{"id":18931,"date":"2016-04-01T09:02:56","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T13:02:56","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/?p=18931"},"modified":"2016-04-01T09:02:56","modified_gmt":"2016-04-01T13:02:56","slug":"what-to-do-spring-bursts-into-chester-county","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/?p=18931","title":{"rendered":"What To Do: Spring bursts into Chester County"},"content":{"rendered":"

A weekend full of fun, local events and happenings<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

By Denny Dyroff,<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Staff Writer, The Times<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Spring<\/a>

Spring is bursting out all over, but especially at Longwood Gardens, which kicks off its ‘Spring Blooms’ show, Saturday.<\/p><\/div>\n

Spring is bursting out all over — especially at Longwood Gardens (Route 1, Kennett Square, 610-388-1000, www.longwoodgardens.org<\/span><\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n

Visitors to Longwood this weekend will be able to say goodbye to the old and hello to the new.<\/span><\/p>\n

Longwood\u2019s \u201cOrchid Extravaganza\u201d opened in January and concluded last Sunday. Now through Saturday, Longwood is hosting its own \u201cOrchid Extravaganza Orchid Sale.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Gardeners interested in obtaining some of these gorgeous flowers can purchase orchids taken directly from the site\u2019s \u201cOrchid Extravaganza\u201d display — while supplies last.<\/span> The sale will take place in the Garden Shop in the Visitor Center.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cOrchid Extravaganza\u201d paid homage to the orchid with thousands of orchid blooms along with a variety of displays and special exhibits throughout its conservatory. The remaining beauties from the show will be on sale now through April 2 from 9 a.m.-6 p.m.<\/span><\/p>\n

Another seasonal attraction at Longwood Gardens is \u201cSpring Blooms,\u201d which opens April 2 and runs through June 3.<\/span><\/p>\n

Visitors can enjoy hundreds of lush acres featuring burgeoning gardens of daffodils, tulips, magnolias, azaleas, flowering cherries and more than 240,000 flowering bulbs. In the indoor part of \u201cSpring Blooms\u201d, lilies, delphiniums, hydrangeas and other spring blossoms fill the conservatory with color. Also featured are Longwood\u2019s grand treehouses, whimsical Topiary Garden, and colorful Idea Garden.<\/span><\/p>\n

Daily visitor programs, including gardening demonstrations, behind-the-scenes tours, and talks add to Longwood\u2019s charms. Children will enjoy the many activities in the outdoor Children\u2019s Area, and the imaginative fun of the Indoor Children\u2019s Garden.<\/span><\/p>\n

Admission to Longwood Gardens is $20 for adults, $17 for seniors and $10 for students.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"chesco<\/a>The 34th Annual Chester County Antiques Show (610-692-4800, http:\/\/www.chestercohistorical.org<\/span><\/a>), a major fundraiser for the Chester County Historical Society (CCHS), will be held from April 1-3 at the Phelps School (583 Sugartown Road, Malvern).<\/span><\/p>\n

The event, which is sponsored by PECO, will feature approximately 50 renowned dealers from throughout the country, making it a must-see for anyone searching for that perfect piece of furniture or accessory.\u00a0 The theme of this year\u2019s event is \u201cTomfoolery.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Organizers say that the accessibility, spaciousness, and natural light at the\u00a0Phelps School will provide an ideal backdrop for the vendors and all of their antique items. Visitors will be able to browse and purchase items such as 18th and 19th century American and continental furniture, rugs, paintings, ceramics, glass, silver, jewelry, needlework and other decorative arts.<\/span><\/p>\n

The show, which typically attracts over 2,000 visitors and collectors every year, will hold a preview party on April 1 from 5-9 p.m. Regular show hours are April 2 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and April 3 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.<\/span><\/p>\n

Special events will include a lecture, \u201cJust for Fun: Ceramics, Glass & Humor\u201d by Leslie B. Grigsby, Senior Curator of Ceramics & Glass at Winterthur. The lecture will be held on April 2 at 1 p.m.<\/span><\/p>\n

The roster of participating dealers includes A Bird in Hand Antiques,\u00a0Bill Kelly Antiques,\u00a0Britannia House Antiques,\u00a0David Pownall Willis, Dennis Raleigh Antiques and Folk Art, Dixon-Hall Fine Art,\u00a0Dover House Antiques,\u00a0Edward J. Rayeur Antiques, H.L. Chalfant American Fine Art & Antiques,\u00a0Greg K. Kramer & Co.,\u00a0Hanes & Ruskin Antiques,\u00a0Hilary and Paulette Nolan, Holly Peters Oriental Rugs,\u00a0and James Gallagher.<\/span><\/p>\n

Also participating will be\u00a0James M. Kilvington, Inc.,\u00a0Johanna Antiques,\u00a0Joseph J. Lodge,\u00a0Kelly Kinzle Antiques,\u00a0Malcolm Magruder, Leatherwood Antiques, Lorraine Wambold Fine Estate Jewelry, Marc Witus Antiques,\u00a0Margaret J. Sutor Antiques,\u00a0Maria and Peter Warren Antiques,\u00a0Paul J. DeCoste Antiques,\u00a0Port R.M. Worth Antiques, Inc.,\u00a0Roger D. Winter, Ltd.,\u00a0Salt Box Antiques, and Mark and Marjorie Allens.<\/span><\/p>\n

The roster also features School House Farm Antiques,\u00a0The Antique Store In Wayne,\u00a0The Haneberg\u2019s Antiques,\u00a0The Philadelphia Print Shop, Ltd.,\u00a0Thomas Brown Antiques,\u00a0Van Tassel Baumann American Antiques,\u00a0Wesley T. Sessa Antiques,\u00a0West Pelham Antiques,\u00a0William Hutchison Books-Prints-Paintings, and\u00a0William R. and Teresa F. Kurau, Schiffer Publishing, Schwarz Gallery, Shaeffer\u2019s Antiques,The Norwoods’ Spirit of America, and W.M. Schwind Jr. Antiques and Fine Art.<\/span><\/p>\n

General admission tickets for the Chester County Antiques Show are $15.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"brandywine<\/a>The new exhibit at the Brandywine River Museum of Art (Route 1, Chadds Ford, 610-388-2700,\u00a0www.brandywinemuseum.org<\/span><\/a>) — \u201cThe Poetry of Nature: A Golden Age of American Landscape Painting:\u201d — is scheduled to run through June 12.<\/span><\/p>\n

Masterworks by Thomas Cole, Asher Durand, John F. Kensett, William T. Richards, William L. Sonntag, and other giants of the Hudson River School will be on view in the colorful exhibition.\u00a0Organized by the New-York Historical Society from its vast holdings of works by the Hudson River School, the exhibition features over 40 paintings created between 1818 and 1886.<\/span><\/p>\n

More than 25 celebrated American artists, also including Albert Bierstadt, Thomas Chambers, Sanford Gifford, Thomas H. Hotchkiss, Jervis McEntee, Louisa Minot, Francis A. Silva and Josephine Walters will be represented in the exhibition.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Hudson River School is considered the first art movement in the United States and one that developed a distinctly American vision of the landscape. These artists were inspired to explore the landscape by the writers of their time whose stories, essays and poems extolled the pristine, primeval quality and symbolic virtue of America\u2019s natural beauty.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hudson River artists\u2019 powerful interpretations of American scenery are illuminated in the exhibition\u2019s arrangement highlighting the regions they frequently painted\u2014along the Hudson River, through the Catskill Mountains and other regions of New York, and beyond to New England and the mid-Atlantic states.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Brandywine River Museum of Art is open daily from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for seniors (ages 65 and over), $6 for students and children (ages 6-12) and free for children (under six) and Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art members.<\/span><\/p>\n

Over the years, the Brandywine Valley has built a reputation for being horse country \u2013 an area with horse farms and an annual calendar loaded with equestrian events. Each year, the local calendar features an array of top-flight horse shows, dressage events, Grand Prix events and point-to-point races.<\/span><\/p>\n

The 2015 season will get into gear this weekend with the 74th Annual Brandywine Hills Point-To-Point Races, which will be held April 3 on the grounds of the Brandywine Valley Association\u2019s 318-acre Myrick Conservation Center (1760 Unionville-Wawaset Road, Unionville, 610-793-1090, www.brandywinewatershed.org<\/span><\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n

\"brandywine<\/a>

The 74th Annual Brandywine Hills Point-To-Point Races will be held Sunday.<\/p><\/div>\n

The Brandywine Valley Association\u2019s popular annual early-spring event is a family-oriented event which also features an array of activities for youngsters, including crafts activities.<\/span><\/p>\n

Gates will open at 11 a.m. and children\u2019s activities such as \u201cPennies in the Hay\u201d, face painting and stick pony races slated to get underway at 11:30 a.m. The steeplechase racing event features a challenging three-mile course with 17 timber jumps.<\/span><\/p>\n

The competition will begin at 12:30 a.m. with the Small Pony Race. The Large Pony Race will be next followed by the Lead Line Pony Race, the Radnor Hunt Foxhound Parade, the Heavyweight Race, the Novice Race, the Open Race and the Owner-Drive Foxhunter\u2019s Race.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There will also be a vendor area featuring dealers with a wide variety of horse and racing items as well as vendors with hot and cold food items and beverages. Another special attraction this year will be a raffle with an array of impressive prizes. Tickets are $20 per car.<\/span><\/p>\n

This weekend includes First Friday and that means special events in some of the area\u2019s towns.<\/span><\/p>\n

The First Friday Art Stroll (http:\/\/historickennettsquare.com<\/span><\/a>) will be held in downtown Kennett Square on April 3 from 6-9 p.m. The Art Stroll is a monthly celebration of the local art scene as it is showcased in the galleries, shops and restaurants throughout town.<\/span><\/p>\n

Residents and visitors are encouraged to stroll the tree-lined streets and browse the many businesses that stay open late. After 5 p.m., visitors can enjoy free parking anywhere in the Parking Garage and at any of the street meters.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Evening-of-the-Arts-<\/a>\u201cEvening of the Arts\u201d will take place on April 1 from 5-8:30 p.m. in the Genesis HealthCare Building, which is located at 101 East State Street in Kennett Square.<\/span><\/p>\n

The roster of participating artists includes Lele Galer, Carol Lesher, Jeremy McGirl, Charlie Metzger, Diane Cannon, Signe Sundberg-Hall, Timlyn Vaughan, Polly Davis Chalfant,\u00a0Kyle Whary, Peter Willard, Sue Ciccone, Francine Dailey, Doris Davis-Glackin, Matthew Reinert, Favi Dubo, Dave Eldreth, Victor Mordasov, PinkCow Studio, Sandra Severson, Diana Eldreth, Susan Myers, Sandra Sigley and Andrew Snyder.<\/span><\/p>\n

West Chester will also be celebrating First Friday (downtownwestchester.com<\/span><\/a> ) on April 1. Shops and boutiques will open late and showing off their newest seasonal fashions and giftware.\u00a0Visitors will be able to browse the in-store specials while enjoying light refreshments.\u00a0 Parking is free on-street and in parking lots from 8 a.m.-midnight.<\/span><\/p>\n

There will also be First Friday activities in Lancaster from 5-9 p.m. with an arts extravaganza that features exhibitions, performances, unique boutiques, performing groups and professional theater. For more information, visit http:\/\/www.visitlancastercity.com<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"popovich\"<\/a>On April 1 at 7:30 p.m., WCU Live! will present the world famous Popovich Comedy Pet Theater at the Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall in Philips Memorial Building<\/span><\/a>. The show features a family-oriented blend of the unique comedy and juggling skills of Gregory Popovich and his performing pets — each of whom have been rescued from the streets. For ticket information, go to ticketleap.com<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

On April 2 at 7:30 p.m., WCU Live! will host the top-ranking Taiko drummers and Japanese folkloric dancers at the Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall in Philips Memorial Building. The dance troupe from Tamagawa University, Japan, is making a return appearance to West Chester University. The athletic and graceful performances have received rave reviews from national media.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Philips Memorial Building is located at 700 South High Street, West Chester. For ticket information for either performance, go to ticketleap.com<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Lancaster and its surrounding area is filled with Amish people — the \u201cPlain People\u201d who always dress in black or plain dark colors. This weekend, people in Lancaster will get to see the exact opposite — the \u201cOutrageous People\u201d who colorfully dress like comic book heroes, aliens and Anime figures.<\/span><\/p>\n

The colorful — and bizarre — group of people will be in Lancaster to attend Zenkaikon, which is running from April 1-3 at the Lancaster Convention Center (25 South Queen Street, Lancaster, 866-503-3786, https:\/\/zenkaikon.com<\/span><\/a>)<\/span><\/p>\n

The stated mission of Zenkaikon is to promote knowledge and enjoyment of Japanese art, animation, and culture as well as science fiction and fantasy literature and films of all origins.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"zenkaikon<\/a>Zenkaikon was created in 2006 when two Philadelphia-area events merged — Kosaikon, an anime convention held at Villanova University, and Zentrancon, an anime and science fiction convention held on the University of Pennsylvania campus. In 2006, Zenkaikon held its first event at the Valley Forge Convention Center in King of Prussia.<\/span><\/p>\n

The convention, which is one of the most colorful and diverse events on the Lancaster site\u2019s annual calendar, will be a celebration Japanese animation (anime), comics (manga), and pop culture.<\/span><\/p>\n

This\u00a0 year\u2019s Zenkaikon features a wide variety of activities including anime and live action screenings, discussion panels, workshops, costume competitions, concerts by musical guests, game shows, video and table-top gaming, vendors and artists.<\/span><\/p>\n

The roster of special guests includes Alex Strang, Charles Dunbar, Cosplay Burlesque, Dante Basko, Greg Wicker, Ellen Stern, Karl \u201cUncle Yo\u201d Custer, Interrobang Studios, Richard Epcar and Vic Mignogna. Live entertainment will be provided by Eien Strife.<\/span><\/p>\n

Some of the featured events at this weekend\u2019s convention are Cosplay Masquerade, Anime Music Video Contest, Artemis, Artist Alley and autograph sessions. Other attractions are the \u201cDealer Room\u201d, game shows, live action role playing, karaoke and an array of panels and workshops.<\/span><\/p>\n

Zenkaiakon will be held April 1 from 10 a.m.-2 a.m., April 2 from 9 a.m.-2:45 a.m. and April 3 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tickets prices are $60 for \u201cThree-day,\u201d $50 for Saturday and Sunday combination and $25 for Sunday only.<\/span><\/p>\n

There will be an impressive array of exhibits and vendor displays of interest to homeowners at the annual Spring Delaware Home & Garden Show. Sponsored by the Homebuilders Association of Delaware, the show will be presented April 2 and 3 at the Chase Center on the Riverfront (815 Justison Street, Wilmington, Delaware, 302-678-1520, www.delawarehomeshow.com<\/span><\/a>)<\/span><\/p>\n

The expansive list of featured categories by exhibitors includes masonry, gutters, plumbing, solar products, security systems, kitchens, closets, lighting, spas, screens, cabinets, roofing, carpentry, home media, pools, concrete products, insulation, lighting, floors and fireplaces.<\/span><\/p>\n

Additionally, a wide range of services will be represented at the two-day event, including painting, energy audits, pest control, remodeling contractors, lawn maintenance, refinancing, HVAC, cleaning services, landscaping, water filtration and tree services.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to statistics, trade shows offer business owners the most effective way to meet new customers. As a result, show attendees have the opportunity to use the competition among vendors as a great leverage tool in getting good deals.<\/span><\/p>\n

Special activities include workshops on \u201cSpring Containers\u201d and \u201cAirPlant Terrariums\u201d on Saturday and \u201cBackyard Bouquets\u201d on Sunday.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hours for Spring Delaware Home & Garden Show are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $5 at the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

A similar event is scheduled to be held in Delaware County this weekend. From April 1-3, the DelVal Home show will be held at IceWorks (3100 Duttons Mill Road, Aston, phillyexpos.com<\/span><\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n

The event will feature a large number of dealers representing a wide range of home improvement categories — landscaping, contracting, design, entertainment, remodeling, or anything in between.<\/span><\/p>\n

The show, which is free and open to the public, will be open from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on April 1 and 2 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on April 3.<\/span><\/p>\n

Gems aren\u2019t necessarily costly items reserved for wealthy. They actually come in a wide variety of styles and price ranges. As a result, there are many beautiful stones that are both aesthetically pleasing and relatively inexpensive.<\/span><\/p>\n

A wide variety of gems and jewelry as well as fossils and stones of all sports will be on display and available for purchase at a special event this weekend.<\/span><\/p>\n

On April 2 and 3, the Delaware Valley Paleontological Society and the Philadelphia Mineralogical Society are presenting their \u201c36th Annual Philadelphia Mineral Treasures and Fossil Fair\u201d show and sale at the LuLu Shriners Temple (5140 Butler Pike, Plymouth Meeting, 610-828-9050, http:\/\/dvps.essentrix.net\/fossilfair.htm<\/span><\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n

The event will feature exhibits of outstanding specimens from society members\u2019 personal collections. The event will also offer a variety of learning activities including a fossil dig for children, displays of local and regional finds and a mineral identification table.<\/span><\/p>\n

Other special attractions include \u201cKid\u2019s Fossil Dig and Minerals Corner\u201d (with free mineral gifts), a fluorescent minerals room, lapidary and jewelry displays, educational materials, door prizes and a food and beverage concession. There will also be a special exhibit by the Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences.<\/span><\/p>\n

Additionally, there will be a sales area featuring more than 30 dealers from around the country. These dealers will be selling fossils, minerals, crystals and jewelry from all over the world, along with books, decorative items and other merchandise.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Fair will run from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $5 for adults and $1 for children (under 12).<\/span><\/p>\n

This weekend also marks the first day of Delaware County\u2019s trout fishing season. Newlin Grist Mill (219 South Cheyney Road, Glen Mills, 610-459-2359, www.newlingristmill.org<\/span><\/a>) will celebrate \u201cTrout Fishing Opening Day\u201d from 9 a.m.4 p.m. on April 4.<\/span><\/p>\n

The site has stocked its three ponds with trout and is ready for the arrival of the anglers. On Saturday, anyone who has caught fish they don\u2019t want to take with them can donate them to feed injured birds as part of a program the site shares with the Tri-State Bird Rescue.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

A weekend full of fun, local events and happenings By Denny Dyroff,\u00a0Staff Writer, The Times Spring is bursting out all over — especially at Longwood Gardens (Route 1, Kennett Square, 610-388-1000, www.longwoodgardens.org). Visitors to Longwood this weekend will be able to say goodbye to the old and hello to the new. Longwood\u2019s \u201cOrchid Extravaganza\u201d opened […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":18933,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[25,4,1],"tags":[5951,562,7286,2415],"class_list":["post-18931","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-community","category-featured","category-uncategorized","tag-brandywine-hills-point-to-point","tag-brandywine-river-museum","tag-chester-county-antique-show","tag-longwood-garden"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18931","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=18931"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18931\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":18934,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18931\/revisions\/18934"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/18933"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=18931"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=18931"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=18931"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}