These events are also all in the calendar along with much more, but this is a quick reference for special events and activities.

Columbus Fourth of July Celebration
July 2nd - 6th, 2008 Firemans Park Columbus

Welcome to Columbus, Wisconsin and the 2008 Columbus Fourth of July Celebration! The organizing committee has planned a wide variety of activities for all ages. In addition to the carnival, there will be a craft show, family pool party, mini tractor pull, bands and kids entertainment, and the beer garden.

Our Parade will begin at Noon on July 4th, and the Fireworks Spectacular will begin at dusk. Visit their website for the full schedule.

Evansville Fourth of July Festival
Lake Leota Park, Leonard Park Drive , Evansville
July 3-6

Evansville's 4th of JULY KIDDIE and PET PARADE!!

It's easy to be part of the 4th of July Kiddie and Pet Parade in Evansville:
-Meet in at the corner of 5th Street and Garfield at 9:30 am.
-The parade will begin at 9:45 am before the main parade.
-Decorate your bike or pet and join the fun!!
-Parents are asked to walk with children under 8 years of age.
-NO motorized scooters or "Power Wheels" - pedal power only, please.
-Social pets only.
-Un-leashable pets should be in cages.
-You will be responsible for "cleaning-up" after your own pet.
-Questions??- Call Lynn Olson at 882-4533

Visit their website for the full schedule!

Whole Foods Market
3313 University Ave Madison, WI 53705 608.233.9566

Friday, July 4
Kids Club Event: 4th of July Celebration
12:00–3:00 p.m. Free
Happy Independence Day! Stop by as Youth Coordinator Sara leads some fun 4th of July activities in and outside of our cooking classroom. Kids Club is for ages 3-11 - no advance registration is required!

Olbrich Concerts in the Gardens 2008 Schedule
Olbrich Gardens 3330 Atwood Ave., Madison
All concerts are on Tuesdays at 7 p.m.
Cost: $1 (bring chair/blanket) Call: 246-4550

Let the beauty of Olbrich Botanical Gardens set the perfect stage for a night of music. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, and spread out for a picnic surrounded by Olbrich's lush flowers. Or, purchase a brat or hotdog from the Madison East Kiwanis. Picnics are allowed in the Gardens for the Tuesday concerts only. In case of rain, concerts will be held indoors. A $1 donation is suggested. Concerts are sponsored by the Olbrich Botanical Society. For more information, call 608-246-4550.

July 1 Madison Municipal Band - Marches & Patriotic Melodies
July 8 Claudia Russell - Eclectic Folk
July 15 Calico Drifters - Americana, Blues, Folk & Jazz
July 22 Lou & Peter Berryman - Original Folk Humor
July 29 Atimevu - African Drums and Dance

The Sounds of Summer at Greenway Station
Greenway Station in Middleton
Saturday evening concerts from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Concerts take place in the parking area near Cosi

Sat., June 28: Ken Lonnquist and the Kenland Band Unique and entertaining songs for children and adults
Sat., July 5: Tony Castaneda Latin Jazz Band Classic and Latin jazz
Sat., July 12: OD TAPO IMI Island music and high energy fun
Sat., July 19: The Westside Andy / Mel Ford Band An amusing array of blues based music
Sat., July 26: Lucas Cates Band Acoustic pop and magical melodies
Sat., August 2: Harmonious Wail Gypsy swing with knockout vocals
Sat., August 9: The Midwesterners Distinctive blend of rock and country
Sat., August 16: Primitive Culture Funky, bluesy and reggae grooves
Sat., August 23: Universal Sound Madison's premiere dance band
Sat., August 30: Clyde Stubblefield The funky drummer

Live bands will perform from 6-7 p.m. every Saturday evening beginning June 21 through August 30 in the parking area near Cosi. The schedule of performances includes a mix of jazz, blues, classic rock, country and original tunes. Concert attendees will receive special prizes and giveaways from Greenway Station stores and restaurants prior to each weekly performance. Additionally, Greenway Station restaurants will provide free food samples to all concertgoers. The shopping center will again host a Kids' Corner which will offer free hands-on activities every week, including sand art, make-and-take workshops and more.

Concert-goers are encouraged to bring along portable chairs or blankets.

Chase Concerts on the Rooftop at Monona Terrace
One John Nolen Drive Madison, WI 53703 (608) 261-4000
Free and open to the public
Thursdays, 6:00-8:00PM

Concessions (sandwiches, snacks, beer, wine, cocktails, and soft drinks) are available for purchase beginning at 5:30PM.

JULY
10 Clyde Stubblefield Band - Funk/Rhythm & Blues
17 Mama Digdown's Brass Brand - New Orleans Jazz
24 Queenie & the Blue Cats - Blues
*If inclement weather, please call (608) 261-4000 after 2PM for concert location or cancellation.

Lakeside Kids
One John Nolen Drive Madison, (608)261-4000

Wednesdays, 10-11AM

Come to the Monona Terrace on Wednesday mornings and enjoy this fun children's program. Local performers and organizations will provide entertainment, hands-on fun, and learning for children ages 4 to 8.

Programs will be held on the rooftop unless otherwise indicated. In the event of inclement weather, program will be moved inside. Please call (608) 261-400 after 8:30AM the day of event for program location.

If transporting kids by bus, please call 608-261-4062 at least 48 hours prior to event.

JUNE
18 Summer Passport Kick-off Event (Exhibition Hall)
10AM-12PM
Eight Different Activity Stations
25 YMCA Activity Hour (Exhibition Hall)

JULY
9 What do I Spy in the Night Sky? (Exhibition Hall)
presented by UW Space Place
16 WADOMA (West African Dance of Madison)
23 Cashel Dennehy School of Irish Dance
30 Songs and Stores from Around the Earth
Clare Norelle - Musician and Storyteller

KIDS RULE SUMMER FILM FESTIVAL : EASTGATE
5202 High Crossing Boulevard Madison, WI 53718 (608)242-2117

Special Family Films
Every Wednesday & Thursday at 10AM
(no shows on July 2nd or July 3rd)
All Seats Only $2.50
FREE* Popcorn with every paid admission
* complimentary size

Upcoming Kids Rule

6/25 & 6/26 - Spiderwick Chronicles
7/9 & 7/10 - Horton Hears A Who
7/16 & 7/17 - Nim's Island
7/23 & 7/24 - Bee Movie
7/30 & 7/31 - Kung Fu Panda
8/6 & 8/7 - Kit Kittredge: An American Girl
8/13 & 8/14 - Space Chimps

Titles Subject to Change

Madison Children's Museum
100 State Street

Check out their website for weekly drop in programs. Class fees listed do not include required museum admission fees (additional).

Dane County Farmers' Market
Capitol Square
Saturdays, 6:00am - 2:00pm

The award-winning Dane County Farmers' Market (DCFM), a Madison tradition since 1972, opens its outdoor season on Saturday, April 19 from 6 am to 2 pm. The beautiful Capitol Square is a unique setting for the largest producer-only market in the nation. And, all of the products are produced right here in Wisconsin!

Enjoy fresh vegetables, fruit, herbs, cheese, meat, poultry, fish, honey, maple syrup, nuts, jelly, eggs, candy, baked goods, plants, fresh flowers, and more ...

The DCFM outdoor markets are open every Saturday and every Wednesday through early November - RAIN OR SHINE!

Ladies’ Art Night at Rhapsody Arts Center Gallery

Birthday Card Emergency Kit
Wednesday, July 9 6:30-8:30pm
Cost: $10

Stamper Jen Sannes leads an evening of card-making at the Rhapsody Art Gallery. Make 4 birthday cards (2 designs, 2 of each design) that are ready to sign, seal and send to the next birthday on your list.  We will also be making a birthday tote to carry your cards.  This kit is perfect for a gift or to keep on hand for your next birthday card emergency.  Come have fun with us!

Call Rhapsody Arts Center at (608) 848-2045 or e-mail Katie <katie@rhapsodyarts.org> to reserve your spot.

Location: Rhapsody Art Gallery, 109 Main St, Verona (across from World of Variety) Please park on the side streets.

Vaccine Seminar
Wednesday July 23rd, 7PM
Cost: $15

Dr. Heather Patterson is giving a talk on vaccines. She has been studying vaccines for over 6
years and has gone to numerous seminars to learn the latest research and theories. Come listen to what she has to share. You will learn about the immune system, what are in the vaccines, why the controversy and what alternative treatments are available.

Call 608-833-1114 to reserve your seat for the seminar at 7PM on July 23rd.

Seminar is at the Quarry Arts Healing Building-behind whole foods at 715 Hill St. - You can park underneath the building or on the street.

Exchange Family Resource Center Summer Events

July 24 6:30-8:00 PM
Shaken Baby Syndrome Awareness - Evansville
Evansville High School Media Room 640 Fifth Street, Evansville

This class is for child care providers and parents and it will fulfill the state requirements needed for child care providers. Registration is required and childcare is available within 24 hour request. To register or for more information, please call the Exchange Family Resource Center at (608) 314-9006

July 31 6:30-8:00 PM
Exploring - Edgerton
Edgerton’s Children’s Center 112 Swift Street, Edgerton

Babies learn by testing everything. Kids learn by watching you and imitating you. This workshop will help parents and other caregivers learn about how children are born with the urge to explore and test their world. Childcare is available with a 24 hour request. For more information, or to register, please contact the Exchange Family Resource Center at (608) 314-9006

August 14 6:30-8:00 PM
Block Party - Beloit
River of Life United Methodist Angel Academy, 511 Public Avenue, Beloit

The University of Wisconsin Extension and the Exchange Family Resource Center invite you and your child to a block party. Playing with blocks can provide the experiences for children to learn math, science, new words and pre-reading skills, social and physical skills. Childcare is available with a 24 hours notice. To register, or for more information, please call (608) 314-9006.

August 9, 2008
Walk For Food Allergies
Door Creek Church (6602 Dominion Dr., Madison)
9am Registration, 10am Walk Start

This is a very child-friendly walk of 1.5 miles(paved sidewalks). We will have Bucky, other mascots and a moonbounce, facepainting, etc. for the kids. There is also a silent auction for the grownups. All proceeds of the walk will benefit food allergy awareness/education programs in WI.

Food Allergy Association of WI is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating, raising awareness and supporting those dealing with food allergies and their families. We currently have 250+ members and are adding more every week. We offer monthly support meetings, a halloween carnival, buddy program , summer playdates and more!

Click here for more information!