Musical Road Race and a Visit by Miss Massachusetts This Weekend

The long weekend that is the unofficial kickoff to the summer is here. Maybe you had a trip off to the mountains, lake or Cape Cod planned but - let's be honest - the forecast doesn't look that great. Why not stay close to home, save on the gas money and enjoy what the North Shore has to offer?

There are several road races, a play and an appearance by Miss Massachusetts listed below, plus there are several other events going on in Hamilton and Wenham and the nearby area of the North Shore this weekend. And Memorial Day is the reason it is long weekend. Observances are planned to remember our fallen heroes.

Get the when and where below for several events and other happenings in the Hamilton-Wenham area. Always check our events calendar for a complete list.

Remember, each Friday morning Hamilton-Wenham Patch’s “Get Out” weekend planner brings you a quick guide to local events and activities.

If you have great ideas of your own that you want to share, please feel free to add them in the comments section at the bottom.

1. 18TH ANNUAL MELODY MILES 5K and 5 MILE ROAD RACE

Where/When: Winthrop Elementary School, Hamilton; Saturday, 10 a.m. (registration begins at 9 a.m.)

Why Go: There's almost no race like it - while you're running on the 5K or five mile course on the bucolic roads of Hamilton and Wenham you'll be serenaded by the musicians of the Hamilton-Wenham Regional School District. There is also a fun run at 10:45 a.m. Proceeds from the race go toward funding the music programs in the school district.

Pricing: $25

2. 'BRAIDS'

Where/When: Dane Street Church, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 3 p.m.

Why Go: See the final two performances of "Braids," a regional premiere of a one-act play that tell the story of three women "intricately intertwine like a braid woven through a woman's hair as mother and daughters struggle with the perplexities of womanhood, family responsibilities, and abandonment."

Pricing:$12 for adults and $10 for students and seniors

3. FRESH FOOD 5K and 1 MILE RUN

Where/When: Green Meadows Farm, Hamilton; Saturday, 10 a.m.- 8 p.m.

Why Go: In addition to a 5K road and trail race and a one mile fun run, the full day of events at the farm include local vendors selling their wares, craft beer sampling, music, demonstrations and tours.

Pricing: $55 for 5K, $25 for one mile race

4. MISS MASSACHUSETTS VISITS WALMART

Where/When: Walmart, Danvers; Sunday, 12-2 p.m.

Why Go: Stop by and meet Miss Massachusetts Taylor Kinzler at the Danvers Walmart on Sunday. Kinzler will be there as part of a two-month promotional tour at 96 Walmarts across the country and will signing autographs and posing for photos. The tour is called "On the Road with Miss America" and is sponsored by Catalina, the official swimsuit provider to Miss America, and Walmart. Catalina swimwear is available exclusively at Walmart. Kinzler won the state title last summer and competed for the national crown earlier this year. Check out www.catalinaswim.com/miss-America-appearances/ for more details.

Pricing: Free

5. PEABODY PRIDE CLEANUP DAY

Where/When: City Hall, Peabody; Saturday, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Why Go: Time again for some Peabody Pride in Motion. The next community cleanup day downtown is this Saturday. Volunteers should stop by City Hall first to pick up cleaning supplies and then fan out to targeted areas throughout the city. Lunch will be served to all volunteers at noon. The mayor's office says each volunteer will be given a special commemorative ‘Peabody Pride’ wristband to boot.

Pricing: Free.