A Bumper Crop

Tomatoes anyone? I came home from summer vacation to an explosion of tomatoes! Gardens throughout the area are delivering up their bounty whether it be vegetables, flowers, herbs or "fun" crops like those cute little mini-gourds. If your garden has been less than forthcoming or nonexistent, why not enjoy local produce by attending the Farm to Square event this Thursday, August 8 sponsored by the Orwigsburg Professional and Business Association. Come to the Orwigsburg Town Square from 5 PM to 8 PM to enjoy local wine, food and more. There will also be children's activities and music by Radioactive Munsters.

You can also enjoy local bounty at the Garden Gathering sponsored by the Schuylkill County Master Gardeners on Saturday, August 17 on the grounds of the First United Church of Christ (next to Penn State Schuylkill Campus). From 10 AM to 2 PM you can purchase fresh flowers, baked goods and food. There will also be a themed flea market -- and the theme is gardening supplies. There will also be music and local artisans and vendors.

This is the fourth year for the Schuylkill Free Shakespeare Summer Festival. If you've never attending one of their performances, don't miss your chance to enjoy Shakespeare at the Schuylkill County Council for the Arts, 1440 Mahantongo Street, Pottsville. As you probably guessed from the name, the shows are free but donations are always accepted. There will also be food and drink available to purchase. I'm hoping they also have their fun Schuylkill Free Shakespeare t-shirts. Doors open 30 minutes before each performance and this is a bring your own chair deal. Since it's an outdoors show, wear your bug spray if those bugs bother you. 

This year there will be two plays to attend: Hamlet and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead. Hamlet is a play about the all encompassing desire for power. I had to do a little research about the second offering. A play by Tom Stoppard, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead develops a story about two minor characters from Hamlet. So if you're going to see both (and you should!) see Hamlet first so you have and inkling of who Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are.

Hamlet performances:
Tuesday, August 6 at 7 PM
Thursday, August 8 at 7 PM
Saturday, August 10 at 7 PM
Sunday, August 11 at 2 PM

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead performances:
Wednesday, August 7 at 7 PM
Friday, August 9 at 7 PM
Saturday, August 10 at 2 PM

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