Summer is upon us, but anyone who has stepped outside lately knows that. Many organizations around town are honoring the start to the season with music, food and activities, many supporting charitable causes. There is also an event to learn about eating local veggies, or team up to fix up an environmental education-driven park.
Want to see your event included in What You’ll Do? We pull these ideas from our community calendar, which you can find on the right side of WYDaily.com. Submitting to the calendar is free and easy, so make sure to add upcoming events for your group or organization.
Summer Celebrations
Party on the Pier celebrates its fifth year of family fun Friday night, with live music, barbeque dinner and views of the James River at sunset. The event starts at 6:30 p.m. at Jamestown Settlement, and benefits the educational programs of the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation at Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown Victory Center. Read more about the fundraiser in the Hometown section.
If you did not get your fill of barbecue yet, Verena at the Reserve is sponsoring and Classic Car Show with barbeque lunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. With vehicles from the Classic Cruisers Car Club and Williamsburg British Car Club, the show benefits the nonprofit Wounded Wear, which works to raise awareness for the sacrifices of soldiers and their families. The event will also have games, snow cones, face painting, live music and giveaways.
Hudgins Holiday Chevrolet Cadillac presents its second annual Summerfest from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. The free event features carnival games, a dunk tank, jumping castles, food and more.
Studio South will hold an open house and Solstice Celebration on Saturday. There will be tours, refreshments and a family-friendly yoga class starting at 9 a.m. Membership is not required to attend, and any donations go to the studio’s Local Love program, which supports elderly and at-risk community members who cannot afford air conditioning.
Speakers and Signings
Saturday morning, the Williamsburg Botanical Garden is sponsoring a talk by Johnny McMillan. The local executive chef will share recipes and tips for preparing foods from fresh, locally grown ingredients, sharing both knowledge and morsels with guests. The talk starts at 10 a.m.
Marjorie Hilkert, longtime volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Association Southeastern Virginia Chapter, will be signing copies of Chicken Soup for the Soul: Living with Alzheimer’s & Other Dementias, starting at 1 p.m. Saturday at the New Town Barnes & Noble. Hilkert’s story about her father was selected to appear in the anthology, whose proceeds support the Alzheimer’s Association. Read more about Hilkert and her experience with the disease in the Hometown section.
Jessica Lynch, America’s first female POW who was rescued by Special Forces after nine days in captivity, will be speaking Saturday evening at Grafton Baptist Church. She will be hosting a screening of her new film “Virtuous,” a faith-based film, followed by photos and autographs. Tickets are free but must be ordered online in advance.
Theater, Music and Art
The Williamsburg Players concludes its run of the musical “Into the Woods” this weekend, with shows at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and a Saturday matinee at 2 p.m. With music by Stephen Sondheim, the story follows favorite storybook characters in dark comedy. All performances will be at the Williamsburg Players playhouse on Hubbard Lane.
An exhibit of student art opens Friday at the Williamsburg Regional Library. The annual show includes oil painting and pastel work by the students of Anne Kushnick with James City County Parks and Recreation, with some available for purchase. See their pieces on display during library hours until July 18.
Absolute Acoustic will play a show of progressive acoustic rock Saturday night at Daddyo’s. The live music starts at 8 p.m.
Lend a Hand
From 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. Friday, volunteer at Eco Discovery Park as part of Bud Light’s “Do Good. Have Fun.” summer campaign. Those participating will help to install a green roof on the park pavilion and a split-rail fence, as well as paint. There will be an after party starting at 5:30 p.m.
