairhaven, MA at Boston Events INSIDER

Memorial Day Parade: Fairhaven, MA

Musket salutes are part of this parade. 8:30am, followed by a cannon salute. (Click ‘more’ for details)Musket salutes are part of this parade. 8:30am, followed by a c…
Fairhaven, MA

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Memorial Day Parade: Westerly, RI at Boston Events INSIDER

Memorial Day Parade: Westerly, RI

Another parade… 9:30-11:30am. (Click ‘more’ for details)Another parade… 9:30-11:30am.
Westerly, RI

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Memorial Day Parade at Old Orchard Beach at Boston Events INSIDER

Memorial Day Parade at Old Orchard Beach

Another parade… 1pm. Now that’s a time that I won’t be sleeping through! (Click ‘more’ for details)Another parade… 1pm. Now that’s a time that I w…
Old Orchard Beach Old Orchard Beach, ME

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Memorial Day Parade - Biddeford, ME at Boston Events INSIDER

Memorial Day Parade – Biddeford, ME

I guess there’s a parade in Biddeford. (You guys know that I always research and try to learn the facts, right?). (Click ‘more’ for details)I guess there’s a parade in Biddeford. (You guys know that I a…
Biddeford, ME

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Memorial Day Parade - Kennebunkport, ME at Boston Events INSIDER

Memorial Day Parade – Kennebunkport, ME

I guess there’s a parade in Kennebunkport. (You guys know that I always research and try to learn the facts, right?). (Click ‘more’ for details)I guess there’s a parade in Kennebunkport. (You guys k…
Kennebunkport, ME

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Memorial Day Parade - Jackman, ME at Boston Events INSIDER

Memorial Day Parade – Jackman, ME

Hmm… A parade with no start time… (Click ‘more’ for details)Hmm… A parade with no start time…
Jackman, ME

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Performance

Revels & Perkins School for the Blind Celebrate the Spring at Boston Events INSIDER

Revels & Perkins School for the Blind Cel…

Revels concerts are always fantastic, but I am somewhat concerned about a childrens’ dance at a school for the blind. It’s free! 7:30pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)Revels concerts are always fantastic, but I am so…
Perkins School for the Blind 175 North Beacon St Watertown, MA

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Travel

Connecticut Renaissance Faire - Spring at Boston Events INSIDER

Connecticut Renaissance Faire – Spring

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Only two hours’ drive from Boston, I’ve been and it’s the best renaissance faire in New England. Highly recommended! (Click ‘more’ for details)Only two hours’ drive from Boston, I’ve been and it’s the be…
Guilford Fairgrounds – Lovers Lane Guilford, CT

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Gardiner Ride into Summer at Boston Events INSIDER

Gardiner Ride into Summer

Motorcycle and bicycle parade, with fireworks! (Click ‘more’ for details)Motorcycle and bicycle parade, with fireworks!
Gardiner, ME

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Moose Mainea at Boston Events INSIDER

Moose Mainea

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They also have Moose in Maine. This is less of a “festival” and more a month-long series of moosy events. Works for me! (Click ‘more’ for details)They also have Moose in Maine. This is less of a “festival” and more a month-long se…
Greenville, ME

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Owls Head Spring Antique Auto & Aeroplane Show at Boston Events INSIDER

Owls Head Spring Antique Auto & Aeroplane…

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I’ve been to this transportation museum. Wow! You will see amazing airplanes both inside and flights outside! Even without the airplanes, it would be an impressive car show. (Click ‘more’ for details)I’ve been to this transportation museum. Wow! You…
Owls Head Transportation Museum Owls Head, ME

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Vermont Open Studios Weekend at Boston Events INSIDER

Vermont Open Studios Weekend

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Artists and artisans throughout Vermont open their doors to the public this weekend. See the website for a map and list of participating studios. (Click ‘more’ for details)Artists and artisans throughout Vermont open their doors to the public this…
Various locations Vermont

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Let me build you a website! at Boston Events INSIDER

Let me build you a website!

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Need a website? I just built the official website for Liv Tyler’s new film. Hire me to build yours on the cheap! Email johnny@eventsINSIDER.com. (Click ‘more’ for details)Need a website? I just built the official website for Liv Tyler’s new fil…
Boston, MA

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Please support Johnny's Big Diet at Boston Events INSIDER

Please support Johnny’s Big Diet

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I’m employing peer pressure to help me with a new diet. My peak was 354.6 on May 5, and now I’m 337.4, down 2 pounds from last week. My goal? 210. Please email support to johnny@eventsinsider.com. (Click ‘more’ for details)I’m employing peer pressure to help me with a new diet. I figure if …
Boston, MA

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