Friday, July 31, 2009

For two days this August, more than 80 artists, juried from a national talent pool of over 45,000 painters, sculptors, photographers and potters, will set up to exhibit over 15,000 pieces of world-class artwork in Cape Cod.

This outdoor festival brings together fabulous artwork the weekend before Labor Day (Aug. 29 & 30) in a single location: the Village Green in historic downtown Hyannis. Festival goers will be coming from all over the Northeast to Cape Cod’s Downtown where they can linger among works in clay, fiber, wood, glass, jewelry, leather, metal, painting, photography, sculpture. And unlike most gallery shows, one can meet and interact with these talented creators as you view their work; every artist will be available on-site during the show.

Many of these internationally acclaimed artists with some traveling from as far away as San Francisco, Seattle, Minneapolis, Dallas, as well as Europe, Asia and the Middle East were invited to apply after a rigorous independent jury process. Some are represented in major museums and prestigious private collections throughout the world. “This fine arts festival coming to Hyannis brings in an array of high quality, juried artists from all over the country as well as local well known talent.,” says Roberta Miller, director of the Cape Cod Art Association and a festival juror. “You will see very creative fabric art, jewelry, pottery, framed art of all media, sculpture and works that are very exciting!”

The festival takes place Saturday, August 29, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, August 30, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. Ample parking—at no charge—will be available in lots around Main Street.

Visit www.capecodartfest.com or call (508) 775-7982 for more information.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Pops By The Sea

The Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra comes to the Cape! The Hyannis Village Green is again host to the Boston Pops on Sunday, August 2nd for 5:00 to 7:00PM. Keith Lockhart is the conductor of course and this year Angie Dickinson will be the Guest Conductor. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy the concert for only $15 (advance purchase)or $20 at the gate. The gates open at 1:00pm and there will be pre-show entertainment beginning at 1:15. Arrive early to get chose placement and enjoy the Boston Pops and a relaxing afternoon in downtown Hyannis.

To purchase tickets call 508-362-0066 or online at www.artsfoundation.org. We hope you stay at the Tidewater which is only a mile from the concert.

Voula

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Grecian Festival

This year the Greek Church in Hyannis celebrates its 27th annual Grecial Festival. It's a fun way to celebrate a new culture and sample delicious Greek food, pastries, Greek dancing and music. Many traditional Greek foods are prepared by the parishers of the church including my favorite, gyros, which is the popular fast food in Greece. My favorite dessert is loucoumades which is little balls of dough dipped in honey and sprinkled with nuts and cinnamon. Many calories, but oh so good!

You can see the youth of the church dressed in ethnic costumes dancing traditional Greek dances and then you and the family can join in the fun and try to learn some of the simplier line dances. When I was younger I used to watch the feet of those beside me and before long I felt like a professional dancer. It's easy, so give it a try. You'll definitely burn off some calories after a few fast dances!

The festival begins on Friday July 17th from 4pm to 11pm, Saturday July 18th from 11am to midnight and Sunday from 11am to 6pm. It's located at St. George Church at the corner of Route 28 and Strawberry Hill Road in Centerville. For more information visit www.stgeorge-capecod.com.

Monday, July 13, 2009

Cranberry Bog Tours

Cranberry Bogs are unique to Cape Cod and there are many throughout the Cape. While looking for interesting and unique things to do on the Cape I came across "Cranberry Bog Tours". The Cakounes family are operators of two organic cranberry bogs in Harwich. For the past 5 years, they have been offering tours at one of their bogs. Their Riding Bog Tour has been extremely well received by their visitors and provides an interesting and educational 1 1/2 hour tour of the bog. Guests are also invited to visit their farm animals and farm stand where they can buy fresh eggs, gifts, and cranberry related items.

I'm going to make a point of visiting this cranberry bog to find out how the cranberries grow and are harvested.

Voula

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Barnstable County Fair

The Barnstable County Fair has been an annual summer tradition on Cape Cod for 164 years. The Fair is a place where families can spend the day together and have fun. This year it will be held from July 17th to the 25th at Barnstable Fair grounds.

There are animal shows, 4-H demonstrations, petting zoos, horticulture displays, rides, games, live music (Herman Hermits, Eddie Money, Brian Howe), arts & crafts, food and commercial vendors with various arts and crafts for sale.

More than 85,000 people attend with an anticpated 90,000 this year. The Barnstable County Fair is a great place to get up close and personal with the farm animals, enjoy a world of fun foods and the thrill of Rockwell Amusements Midway rides. To get more information visit www.barnstablecountyfair.com. Many families are coming to the Tidewater that week just to visit the fair which is only a short ride away.

Voula

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Sand Sculpting at Mashpee Commons

Cape Cod is surrounded by beaches so who would have thought of sand sculpting clinics at a shopping area! Mashpee Commons is more than an outdoor shopping mall however. It offers more than 90 distinctive Cape Cod shops and national stores for fashion, accessories, jewelry, art, home decor, books, toys, and more. There are also several outdoor cafes, restaurants, cinema and special events year round.

Back to the sand sculpting. On July 10th and 11th you can watch the sculptors in action and join clinics to learn tips and trick from the pros. On the 11th you can put your skills to the test and participate in an amateur sand sculpting contest. The best part is taking these sand sculpting skills and putting them to the test on one of Cape Cod's beautiful beaches. You can then enjoy the oohs and aahs as people walk by and enjoy your sculpture. I remember going to the beach every weekend at the Gulf of Mexico when we lived in Mobile Alabama and my husband would sculpt beautiful mermaids.

We'd of course love to have you stay at the Tidewater and are offering some specials for the weekend and are only 20 minutes from Mashpee. Call us 508-775-6322.