This weekend, why not do something with the kids? Even if you don't have children in the house, events like the Boy Scout Cub Pack 604's Pinewood Derby on Sunday will give you a chance to beat the winter blahs and enjoy some of the enthusiasm and joy that the kids are always more than happy to share.
The Fairlane Village mall will hold a district-wide derby event in March, but Tuesday Budwash, den leader, said Pack 604, Port Carbon, has moved its own Pinewood Derby event to the mall because it needed the space.
"We have 40 active Scouts and the track is huge, and we just needed more room to set it all up. We did it there last year and it was just wonderful," she said.
The event has contestants - Cub Scouts - racing the small pinewood cars they build themselves against each other.
Sunday's events will begin at 1 p.m. in center court, and the last race should finish around 3 p.m., Budwash said.
The timing is also good for those interested in viewing a derby or just getting out and having fun, or even those who have a few questions about Scouting in general, Budwash said.
The event will include the pack's normal meeting and presentation of awards and advancements. Naturally, those who are non-members cannot participate in anything, (derby participants have already been registered in advance), but the public is welcome to observe and to ask questions, she said. Other Scout troops may also come and observe.
"This is the time of year when the packs start thinking about and doing their own things and it's a fun thing for people to come and watch," Budwash said. "Also, if people have any questions about Scouting or how they can get involved, we will be there to answer them and we certainly welcome anyone to come and see what it's all about."
Also at Fairlane Village and the Schuylkill Mall in Frackville, Snowflake Princess contestants from the Greater Pottsville Winter Carnival will be promenading and selling the annual carnival commemorative buttons. Then, at 3 p.m. Saturday, the youngest contestants -Snowdrops- will present a fashion show.
The show, held in Boscov's auditorium, will be crowded but is a worthwhile visit, said Carol Lee, committee member, organizer and Snowdrop Princess co-ordinator.
"It is usually kind of full, but if you get a chance to peek in and see them it will be worth it," Lee said. "They are just so adorable. The little ones are so cute."
Saturday afternoon, following the annual luncheon at Juliette's in Pottsville, the teenage Snowflake contestants will continue their promenade through the streets of Pottsville.
"It's an annual tradition and one that I think people look forward to," Lee said.
The Snowflake contestants will hold their annual fashion show at 7 p.m. Sunday at Pine View Acres. That event is also open to the public and there are still seats left at just $5 each, Lee said.
Two bridal fashion shows - at 1 and 2 p.m. - will be part of the Bridal Show at the Schuylkill Mall, which runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Numerous prizes will be given out to prospective brides, who can get packets called a "bridal passport" at the Customer Service booth starting at 11 a.m., as well as other drawings that can be entered.