Habitat for Humanity Concert, Duck Races at Farmstead Arts Day, More

This week is a combination of free and fundraising events, including benefits for a reading program in Bernards Township school, Habitat for Humanity, Special Olympics NJ and more.

Below is the combination of our weekly pick of activities coming up over the next few days, offering fun weekend events and great family-friendly activities at the same time.

Duck Race and Farmstead Arts Festival
When/Where: Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. at the 450 King George Road in Basking Ridge, with duck race scheduled for 3 p.m. sharp.
Why Go: The Farmstead, centered in an historic farmhouse along the Passaic River, has scheduled its first Farmstead Duck Race, a family-oriented day will include arts and crafts, a silent auction of more than 40 pieces of artworks, food and music. The race of more than 1,000 rubber ducks will be launched into the Passaic River, competing for a $500 grand prize.
Cost: Free admission, ducks for sale for $5 each, or for "teams" of six for $25, and may be purchased on the Farmstead Arts website.

Habitat for Humanity Benefit Concert
When/Where: Friday at 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Bishop Janes United Methodist Church, 22 S. Finley Ave. in Basking Ridge.
Why Go: The Habitat for Humanity Benefit Concert is back this year with some  favorite local artists from last year's show, as well as some great new performers. The concert is being put on by the Ridge High School Habitat for Humanity club and will take place in the basement of Bishop Janes church. All proceeds go to Habitat for Humanity; the concert raised $2,100 last year.
Cost: $10

Sounds Around Town in Bernardsville
When/Where: Next, Friday, June 14, 5 to 9 p.m. at various locations in downtown Bernardsville. The date was originally set for this Friday, but has been rescheduled due to predicted rain.
Why Go: The popular Sounds Around Town event, with different outdoors locations offering different kinds of music throughout the borough is an evening when local businesses and restaurants also stay open late. The Bernardsville Chamber of Commerce website says a rain date may be scheduled for the following Friday in case of rain this week.
Cost: Free admission. Businesses open with sales, food to purchase.

Run to Read 5K/Walk Fundraiser
When/Where: Sunday, starting at 9:30 a.m. at Harry Dunham Park, at Somerville and Liberty Corner Roads in Basking Ridge. Registration begins at 8:15 a.m.
Why Go: Fun event, with race proceeds to be donated to the Bernards Township Board of Education and used to purchase Lexia Reading Program licenses for township schools by the Bernards Township Parents for Exceptional Children organization.
Cost: $30 the day of the event. Information also is posted on Patch, along with a link to purchase tickets ahead for $25.

Free Dance Classes
When/Where: Friday and Saturday all day at the Dance Center of New Jersey on Claremont Road in Bernardsville.
Why Go: Free dance classes are being offered through the dance studio's Open House Week, with classes for children ages 3 through high school. Call 908-229-4204 to reserve a spot.
Cost: Free.

Dermaview Screening at ShopRite of Bernardsville
When/Where: Saturday at 10 a.m. on Morris Avenue in Bernardsville.
Why Go: The ShopRite is featuring a screening with a registered nurse, and which will provide information about skin type, while also assessing for skin damage.
Cost: Free. 

Spring Fling to Benefit Special Olympics NJ
When/Where: Saturday at 10:30 a.m. on Mount Bethel Road in Warren.
Why Go: Primrose School of Warren is hosting the event with a live DJ, picture opportunities with Somerset Patriots mascot Sparkee and much more, with all proceeds going to the Special Olympics NJ and Primrose Children’s Foundation.
Cost: $5.

Colonial SpringFest
When/Where: Sunday at 11 a.m. at the Jacobus Vanderveer House at River Road and Route 202/206.
Why Go: The Jacobus Vanderveer House is hosting its Colonial SpringFest, complete with vendors selling handmade soaps, glassware and jewelry, and colonial music performances by Linda Russell.
Cost: Free.