Around Town Community Calendar

Want to do an escape room, but you're a bit claustrophobic? Escape Farm challenges you to investigate the National Colonial Farm's historic houses and gardens to uncover clues and solve historic puzzles. Will you be able to repair your broken time machine before time runs out? Cost is $25 per person, with groups of up to 10 people invited. The event will be held on Fridays in July and August from 6:30 to 7 p.m. and from 8 to 9 p.m.

Explore the natural wonders of Piscataway Park with a guided trail walk led by an educator. Identify plants and animal life, learn about wild edible plants, or explore the changes in the Potomac River Landscape since the colonial period. Cost is $5 for nonmembers and free for members. Hikes depart from the Visitor Center on Friday and Saturday at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. The July 13-14 event is a Sensory Hike and the July 27-28 hike is on the Pumpkin Ash Trail.

On Saturday and Sunday, take a guided tour of excavations, and take advantage of a once-a-year opportunity to explore the archaeology laboratory. Cost is $10 for adults; $9 for seniors; $6 for youths, and free for children age 5 and younger and for Friends members

Join the Spray family for story and craft time. Designed for pre-school age children 3 to 5 years old and an accompanying adult. $4 per child ($3 for members), one accompanying adult free. Full-day admission included.

Doors open at noon to view items, with auction beginning at 1 p.m. Included will be Ice Cream. United Methodist Women Sarah Circle will offer Rada Cutlery Sale and Circle of Friends will offer baked goods for sale. Pinch Mascot of the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs Baseball Team will make a visit. If you have items to donate, call to schedule pickup or drop off. All donations are tax deductible.

If you're a current teacher, you can receive free admission to the museum for yourself and a guest. Learn about museum educational programs that meet the Maryland standards, find connections to link your classrooms to Historic St. Mary's City, and learn more about the site's hands-on field trips. Education Department staffers will be available to answer questions.

This event is geared for children ages 4 to 9 years old. There will be a morning session from 9 a.m. to noon and an afternoon session from 1 to 4 p.m. Advance registration is required - cost is $10 per child. Everyone is encouraged to dress as pirates for the Costume Contest. This event presents families with the opportunity to learn about Chesapeake Bay and maritime history and heritage as it relates to local pirates who operated around Piney Point.

Experience the drama of family life in 1770 with scripted vignettes featuring residents of the National Colonial Farm. This weekend’s theater presentation is “Reunion of Cate and Jack: A Cate Sharper Story.” In 1765 Cate Sharper’s son Jack was sold away before he had even reached his 13th year of life. Heartbroken at the loss of her child, she was still expected to tend to the tobacco for her master. Now, five years later she has received word that he has been granted permission for a visit. Come see this emotional reunion between mother and son, five years in the making. Museum theater is free to attend, and takes place on the National Colonial Farm every hour on Friday and Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $10 per person. Included 1 free sandwich, chips, soda, coffee, tea, and dessert. Additional food available for sale, door prizes, 50/50 raffle.

Featured will be tours of the museum, the Potomac River Maritime Exhibit, lighthouse tower, and grounds. Admission is free.

Free Admission and parking. ATM on site. 50/50 raffle. Refreshments for sale. Vendors include DiscoveryToys, Avon, CBD Oils, Tupperware, LulaRoe, Hayward Gourmet, PlunderDesigns, Tastefully Simple, Java Mama, Stella and Dot, Simply Said, Origami Owl, Pampered Chef, Color Street, Chalk Couture, Elevacity, Initials, Inc., Jamby Styles, Lila Rose, LipSense, Mary Kay, Paparazzi, Rada Knives, Rodman-Fields, Scentsy, Thirty-One, Usborne Books, and Young Living Essential Oils.

The cost to rent an 8-foot space or table is $10. MasterCard, VISA, and Discover are accepted. For more information or to purchase a spot, call 301-399-3187 or send e-mail.

Enjoy cool breezes during a evening of cruising on the St. Clement’s Island Water Taxi, cocktail reception at St. Clement’s Island Museum, and dinner at local waterside Morris Point Restaurant. Only 20 seats are available for the cruise.

The free seminar will cover the various aspects to consider when trying to stay at home well past 65 years of age. Topics include advance directives, fall prevention, and medicine safety.

Families can enjoy lots of activities including games, crafts, face painting, a bike raffle, snow cones, and balloons. Outside exhibitors include the local Fire Department and Rescue Squad.

The yard sale will be held Friday and Saturday. Featured will be clothing, home and garden items, linens, books, glassware, furniture, and toys.

The menu includes fried chicken, country ham, and all the trimmings. Dine-in or carryout.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $10 per person. Included 1 free sandwich, chips, soda, coffee, tea, and dessert. Additional food available for sale, door prizes, 50/50 raffle.

Guests will enjoy live music, samplings of more than 30 wines, specialty beverages, an open bar, selections of more than a dozen cuisine stations hosted by area restaurants, and a cigar lounge. Proceeds will help fund ongoing projects at the Medical Center to meet the growing needs of the community. Tickets go on sale July 15.

Visit one of the nation's best-preserved one-room African American schoolhouses on select days each month. Check out the renovated schoolhouse and learn about its rich history and importance in St. Mary's County. Staff will be available to answer any questions and provide information.

The menu includes Fried Oysters, Steamed Spiced Shrimp, Crab Balls, Fried Chicken, Parsley Potatoes, Green Beans, Cole Slaw, Pickled Beets, and all the trimmings. Served buffet style, all you can eat! Cost is $28 for adults, $26 for carryouts, $8 for children age 6 to 12, and free for children age 5 and younger. Advance tickets (until August 30) are $26.

Cost is $10 for adults and free for children age 7 and younger. Menu includes spaghetti and meatballs, tossed salad, toasted garlic bread, coffee, and ice tea. Desserts available for purchase. Gluten-free noodles available upon request.

The event celebrates St. Mary’s County’s ties to the Chesapeake Bay watershed and the watermen who work its waters. This year’s event is taking on a new revamped format and will be held Friday and Saturday. The event will be home to local food, art and craft vendors, waterman of the year award, parade, live entertainment, free boat rides, lighthouse tours, and numerous games and activities.

Dinners are packaged to go but all are invited to dine in the Fellowship Hall or at picnic tables. Menu includes half a barbecue chicken, baked potato, applesauce, green beans, roll, and snack cake. Dinners are $15 each. Bake sale offered by the Girl Scouts.

Enjoy cool breezes during a evening of cruising on the St. Clement’s Island Water Taxi, cocktail reception at St. Clement’s Island Museum, and dinner at local waterside Morris Point Restaurant. Only 20 seats are available for the cruise.