Community Blood Drive
The American Red Cross will host a blood drive Friday, Aug. 13, from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Devens Common Center, 36 Andrews Parkway in Devens. To ensure the quickest possible process, call 800-Red-Cross or visit redcrossblood.org to schedule an appointment. Appointments are preferred, but walk-in donors are welcome. Donors must be at least 17 years old, or 16 with parental consent, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in good health. Donors must provide identification.
Peach Festival
Carlson Orchards will hold its eighth annual Peach Festival Saturday, Aug. 14, and Sunday, Aug. 15, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine, at 115 Oak Hill Road. Visitors can expect live music under the tent, hayrides to the peach orchards, and a cookout by the Harvard Lions Club.
Stargazing at Fruitlands
Fruitlands Museum will host Stargazing at Fruitlands, Night Sky Observations, led by Amateur Telescope Makers of Boston Saturday, Aug. 14, from 8 to 10 p.m. Visit www.skymaps.com to download an August skymap for a list of possible celestial events. Bring chairs, blankets, insect repellent, and a flashlight. Free to the public.
Well Adult Clinic
The Nashoba Associated Boards of Health, in conjunction with the Harvard Board of Health, will hold a Well Adult Clinic Tuesday, Aug. 17, from 1 to 2 p.m. at Hildreth House. Residents can drop in for blood pressure, pulse screening, and diet instruction. No appointment is necessary. For more information contact Nashoba Nursing Service and Hospice at 978-425-6675 or 800-698-3307, or visit at www.nashoba.org.
Summer Reading Finale Picnic
The Harvard Public Library will host a Summer Reading Finale Picnic to celebrate summer reading success Wednesday, Aug. 18, from noon to 1 p.m. on the library lawn. Bring your own sandwiches; the library will supply beverages, chips, and dessert. Preregistration is requested by calling 978-456-2381.
Sundown Concert
The Sundown Concert series at Fruitlands Museum will continue Wednesday, Aug. 18, at 7 p.m. with The Love Dogs, ’50s music with a 21st-century twist. Admission per carload $12 for members and $15 for nonmembers. Rain date is Thursday, Aug. 19.
Alcott Family Picnic
Fruitlands Museum will host an Alcott Family Picnic, Sunday, Aug. 22, from noon to 2 p.m. (rain date, Sunday, Aug. 28). Visitors can enjoy a picnic with a 19th-century flair, exploring the foods, games, and activities the Alcotts might have experienced when they were there in 1843. Bring your own family picnic and blanket; Fruitlands will provide lemonade and dessert. Free to members or with museum full admission.
Farmers’ Market Opening
The Harvard Farmers’ Market will open for its fourth season Saturday, Aug. 28. The market will be open from 9 a.m. to noon in front of Hildreth Elementary School on Mass. Ave. The 2010 season will feature more than 20 vendors; many are returning friends and there are some new faces in the vendor lineup. Check the Harvard Farmers’ Market website for details. www.harvardfarmersmarket.org.
Ken Harrod Memorial Bike Ride
The Harvard Firefighters Association will sponsor the first Ken Harrod Memorial Bike Ride, Saturday, Sept. 11, rain or shine. The 32-mile route will begin at the Harvard Fire Station and cover the most scenic parts of town. With Harvard’s hills throughout the ride, riders should be prepared for a good workout. Marshals will be posted throughout the course and a water station will be provided. Refreshments will be available for purchase on the Common, provided by the Harvard Lions Club. Riders can choose from three distances: 32 miles, 16-miles, and 2 miles. Anyone 18 or younger must have parent or guardian approval. Registration fees are $25 per person or $50 per two family members at the same address and $10 for each additional family member. Registration fees the day of the ride will be $5 more; no refunds. The first 300 registered participants will receive a Harvard Firefighter’s Bike Ride T-shirt. The registration deadline is Sunday, Sept. 5. To register visit http://harvardfire.com/bikeride.
OUT OF TOWN
Russian Icon Gallery Talks
The Museum of Russian Icons will continue its Thursday gallery talks with Kathy Duff presenting “St. George, His Horse, and The Dragon: Six Icons of Russian Beauty, Power and Faith” Thursday, Aug. 19, and Larissa Dyan discussing “Feasts of the Mother of God in Iconography: The Dormition of the Theotokos Icon” Aug. 26, at the museum, 203 Union St. in Clinton. The talks are free with museum admission. For more information visit www.museumofrussianicons.org.
Worcester Summer Concert Series
Charter Communications, partnering with the City of Worcester and the Worcester Cultural Coalition, will present its final Out to Lunch summer concert series Friday evenings, Aug. 13, 20, and 27, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m at Worcester Common. The series will include food offerings as well as artisans and crafters and a farmers’ market. All concerts are free and open to the public. For more information visit www.outtolunchworcester.org.
