It's still summer, and there's still summery things for both kids and adults to do this week, and into the next. Take Free Fridays, at the Somerset Hills YMCA in Basking Ridge — even if you're not a member, you have a chance to try some activities at either the main YMCA at 140 Mount Airy Road, or the Riverwalk satellite. If your child likes animals and/or shows an interest in things equestrian, you can head on over to Rebel the Pony's annual big party this Sunday at Lord Stirling Stable off South Maple Avenue in Basking Ridge. A variety of farmers' markets and a chance to hear music in an …

This Friday and Saturday is the continuation of one of the state's premier used book sales, the American Association of University Women's famous (well, very well-known) used book sale, held each August at the Bernardsville Middle School. The sale, which reportedly collected about 40,000 volumes in donation this year, is open on Friday from noon to 8 p.m., and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. "This is probably one of the best used book sales in New Jersey," said Bonnie Gould, a Basking Ridge resident, who co-chairs the event. One of the reasons, she said, is that the surrounding Somerset …

There are a lot of things going on for the next several days that have been quite a while in the making. The summer theater camp at Bishop Janes United Methodist Church has been practicing for quite a while before the grades 4 to college age thespians present "Cats" three nights this week. And "Inherit the Wind," the second Plays in the Park presentation by the Trilogy Repertory Co., will stage its performances the same nights, starting at 8 p.m. (Jaye Barre will be at one, Hank the other.) Local police also have been working along with other organizers to present their local version of the …

For those of you who are looking for ways to enjoy your summer, there's plenty of options during the next few days. It's really a staycation to get away to the Quick Chek festival ballooning, now in operation for its 30th year, at the not-very-far Solberg Airport in Readington Township. There's other things to do even closer to home, whether enjoying the next great production of outdoor theater at Pleasant Valley Park in Basking Ridge — a production of "Inherit the Wind," as presented by Trilogy Repertory Co. — or some nearby farmers markets. You also can enjoy either a ride or stroll at Lord…

Summer, of course, calls for outdoor events, such as this week's continuation of Plays in the Park at Pleasant Valley Park off Valley Road in Basking Ridge. "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" continues this Thursday, Friday and Saturday. But some indoor events also get a summery twist this week. For example, learn how to make sweet, cool mango lassi at the Bernards Township Library on Thursday night. Or enjoy jazz in the Morristown Library. Hope you enjoy browsing through the list below. Let us know in the comments section if we missed something of interest. Thursday Events at …

Summer is in full swing, and it's time to savor those things that you can only enjoy at this time of the year. On Thursday night, the first of six presentations of Basking Ridge-based Trilogy Repertory Co.'s "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" will be held at 8 p.m. at the outdoor amphitheater at Pleasant Valley Park off Valley Road. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, and enjoy. There are other fun things to do outdoors — but don't forget to check in at your local library for a little mental stimulation and taking time to cool off indoors. Please add anything you think our readers …

Looking for something to do on Friday morning? Well, adults can learn how to make floral centerpieces without spending a fortune to get a professional to do it. And kids — they can head over to the library for some pirate fun! There are some other unique things to do in our area — such as learning about Seeing Eye dogs — and also opportunities for summer fun. Don't forget to also check Patch's Shore guide for ideas to do when you hit the beach. Pirate Bonnie BessWhen/Where: On Friday, from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m, at the Bernards Township Library, 32 S. Maple Ave., Basking Ridge. Recommended for …

It's hard to think about planning any activities over the next few days without taking the heat into account. How about taking a nice cool picnic meal to Thursday night's perennial favorite fireworks show in the Somerset Hills, which heralds the arrival of summer — Music at Moorland. Fireworks and music begin when the sun goes down. And you can drop by at other hours at your local library. But this Thursday, at 7:30 p.m., the Bernards Township Library invites the public to cool down while heating up their artistic sensibilities with a "virtual" tour of the latest Newark Museum tour — on …

June is the month for special events — weddings, graduations, Father's Day or just planning an outing to take advantage of the return of summer. However, we do have some ideas for things for you to do and activities to enjoy over the next several days. If you don't see something you think readers would enjoy, please let us know or just add to the comments section below. Kelly Miller CircusWhen/Where: On Sunday, at River Road Park in Bedminster, with shows at 2 and 5 p.m.Why Go: Presented by and for the Far Hills-Bedminster First Aid Squad, the big top comes to you! Tigers, elephants, camels, …

The next few days, and through the weekend, bring a summer sampler of events and activities. Like music? There's everything from jazz piano by a Morris County native, and a New York-based "jazz-punk-jam" band that you can enjoy while munching on kosher barbeque — all nearly in your back yard! And you might be surprised at some of the unusual choral selections that will be presented next Tuesday evening at the annual Spring Concert at Ridge High School. Part of the entertainment will be the return of "Guys Night Out," featuring local adults who will add their voices to those of students'. …

This may just be the weekend you have been waiting for — especially if you mark your calendar every year for a special event. On Thursday, May 31, the Base Camp International races return to downtown Basking Ridge, to begin at 6 p.m. sharp. A stunt bike show is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. to warm up the local crowd. Then there's the Bonnie Brae Scottish Festival and Games, still going strong after more than two dozen decades, with everything Scottish you can imagine coming to the fields of Liberty Corner on Saturday. And don't forget the Pleasant Valley Twilight Challenge on Sunday for anyone who…

Ready or not, here comes summer! The annual Memorial Day parade in Basking Ridge center is coming up as a day to honor veterans as well as kick off summer. Mark your calendar to be there for the parade to step off at 9:30 a.m. on Monday at St. James Church, before it heads up South Finley Avenue to the center of town. The Bernardsville parade is just an hour later, at 10:30 a.m. That parade will begin on Church Street, heading onto Route 202 to the borough hall. The Bernardsville Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7858 will lead the procession. There's the annual Tour of Somerville cycling series …

There's plenty of ways to enjoy these fine days in May, but getting outdoors is perhaps the best. Sunday is Bernardsville's turn to have a street fair with arts, crafts, food and other vendors, along with beautiful weather. The downtown fair is scheduled to last until 5 p.m. Ryan Weber, a filmmaker from Bernardsville is at Sunday's annual Street Fair and Craft Show just south of Olcott Square. Weber was set up to publicize his movie, "Mary Horror" and selling DVD's of the locally produced horror flick — which includes a cameo of Bernardsville Lee Honecker. Joe Parasand, the film's corrupt …

We've got a lot of local talent on display this upcoming week. Princeton University junior Robert Kastner — a Ridge High School graduate — is among the a capella singers in the Princeton Tigertones A Capella Group scheduled to appear at 2 p.m. this Saturday at the Bernards Township Library in Basking Ridge. And don't forget the Ridge Spring Dance Showcase on Friday night at Ridge High School, to show off the talents of Ridge dance students. And Basking Ridge artist and artisan Kristina Lloyd will be offering her work at this weekend's Wagner Farm Arboretum in nearby Warren Township. Ridge …

Editor's Note: In anticipation of possible thunderstorms, Friday night's Sounds Around Town in Bernardsville has been rescheduled until 4 to 8 p.m. on Sunday. However, the Art Walk scheduled for 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday night in Bernardsville is on rain or shine. On Sunday afternoon, Trilogy Repertory will present a staged reading of local playwright Alan Crossett's  new work "Stone Hill," at 1:30 p.m. in program room at the Bernards Township Library. This full length two act play depicts the 24-hour period in which a dysfunctional family gathers to pay their last respects to their aged …

Some events this weekend combine continuing Earth Day celebrations with other activities and springtime festivities. Staff at Buck Garden in Far Hills and volunteers from the Watnong Chapter of the North American Rock Garden Society, event co-sponsor, will this weekend present the county garden's annual Earth Day Plant Sale on both weekend days, with plants of all kinds as well as gardening advice, garden lectures, and guided tours of the woodland garden and planted rock outcroppings. A variety of choice plants will be available including shade and sun perennials, wildflowers, herbs, and rock…

Spring is here, and it's time to get out and get moving, whether to walk, run, cast a fishing pole, or just head out somewhere. This Saturday is a big events that mixes kids and their parents, the annual Fishing Derby at Southard Park in Basking Ridge. Bring your own fishing pole and bait, and compete for prizes. The pond is even stocked! You also can walk or run at a number of events around the area, with a reminder that the weekly Saturday morning dog walks are an opportunity to tour the scenery and mix with canine and human friends on the trails at Lord Stirling Stable. Of course, with …

This upcoming weekend represents some of the most religious and joyous holidays of the year, Easter and Passover, with many activities related to those special occasions. But we also have listed some activities to enjoy and keep busy during what may be some extra time off from work or school. Free classes and activities continue at the Somerset Hills YMCA through Saturday. Some things to do for kids and teens at the Bernards Township Library and at the Environmental Education Center are included below. For additional information on upcoming activities, check the websites for the Bernards …

This week's events reflect on the nature of spring — both in the religious ceremonies and traditions many celebrate as well as some chances to get out for a short hike or learn a little about vegetable gardening. And then there's always library events. We've listed some things going on at both the Bernards Township Library and the Bernardsville Public Library. Childrens' activities are mixed with events for all ages. Dance Your Socks OffWhen/Where: At 10:30 a.m. on Sunday at Liberty Corner Presbyterian Church, in the Liberty Corner section of Bernards Township. Why Go: A fun, upbeat and heart…

Whether you want to enjoy some Disney music presented by students at the William Annin Middle School, have your child's photo snapped with the Easter Bunny, bring your basket for an Easter Egg Hunt at St. James Church, or take a little hike at Duke Farms, there's lots of fun things to do with the kids this weekend. You can be an adult or kid, and join Sunday's "Are You Faster than A Ridge Runner?" at a time of year when the weather is not too hot, or not too cold for a good run. But the grown-ups don't need to feel left out. On Thursday night, the Chabad Jewish Center in Basking Ridge will …