An extra thanks to April Swe who helps make this weekly update a possibility each week.

July 28 - August 3

The weather-- Hot and sunny for the first part of the week.  Hydrate and Sunblock the kids!

EAA AirVenture
EAA Aviation Center, 3000 Poberezny Road, Oshkosh, WI 54902
Now through Sunday July 30
Adult $32, Student (14-18) $18, Youth (8-13) $13, (7 & under) FREE
http://www.airventure.org/2006/events/kidventure.html
This is not close or cheap, but it's quite an adventure.  This is the largest airshow in the world!  What makes it great for kids is their KidVenture area with tons and tons of stuff for kids.  They have pedal powered airplane cars, hands on remote controlled airplane lessons, build your own gliders, interactive booths, and more.  The main AirVenture area includes tours of many different airplanes. 

If you go, bring a wagon or oversized stroller (the off-road type).  Fill it with plenty of drinks, snacks, sun block, and some airplane related toys/trinkets from the dollar store.  They have food on-site and a gift shop, but expect to pay a premium.  Expect to do some major walking-- much of it through fields.  Don't expect to see any air conditioning along the way-- so if it's really hot, be prepared!  Some of the airshow airplanes are loud-- really, really loud!  So bring ear protection for anyone with sensory issues.  Oh, and one last challenge... the highway system is not designed to handle the type of traffic that will be there with you, so expect a small traffic jam on your way in and out.  Gee, I sure hope this paragraph hasn't talked you out of going, because it really is a fun event despite the challenges for families.

Fiesta Hispana
Warner Park, Shreman Avenue 255-3018
Saturday, July 29, 2006 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM
http://centrohispanomadison.org 
Fiesta Hispana is the premier latino and hispanic cultural festival in the Dane County area. All activities are free including parking. Authenic food is available for purchase throughout the day.

Main Stage
11:00 AM to 12:15 PM DJ's Latin American Music
12:15 PM to 1:00 PM Argentine Tango
1:15 PM to 2:15 PM Tony Castaneda's Latin Jazz Sextet
2:30 PM to 3:15 PM Taiwanaku-South American Folkloric Dance
3:30 PM to 4:00 PM Fiesta Hispana/Latino Arts Youth All-Stars
4:15 PM to 5:15 PM Candela-Bachata, Cumbia, Salsa
5:45 PM to 6:45 PM Ballet Folkorico de Mexico
7:00 PM to 7:30 PM Fiesta Hispana/Latino Arts Youth All-Stars
8:00 PM to 10:00 PM Central American All-Stars featuring Guillermo Anderson, Romulo Castro and Gregorio Landau

Youth Tent
4:00 PM to 5:00 PM Guillermo Anderson
5:15 PM to 6:00 PM Fiesta Hispana/Latino Arts All-Stars
6:15 Pm to 7:15 PM Lirica Secreta-Reggaeton
7:30 PM to 9:00 PM Hispanic Panic/Elements of Change

Oregon National Night Out Against Crime
Oregon Area Fire/EMS District 131 Spring St. Oregon, WI 835-3697
Tuesday, August 1, 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM
http://www.oregonwi.com 
Activities at Oregon Area Fire/EMS station and along Spring Street include free food, tours of police cars, fire trucks, ambulance and public works equipment, safety demonstrations, games & business booths. A safety skit will be performed at 6:30pm and safety games for kids will take place at 7pm.

Lakeside Cinema - Dick Tracy
UW Union Terrace
Monday, July 31, 8:30 pm
http://www.union.wisc.edu/film 
Enjoy free films on Mondays at dusk (approximately 8:30) on the Memorial Union Terrace! It's like an old-time drive-in without the cars. With Lake Mendota as the backdrop, come down to the Union, grab something from the Brat Stand, Lakefront on Langdon or the Rathskeller and enjoy this summer's theme, "Books on Film." Memorial Union - Terrace. Free!

Kids Day at the Zoo 
Henry Vilas Zoo, 702 S. Randall Ave.
http://www.zoobenefit.com/   
http://www.vilaszoo.org/  
July 29, 9:30a.m. - 2:00p.m.
A highlight of the Kids day will be an announcement of the GO passport winner. Physicians Plus kicked off the GO (Get Out) program at Kids day last year, getting over 10,000 children to participate this year in a campaign that shows it "pays to play", keeping keeping them healthy, active and engaged.
Physicians Plus will be presenting the winning passport holder a Rainbow Play Structure and kicking off another exciting year at the Kids Day Event.

Get your new passport and start getting some stamps right here at the Zoo. Green Bay Packer Legends Gilbert Brown, Santana Dotson, Brian Williams and Gary Ellerson will join us for Kids Day, giving "Autographs for Action" , 10:30- 12:30, awarding autographs to children who perform simple physical activities, sharing Super Bowl stories and celebrating the GO program. 

Giggle, Wiggle, Jiggle: Baby Does Disco With DJ Nick Nice
Saturday, July 29 12:00noon-4:00pm - $4 ($12 family of four) 255-5900
Café Montmartre 127 E. Mifflin St. 255-5900
DJ Nick Nice spinning parent-friendly and kid-approved tunes!
Juice and snacks provided; special family menu available; bar will be open.  An opportunity for parents to socialize while their kids dance to the best boogies from the '70s and beyond.  This activity is best suited for the 5 and under crowd.  I would highly recommend it.

First Act Children's Theatre's "The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe"
Stage version of C.S. Lewis' classic
Oakwood Village-West 6201 Mineral Point Rd. 230-4699
Friday, July 28 6:30 pm Free 358-9572
A wonderfully staged version of this exciting children's story, complete with all of the original characters! Suitable for children age 3 and up.  The Friday evening performance (6/28) is open to the public. Seating begins at 6:15 and the curtain is at 6:30. Seating is limited to 250 and there are no advanced reservations. The show is free of charge.

Atwood Summerfest
Atwood Community Center fund-raiser
Atwood Avenue's 2000-2100 blocks 241-1574
Saturday, July 29 12:00noon-7:00pm
http://www.atwoodcc.com 
Join the residents of Madison's near east side for the return of this great neighborhood celebration. The fest has games and activities for kids, food and craft vendors, street entertainment and multiple stages with live music.

The festival needs street entertainers, food vendors, crafters and artists of all kinds. If you would like to participate as a vendor or volunteer, call 241-1574 ext. 30.

All proceeds benefit the programs of the Atwood Community Center. The Center is one of the busier neighborhood centers in Madison. Atwood Community Center offers programs for preschool through teens, programs for older adults, a community transportation program, a free community meal and a walk-in food pantry.

All Three Stage line-ups set for Atwood Summerfest
The 24th Annual Atwood Summerfest, sponsored by the Atwood Community Center, will be Saturday, July 29, 2006, from Noon-7 pm.

Harmony Bar Stage
12:00 The Buffali
1:00 The Midwesterners
2:10 World's Greatest Lovers
3:20 Benefits of Being Paranoid
4:30 Madison Jazz Orchestra
6:00 Paul Cebar and the Milwaukeeans

Maximum Ink / Berghoff Rock Stage
12:00 Baghdad Scuba Review
1:15 Yid Vicious
2:15 Reptile Palace Orchestra
3:30 Rockstar Gomeroke
4:45 Adam Isaac & the People
5:45 Supa Ranks and his Rock Stone High Power

Mennenga Tax and Financial Service Family Stage
12:00 Banana Lady
1:15 Estudiantina Panamericana
2:15 Steve & Friends
3:15 Salaam Shalom
4:15 Eliza Tyksinski

Madtown Liberty Players: "Liberty and Justice: A Love Story"
5:15 pm

http://madlibplayers.org 
players@madlibplayers.org 

Liberty and Justice's loving partnership is under attack from Wisconsin's pending marriage ban amendment! Who can stop the mustachioed, axe-wielding Amendment's wanton destruction, and save true love? Political street theater with 8-foot tall giant puppets at Atwood Summerfest, by Madtown Liberty Players.

Sugar Maple Traditional Music Festival
Lake Farm County Park 4330 Libby Rd. 241-9152 Madison
Friday, July 28 - Saturday, July 29
http://www.sugarmaplefest.org 
The Four Lakes Traditional Music Collective (FLTMC) has announced artistic line-up for its annual Sugar Maple Traditional Music Festival, which returns July 28-29, 2006 to Lake Farm County Park in Madison.

More information, schedules, music workshops and kids activities will soon be announced at www.sugarmaplefest.org.

ADVANCE TICKETS AVAILABLE AT…
Willy Street Co-op, 1221 Williamson Street, (608) 251-6776; The Exclusive Company, 508 State St, (608) 255-2433; The Exclusive Company, 7475 Mineral Point Rd. (608) 829-2066; Spruce Tree Music, 851 East Johnson, (608) 255-2254

Ticket prices:
2-Day Pass: $22 (early-bird pricing thru June 29 only!), $28/adv; Friday: $13/adv, $15/gate; Saturday: $17/adv, $20/gate; 12 & under FREE/gate; $1 donation to Dane County Parks Commission per ticket included.

TENT STAGE FRI. 7/28, 4:30-10PM
01:00pm - gates open camping check-in begins
04:30pm - Caravan Gypsy Swing (Hot jazz from Wisconsin - www.hotstringswing.com/)
05:40pm - Mike & Amy Finders Band (Folk/grass from Iowa - www.mikeandamyfinders.com/)
07:00pm - Guy Davis* (Rural blues from New York - www.guydavis.com/)
08:30pm - Lost Bayou Ramblers* (Cajun from Louisiana - www.lostbayouramblers.com/)
10:30pm - park closes to non-campers
*Indicates Performance and Saturday Workshop (see Learning Stage)

TENT STAGE SAT. 7/29, Noon-10PM
11:00am - gates open
12:00pm - DitchLilies (Old-time from Minnesota - www.myspace.com/ditchlilies)
01:30pm - the everybodyfields* (Appalachian from Tenn. - www.theeverybodyfields.com/)
03:00pm - Kevin Tubb & the Lonely Stars (Americana from Wisconsin - www.kevintubb.com/)
04:25pm - Hunger Mt Boys* (Early country from Mass. - www.hungermountainboys.com/)
05:45pm - Lost Bayou Ramblers* (Cajun from Louisiana - www.lostbayouramblers.com/)
07:00pm - Audie Blaylock & Redline* (Bluegrass from Michigan - www.audieblaylock.com/)
08:45pm - Devil in A Woodpile* (Ragtime/blues from Illinois - www.devilinawoodpile.com/)
10:30pm - park closes to non-campers
*Indicates Performance and Saturday Workshop (see Learning Stage)

LEARNING STAGE SAT. 7/29, Noon-7:30pm
12:30pm - Kay Weeden (bilingual kids' music and stories)
01:30pm - Kids activity area opens
01:35pm - workshop tbd
02:35pm - David Landau (kids' music and sing along)
03:45pm - workshop tbd
04:40pm - workshop tbd
05:35pm - workshop tbd
06:35pm - workshop tbd
08:00pm - camp fire open jam
10:30pm - park closes to non-campers

Sat 7/29/06 2:00: pm Art of the Slide - A rare, if not once-in-a-lifetime, chance to learn slide steel and acoustic blues guitar from Madison Native Joel Paterson together with Red House recording artist Guy Davis.

ALL-STAR Saturday
STAR Cinema 6091 McKe Road - Hwy PD Madison / Fitchburg, WI
Saturday, July 29, 2006 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
$5.75 a ticket (Cash only, no passes accepted) 
shammer@icc-wi.org 
http://icc-wi.org 
ICC is a nonprofit organization that imagines the capacity of a child with a disability when parents, school teachers, classmates and the community have a wide and diverse array of tools to support that child reaching his or her fullest potential.  This move event features: Lower movie volume Higher theatre lights “Break area” available Accepting and Inviting atmosphere Seats are limited: Please reserve your seats today by calling 204-6246 ex. 62 or e-mailing shammer@icc-wi.org. Portions of proceeds will go to benefit ICC to continue to make events like this possible.

Music at Greenway Station
Saturdays 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Greenway Station Shopping Center, Middleton WI
http://www.greenwayshopping.com/promotions.asp
FIND YOURSELF IN THE GROOVE - Find yourself enjoying the sounds of summer at Greenway Station with FREE live performances by top area musicians. Bring a chair or blanket and kickback and relax while music fills the air. Concerts take place near Cold Stone Creamery.  Bring a picnic dinner to enjoy during the music for an inexpensive evening out as the restaurants get really crowded during events there.

• July 29 Ken Wheaton Quartet gershwin, porter, rogers & hart classics

• August 5 Primitive Culture funky, bluesy and reggae grooves

• August 12 OD TAPO IMI Steel Drum Trio island music and high energy fun

• August 19 Gerri DiMaggio and World Jazz sultry jazz vocals

• August 26 Michael Massey piano driven pop and rock originals

WaunaFest
Thursday July 27 to Sunday July 30
Centennial Park, Waunakee 849-5977
http://www.waunafest.org
Waunafest is a annual community event featuring a carnival, craft fair, softball and volleyball tournaments, 10K run, beer tent, food stands, variety shows, bands, entertainment and much more!

Carnival & midway, food, entertainment. Thursday: Teen dance 7:30 pm ($5). Friday: Talent show semi-finals 4:30 pm, Denny Dean & the Cadillac Cowboyz 9 pm. Saturday: Run 8 am (registration 6:30 am, Village Park, $18), craft show 9 am-5 pm, Super Tuesday 9 pm. Sunday: Parade noon, talent show finals 3 pm, Bob Klinger Band 3 pm. Schedule: www.waunafest.org or 849-5977

Family Night at Camp Randall
Camp Randall Stadium, 1440 Monroe St. 262-1440
Tuesday, August 1 5:30pm
http://www.uwbadgers.com/sport_news/general_sport/headlines/full_story.aspx?story_id=2006_07_07_06_56_50_gs 
Free family-friendly event for all ages, starting at 5:30 pm, 8/1 at Camp Randall Stadium, with music by the Cash Box Kings 6 pm, showing of the movie (on the huge videoboards), "The Incredibles," 7:30 pm, plus Bucky Badger, face-painting, balloon artists & inflatable games. Families encouraged to bring blankets & picnic food and enter through gates 1 & 4. Free parking in UW Lots 16, 17, 18 & 19. No grills, pets, alcohol, chairs, glass containers or chewing gum please. Concessions available. 262-1440

The event, which is free of charge and open to all Badger fans, features a variety of activities. Stadium gates will open at 5:30 p.m. The Cash Box Kings, a Madison-area blues band, will play at 6 p.m. Bucky Badger will be there, along with a face painter and balloon artist, inflatable games and more.

Bucky's Locker Room and stadium concession stands will be open throughout the evening.

Summer Fun Daze
Saturday, July 29, 11 am-9 pm
Downtown Mazomanie 795-4909
http://www.mazomaniemills.com/summerfun.htm  
Rediscover downtown Mazomanie at the first-ever "Summer Fun Daze." This family-focused event has everything a summer day needs—live music, children's activities, food, frozen treats, sidewalk sales, organic farmers' market, art exhibits and plenty of fun! www.mazomaniemills.com 

Toddler Story & Stroll: Butterfly Edition
Olbrich Gardens 3330 Atwood Ave. 246-4550
Tuesdays July 25-August 8, 10:00am $3/child ($6 series). 246-4550
http://www.olbrich.org 
The Toddler Story and Stroll is for children who are walking up to age 4. The cost for each class is $3 per child for the public, and $2 per child for Olbrich Botanical Society members. The cost for the entire series (3 sessions) is $4 per child for Olbrich members and $6 per child for the general public. An adult must accompany children, and adults attend free. Registration is not required.

For more information, call 608-246-4550. For membership information, call 608-246-4724. Olbrich Botanical Gardens is located in Madison, Wisconsin on the shore of Lake Monona at 3330 Atwood Avenue. Visit Olbrich's website at www.olbrich.org.

Capital Brewery
7734 Terrace Avenue, Middleton
Friday, July 28th Westside Andy/Mel Ford Band 6:00PM-9:00PM
Sunday, July 30th Africa Alive!! 1:00PM-6:00PM
Wednesday, August 2nd Good Neighbor Night
http://www.capital-brewery.com/events/music.html
www.kidlinksworld.org 
Don't forget to pack your picnic, picnic blanket, toys (think large plastic cars), bug spray, and camera.  If you haven't been, there are always at least 30 kids running around and the whole place is fenced in (except for a small passageway just to the right of the stage-- keep your eye on it).  It is one of the easiest family venues for live music.

On Sunday there is a great event that benefits children in South Africa.  Here is the scoop:

ENTERTAINMENT:
Tani Daikite and the Malian Blues Band
Phat Phunktion
African Dancers and Drummers

Crafts for Sale, Kids Entertainment, Food Vendors, Door Prizes, Silent Auction and other festivities! For more information visit www.kidlinksworld.org 

Africa Alive will take place at Capital Brewery in Middleton on Sunday July 30th from 1.00pm - 6.00pm, Suggested Donation will be $10.00 at the door, $5.00 for kids under 16 years old. A Beer tasting and tour will take place at 2.00pm and 4.00pm for an additional $2.75 per person. Live Music, Dancing, Drumming, Crafts for Sale, Kids Entertainment, Food Vendors, Door Prizes and other festivities will take place!

KidlinksWorld is a Wisconsin Non Profit organization Whose goal is to organize events that bring people and cultures together to support Aids orphans in Africa.

KidlinksWorld Inc is a recently formed, Madison-based, non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children in our global society and to serving the world's most underserved. In line with these goals, Kidlinks is launching Africa Alive!

The event is a fundraiser for two AIDS orphan projects in South Africa and the Siyazakha School Playground Project in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.

Leratong Pre School , Johannesburg, South Africa When the people of Al! exander Township saw more and more of its people suffering from HIV/AIDS, often parents with small children, one woman decided to take action. She knocked on doors for money to build a small, cheery school that has become a refuge, a positive place where children could come and learn and get one good meal each day. . Through generous donations, Leratong can now house 12 of the most at risk kids and care for 130 others on a daily basis. Kidlinks has been a Leratong sponsor for 3 years and is responsible for the food garden that was built for Leratong two years ago. For more information see www.kidlinksworld.org

Ikageng Itireleng Aids Ministry, Soweto, Johannesburg is a non governmental organization that cares for 912 AIDS orphans spread throughout approximately 300 households in Soweto. Ikageng is not an orphanage; rather the children live in their own homes with the oldest sibling or sometimes a grandmother, running the! home. Ikageng attempts to provide everything parents woul! d provid e for their children. This means food, shelter, education, medical care, clothing, electricity, counseling, etc. Ikageng came to Madison about two years ago, via one of the trustees of the organization and since that time a number of individuals and organizations have supported Ikageng. For more information see www.Ikageng.org.za

Siyazakha School Playground Project
Many schools in South Africa are under funded and have very limited resources. Kidlinks is organizing work groups to rural schools to help upgrade their playground facilities and to help create food garden projects.

This past March, a group of Madison, Wisconsin, Landscape Contractors sponsored by Kidlinks visited South Africa to build a playground at the Ikhwili Primary School in Kei Mouth, Eastern Cape. It was so successful, that the group is planning another trip in January of 2007 to build a garden and play facilities for the adjoining Siyazakha Secondary School.

Mallards Baseball 
Warner Park - 2920 N. Sherman Avenue
Friday, July 28 7:05pm; Saturday, July 29 6:05pm
http://www.mallardsbaseball.com
For family value, minor league ball is 10 times better than the majors!  It's $6 for adults and $4 for kids.  Bring your kids baseball mitts and a few balls.  When they get restless, take them to the hill behind the grandstands to play catch!  Take your camera to get a photo op with the larger than life mallard mascot!

BisonRidge Ranch July Fest
BisonRidge Ranch W5707 Cty Rd D Montello, WI 53949 608-589-5500
Saturday, July 29 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
http://www.bisonridgeranch.com 
OK, it's a bit of a drive away, but this sounded so incredibly off-the-wall that it had to be a fun event!  Here's the scoop...

Visitors will find much to do. There will be wagon rides out to see the bison herd, feed Teddy the Bull and take pictures of the frisky new calves. A tour of the “buffalo hospital” includes a video of an actual fall round-up. There will be pony rides for the kids, provided by Meyers.

Bednarek's Bison is serving bison burgers, brats and ice cold drinks. Timm from WDKM will entertain your with his collection of county classic music and Fritter the Clown brings her face paints and balloons.

BisonRidge Ranch Gift Shop promises many gift and meat specials.

The BisonRidge "Buffaleros" guarantee great family fun rain or shine!

For more information call 608-589-5500 or visit www.BisonRidgeRanch.com

Children's Class: Butterfly Arts and Crafts 
Obrich Botanical Gardens 3330 Atwood Avenue 246-4724
Thursday, July 27, 2006 1:00 PM - Thursday, August 10, 2006
http://www.olbrich.org 
Children will make a different insect art project each week to take home. This one-hour class for kids ages 4 and up is offered every Thursday afternoon during Olbrich's Blooming Butterflies event. Classes are July 20 and 27, and August 3 and 10 from 1 to 2p.m.

The cost is $3 per child for Soicety Members and $4 per child for the general public. Registration is required and deadlines are one week prior to the class. For more information, or to register for the class, call 608-246-4550 or visit Olbrich's website at www.olbrich.org.

Barnes & Noble Activities
#1 East Towne Mall Madison, WI 53704 241-4695
West Towne Mall 7433 Mineral Point Road Madison, WI 53717 827-0809
http://storelocator.barnesandnoble.com/events.do

Jul 29, 2006 10:30 AM		Meet Arthur!		Costume Character		Children's		Barnes & Noble Booksellers East Towne Mall #1 East Towne Mall
Jul 31, 2006 10:30 AM		Amy's Story Corner		Storytime		Toddlers (age 3 and under), Pre-school (ages 3-6)		Barnes & Noble Booksellers East Towne Mall #1 East Towne Mall
Aug 01, 2006 10:30 AM		Various Themes		Storytime		Toddlers (age 3 and under), Pre-school (ages 3-6)		Barnes & Noble Booksellers Madison West Towne Mall 7433 Mineral Point Road
Aug 01, 2006 10:30 AM		Super Sarah Storytime		Storytime		Toddlers (age 3 and under), Pre-school (ages 3-6)		Barnes & Noble Booksellers East Towne Mall #1 East Towne Mall

Aug 01, 2006 02:00 PM		Creativity Camp Write and illustrate your original picture book!		Other		Young Readers (ages 8-12), Writing		Barnes & Noble Booksellers East Towne Mall #1 East Towne Mall
Aug 02, 2006 07:00 PM		Pajamarama		Storytime		Toddlers (age 3 and under), Pre-school (ages 3-6)		Barnes & Noble Booksellers East Towne Mall #1 East Towne Mall

Madison Public Libraries
See below for dates, times, and locations
http://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/calendar/calendar.html
Here is all of the fun stuff going on through the Madison Public Libraries for this week.

Eager Free Library, Evansville
39 W. Main St. 608-882-2260 Evansville  [MAP]
RSVP: 882-2260
http://als.lib.wi.us/EFPL

Tuesday Craft Times for Preschoolers
Library craft times for preschoolers will continue throughout the summer on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. This is a great way to ensure that your child is getting some great experiences with eye-hand coordination. Registration is not necessary for these craft programs.

Thursday Preschool Storytimes
Regular preschool storytimes will also continue throughout the summer on Thursdays at 10 a.m. Summer story time themes include: July 13 - Gardens, July 20 - Hens & Chicks, July 27 - Movement, August 3 - Fish/Oceans, August 10 - Cowboys, August 17 - Moon & the Stars, August 24 - School.

For more information about the summer library program, please call 882-2275, stop at the library, 39 W. Main Street, Evansville or check their website: http://als.lib.wi.us/EFPL.

Madison Children's Museum 
100 State Street 
http://www.madisonchildrensmuseum.com

Here's the schedule of events at the Children's Museum this week.  

Note: Ten school libraries have summer hours
http://www.madison.k12.wi.us/cso/news/summer_library.htm  

Ten school libraries will keep their doors open to readers this summer to provide easy access for city elementary age students to check out books from school libraries. Access to all libraries is open to elementary students throughout the city attending public and private schools.

Schools include the extended learning summer school sites of Gompers, Hawthorne, Huegel, Leopold, and Schenk. Each site opens with the start of summer school on June 19 and runs through July 28 with hours 8 a.m. — noon, Monday-Friday. Hours will change after July 28 with extended hours through August 18 (see attached sheet for hours). Cherokee Middle School will also be open for middle school students, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to noon during extended learning summer school.

Four other elementary schools — Emerson, Franklin, Lindbergh and Muir — will be opened for ten hours each week from June 19 through August 18. Open hours will vary with the site (see below).

The BEAT the HEAT—READ program's goal rests in the belief that children need to read to become better readers. Research shows that higher achieving students read three times as much per week as lower-achieving students. This program is a cooperative effort developed within two divisions of the Department of Teaching and Learning: Library and Media Services and Language Arts and Reading.

Sign Up Now For...

Children's Class: Breakfast for the Butterflies
Obrich Botanical Gardens 3330 Atwood Avenue 246-4550
Wednesday, August 2, 2006 9:00 AM
Wednesday, August 9, 2006 9:00 AM
http://www.olbrich.org 
A behind-the-scenes class that helps Olbirch staff get ready for a busy day with the butterflies. Children will prepare butterfly food and learn about where the butterflies come from and how they are cared for. Classes are for children ages 8 and older and the cost is $4 per child for Society members and $5 per child for the general public.

Registration deadlines are July 20 for the July 26 class, July 27 for the August 2 class, and August 3 for the August 9 class. For more information or to register, call 608-246-4550 or visit Olbrich's website at www.olbrich.org.

Ongoing Activities...

Sunset Celebration @ Memorial Union
Saturdays through August 12
http://www.union.wisc.edu
Returning this year is the Sunset Celebration. Created along the lines of Mallory Square, Key West's historic waterfront, the Sunset Celebration will be held each Saturday night an hour before sundown during the summer starting June 10 and ending August 12. Once the Hoofer Sailing Club steam whistle indicates an hour before each Saturday sunset, invited street performers will exhibit their skills until the sun goes down. Weather permitting of course; in case of inclement conditions, the music will move indoors into the Rathskeller and the Sunset Celebration canceled. As dusk approaches, a designated "Sunset Celebrity" will officially announce the sunset. 

Art Cart
Madison Museum of Contemporary Art
City of Madison - See web site for map
http://mmoca.org
Monday, June 19, 2006 - Sunday, September 24, 2006
MMoCA’s popular outdoor art program hits the road again, bringing art materials and instructors to Madison parks, schools, and beaches on weekday mornings, afternoons, and evenings. See the 2006 Art Cart Schedule and map at http://mmoca.org for more details. If you have a question or are concerned about rainy weather interfering with a scheduled Art Cart appearance, contact Stephanie at 204-3021.  Art Cart is a joint project of MMoCA and Madison School-Community Recreation.

Art Cart Schedule --> http://mmoca.org/education/documents/ArtCartschedule2006_001.pdf 

Storytimes Ages 2-6
University Book Store-Hilldale 702 N. Midvale Blvd. (in the Hilldale Mall) 238-8455 Madison  [MAP]
Fridays - 10:00am 238-8455
Story Time for Children
The University Book Store - Hilldale Shopping Center

Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra's Concerts on the Square
Location Capitol Square Madison, WI 257-0638
Wednesday, June 28 - Wednesday, August 2, 3:00PM - 9:00PM
http://www.wcoconcerts.org
The Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra's Concerts on the Square is a series of six free Wednesday-evening concerts on the the State Capitol Square. 3:00 - blankets can be placed on the Capitol Lawn 5:00 - Kids' Area opens 7:00 - Concert begins

Mad City Ski Team Performance
Law Park (just east of Monona Terrace)
Every Sunday at 6:00pm May 28 until Labor Day - FREE EVENT
http://www.velocitycomputing.com/madcity/index.html
We went to the opening day performance last year.  It's a great show with an even better price--free!  Parking is easy at Monona Terrace, but is a bit of a walk.  Consider bringing the bikes and pack a dinner.  Take a family bike ride along the paved bike path along the lake and have a picnic during the show. 

Weekly Crafts at Michaels Craft Store
Michael's Craft Stores - locations
Every Saturday, 10:00am - Noon - $2
http://www.michaels.com/art/online/static?page=kids_events
10:00am-Noon $2

Latte Da Espresso Lounge Preschool Storytime
864 Jupiter Drive Madison, WI 222-8817 
Fridays, 10:00 am to 11:00 am
http://www.lattedaespresso.net/

Tuesdays at the Castle - Avol's Bookstore
315 W. Gorham St. 255-4730  [MAP]
ages 3-6, 11 am Tuesdays. 255-4730
Trudy Barash reads stories for children ages 3-6 years at Avol's Bookstore, (formerly Canterbury Booksellers).

Muddy Moose Espresso
449 W. Cottage Grove Rd in Cottage Grove (in the Piggly Wiggly Mall, next to the Post Office) 839-5900
YOU ARE INVITED to have fun, get creative, learn something new, and widen your horizons!

NOTE: You must register in advance for fee-based classes (limited space available). Free events are first come, first served.

MONDAY

• AP PRESCHOOL PLAYGROUP - 2nd Monday each month, 9:30 - 11:00. An Attachment Parenting playgroup for preschoolers/older toddlers (28 mos and up). Younger siblings are welcome. Contact kristenok18@yahoo.com for more information.
• PJ STORY TIME - 3rd Monday each month, 6:30 - 7:15 p.m. sponsored by the Friends of the Library with stories read by Interim Library Director, Lisa Selje, bring your teddy bear! Donations toward CG Library accepted.

TUESDAY

• KID CRAFTS ~ TWO NEW TIMES! Every Tuesday, 9:30 - 10:15 AND 10:15 - 11:00 a.m., only $3 for supplies. Different craft project each week. Ages 2 and up. Room for 15 kids in each session.
• PARENT-TO-PARENT SUPPORT GROUP ~ For parents of children on the Autism Spectrum, Fourth Tuesday each month, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. An informal gathering where parents get together to share experiences, ideas and information. For more info call Christine Pavelko at 608-839-8067 or e-mail jcpav@verizon.net. Free.

THURSDAY

• STORY TIME, (Thursday mornings), 9:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. Fun stories for toddlers and preschoolers led by a very fun and energetic mom - Lynn Cooper. Ages 2 and up. Free - but donations toward future CG Library accepted.

FRIDAY

• COMING SOON - FRIDAY NIGHT STUDENT I.D. SPECIALS!!! Special menu, special discounts, special music - all for anyone with a student ID.
• GAME NIGHT every Friday 3:00 - 8:00 p.m. Board games, puzzles, cards - hang out with family and friends for a fun time in our cozy cabin environment.

July 21 - July 27 

The weather-- Cooler all week but watch for rain.

Bike for Boys & Girls Club
Saturday, July 22, 2006 7:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Edgewood High School
bike4bgc@bgcdc.org 
http://bike4bgc.org 
This is a great event that we did in 2003 and 2004 when it was named the Trek Ride for Kids.

Bike for Boys & Girls Club brings family, friends, co-workers and neighbors together for a fun filled ride through Madison one summer morning every year. Money raised helps the Boys & Girls Club of Dane County provide programs that inspire and empower disadvantaged local kids. After you have Crossed the finish line, join hundred of riders at the post-ride party of cold drinks and even colder ice cream. You can get involved as an individual rider or join a team. Cyclists of all ages and abilities can join in on one of three planned routes. Sign up today and bring hope to Dane County kids.

First Annual Wisconsin Dells Airshow
Baraboo-Dells Municipal Airport Baraboo, WI 866-759-8724
Saturday, July 22, 2006 - Sunday, July 23, 2006
I believe this is that airport you see on the right side of the road as you head up towards the Dells on Hwy 12.  Sounds like a promising event.

Headlining the classic aviation event will be the first-ever “American Barnstormers Tour,” which is a nostalgic salute to the daring young men and women who ventured across America during the 1920's seeking fame and fortune in their biplanes.

Other event headliners include a vintage B-25 Mitchell “Pacific Theatre” Bomber from the Collins Foundation, a Douglas DC-3 from the Prairie Aviation Museum, a Supermarine Spitfire, and other exciting airshow aerobatic acts, including Bob Davis, Mike Vakin, Larry Schalsinger, and other airshow acts performing daily from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Additional highlights include aviation displays and demonstrations, food, beverages, concessions, and a unique Baraboo Craft Fair.

Lakeside Cinema - James and the Giant Peach
UW Union Terrace
Monday, July 24, 8:30 pm
http://www.union.wisc.edu/film 
Enjoy free films on Mondays at dusk (approximately 8:30) on the Memorial Union Terrace! It's like an old-time drive-in without the cars. With Lake Mendota as the backdrop, come down to the Union, grab something from the Brat Stand, Lakefront on Langdon or the Rathskeller and enjoy this summer's theme, "Books on Film." Memorial Union - Terrace. Free!

Hoopla at the Zoo - Animal facts by zoo staff & improv by Comedy Sportz
Thursday, July 25 2:00 p.m.
Henry Vilas Zoo, 702 S. Randall Ave., 266-4733
http://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org 
Improv group Comedy Sportz entertains kids and caregivers with hilarious jokes and skits. Zoo staff present fun facts about animals at the zoo. Come early to see the animals and stay for tons of comic fun and face painting.

Wednesday Night Live Concert Series - Westside Andy
Grundahl Park, Blue Mounds Street & Parkway, Mount Horeb, WI 53572
Wednesday, July 26, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
http://www.trollway.com/  
The Summer Frolic presents concerts in the Park every Wednesday evening in July at Grundahl Park. Alternate rain location is Grumpy Troll Brew Pub, 105 S. Second Street.

For more information, please contact: 608-437-5914, info@trollway.com 

Music at Greenway Station
Saturdays 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Greenway Station Shopping Center, Middleton WI
http://www.greenwayshopping.com/promotions.asp
FIND YOURSELF IN THE GROOVE - Find yourself enjoying the sounds of summer at Greenway Station with FREE live performances by top area musicians. Bring a chair or blanket and kickback and relax while music fills the air. Concerts take place near Cold Stone Creamery.  Bring a picnic dinner to enjoy during the music for an inexpensive evening out as the restaurants get really crowded during events there.

• July 22 Michael Massey piano driven pop and rock originals

• July 29 Ken Wheaton Quartet gershwin, porter, rogers & hart classics

• August 5 Primitive Culture funky, bluesy and reggae grooves

• August 12 OD TAPO IMI Steel Drum Trio island music and high energy fun

• August 19 Gerri DiMaggio and World Jazz sultry jazz vocals

• August 26 Michael Massey piano driven pop and rock originals

WaunaFest
Thursday July 27 to Sunday July 30
Centennial Park, Waunakee 849-5977
http://www.waunafest.org
Waunafest is a annual community event featuring a carnival, craft fair, softball and volleyball tournaments, 10K run, beer tent, food stands, variety shows, bands, entertainment and much more!

Carnival & midway, food, entertainment. Thursday: Teen dance 7:30 pm ($5). Friday: Talent show semi-finals 4:30 pm, Denny Dean & the Cadillac Cowboyz 9 pm. Saturday: Run 8 am (registration 6:30 am, Village Park, $18), craft show 9 am-5 pm, Super Tuesday 9 pm. Sunday: Parade noon, talent show finals 3 pm, Bob Klinger Band 3 pm. Schedule: www.waunafest.org or 849-5977

Explore the Outdoors!
Waisman Center Discovery Garden 1500 Highland Ave 263-5837
Sunday, July 23, 2006 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
http://www.waisman.wisc.edu 
Jive outside with the Madgadders Band as they kick off the afternoon with raucous musical merryment for the whole family. The fun continues with surf and turf interactive educational activites - explore a dry-docked kayak and canoe up close while learning paddling and water safety tips from the folks at Rutabaga Paddlesports; perfect you gardening skills and plant your own native plant (to take home!) with a UW Arboretum guide. Face-painting and more!

Warner Park Summer Concert Series: The Tony Casteneda Latin Jazz Sextet 
Monday, July 24, 2006 6:15 PM - 7:45 PM 
Warner Park Shelter 1625 Northport Dr.
khoyer-winfield@nescoinc.org 
http://www.nescoinc.org 
Enjoy a warm evening in the park with the sounds of The Tony Casteneda Latin Jazz Sextet. Food is available.

Toddler Story & Stroll: Butterfly Edition
Olbrich Gardens 3330 Atwood Ave. 246-4550
Tuesdays July 25-August 8, 10:00am $3/child ($6 series). 246-4550
http://www.olbrich.org 
The Toddler Story and Stroll is for children who are walking up to age 4. The cost for each class is $3 per child for the public, and $2 per child for Olbrich Botanical Society members. The cost for the entire series (3 sessions) is $4 per child for Olbrich members and $6 per child for the general public. An adult must accompany children, and adults attend free. Registration is not required.

For more information, call 608-246-4550. For membership information, call 608-246-4724. Olbrich Botanical Gardens is located in Madison, Wisconsin on the shore of Lake Monona at 3330 Atwood Avenue. Visit Olbrich's website at www.olbrich.org.

Capital Brewery
7734 Terrace Avenue, Middleton
Friday, July 21st Sunspot (Rock) 6:00pm - 9:00pm 
http://www.capital-brewery.com/events/music.html
Don't forget to pack your picnic, picnic blanket, toys (think large plastic cars), bug spray, and camera.  If you haven't been, there are always at least 30 kids running around and the whole place is fenced in (except for a small passageway just to the right of the stage-- keep your eye on it).  It is one of the easiest family venues for live music.

Dane County Fair
Alliant Energy Center 
Tuesday-Sunday July 18-23 - Adults $6, ages 5-12 $3, under 5 FREE, free parking
http://www.danecountyfair.com/home.cfm
It's time again for the big fair!  There is a lot to do in one space ranging from animal exhibits, to carnival rides, to live entertainment.  Detailed events schedule is located at http://www.danecountyfair.com/today.cfm. 

Mallards Baseball 
Warner Park - 2920 N. Sherman Avenue
Friday, July 21 7:05pm; Saturday, July 22 6:05pm; Sunday, July 16 6:05pm
http://www.mallardsbaseball.com
For family value, minor league ball is 10 times better than the majors!  It's $6 for adults and $4 for kids.  Bring your kids baseball mitts and a few balls.  When they get restless, take them to the hill behind the grandstands to play catch!  Take your camera to get a photo op with the larger than life mallard mascot!

DeForest Concerts in the Park
DeForest Fireman’s Park DeForest, WI 608-846-2922
Tuesday, July 25, 2006 6:30 PM
http://www.deforest.lib.wi.us/concertsinthepark.htm 
Enjoy terrific family friendly entertainment Tuesday evenings. Cub Scout Pack 35 will be scooping the ice cream and pouring the root beer to make their famous floats and Cabin Time Kettle Corn will be filling the air with the wonderful sound and smell of popcorn to make this a great family event. Hot dogs, and brats will also be for sale at the log cabin.

If you have any questions about the concerts, please feel free to contact the DeForest Area Public Library at 846-5482.

July 25 The Amazing Al Magic Show
Come and enjoy the humor and magical illusions presented by the Amazing Al.

Chase Concerts on the Rooftop at Monona Terrace
Exhibition Hall, Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center
One John Nolen Dr. Madison, WI 608-261-4042
Thursday, July 27 6:00PM - 8:00PM
http://www.mononaterrace.com/community/community_events.html
Spend your summer evenings on the rooftop of Monona Terrace. Listen to some of the area's best music while enjoying the spectacular views of Lake Monona and the Capitol. Community Concerts are open to the public at no charge, so bring your family and friends. Concerts are casual in style. Seating on the rooftop is limited so bring a blanket or lawn chair.

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

JULY
27 Axel Grease- Maximum Retro Rock 'N' Roll

Children's Class: Butterfly Arts and Crafts 
Obrich Botanical Gardens 3330 Atwood Avenue 246-4724
Thursday, July 27, 2006 1:00 PM - Thursday, August 10, 2006
http://www.olbrich.org 
Children will make a different insect art project each week to take home. This one-hour class for kids ages 4 and up is offered every Thursday afternoon during Olbrich's Blooming Butterflies event. Classes are July 20 and 27, and August 3 and 10 from 1 to 2p.m.

The cost is $3 per child for Soicety Members and $4 per child for the general public. Registration is required and deadlines are one week prior to the class. For more information, or to register for the class, call 608-246-4550 or visit Olbrich's website at www.olbrich.org.

Achi-Kids
Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center
One John Nolen Dr. Madison, WI 608-261-4042
Thursday, July 27 6:00PM - 8:00PM
http://www.mononaterrace.com/community/community_events.html
$5 per child per program/ $4 per child for groups of 5 or more - Fee covers material costs
Learn about the art and science of architecture through engaging, hands-on activities for kids age 8-12. A different theme is addressed each week. Advanced registration is required; call 608.261.4062 to register, as space will fill quickly.

July 27 Textile Block Design
Create your own "textile block" like those Frank Lloyd Wright designed for houses in Los Angeles. You will develop your own abstract pattern and then imprint it in plaster. This take home piece will look cool in your house or backyard garden!

Lakeside Kids!
Rooftop - Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center
One John Nolen Dr. Madison, WI 608-261-4042
Wednesday, July 26 - 10:00am - 11:00am
http://www.mononaterrace.com/community/community_events.html
Come to the Monona Terrace rooftop 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.

In the event of inclement weather, program will be moved inside. Please call (608) 261-4042 after 8:30AM the day of event for program location.