Upper 5.31.2006

I hope everyone had a safe and happy Memorial Day Weekend.
Before we know it, the kids will be out of school and summer will officially begin. Luckily, I have news about some sign-ups for summer activities to keep you and your children occupied.
Sign-ups for Ocean City’s summer recreation programs will be at the Sports and Civic Center, Sixth Street and the Boardwalk, from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday.
Register now for Summer Art Camp and classes at the Ocean City Arts Center. Classes begin June 26.
Choose from weekly classes and one-day workshops to fit your summer schedule.
Classes include watercolor, oils, pastels, drawing, folk art, basket weaving, stained glass, pottery, mosaics, sculpture, dance, writing, photography, piano, harp, guitar, and drum lessons.
The children’s Art Camp is extremely popular and features all the kids’ favorites such as All About Animals, A Story About Me Quilt, Drawing and Cartooning, Mosaics and 3-D Madness, Adventures in Painting, Bead It, and more.
New this summer is a two week Performing Arts Camp in addition to the TV/Film and TV Host/Anchoring Camps. Visit www.oceancityartscenter.org or call 399-7628 for more information.
Space is limited so register early.
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In more immediately gratifying news, don’t miss the 17th annual Strawberry Festival and Craft Show this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Friendship School, 859 South Shore Road in Palermo. The rain date is June 4.
The Strawberry Festival is sponsored by the Historical Preservation Society of Upper Township.
This year, they’ve added something new to their annual tradition. It’s a large inflatable toy for the children to climb in and around. Bring the children and grandchildren so they can enjoy this fun addition to the already delightful festival.
After the children have had some fun in the inflatable toy, let them enjoy the food, the crafts and other articles that will be for sale.
Be sure to encourage them to take a tour of the historic one-room Friendship School where they can hear a “school-marm” explain the typical day of a student in the old days. They will see that those students had none of the comforts that students of today have.
 The strawberry shortcake served by the HPS volunteers is absolutely the best; they use only New Jersey strawberries to cover a piece of shortcake, with ice cream on top. Treat yourself and your family to some of this delightful, delicious dessert.
Light lunch items are also available so nobody leaves this festival hungry.
Then take a walk around the grounds of the school and check out all those beautiful handcrafted items that will be on display that day. Only the very best crafters bring their very best articles to the Strawberry Festival.
Perhaps the best thing about the festival is that it’s free. If you would like more information, call 390-5656.
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Here’s one more great weekend activity for you to squeeze in.
This Friday through Sunday, don’t miss the beautiful commercial and amateur displays at the Ocean City Flower Show at the Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace.
Call Frank Leone for more information at 398-2649.