The beginning of Spring is marked by the Vernal or March Equinox, which happens at 1:32 pm EST on March 20, 2010. This is when the Sun directly crosses the Earth's Equator and the days become longer than the nights. The March Equinox has been celebrated for centuries and there are no shortage of rituals to mark the coming of Spring. You might want to start a few of your own and with that in mind here are a few places and events to help you celebrate the coming of Spring Philly style:
2010 Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival of Greater Philadelphia - Now until April 17th
A centuries old tradition in Japan, this festival is fast becoming a popular Philadelphia tradition. A collaboration between the City of Philadelphia and The Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia, the Festival encompasses the Cherry Blossom 5k Run, Sakura Sunday, and the Subaru Sushi Experience, as well as, a tour of Philadelphia's cherry trees. Yes, we have lots of them and if you visit the Subaru Cherry Blossom website you can log onto a map showing you just where they are. You don't want to miss them when they break into bright pink bloom at the end of the month. Volunteer and help out the Japan America Society with this marvelous event . Email: volunteer@jaspg.org/volunteer.
Spring Into Sendak - March 21, 2010 Live Performance 1pm & 3pm Free with admission
The Rosenbach Museum hosts a lively Spring celebration of children's author Maurice Sendak, best known for his book Where The Wild Things Are, with a dynamic interactive performance inspired by Sendak characters. The 81 year old Brooklyn born author chose the Rosenbach to house his collection of nearly 10, 000 works of art, manuscripts and books. It's an event for children and the children in all of us. The Rosenbach Museum is located at 2008 -2010 Delancey Place in Center City. Call 215.732.1600 for more info
Philadelphia Horticultural Society - Free indoor gardening tips
After yet another successful year of presenting Philadelphia's ultimate Spring celebration, the Philadelphia International Flower Show, the Philadelphia Horticultural Society goes neighborhood with free tips on how to bring a bit of nature into your own natural habitat at the Whitman Branch of the Philadelphia Free Library on 200 Snyder Avenue in South Philly on Wednesday evenings. Call 214.685.1754 for more information or email: citygardening@pennhort.com
Longwood Gardens - Orchid Extravaganza, Now through 3/31/2010
Known for their delicate beauty and exotic character, orchids symbolize strength, luxury and love. Longwood Gardens located in Kennett Square, PA, pays homage to the many facets of this fabled flower through lectures, tours, Jazz and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Orchid Show and Sale. For a schedule of events call Deborah Robinson at 610-827-7445 or visit www.sepos.org
The Phildelphia Area Disc Alliance (PADA) Spring Season Begins
Not for the delicate flower but more for the athletic or the athletic minded, PADA's Men's and Mixed Spring League registration is now open for the Philadelphia area. We're talking Ultimate Frisbee, for the uninitiated. PADA will celebrate it's 25th anniversary this year.Philly is famous for it's Fairmount Park Summer League, which is one of the biggest summer leagues in the world & has been going strong since 1985. "Over 900 players typically participate, from top players in the region to brand new athletes looking to learn the game in a semi-competitive atmosphere." A great league option for brand new players looking to learn is Mixed Spring League. The season starts March 27th and slots fill-up fast.
The Morris Arboreteum of the University of Pennsylvania
Located on Northwestern Avenue in the Chestnut Hill Section of Philadelphia, the Morris Arboretum is home to thousands of rare and beautiful woody plants. It boasts 92 acres with a Victorian landscaped garden, winding paths and tranquil streams. Upcoming Saturday events include: "Wedding and Prom Flowers Made Easy", 'Wellness Walks" and "Open Guided Tours". Call 215.247.5777 for more information
2010 Penn Relays at Franklin Field, University City - April 22nd to April 24th
It's the 116th running of this premiere track and field event with more athletes competing than in the Summer Olympics from more than 60 countries worldwide. You can buy tickets, check-out a seating chart and get all the up to date news on athletes and events on the Penn Relays website. Get your tickets early !
John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum
For the rugged outdoors type who don't want to drive out to the middle of nowhere to appreciate nature you'll find this animal sanctuary in Southwest Philadelphia at 8601 Lindbergh Blvd. with onsite parking (disabled included) the perfect destination. John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge is open every day of the year from sunrise to sunset and is free of charge. It has ten miles of trails and no shortage of animals, including deer, oppossums, fox and raccoon. Birdwatchers have recorded over 300 species residing there and it's right in our own backyard.
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Love this! Thanks...keep up the good work.
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