{"id":50007,"date":"2022-03-11T09:05:39","date_gmt":"2022-03-11T14:05:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.unionvilletimes.com\/?p=50007"},"modified":"2022-03-11T09:05:45","modified_gmt":"2022-03-11T14:05:45","slug":"what-to-do-after-2-years-covid-cancellations-seem-to-be-over","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.unionvilletimes.com\/?p=50007","title":{"rendered":"What To Do: After 2 years, COVID cancellations seem to be over"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Denny Dyroff<\/strong>, Entertainment Editor, The Times<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"

Longwood Gardens<\/p><\/div>\n

Last year was the 70th<\/sup>\u00a0anniversary of a popular science fiction movie called \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still.\u201d<\/p>\n

This weekend is the two-year anniversary of \u201cThe Weekend the Delaware Valley Stood Still.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was March 13, 2020 when the overwhelming surge in COVID-19 cases forced a standstill for almost all activities and attractions. It was the unluckiest Friday the 13th ever.<\/p>\n

Winterthur\u2019s response to the Coronavirus invasion was:<\/p>\n

We are postponing all public events, programs, and tours and closing our galleries, retail stores and caf\u00e9 through April 30. We are working to reschedule events and we will reach out to you with the new dates.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Winterthur gardens and trails remain open for those looking for peace and beauty in these difficult times.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Longwood Garden\u2019s website posted this message: <\/p>\n

Longwood Gardens is committed to remaining a safe place of beauty and respite for our community.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Our Gardens are open. However, all assembled group activities from March 13-April 22 are canceled.<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Out of an abundance of concern for the wellbeing of our guests and community, and in keeping with the CDC\u2019s guidance to practice social distancing, all concerts, tours, onsite classes, Member events, family and student programming, and lectures are canceled.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

The following was the message on the Hagley Museum website:<\/p>\n

For the health and well-being of our community, Hagley is taking measures to support efforts in response to COVID-19. These are in keeping with the CDC\u2019s guidance to practice social distancing.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

The following measures have been put into place effective March 13 through April 22, 2020:\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Hagley Museum is open for public visitation for walking. Admission will be $7 for adults and $3 for children 6 to 14.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Most buildings will be closed. Buses will not be running, and the \u201cupper property\u201d will be closed.\u00a0 This includes the Eleutherian Mills Residence, garden, First Office, and Barn. The Steam Engine is closed, and modified demonstrations will be conducted in the powder yard.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

The Hagley Store and the Hagley Caff\u00e9 will be closed. Additionally, the Hagley Library will be closed, including on second Saturdays.\u00a0\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Fortunately, the number of COVID cases is going down. Intelligent people have gotten fully vaccinated and mask mandates are starting to no longer be a necessity.<\/p>\n

Cancellation of events and closure of attractions are also becoming a thing of the past.<\/p>\n

Visitors to Longwood Gardens (Route 1, Kennett Square, www.longwoodgardens.org<\/a>) can immerse themselves in a winter wonderland. And they can also enjoy special exhibits at the Orchid House.<\/p>\n

Now through March 27, Longwood Gardens will celebrate a winter wonderland with a special attraction called \u201cWinter Wonder.\u201d<\/p>\n

In the past, Longwood Gardens was always a great place to go from January to April to escape the harshness of winter. Guests could enjoy an amazing array of flowering plants inside the lush and nicely heated Conservatory.<\/p>\n

That has stayed the same this year and \u201cWinter Wonder\u201d adds a new dimension.<\/p>\n

Outdoors, winter\u2019s subdued beauty illustrates how plants can be used for both aesthetic and habitat benefit. Visitors can stroll among the serene landscape of the Hillside Garden or reflect among a symphony of copper and umber hues in the 86-acre Meadow Garden.<\/p>\n

Although subdued colors reign, the occasional burst of bright yellow and orange of blooming witch-hazel dots the landscape, while winter grasses add a textural element.<\/p>\n

Even though winter is a time of dormancy for many plants, it is also a time when plants\u2019 different characteristics are on display \u2013 characteristics such as bark patterns, seed pods and ornamental fruit.<\/p>\n

Wintertime allows the clear details of the garden to come forward and highlights the harmony that a garden builds with its surrounding landscape. The clear light of winter enhances the finer details of the outdoor landscape, from deciduous trees holding onto their late winter leaves to the brown-toned structures of summer-flowering perennials set against a blue winter sky.<\/p>\n

Indoors, there is always the Conservatory.<\/p>\n

This winter, visitors can experience a warm, colorful oasis in Longwood\u2019s grand Conservatory. Vibrant\u00a0Streptocarpus\u00a0\u2018Concord Blue\u2019 baskets float above, pink and purple\u00a0Saintpaulia\u00a0(African-violets) delight, and tall\u00a0Clerodendrum schmidtii\u00a0(chains-of-glory) stun.<\/p>\n

From beds of coral\u00a0Cymbidium\u00a0to a dedicated area showcasing highlights from the site\u2019s vast collection, guests will be able to find hundreds of orchids in spectacular bloom.<\/p>\n

In early March, Longwood\u2019s famed blue poppy (Meconopsis \u2018Lingholm\u2019) returns to the Conservatory. These spectacular flowers\u2014which are native to the high elevations of the Himalayan Mountains\u2014 are grown using precise techniques to force the blue-poppies to flower in March. The substantial petals are a mesmerizing sky-blue color.<\/p>\n

After a major restoration project, the Orchid House\u00a0has reopened at Longwood Gardens.<\/p>\n

The Orchid House, which has a history dating back more than a century, has come back to life with a brand-new glass roof and reimagined gallery-inspired space.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve been to Longwood Gardens before you\u2019ve probably seen the historic Orchid House. But if you come to see it once it has reopened on February 26 as the first expression of\u00a0\u201cLongwood Reimagined,\u201d\u00a0it will be an experience like never before.<\/p>\n

The Orchid House has been completely restored in the same way founder Pierre S. du Pont would have done it himself — with excellence.<\/p>\n

The original concrete aggregate was matched so well that you\u2019d never even know it wasn\u2019t the original. The bronze window framing was cleaned, repaired, and replaced. The tunnels below the space were reworked and a brand-new floor poured.<\/p>\n

The historic bronze cases, first added in 1929 and then restored in 1966 to display the orchid collection, have been returned to their original position at the north end of the house. Before they existed, there was a glass wall in their place, which has now been added to the top of the cases to create a vestibule on the north side of the house, creating the perfect transition from the Acacia Passage now, and the Waterlily Court and West Conservatory in the future.<\/p>\n

The cases themselves have had all of their original pieces restored and are now double-sided. You\u2019re now able to see orchids on both sides of the gates — from the main view inside the Orchid House, and from the vestibule. The same wrought iron gates that have always been there stand in the middle of the cases, yet they\u2019ve been completely restored, and their intricate details, once hidden under layers of paint, are appreciable once more.<\/p>\n

Brand new gravity rings now hold our orchids in place, allowing the plants to be admired as always, but with better functionality and structural integrity.<\/p>\n

Admission to Longwood Gardens is $25 for adults, $22 for seniors and college students, $18 for active military and $13 for youth.<\/p>\n

\"\"

Winterthur<\/p><\/div>\n

Winterthur (5105 Kennett Pike, Wilmington, Delaware, 800-448-3883, www.winterthur.org<\/a>) is fully open and has a pair of special events on its calendar for this weekend \u2013 both on March 12.<\/p>\n

The \u201cGarden Director\u2019s\u00a0Walk\u201d is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m.<\/p>\n

Participants can join Winterthur\u2019s director, Chris Strand, on a special walk highlighting interesting and seldom seen parts of the landscape. Each walk lasts approximately 90 minutes and is included with admission.<\/p>\n

The theme for Saturday\u2019s walk is \u201c<\/em>Snowdrops and Other Minor Bulbs.\u201d<\/p>\n

Other upcoming \u201cGarden Director\u2019s\u00a0Walks\u201d are \u201cWinterhazels and Early Rhododendrons\u201d on April 9 and \u201cAzaleas and Spring Wildflowers\u201d on May 14.<\/p>\n

In case of inclement weather on Saturday, an update message will be left at (302) 888-4915 approximately three hours before the walk.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

The other special event on March 12 is \u201c<\/em>Take a\u00a0Hike!\u201d<\/p>\n

The event, which allows participants to connect with the great outdoors, will start at 2:30 p.m.<\/p>\n

Hikers will be able to explore the site\u2019s trails with Winterthur estate guides. Winterthur\u2019s 1,000-acre estate features 25 miles of walking paths and trails and 10 miles of roads to discover.\u00a0The walk is included with admission.<\/p>\n

\"\"

Bellevue State Park<\/p><\/div>\n

Another event in Delaware with an outdoor vibe will be \u201cFrom Sap to Syrup\u201d which will be presented on March 12 at Bellevue State Park (800 Carr Road, Wilmington, Delaware, 302-761-6963,http:\/\/www.destateparks.com<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Visitors to the park will be able to learn when sap flows, find out what trees are used for making maple syrup, and observe the process of making syrup.<\/p>\n

Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to tap a tree and enjoy a special syrup-tasting with pancakes. The program will be presented on Saturday starting at 10 a.m.<\/p>\n

Tickets for the event are $8 for adults and $5 for children (under 12).<\/p>\n

The \u201cCobbs Creek Maple Sugaring Festival\u201d will be held on March 12.<\/p>\n

The event will be a day of celebrating all things about maple sugar.<\/p>\n

Featured activities include hourly tree tapping tours, sap boiling, pancake and syrup tasting, maple candy making, and more.<\/p>\n

The festival will run from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Cobbs Creek Community Environmental Center, (700 Cobbs Creek Parkway, Philadelphia, www.phila.gov\/2022-02-02-tap-into-philadelphias-many-maple-sugar-events<\/a>).<\/p>\n

The festival will feature Pennsylvania maple syrup for sale \u2013 and free admission.<\/p>\n

\"\"

St. Patrick\u2019s Day<\/p><\/div>\n

Even though next Thursday (March 17) is officially St. Patrick\u2019s Day, this weekend also features some St. Patty\u2019s Day celebrations.<\/p>\n

There were four local St. Patrick\u2019s Day Parades scheduled for this weekend \u2013 Philadelphia, Springfield, Conshohocken and Wilmington — but one bailed because of concerns about inclement weather.<\/p>\n

Dating back to 1771, the Philadelphia St. Patrick\u2019s Day Parade (www.philadelphiastpatsparade.com<\/a>) is one of the city\u2019s longest-running traditional events. It is also one of the oldest parades of any kind in the nation.<\/p>\n

It will be held on March 13 from 11:15 a.m.-3 p.m.<\/p>\n

A procession of drummers, dancers, various performers and Irish bands will move down JFK Boulevard alongside floats decorated in honor of St. Patrick, Ireland\u2019s patron saint.<\/p>\n

The parade will originate at 16th Street and JFK Boulevard.\u00a0 The highly entertaining annual event is free for spectators.<\/p>\n

Prior to the parade, Saint Patrick\u2019s Church (20th and Locust streets) will celebrate with a \u201cCommemorative Parade Mass.\u201d The Mass will begin at 9:15 a.m.\u00a0Prior to the Mass, at 9:00 AM, the Procession of the Grand Marshal\u00a0and the Board Members will be led by the Emerald Society Pipe Band. The National Anthem of Ireland will be sung by Karen Boyce McCollum, and the National Anthem of The United States will be sung by\u00a0Frank Gallagher.<\/p>\n

The Parade takes place every year on the appointed date — rain or shine.<\/p>\n

The Springfield St. Patrick\u2019s Day Parade (http:\/\/www.springfielddelco.org\/home\/current-events.php<\/a>) will get underway on March 12 at noon.<\/p>\n

The parade will begin at West Springfield and South Britton roads and end at Saxer Avenue and Powel Road, with the reviewing stands located in front of Old Central School on Saxer Avenue.
\nThe community is invited to arrive early to enjoy pre-parade festivities at the reviewing stand, beginning at 11:30 a.m. A special Mass will kick off the day at 8:30 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church on Saxer Avenue.<\/p>\n

The Springfield Fire Co. has been selected to be the parade\u2019s 2022 Grand Marshal. In 2020, the fire company celebrated its 100th year of service to the community.<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s parade will include many schools, churches, community organizations, Boy and Girl Scout troops, Irish dance groups, fire companies and more. Plenty of music will also be a part of the fun, with string bands, pipe and drum bands, and high school marching bands. The Delaware County divisions of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians will also participate in this year\u2019s parade.<\/p>\n

People wanting to attend a Patty\u2019s Day parade in Conshy will have to wait two weeks.<\/p>\n

In the interest of public safety due to the forecasted inclement weather, the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, along with the Borough of Conshohocken, have postponed the parade for this Saturday, March 12, 2022. It is re-scheduled for Saturday, March 26, 2022 at 2 p.m. (all parade times remain the same).<\/p>\n

Another festive parade this weekend in nearby Wilmington is the Irish Club of Delaware\u2019s 47th Annual St. Patrick\u2019s Day Parade (www.IrishDE.org<\/a>) on March 12.<\/p>\n

The highly popular annual parade will start at noon at Fourth and King streets, continue up King Street and pause at Rodney Square. The parade will end at 14th and King streets.<\/p>\n

There will also be a \u201cSt. Patrick\u2019s Day Hooley\u201d starting at noon at 14th<\/sup> and King streets. Commemorative mugs are $20 and include free refills.<\/p>\n

\"\"

Laurel Hill Cemetery<\/p><\/div>\n

Laurel Hill Cemetery (3822\u00a0Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, 215-228-8200,\u00a0www.thelaurelhillcemetery.org<\/a>) will have two special events this weekend including one with a St. Patrick\u2019s Day theme.<\/p>\n

On March 12 from 1-3 p.m., there will be a themed event \u2013 \u201cSt. Patrick’s Day Walking Tour & Tastes.\u201d<\/p>\n

The cemetery will celebrate St. Patrick\u2019s Day while honoring the heritage and accomplishments of the city\u2019s proudest Irish souls, now gone to their final reward.<\/p>\n

\u201cTis a festive occasion to be enjoyed by the living, for earth has no sorrows that heaven cannot heal!\u201d is a description offered by Laurel Hill.<\/p>\n

Tickets include specialty treat from Mueller Chocolate Company along with a delightful assortment of Irish potatoes and Irish cream truffles!<\/p>\n

Tour Guides will be Jerry McCormick and Bill Doran.<\/p>\n

Also on March 12, Laurel Hill Cemetery will present \u201cHot Spots and\u00a0Storied\u00a0Plots\u201d walking tour at 10 a.m.<\/p>\n

In life and in death, we all have stories to tell, and what better place to hear tales of wonder than Philadelphia\u2019s most famous home of the dead?<\/p>\n

This tour provides an informative overview of Laurel Hill\u2019s long history, which includes many of the marble masterpieces, stunning views, and legendary stories about Laurel Hill.<\/p>\n

\u201cHot Spots and\u00a0Storied\u00a0Plots\u201d is the perfect introduction for anyone who enjoys beautiful art, scenic nature, and fascinating history. An experienced graveyard guide will offer a unique perspective. No two \u201cHot Spots and\u00a0Storied\u00a0Plots\u201d are alike.<\/p>\n

The tour will take place on\u00a0March 12 at 10 a.m. The Tour Guide will be\u00a0Lora Lewis.<\/p>\n

The Chaddsford Winery (632 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, www.chaddsford.com<\/a>) will host Cheese & Wine Reserve Tastings every Saturday and Sunday in March.<\/p>\n

Visitors can enjoy stops at stations <\/strong>featuring\u00a0locally crafted artisan cheeses from Birchrun Hills Farm carefully paired with the winery\u2019s award-winning wines.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

The pairing lineup is <\/strong>Greeting Cocktail: Chaddsford White Gin Smash, 2019 Sparkling White with Lil Chardy and Apple Jam, 2019 Traminette with Sea Salt and Honey Spread, 2019 Merlot with Equinox and Niagara with Birchrun Blue.<\/p>\n

Sessions will be offered throughout the day at noon, 2 and 4 p.m. \u00a0During the session, Chaddsford Winery staff will lead guests through an educational pairing while providing interesting facts about the featured wines andcheese.<\/p>\n

Advanced tickets are $35 per person, and space is limited.\u00a0Advanced reservations are required<\/strong>\u00a0and are non-refundable.<\/p>\n

Guests under 21 years old are\u00a0not permitted\u00a0to attend a Reserve Tasting. Outside food is not permitted during this program.<\/p>\n

The \u201cWine and Cupcake Pairings\u201d at Penns Wood Winery (124 Beaver Valley Road, Chadds Ford, http:\/\/www.pennswoodsevents.com<\/a>) will be held every Saturday and Sunday in February.<\/p>\n

In addition to its regular tastings, the winery is offering special tastings to celebrate March.<\/p>\n

Penns Wood is adding new and exciting items to its wine and chocolate pairings this year featuring its wines carefully paired with local baked treats.<\/p>\n

This wine and cupcake pairing will consist of four gourmet mini cupcakes\u00a0from\u00a0Dia Doce\u00a0in West Chester paired with\u00a0four of Penns Wood\u2019s premium wines.<\/p>\n

Tickets cost $38 per person in advance and reservations are required.<\/p>\n

The Strasburg Rail Road (Route 741, Strasburg, 717-687-7522, www.strasburgrailroad.com<\/a>) is running a special train on Friday and Saturdays in March \u2013 the \u201cWine & Cheese Train.\u201d<\/p>\n

Passengers can enjoy the luxurious, climate-controlled first-class accommodations and a tasting of select wine, cheese, and crackers as they travel in style down the tracks from Strasburg to Paradise and back. The train departs at 6 p.m. and the total trip time is 45 minutes.<\/p>\n

\u201cWine & Cheese Train\u201d boarding is 30 minutes before the scheduled departure. Riders must be 21 or older and have their photo ID ready when they board.<\/p>\n

Featured wines are carefully selected from Waltz Vineyards, and cheeses are paired accordingly. Beer and select non-alcoholic beverages are also available for purchase upon request. Riders can purchase a souvenir wine glass on board the train if desired. Glasses are $7 each.<\/p>\n

In accordance with Pennsylvania law, alcohol is only served during the train ride. We are not permitted to serve alcoholic beverages while the train is berthed in the station.<\/p>\n

This popular train is available on select Friday and Saturday evenings throughout the season. Tickets are $50.<\/p>\n

The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania (300 Gap Road, Ronks, 717-687-8628, www.rrmuseumpa.org<\/a>), has a special event this weekend that is both fun and educational — \u201cReading on The Rails.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReading on The Rails,\u201d which will be held on March 12, is geared for youngsters. Kids pick up their very own cardboard suitcase and use it to travel from story to story. They can collect a sticker after each story and create their own suitcase design with stickers, crayons, sparkles and other trimmings. As an added attraction they will receive a little gift to put inside their suitcase (while supplies last).<\/p>\n

Stories will take place at 10:15, 11 and 11:45 a.m. and 1:15, 2, 2:45 and 3:15 p.m. among the historic trains in Rolling Stock Hall.<\/p>\n

Some of the featured readers will be Margaret Miller (Judge, Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas), Kelly Osborne (Trooper, Pennsylvania State Police), Amy Banks (Arts & Communications Manager, Ware Center\/Millersville University), Keith Greiner (Representative, Pennsylvania State House of Representatives), Kristin Fernitz (Director, Strasburg Heisler Library), Pamela Hults (Author of \u201cWild Animal ABC\u201d) and Hillary Daecher (Author of \u201cSoar\u201d).<\/p>\n

Tickets are $10 for adults<\/strong>\u00a0(ages 12-64), $9 for Seniors<\/strong>\u00a0(65+), $8 for Youth (ages 3-11) and free for Children (ages 2 and under.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Pennsbury Manor (400 Pennsbury Memorial Road, Morrisville, 215-946-0400, www.pennsburymanor.org<\/a>) is celebrating Founders Day 2022 on March 13 from 1-4 p.m.<\/p>\n

The free program at Pennsbury Manor includes exhibits, Living Theater presentations, blacksmithing, beer brewing, joinery, hearth cooking, and more. A wonderful display of 17th-century foods will be offered by the cooks, who will be on hand to explain the process of open-hearth cooking.<\/p>\n

Tickets are $3 and can be purchased at the door.<\/p>\n

\"\"If you\u2019re a pet owner or just a lover of pets in general, there\u2019s an event for your enjoyment this weekend at the\u00a0Greater Philadelphia Expo Center (Station Avenue, Oaks, 800-677-4677, www.phillyexpocenter.com<\/a>). From March 11-13, the huge convention hall is hosting the Greater Philadelphia Pet Expo.<\/p>\n

The Expo features a huge number of vendors offering virtually everything pet-related including pet food, supplies, training, pet hospital information, treats and lodging. There will also be booths operated by humane groups and rescue services.<\/p>\n

The line-up of special attractions includes\u00a0Gail Mirabella and The Dynamo Dogs, Johnny Peer\u2019s Muttville Comics,\u00a0\u201cFlyball Tournament,\u201d Rainforest Reptiles Show, \u201cRabbit Hopping,\u201d \u201cThe International Cat Association,\u201d and \u201cBeyond Imagination\u00a0Alpaca\u00a0Ranch.\u201d<\/p>\n

Admission is $15 for adults, $13 for seniors and military and $6 for children (ages 4-12). As an added attraction, Friday night is \u201cFamily Night\u201d with all children under 12 admitted free.<\/p>\n

Monster-Mania Con 49 will be held now through March 13 at the Cherry Hill Hotel (2349 West Marlton Pike, Cherry Hill, New Jersey, monstermania.net<\/a>).<\/p>\n

One of the nation\u2019s premier horror film conventions, Monster-Mania Con features an impressive list of celebrities who will be appearing this weekend, including Anthony Michael Hall, Logan Kim, Devin Sawa, Thora Birch, Michael C. Hall, Jennifer Carpenter, James Remar, Erik King, C.S. Lee, David Zayas, Stephen Dorff, James Jude Courtney and Kane Hodder.<\/p>\n

Visitors to the convention will be able to meet the stars, get autographs, browse vendor rooms and enjoy films and special events all weekend long.<\/p>\n

Activities get underway at 5 p.m. on March 11 and at 10 a.m. on March 12 and 13.<\/p>\n

Admission is $30 on Friday and Saturday and $25 on Sunday.<\/p>\n

Now through March 13, the Auto Dealers Association of Greater Philadelphia is presenting the 2022 Philadelphia Auto Show at the Pennsylvania Convention Center (12th<\/sup> and Arch streets, Philadelphia, www.phillyautoshow.com). COVID<\/a> interrupted the show\u2019s annual cycle but now it\u2019s back and it\u2019s better than ever.<\/p>\n

According to Kevin Mazzucola, executive director of the Auto Dealers Association of Greater Philadelphia, \u201cPhiladelphia, it\u2019s time to shift from idle to drive. We\u2019re refueled, recharged and ready to welcome guests back to one of the City\u2019s most beloved events.\u201d<\/p>\n

Spanning more than a half-million square feet, the 2022 Philadelphia Auto Show display floor will include several new features as well as time-honored fan favorites. This year marks the 120th edition of the event.<\/p>\n

One of the 2022 highlights is \u201cThe e-Track,\u201d the show\u2019s first-ever multi-brand electric vehicle test track. At the e-Track, consumers will be able to ride in select manufacturers\u2019 electric vehicles through an indoor track.<\/p>\n

Guests will again be invited to check out the latest and greatest developments from some of today\u2019s leading vehicle manufacturers in \u201cThe Showroom,\u201d which will be in Halls A, B and C of the PA Convention Center.<\/p>\n

\u201cCamp Jeep & Toyota Ride & Drive\u201d gives attendees the ultimate off-road driving experience indoors via a one-of-a-kind 30,000-square-foot track with an exhilarating hill climb. In addition, Toyota will once again offer guests the opportunity to get behind the wheel of several of its latest models via its outdoor Ride and Drive, located at 12th and Arch streets.<\/p>\n

On \u201cBack-in-the-Day Way,\u201d which is located in the Grand Hall, guests will take a trip down memory lane and view vehicles from yesteryear thanks to the Antique Automobile Club of America and Classic Auto Mall.<\/p>\n

Custom Alley will showcase a wide array of tricked-out rides, bikes and the latest in after-market excitement.<\/p>\n

Ticket prices range from $10-$16.<\/p>\n

This Saturday and every Saturday during the winter, the\u00a0Kalmar\u00a0Nyckel Shipyard (1124 East Seventh Street, Wilmington, Delaware, www.kalmarrnyckel.org<\/a>) is hosting \u201cWinter Ship Tours\u201d of the\u00a0Kalmar\u00a0Nyckel.<\/p>\n

Kalmar\u00a0Nyckel\u00a0deck tours are open during the winter “maintenance season” on\u00a0Saturdays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.<\/p>\n

The $10 admission includes a self-guided tour of the Copeland Maritime Center.<\/p>\n

Ship tours will cancel for inclement weather and safety issues due to heavy maintenance work.<\/p>\n

The ship is a beautiful recreation of the original\u00a0Kalmar\u00a0Nyckel, which was built in Holland in the 1620s. Her mainmast is taller than a 10-story building, and she carries 7,600 square feet of sail area and six miles of rigging.<\/p>\n

The original\u00a0Kalmar\u00a0Nyckel was a Swedish-owned, three-masted armed pinnace that sailed from Goteborg, Sweden in November of 1637 and brought the first permanent European settlers to the Delaware Valley.<\/p>\n

In 1986 a group of citizens established the\u00a0Kalmar\u00a0Nyckel Foundation to design, build and launch a replica of the\u00a0Kalmar\u00a0Nyckel at a shipyard adjacent to the original landing site.<\/p>\n

The new\u00a0Kalmar\u00a0Nyckel was constructed there and was launched on September 28, 1997. She was commissioned on May 9, 1998, and now serves as Delaware\u2019s sea-going Ambassador of Good Will. She is a fully functional sail training vessel and has represented Delaware all over the country.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re looking for a fun family activity \u2013 an indoor activity unaffected by the weather \u2014 Linvilla Orchards (137 West Knowlton Road, Media, 610-876-7116,\u00a0www.linvilla.com<\/a>) has something just for you \u2014 the\u00a0miniature golf course \u201cFore! the Planet.\u201d<\/p>\n

Linvilla Orchard\u2019s\u00a0\u201cFore! The Planet\u201d\u00a0is a highly interactive and playful museum exhibit created by the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia. This exhibition pairs important environmental issues with the fun of miniature golf.<\/p>\n

It features 18 unique educational holes on a variety of topics \u2014 butterfly metamorphosis, a tropical rainforest, evolution, dinosaur extinction, food chains and more. Kids of all ages can enjoy playing miniature golf while learning about our environment on every hole.<\/p>\n

The first hole is \u201cButterfly Life Cycle\u201d and players must putt through each stage of the colorful insect\u2019s metamorphosis. The next five holes are titled \u201cSeed Dispersal,\u201d \u201cBat Sonar,\u201d \u201cFood Chain,\u201d \u201cEvolution of a Golfer\u201d and \u201cBackyard Explorer\u201d followed by \u201cNatural Selection\u201d and \u201cPredators and Prey.\u201d<\/p>\n

On the \u201cDinosaur Extinction\u201d hole, players get to hit their balls toward the scientific theory of dinosaur extinction they find most plausible. The remainder of the thought-provoking holes are \u201cRecycling,\u201d \u201cWater Pollution,\u201d \u201cLandfills,\u201d \u201cWild Corridors,\u201d \u201cBird Migration,\u201d \u201cSpawning Salmon,\u201d\u00a0\u201cAlien Species,\u201d \u201cPopulation Threats\u201d and \u201cRainforest Threats.\u201d<\/p>\n

The mini-course is open daily from 9 a.m. through March 27. Tickets are $7.<\/p>\n

\u201cElmo\u2019s Furry Fun Fest\u201d at Sesame Place (100 Sesame Road, Langhorne,\u00a0www.sesameplace.com<\/a>) is happening every weekend now through March 20.<\/p>\n

Guests are invited to visit the park to enjoy an event series during \u201cElmo\u2019s Furry Fun Fest,\u201d a festive, family-friendly celebration with everyone\u2019s favorite Sesame Street friends live and in-person at the amusement park in Langhorne.<\/p>\n

The current special attraction is \u201cSt. Patrick\u2019s Day Celebration\u201d on\u00a0March 12 and 13.<\/p>\n

Every weekend through March, visitors can celebrate treat little loves to a fun day and wish Big Bird a Happy Birthday during his Birthday Weekend.<\/p>\n

Activities include a riding on the Sunny Day Carousel, dancing and grooving during at the \u201cFurry Friends Dance Party,\u201d watching \u201cElmo the Musical, LIVE!\u201d and having fun at the always popular Mini Parades.<\/p>\n

The schedule features \u201cSt. Patrick\u2019s Day Celebration\u201d on\u00a0March 12 and 13, and \u201cBig Bird\u2019s Birthday Pajama Party\u201d on\u00a0March 19 and 20.<\/p>\n

The park will be open from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays now through March 20.<\/p>\n

A good way to get out of the cold weather is to visit Wonderspaces.<\/p>\n

Wonderspaces\u00a0at the Fashion District (27 North 11th Street, Philadelphia,\u00a0philadelphia.wonderspaces.com<\/a>) is an experiential, interactive arts venue.<\/p>\n

Building on the success of annual pop-up shows in San Diego, and its first permanent location in Scottsdale, Arizona,\u00a0Wonderspaces\u00a0opened a 24,000 square foot gallery space in Philly a year ago.<\/p>\n

Wonderspaces\u00a0features 14 art installations that all play with the idea of perspective. The artwork ranges from award-winning virtual reality short film about a dinner party-turned-alien abduction, to a room where visitors digitally paint the walls with the movement of their bodies.<\/p>\n

New artworks rotate in every few months, creating an ever-evolving, year-round show.<\/p>\n

Tickets are for entry at a specific date and time. Visitors are welcome to stay as long as they please during operating hours.\u00a0The average time spent experiencing the show is 90 minutes.<\/p>\n

A few installations contain flashing lights, images, and patterns that may trigger seizures for people with photosensitive epilepsy. All visitors must sign a waiver prior to being admitted into the space. Adult supervision is required for visitors under 16.<\/p>\n

The installation is open from noon-10 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. on Saturdays and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on Sundays.<\/p>\n

Tickets are $24 for adults, $20 for seniors, teachers, healthcare workers, students and active military, and $15 for children (ages 3-12).<\/p>\n

Ghost\u00a0Tour\u00a0of Philadelphia (215-413-1997,\u00a0www.ghosttour.com<\/a>),\u00a0Ghost\u00a0Tour\u00a0of Lancaster (717-687-6687,\u00a0www.ghosttour.com<\/a>) and\u00a0Ghost\u00a0Tour\u00a0of Strasburg (717-687-6687,\u00a0www.ghosttour.com<\/a>) operate throughout the winter and offer an eerily entertaining evening of true\u00a0ghost\u00a0stories and real haunted houses.<\/p>\n

The Ghost Tour of Philadelphia, which is based on the book, \u201cGhost Stories of Philadelphia, PA.,\u201d is a candlelight walking\u00a0tour\u00a0along the back streets and secret gardens of Independence Park, Society Hill, and Old City, where\u00a0ghostly spirits, haunted houses, and eerie graveyards abound.<\/p>\n

Participants can discover the ghost lore of America\u2019s most historic and most haunted city with stories from the founding of William Penn\u2019s colony to present-day hauntings.<\/p>\n

The activity is open year-round \u2013 weekends, December-February; every night, March-November. Tickets are $24.<\/p>\n

The Ghost Tour of Lancaster and the Ghost Tour of Strasburg are based on the book, \u201cGhost Stories of Lancaster, PA.\u201d<\/p>\n

Participants in the\u00a0Ghost\u00a0Tour\u00a0of Lancaster explore the long-forgotten mysteries of one of America\u2019s oldest cities, with haunting tales of otherworldly vigils, fatal curses, and star-crossed lovers. The\u00a0tour\u00a0provides the opportunity to experience 300 years of haunted history from the Red Rose City\u2019s thorny past. Tickets are $18.<\/p>\n

The\u00a0Ghost\u00a0Tour\u00a0of Strasburg is a candlelight walking\u00a0tour\u00a0of the quaint and historic town of Strasburg in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Visitors will experience an entertaining evening with a costumed\u00a0tour\u00a0guide spinning tales of haunted mansions, eerie graveyards, and spirits that roam the night \u2026 in a town lost in time. Tickets are $18.<\/p>\n

This week, Monday will not just be another Monday \u2013 it will be \u201c\u03c0\u00a0Day (Pi Day).\u201d<\/p>\n

Pi Day\u00a0is an\u00a0annual celebration\u00a0of the mathematical constant\u00a0\u03c0\u00a0(pi). Pi Day is observed on March 14 (3\/14 in the\u00a0month\/day\u00a0format) since 3, 1, and 4 are the first three\u00a0significant digits\u00a0of\u00a0\u03c0.<\/p>\n

Celebrations often involve eating\u00a0pie\u00a0or holding\u00a0pi recitation\u00a0competitions. In 2009, the\u00a0United States House of Representatives\u00a0supported the designation of \u201cPi Day.\u201d<\/p>\n

Pi (often represented by the lower-case Greek letter \u03c0), one of the most well-known mathematical constants, is the ratio of a circle\u2019s circumference to its diameter.\u00a0 For any circle, the distance around the edge is a little more than three times the distance.<\/p>\n

Rajveer Meena set the\u00a0Guinness record\u00a0of most pi digits memorized when he recited 70,000 digits in 9 hours, 7 minutes, while blindfolded, on March 21, 2015. Meena is the officially recognized world record-holder by Guinness World Records.<\/p>\n

The North American record for digits of Pi recited belongs to Upper Darby\u2019s Marc Umile who recited 15,314 digits from memory in July 2007.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Last year was the 70th\u00a0anniversary of a popular science fiction movie called \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still.\u201d This weekend is the two-year anniversary of \u201cThe Weekend the Delaware Valley Stood Still.\u201d It was March 13, 2020 when the overwhelming surge in COVID-19 cases forced a standstill for […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":50001,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[13842,7426,8605,369,14386,2952,5023],"class_list":["post-50007","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-community","tag-bellevue-state-park","tag-featured","tag-laurel-hill","tag-longwood-gardens","tag-pet-expo","tag-st-patricks-day","tag-winterthur"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.unionvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/50007","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.unionvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.unionvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.unionvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.unionvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=50007"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.unionvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/50007\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":50008,"href":"https:\/\/www.unionvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/50007\/revisions\/50008"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.unionvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/50001"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.unionvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=50007"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.unionvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=50007"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.unionvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=50007"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}