Arts & Entertainment
Music, 5Ks, and Pancakes Available This Weekend
Patch highlights goings on in the area for the first weekend in April.

There are plenty of fun, interesting, and inspiring local events taking place this weekend. Start the weekend off at the high school to watch the softball team take on Parsippany Hills and be sure to stop by the Washington Township Library to watch an impressive musical performance. If you are looking to stay outdoors, consider running or walking in a 5k or register for the Tyke Hike in Chatham. End the weekend with Pastor Paul Ziemer’s Ministry to the Military presentation and a pancake breakfast!
vs. Parsippany Hills High School
Where: , 259 Bartley Rd, Chester, NJ 07930
When: April 1, 4 p.m.
Where: , 247 Southern Blvd, Chatham, NJ 07928
When: April 2, 10 to 11 a.m.
Why Go: To take a hike and learn about nature. Open to kids ages 2-6 with an adult. Pre-registration required. Please call 973-635-6629.
Cost: $2 per person
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Where: , 37 E Springtown Rd, Long Valley, NJ 07853
When: April 2, 1 to 2 p.m.
Why Go: To watch an amazing musical performance by Caryn Lin, who uses a five string electric violin, sound effects, her voice, and percussion instruments to create a unique musical experience. Caryn also tells two inspirational anti-bullying stories. Call the Library at 908-876-3596 or go to www.wtpl.org to sign up for this program!
Cost: Free
Where: Black River County Park, Route 513, Chester Township, NJ 07930
When: April 2, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Why Go: To celebrate the Cooper Gristmill’s 33rd season. Tours run during regular operating hours, with the final tour beginning at 3:30 p.m.
Cost: Suggested donation, $3 for adults, $2 for seniors and $1 for children four to 16. Children younger than four are free.
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Where: , 353 E Hanover Ave, Morristown, NJ 07960
When: April 2, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.; April 3, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Why Go: To attend the “Violets Do Arts & Crafts” show and purchase beautiful plants.
Cost: Free
Where: Central Park of Morris County, Central Ave, Parsippany, NJ 07054
When: April 3, 7 to 11 a.m.
Why Go: To take part in the Morris County Park Commission’s 5K race. Awards will be given to the top male and female finishers in various age brackets. Registration and packet pick-up will take place from 7 to 8:45 a.m. The one mile fitness and pet walk begins at 9 a.m. The 5k begins at 9:15 a.m. followed by awards and a post-race party at 10 a.m.
Contact: 973-326-7616
Cost: $20 for pre-registered runners, $25 day of the race
Where: , 40 Coleman Rd, Long Valley, NJ 07853
Date: April 3, 9:15 to 10:15 a.m.
Why Go: To listen to WELS National Civilian Chaplain Pastor Paul Ziemer’s presentation on "Ministering to the Military" prior to the 10:30 a.m. worship service. Chaplain Ziemer has visited troops in Iraq and Afghanistan four times and serves as liaison for the national church body, Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS), and the US Military. His slide presentation is open to all.
Contact: Website: http://www.immanuelnj.net, Phone: 908-876-5429, Email: pastor@immanuelnj.net
Where: , 231 Schooleys Mountain Rd, Long Valley, NJ 07853
When: April 3, 8 a.m. to noon
Why Go: To enjoy pancakes while raising money for the The Schooley's Mountain Fire Protection Association.
Cost: Admission is $8 for adults; $6 for seniors; $4 for ages four to 10. All are welcomed to attend.