Nicole's Writings

Labor Day cover story

By Nicole Ciarapica

September is officially here. It’s the month for saying farewell to summer and hello to autumn. For kids, the school year starts and, for adults, those 9 to 5 days still seem to drag on and on. But there is some good news. It’s the start of beautiful weather—a happy medium somewhere between sweating and shivering. September marks the start for all of the best holidays. And Labor Day, coming up this weekend, is the only one that requires no effort on your part. You don’t have to worry about finding a costume, cooking a turkey, or picking the perfect present. The US Department of Labor wants you to kick back and relax or to go out and have some fun. The Department says “Labor Day constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.” It’s a three-day weekend dedicated to you, the worker. After all, you deserve it. But don’t even think about staying at home—there are too many events happening that you won’t want to miss. We, at Go! Magazine, have organized the possibilities for you. Do you like parties, food, music, sports, films, or art? All you have to do now is make a decision. How will you spend your weekend?

For the partier

If you want to be a social butterfly this Saturday, you should land in these hot spots we found. You can dance and mingle at parties, vote for your favorite Miss Seacrets contestant, or play in a poker tournament. Maybe you’ll win enough money to make it a four-day weekend.

Fri, Sat, Sun.: First Class concert Lenny’s Beach Bar and Grill, Clarion Resort Ocean City. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Free. 1-800-638-2100. www.clarionoc.com.
Saturday: DJ Dance Party with DJ Hook Harpoon Hanna’s, Ocean City. 10 p.m. Free. 800-227-0525. www.harpoonhannasrestaurant.com.
Saturday: San Quentin CD Release party The Globe, Berlin. 7-10 p.m. $25. 410-641-0784. http://www.globetheater.com/
Saturday: Danny Shivers acoustic concert Chalkboard Tavern and Grill, Bethany. 12 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. 302-539-7482. http://www.chalkboardgrille.com/.
Saturday: Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament. Willards Lions Club, Willards. Games at 9 a.m. $35, Tournament at noon $150 entrance fee, cash table seats $50 for non-players. 410-835-8678. www.willardsfire.com.
Sunday: Miss Seacrets contest Seacrets, Ocean City. Round 5. Free. 2 p.m. If competing, sign up and be present before 1. 410-524-4900. www.seacrets.com.

For the food fan

It’s an appetizing weekend for the food fans. There seems to be a farmer’s market on every corner. With chicken, seafood, sandwiches, and produce, making a decision could get stressful. Since it’s your day off, you may just have to try one of everything.

Fri, Sat, Sun.: 62nd Annual National Hard Crab Derby Somers Cove Marina, Crisfield. 6 p.m.-10 p.m/noon- 10 p.m/noon-10 p.m. Adults, $5, 12 and under, $2. 410-968-2500.
Saturday: Chincoteague Farmers Market behind Don’s Seafood, Chincoteague. 9 a.m.-noon. Free. 757-336-2610.
Saturday: Downtown Milford Farmers Market off Walnut St. along the River walk, Milford. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. 302-839-1180. www.downtownmilford.org.
Saturday: Sandwich Sale Delmar Church of God of Prophecy, Delmar. 9 a.m.-gone. Prices vary. 302-875-7824.
Saturday: Outdoor Flea Market, Craft and Bake Sale Bethany United Methodist Church, Berlin. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. 410-629-0926.
Saturday: Barbecued Chicken and Ribs Veteran and Charity Benefit The Chicken Shack, Bethany. 10 a.m. Prices vary. 302-539-9981.

For the music-lover

Whether you’re in front of Freeman stage in Fenwick or lounging on the OC beach, there’s music of different genres to pump you up or relax you. If you’re torn up about the season’s end, you’ll particularly enjoy the Bethany Beach Jazz Funeral which commemorates the death of summer.

Today: Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience concert. Freeman Stage, 4 miles west of Fenwick Island. 7:00 p.m. Free. 302-436-3015. www.freemanstage.org.
Friday: Washington National Opera’s Domingo-Cafritz Young Artists concert. Freeman Stage, 4 miles west of Fenwick Island. 7:00. Free. 302-436-3015. www.freemanstage.org.
Saturday: Choral Arts Society of Washington concert and laser light show. Freeman Stage, 4 miles west of Fenwick Island. 7:00. Free. 302-436-3015. www.freemanstage.org.
Saturday: Ocean City concert 8:00. Free. North Division St. beach. 1-800-OC-OCEAN. www.oceancity.com/events
Saturday: Stacy Mitchhart band Convention Center, Ocean City. 7:00 p.m. $20. 1-800-551-7328. www.ococean.com.
Sept. 7: Bethany Beach Jazz Funeral. Bethany Boardwalk. 5:30 p.m. Free. 302-537-1585. www.bethany-beach.net.

For the athlete

If your heart beats faster for a good race, you’ll find your competition by land or sea. But if you have more fun being a fan, cheer on the Salisbury Seagulls in their first home football game or root for the Shorebirds in one of their last ballgames at home.

Saturday: Last Blast Prediction 5k run Grove Park, Rehoboth Beach 7:30 a.m. $15/$20. 302- 644-8952. www.seashorestriders.com.
Saturday: Salisbury University first home football game Seagull Stadium, Salisbury. 1:00 p.m. $5. 410-543-6000. www.suseagulls.com.

Saturday: Shorebirds game Arthur W. Perdue Stadium, Salisbury. 7:05. General Admission $6. 410-219-3112. www.theshorebirds.com.
Sunday: Dewey Beach Lions Club 5k Run/Walk McKinley St. Bayside, Dewey Beach. Registration opens at 7 a.m. Run starts at 8 a.m. Kiddie K starts at 7:50 am–free for kids 8 and under. $16/$20. Contact Wayne Kursh 302-654-6400. www.races2run.com.
Sept. 7: 50th Annual Deal Island skipjack race Deal Island Harbor, Deal Island. 9:30 a.m. Free. Contact Fred Peak 410-784-2799. www. http://www.webauthority.net/lions.htm#schedule.

For the film fan

Watching a movie or play is one of the most popular ways to relax. From the pricier cinema cabaret to the complimentary Cinderella show, you’ll be entertained in whichever style you choose. If you’re a nature lover, you’ll want to be at Shad Landing for their documentary film on local animals.

Friday: Rehoboth Beach cinema cabaret Rehoboth Beach. be seated by 6:30 p.m. $30- includes 3-course dinner, beverage, and film. Reserve table at 302-645-9095 ext. 1 or 302-227-9310. http://www.rehobothfilm.com/cinemacabaret.html.
Saturday: Cinderella a play presented by Family Stages. Freeman Stage, 4 miles west of Fenwick. 10-11 a.m. Free. 302-436-3015. www.freemanstage.org.
Saturday: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly documentary at Shad Landing Nature Center Amphitheater, Pocomoke River State Park, Snow Hill. Free. 7:00 p.m. 410-632-2566.

For the artist

If you’re an artist, you’ll meet others with your same passion at these art shows. If you’re a shopper, you’re bound to find a table centerpiece, a painting for your wall, or other unique treasures at these events. You never know what you might find.

Fri, Sat, Sun: Ocean City Arts and Crafts festival OC Convention Center. 10 a.m. -5 p.m. Free. 410-524-9177. www.oceancity.com/events.
Saturday: Arts and Crafts Market Manokin River Park, Princess Anne. 8 a.m.-noon. Free. 410-651-0757.
Saturday: Made in the USA Arts and Crafts Show Scarborough Fair, Mardela Springs. 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. $10 for vendors. 410-749-7979.
Sat, Sun.: Chincoteague Island Decoy Show Chincoteague Center. 9 a.m. -5 p.m./10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. 757-336-0614. www.chincoteaguedecoyshow.com.
Sat, Sun.: Delmarva Needle Art Show and Competition Julia A Purnell Museum, Snow Hill. 10 a.m.-4 p.m./1 p.m.-4 p.m. Adults $2, Children .50. 410-632-0515.

By Nicole Ciarapica

1. SEIZE THE SUMMER, BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE.

Most of us procrastinate–it seems to be human nature. Have you been putting off your summer fun too? Well, not anymore, because we here at Go! Magazine have written you a To-Do list. (Stop groaning.) With only 39 days left of summer, we know you’ll thank us. And it’s a fun, action-packed list, so try not to wait until the 39th day to experience it all.

2. TAKE IN SOME LIVE MUSIC.

Whether you like the bands at the outdoor bandstands or rocking out at the Bottle & Cork in Dewey Beach, once the cold hits, many live music acts flee the Shore. Listen up while you still can.

Concerts in the park, Ocean City

1. Wed: Captain Flint, “Jimmy Buffet Tribute.” 8 p.m.

2. Frankie and the Pack, “Tribute to the Greats.” 8 p.m.

3. Sept. 2: Lauren Glick Band (Country/Rock) 8 p.m.

4. Sept. 5: The Groove Train (Disco-party band) 8 p.m.

Bottle & Cork

1. Fri.: Pat McGee Band. 9 p.m.

2. Aug. 21: Bruce in the USA. $15/$17. 8 p.m.

3. Sept. 2: Living Colour. $20/$22. 8 p.m.

**Note to self: Call 302-227-3888 or visit www.deweybeachlife.com for tickets!!

3. GET ON THE WATER!

Nothing screams summer like kayaking. Better get paddling before the water freezes and the wildlife hibernates. Kayaking is fun and little experience is required. It can be relaxing or a great workout depending on how fast you paddle. Be prepared to get shockingly close to nature. The kayak, which means “hunter’s boat,” is sleek and sneaky, so you’ll have a picture snapped before the turtles even see you coming.

Cape Henlopen State Park Kayak Trip, Lewes.

10 a.m.-noon ever Wed–Sun. through the end of the month. $25 for a solo ride, $35 for tandem. Must be 13 or older.  302-645-6852.

Paddling the Assawoman Wildlife Area. Indian River Lifesaving Station Museum, Dewey Beach.

10 a.m. Aug. 23. Bring water, snack. $30. Call to register, 302-227-6991.

Pocomoke River State Park Canoe Trip, Shad Landing area, Snow Hill.

Beginners should arrive at 8:30 a.m. to practice paddling; trip begins at 9 a.m. every Sunday through Sept. 6. $20 per canoe or tandem kayak; $15 per single kayak. Bring your own kayak, event fee is $5. 410-632-2566, ext. 106.

4. SNATCH UP SOME SHORE PRODUCE.

Produce stands and markets are everywhere along the highways. Pretty soon, the only produce will be at the convenience stores, grown in Florida instead of on your neighbor’s farm. “You’re supporting your local farmer instead of a big corporation in Mexico. In turn, farmers will spend that money in the local area too,” said Gaylon Adkins, owner of Adkins Farm Market.

Where to find them:

1. Adkins Farm Market. Mount Hermon Road, Salisbury. Open daily 10-6.

2. Harris Market. S. Division St. Salisbury.

3. Johnson’s Country Market. 1 mile north of Route 54 in Selbyville. Open daily 9-6.

4. Williams Market. Nanticoke Road, Salisbury. 9-7 Mon.-Fri., 10-5 Sunday.

5. Garden of Eden. Pemberton Drive, Salisbury.

**Many more on Route 50, east and west of Salisbury.

5. ROOT FOR THE HOME TEAM.

There are still a lot of home games left in the season. Currently, the Shorebirds’ stats are 13-8 at home and 9-13 on the road. Cheer them on!

1. Aug. 19-21 vs. Lake County Captains. 7:05

2. Aug. 22-24 vs. Hagerstown Suns. 6:05 Aug. 23, 7:05 Aug. 22 and 24.

3. Aug. 31-Sept. 2 vs. Lake County Captains. 7:05.

4. Sept. 3-7 vs. Lakewood BlueClaws. 7:05 Sept. 3-5, 6:05 Sept. 6-7.