Head to the Streets for Charter Day, With More Fun On Way

If you possibly could have avoided seeing the banners in town, or hearing children talk, here's the news — this Saturday is the return of Charter Day, Bernards Township's annual celebration of the founding of the township of Bernardston by order of British King George II in 1760.

While you can learn about history, there are also plenty of purely entertaining things to do at this day and night-long annual event, including hearing music and dancing in the street, sliding down a blow-up slide, picking up loads of freebies and stuffing yourself with treats like fried oreos and a gourmet meal (this is the Somerset Hills, after all). You can also learn about local organizations.

Then, on Sunday, it's off to Bernardsville for that town's street fair, with more food (don't bother cooking this weekend), crafts vendors and local people and organizations _ such as local horror filmmaker Ryan Scott Weber.

Music lovers should also take note of some jazz music that's on tap for Friday evening.

Here's this week's picks. As usual, please add your own event that you think area residents might find enjoyable or educational:

Bernards Township Charter Day
When/Where: Saturday from 11 a.m. to at least 10 p.m. in downtown Basking Ridge, with street fair, rides and amusements and several stages spreading over South Finley Avenue, Oak Street and Henry Street.
Why Go: The annual event, this year celebrating Bernards Township's 253rd birthday (yes, the township predates the Declaration of Independence) is the place to see and be seen. It's also a place to eat to your stomach's content, indulge in street-fair desserts such as zeppoles and cotton candy, hear talented local musicians, watch presentations, jump up and down on a giant octopus, view art, and more. You can also learn about local organizations — and special initiatives such as this year's initiative by the . Organized each year by the Bernards Township Parks and Recreation department.
Cost: Free admission, with lots of freebies, and whatever food, ride tickets or clothing you buy.

Bernardsville Street Fair
When/Where: Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on a stretch of Route 202 between Olcott Square and Claremont Road in Bernardsville.
Why Go: The festival will feature 200 vendors with food and more to enjoy a nice day out on the street.
Cost: Free.

American Classical Guitarist Giovanni De Chiaro
When/Where: Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. is the Evening of the Arts at the Somerset County Senior Wellness Center at 202 Mount Airy Road in Basking Ridge. Along with displaying local art, a highlight will be a performance at 7:30 p.m. by classical guitarist Giovanni De Chiaro.
Why Go: Along with being a benefit for the Somerset County Office on Aging's multiple senior center, you can tour art and enjoy the music of Franz Schubert, John Duarte, Isaac Albeniz, Maurice Ravel, Ralph Vaughn-Williams, Scott Joplin and Francisco Tarrega.
Cost: $12, tickets may be purchased at any county senior center.

Rio Clemente Performs at Watchung Arts Center
When/Where: Friday at 8 p.m. at the Watchung Arts Center on Stirling Road in Watchung.
Why Go: Jazz musician Rio Clemente will be performing, and will be joined by American composer and pianist Regan Ryzuk.
Cost: $18.

Wagner Farm Arboretum Spring Blooms Family Fun Day
When/Where: Saturday at 9 a.m. at Wagner Farm Arboretum on Mountain Avenue in Warren.
Why Go: The arboretum is hosting its carnival with outdoor games, open-air vendor tables, arts and crafts and the Mt. Horeb fire truck.
Cost: Free.

Free Skin Cancer Screenings
When/Where: Saturday at 9 a.m. at the Somerset Medical Center on Rehill Avenue in Somerville.
Why Go: The medical center is hosting a free skin cancer screening for anyone who has not seen a dermatologist in the last two years and who has not been diagnosed with skin cancer. To schedule an appointment, call 908-685-2814.
Cost: Free.

Zumba Open House at the Watchung Arts Center
When/Where: Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at the Watchung Arts Center on Stirling Road in Watchung.
Why Go: The open house will feature 20-minute sessions of zumba for adults and children, while also having the opportunity to meet the instructors and sign up for upcoming sessions.
Cost: Free.

Leash Manners Workshop
When/Where: Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Cherrybrook in Bedminster on Route 206.
Why Go: The pet shop is holding a workshop to work on dogs’ loose leash walking skills in the presence of other dogs.
Cost: $25. 

BHS Crimson Cafe
When/Where: Saturday at 6:30 p.m. at Bernards High School on Olcott Avenue.
Why Go: The school is hosting a performance as the jazz and wind ensembles celebrate Bourbon Street in New Orleans. This will be the sixth year of the event as band alumni and the community as a whole gather to celebrate rising musicians at the Crimson Café Fundraiser, where locals can show off their talent, and the school bands will play music inspired by Bourbon Street. The event will also include a light meal.
Cost: $40 for adults, $20 for seniors and $10 for students. 

Homes of Distinction
When/Where: Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Bernardsville Public Library on Anderson Hill Road in Bernardsville.
Why Go: This is a popular fundraiser that benefits the Bernardsville Public Library, and showcases mansions in the area whose owners allow guests to attend parties in their homes to raise money.
Cost: Free.