5 (x2) Things You Need to Know About This Weekend

Here are five...wait, 10...local events happening this weekend that you need to know about:

Friday, April 8, and Saturday, April 9 - Annie

The will present the final two performances of its production of “Annie” at 7 p.m. on April 8 and 9. If purchased in advance, tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for children. Children under the age of 3 are free. At the door, tickets at $8 for adults and $6 for children. Doors will open a half-hour before the show, which will be held in the auditorium of the school at 34 Rossa Ave. For tickets, contact Barb Rowcotsky by email or phone at (609) 883-0246.

Saturday, April 9 – Zumba Fitness Training

The public is invited to attend Zumba class with the firefighters of Lawrenceville Volunteer Fire Co. during Saturdays in April. “Get moving with this high energy exercise program with instructor Giancarla. Did you know that almost 50 percent of firefighter deaths result from heart attacks and overexertion? Join the firefighters for a fun way to work out and make a difference.” The class will be held at 11 a.m. on April 9 at the firehouse at 64 Phillips Ave. Additional classes will be held at 10 a.m. on April 16 and 11 a.m. on April 23.

Saturday, April 9 – Lawrence Little League Opening Day

Opening Day ceremonies for Lawrence Little League baseball and softball will be held April 9 beginning at 8:45 a.m. at Lawrence Township’s Central Park on Eggerts Crossing Road. Players will assemble with their teams by Colavita Field and then, at 9 a.m., parade through the park and onto Grant Field.  The league’s 2011 opening ceremonies – including the dedication of two new scoreboards – will be held on Grant Field. Afterward, team pictures will be taken on the field. There will also be various 50/50 drawings, raffles and Lawrence Little League merchandise offered for sale throughout the day.

Saturday, April 9 – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mercer County Fundraiser

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mercer County will hold its annual fundraiser Bowl for Kids' Sake on April 9 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Colonial Lanes at 2420 Brunswick Pike (Business Route 1). The event will benefit the organization’s youth mentoring programs. Information on how to register for the event or make a donation can be found online or by calling (609) 656-1000.

Saturday, April 9 – “Art Inspired by Poetry”

Lawrenceville Main Street Artists Network will host its second annual “Art Inspired by Poetry” reception and exhibit April 9 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the network’s art gallery at 2683 Main St. (Route 206 or Lawrence Road). As part of the event, about 20 local and regional poets submitted more than two dozen original poems. The network’s 27 artists selected the poems that inspired them and have created their own works that respond to the poems. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.lmsartistsnetwork.com or call (609) 512-1359.

Sunday, April 10 – “Run Over Violence” 5K Run

Rider University’s third-annual “Run Over Violence” 5K event, sponsored by the university’s Rider Runners club, will start at 9 a.m. on April 10 on the campus at 2083 Lawrence Rd. (Route 206). The purpose of the event is to raise awareness about domestic violence and to raise donations for Womanspace. For more information about getting involved with Rider Runners, making a donation, or registering to run in the event, please contact Louis Chebetar at chebetarl@rider.edu or call (914) 572-5129.

Sunday, April 10 – Lawrence Township Home and Energy Expo

The annual Home and Energy Expo hosted by Sustainable Lawrence and the Lawrence Township Green Team will be held at Lawrence High School from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 10. “Learn how to reduce your energy and water consumption, evaluate renewable energy sources and purchase materials made from sustainable (natural and/or self-replenishing) sources. Over 40 exhibitors and speakers, local services and professionals will be in attendance. Ask your neighbor – hear testimonials from residents that have done solar, geothermal, water heater and window efficiency projects and learn details of the process and how much they are saving.” The expo is free and open to all, including music, workshops, and a children's area. Food will be available for purchase.

Sunday, April 10 – School Open House

Saint Ann School, a Catholic Pre-K to eighth grade school located at 34 Rossa Ave., will hold an open house for the parents of prospective new students from 1 to 3 p.m. on April 10. The presentation starts at 1 p.m. in the Faith Development Center of the adjacent Church of Saint Ann at 1253 Lawrence Rd., with tours of the school to follow. For additional information call, (609) 882-8077 or visit www.st-ann-school.org.

Sunday, April 10 – Cardboard Canoe Race

Rider University students will put their leadership and team-building skills to the test on April 10 when they race across the university’s Richard A. Coppola Pool in cardboard canoes. The building of the canoes and the actual race will come at the end of an afternoon program of leadership-building activities.

Monday, April 11 – Relay for Life Fundraiser

Lawrence Intermediate School will hold a fundraiser for the on April 11 at . Anyone dining at the pizzeria at 1296 Lawrence Rd. from 5 to 8 p.m. that night can have 25 percent of their bill be donated toward supporting the fight against cancer simply by presenting a coupon at the time of the sale. The coupon can be downloaded online from the school district’s website.