Root, Root, Root for the Home Team

Take me out to the ball game, take me out with the crowd…  Yogi Berra Stadium will be the site of hometown baseball this weekend when the Pittsfield Colonials face the NJ Jackals for 3 games in 3 days.  Each day offers something special, such as $1 hotdogs, or giveaways. Bring the family!

Other events in our area include classes at the Environmental Center like Butterfly Gardening and Tree Whispering: Healing Whispers; a Lemon-Aid Stand fundraiser; and Farmival at the Caldwell Farmers Market.  Don’t miss a very limited engagement of an exhibition of the artwork of Thomas Nast, who created the image of Santa Claus.  Read on for details on these events and more.

New Jersey Jackals vs the Pittsfield Colonials

Where/When:   , Normal Ave & Valley Rd, Upper Montclair;  Friday 7:05 p.m., Saturday 6:00 p.m., and Sunday 2:05 p.m.

Why Go?  The Pittsfield Colonials are in town for the weekend, and our own NJ Jackals will host them at Yogi Berra Stadium three times.  Friday is Giveaway Night with prizes to be given to the first 1,000 fans through gate, and Saturday, the Jackals will retire Zach Smithlin’s number in a ceremony prior to their game against the Pittsfield Colonials. Festivities will begin at 6 p.m. with first pitch slated for 6:35 p.m.  Sunday is Family Fun Day with $1 hotdogs, and post-game Running the Bases, Catch on the Field and Autograph Session.

Pricing: Reserved Seats $9; Standing Room Only $5; Box Seats $11

Where/When: , 597 Pompton Ave, Cedar Grove; Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Why Go? Nothing says summer like a lemonade stand, and this is no ordinary stand.  In the past 5 years, this fundraiser has gathered over $5100, with all proceeds supporting the Cedar Grove Ambulance and Rescue Squad.  So come enjoy a cupful, and know that you are helping a good cause.

Pricing: 50 cents a cup

Where/When: Church St & S Fullerton Ave, Montclair; Friday at 8:30 p.m.

Why Go?  Church Street will be closed to vehicle traffic between South Park and South Fullerton so people can wander and enjoy the evening outdoors under the stars.  Shop, eat and enjoy an outdoor showing of “Back to the Future” starring Michael J. Fox.  The Film will begin at 9:00 p.m.

Pricing: Free

Where/When: Macculloch Hall Historical Museum, 45 Macculloch Ave, Morristown; Sunday 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Why Go? Thomas Nast is the artist who gave us the face of Santa Claus.  His drawing of Santa was first published on the front page of Harper’s Weekly in 1863 and appeared in the magazine almost every Christmas season for more than thirty years.  Over thirty holiday images by Thomas Nast will be displayed of his original artwork including paintings, pen and ink drawings, printer’s proofs and engravings.

Pricing: Admission is $6 Adults; $5 Seniors; Students 12 years and under and museum members are free.

Where/When:  Smull Ave & Bloomfield Ave, Caldwell;  Friday 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Why Go? Combine a Farmers Market with a Carnival and you get Farmival!   Stop by the weekly Farmers Market for fresh produce, and this week only, enjoy games, prizes, special vendors, temporary tattoos, music and a magician!  Don’t be surprised if you are treated to a magic trick by professional magician David Corsaro between 3-4pm and 5-6pm.  Kids can try their luck at various games like the bean bag toss and lucky ducky to win tickets. The tickets can be traded in for prizes on this special event day only.

Pricing: free

Where/When: Essex County Environmental Center, 621 Eagle Rock Ave, Roseland; Saturday at 12:30 p.m.

Why Go? Learn what to plant to attract  butterflies to your garden.  Jean Greely, an Essex County Rutgers Master Gardener and butterfly enthusiast will lead the presentation and discussion, and bring the class into the butterfly tent for a visit.

Pricing: $8 per adult, $6 for children over age 8

Where/When: Essex County Environmental Center, 621 Eagle Rock Ave, Roseland; Saturday 10:00 a.m.

Why Go?  Come and learn simple, easy and effective energy-healing whispering techniques to improve the health of your trees and plants. Gain spiritual insights into Nature by “coming from the Green Being’s point of view.” Find out how declining forests can grow again holistically without the use of products.  As an added bonus, The Tree Whisperer® Dr. Jim Conroy will give a free demonstration of his hands-on, energy-based tree-healing for class participants at 1:00 p.m. (Bring lunch if you are staying for the demonstration!)

Pricing: $45.  Pre registration is required!