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Summer Series Kicks Off
Fun, family friendly activities featured throughout the summer
hula-hooping---by-bryan-faz
Olde Town Conyers Summer Series kicked off at the Olde Town pavilion at 1 p.m. on Tuesday.

The event featured several activities for children left without school during the hot summer days.

Children from infants to pre-teens had a chance to get out of the house and dance to a youth-friendly D.J., jump in a bounce house or play with one of the several inflatable sports stations. They threw footballs, kicked a soccer ball, threw Frisbees at holes with different point specifications and took a swing at a hovering baseball.

While that was going on, others colored the pavement with chalk or danced in a hula hoop.

With all the activity, attendees worked up an appitite and were treated to hot dogs, chips, cookies and drinks.

Below is a schedule with more activities as part of the 2010 Summer Series:


6/6- 12/5, 2 p.m. monthly, 1st Sunday of each month, Sunday Afternoon Fishing Clinic, $15 or $12 with gear plus $5 parking, Panola Mountain State Park 
Casting is the backbone of this clinic; however, if time permits will also cover equipment, knot tying, and safety issues and other tricks of the trade. Master Instructor C. H. Brown suggests wearing long pants/shorts and hiking shoes, and bringing snacks, water and sun lotion. Call 770-389-7801 for additional information.

6/8 - 8/31, 6 p.m., every Tuesday each week, Frog Slog, $7 plus $5 parking, Panola Mountain State Park 
Investigate wetlands and streams in search of frogs and salamanders. Be prepared to get wet, muddy, and bring a flashlight and headlamp, nets, seines and buckets. Meet in the Alexander Lake parking area. Register in advance. Call 770-389-7801 for additional information.

6/9, 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Babysitting 101, $5
Do you want to learn more about how young people develop and cool things to do while babysitting? Well join us for a babysitting 101. You will have a great time learning kids' games, snack ideas and ways to make babysitting a successful and fun endeavor. For rising 5th-8th graders. Call 770-278-7373 for additional information.

6/9 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. Capture Moments in Time, Free, ticketed, Olde Town Pavilion 
Help put together a time capsule to be buried in Olde Town while learning about how Conyers began. Then create a poster all about you to preserve memories about yourself as well! Call 770-602-2606 for additional information. 36 max.

6/10 10:30- 11:30- Didg Revolution's "Digeridoo Down Under" Water-Themed Program Free, Library 
The DDU show is a high-energy, Australian-themed program that combines music, art, puppetry, comedy, environmental education, character building and audience participation. An interactive, educational and entertaining experience for all! Call 770-388-5040 for additional information.

6/10 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. Flag Day Free, ticketed, OTP
Learn about the history of our flag and create a craft to celebrate Flag Day! Call 770-602-2606 for additional information. 36 max.

6/10 - 8/26 7 p.m., every Thursday each week Twilight Hike $7 plus $5 parking, PMSP
Join a park ranger on this guided hike when the days are long, and the temperatures cool just before sunset. This is the time when wildlife is most active. Register in advance. Call 770-389-7801 for additional information.

6/12 7 p.m. Tree Top Night Climb $25 plus $5 parking PMSP
Join us aloft in "Naomi Ruth," a 90-foot Southern Red Oak, which is our living classroom. This nocturnal climb will include fluorescent lichen and glowing critters of the night, stargazing and night climbing activities. We may even have a barred owl join us. Call 770-389-7801 for additional information.

6/14 - 6/17 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. ArtSmart Camp $125/week for donors and $150/week for non-donors MMS
ArtSmart camp offers students the opportunity to learn about different types of art. Tuition includes all supplies, daily snacks and we host a pizza party on Thursday. Campers are asked to bring their lunch Monday-Wednesday. For ages 6-14. Register by May 21st and you save 10%. Classes are filled on a first come, first serve basis. Sign up while you can! Call 770-922-3143 for more information.


6/15 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. Calling All Detectives Free, ticketed OTP Bring out your inner Sherlock Holmes as you track down clues to find the answer to our mystery in Olde Town. Call 770-602-2606 for additional information. 36 max.


6/16 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. Summer Solstice Free, ticketed OTP Learn about Summer Solstice and paint your very own sun catcher to take home with you! Call 770-602-2606 for additional information. 36 max.


6/17 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. Father's Day Projects Free, ticketed OTP Join us to create a special surprise that you can give to a special person in your life! Call 770-602-2606 for additional information. 36 max.


6/17 10:30- General Public 11:30- Summer Camp Yolanda Hernandez's "Make a Splash" Program Free NGL As the summer heat rises, it's time to cool off! Join Yolanda Hernandez for a fun splash into sea of bilingual stories. Whether you speak 'un poquito o mucho espanol', or maybe you don't speak Spanish at all. No problem, amigos! You'll understand everything and have a great time! Call 770-388-5040 for additional information.


6/21 - 6/24 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. ArtSmart Camp $125/week for donors and $150/week for non-donors MMS ArtSmart camp offers students the opportunity to learn about different types of art. Tuition includes all supplies, daily snacks and we host a pizza party on Thursday. Campers are asked to bring their lunch Monday-Wednesday. For ages 6-14. Register by May 21st and you save 10%. Classes are filled on a first come, first serve basis. Sign up while you can! Call 770-922-3143 for additional information.


6/22 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. Tie-Dye $3 OTP A Rockdale Extension Service Program. Bring your own white T-shirt to decorate in red, white and blue just in time to celebrate the 4th of July. All ages. Call 770-602-2606 for additional information. 50 max.


6/23 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. Whistle while you work! Free, ticketed OTP Learn about the City of Conyers Stormwater Services and what they do for the community. While learning about how they help our environment you will be helping to catalog and mark storm drains in Olde Town and learning how you can help the environment as well! Call 770-602-2606 for additional information. 36 max.

6/24 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. You're a Winner! Free, ticketed OTP It's Olde Town Summer Series Olympics! Test your speed, coordination and strength while having tons of fun! Call 770-602-2606 for additional information. 36 max.


6/27 4 p.m. Bicycle Ride in Olde Town Free OT 4th Sunday of the month, self-guided, approximately 4 mile/45 minute leisurely ride for kids and adults on the beautiful streets of Olde Town Conyers, start at Railroad Depot building at 4PM with refreshments after the ride. Call 770-483-1110 or 770-760-1771 for additional information.


6/28-7/2 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Mega Sports Camp $75 FUMC Your kids will have a ball at Mega Sports Camp. For children rising kindergarten through 6th grade. This camp features soccer, basketball and cheerleading. Mega Sports Camp gives kids the chance to learn more about sports, discover character-building concepts, and have a whole lot of fun! Registration begins in May. For more information contact Nancy Pye at npye@fumcconyers.org or 770-483-4236 x117.


6/28-7/2 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Big Thinkers Science Exploration $179 PRC Interactive, hands-on science fun: launch rockets, build robots, make slime, investigate a crime scene, make ice cream & more! Grades 1-6. Participants can be dropped off as early as 8 a.m. and have to be picked up by 4 p.m. Call 678-392-1500 for additional information.

6/29 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Agriculture Day at the Farmers Market Free admission PRC Fun for the whole family. See farm animals, learn where your food comes from, and shop with local farmers for fresh homegrown Rockdale County vegetables. 1400 Parker Road parking lot. Call 770-602-2606 for additional information.

6/29 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Hero Day Free, ticketed OTP Learn about our emergency responders and bike safety. Afterwards, enjoy some pizza with members of the police, fire and other agencies that are there for us every day! You must bring your own bikes if you wish to participate in the bike rodeo. Call 770-602-2606 for additional information. 36 max.

6/30 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. Ahoy Matee! Free, ticketed OTP Enjoy Sailor Day making arts and crafts projects while learning about the ocean. Call 770-602-2606 for additional information. 36 max.

7/1 10:30- General Public 11:30- Summer Camp Lee Bryan's "Circus Fanta-Sea" Program Free NGL You'll Get Hooked! Join Captain Tater Tot, the once great Pirate Captain and Ringmaster, who loses all his circus cargo in a mighty storm at sea. This aquatic adventure features puppets made from recycled plastic bottles. Circus acts include: a tap dancing Octopus, a unicyclist Seahorse, and a tightrope walking Starfish. But did Seymore the Shark come to join the circus...or just eat it? Call 770-388-5040 for additional information.


7/1 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. Express Yourself Art Day Free, ticketed OTP Paint and color your own works of art to display in your home. Call 770-602-2606 for additional information. 36 max.

7/3 7:30 p.m. Starlight and Fireworks $10 plus $5 parking PMSP Listen to whippoorwills and owls as fireworks shower Atlanta's skyline. The top of Panola Mountain is one of the best places for a quiet and colorful view of July 4th festivities. Bring flashlights, refreshments and comfortable clothing. Fireworks are prohibited inside the park. Call 770-389-7801 for additional information.

7/4 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. Fabulous 4th Festival Free GIHP "Come celebrate our nation's independence at the Georgia International Horse Park from 5 pm-10 pm. Highlights include live entertainment, arts, crafts, vendors, car shows, food, and much more. Enjoy the patriotic program on the main stage at 7 pm, and don't miss the Ultimate Air Dog Show. Fireworks begin at dark. Parking and Admission are FREE. Bring your own blankets and chairs. No coolers or pets please! Call 770-860-4190 or visit www.conyersfabulousfourth.com for additional information.

7/5-7/9 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Big Thinkers Science Exploration $179 PRC Interactive, hands-on science fun: launch rockets, build robots, make slime, investigate a crime scene, make ice cream & more! Grades 1-6. Participants can be dropped off as early as 8 a.m. and have to be picked up by 4 p.m. Call 678-392-1500 for additional information.

7/5 - 7/17 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Summer Drama Camp $75 RCA Conyers-Rockdale Arts Council presents Summer Drama Camp. The camp is modeled by the hit show "Glee." Camp is open to rising 4th graders through college age students. Students will receive acting, dance and vocal training . Call 770-922-3143 for more information.

7/6 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Imagination Picnic! Free, ticketed OTP Imagine you are a character in one of the stories that will be read to you. Afterwards, enjoy a picnic at the Pavilion! Call 770-602-2606 for additional information. 36 max.

7/7 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Being Healthy Rocks! Free, ticketed OTP Exercise and eating right are key ingredients to a healthy you! Learn a few exercises and delicious treats you can make and enjoy knowing you are being good to your body! Call 770-602-2606 for additional information. 36 max.

7/8 10:30- General Public 11:30- Summer Camp Eric Litwin's "I Hear America Singing" Program Free NGL Mr. Eric offers an uplifting and entertaining program of outrageous, captivating, humorous and unique American stories and songs. He celebrates Appalachian and Southern folk traditions with old-time tunes, engaging stories ("Crackers and Cheese," "Jack and Princess," ) and familiar classics like "You Are My Sunshine" and "This Land is Your Land" played on the banjo and acoustic guitar. Kids will join in the fun with call and response, echoing, creative movement and singing songs on stage with Mr. Eric. Call 770-388-5041 for additional information.

7/8 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Movie Day Free, ticketed CWC Enjoy watching a movie in the Depot after learning about the Depot. Call 770-602-2606 for additional information. 36 max.

7/10 10 a.m. Backyard Birding $7 plus $5 parking PMSP Bird watching is one of the fastest growing hobbies in America. Around 60 million people feed birds in the USA. The only outdoor hobby that is more popular than gardening and the two combine naturally. Call 770-389-7801 for additional information.

7/10 10 a.m. Quarterly Park Tour $2 per person JP The Rockdale County Recreation Division invites you to tour the Rockdale Auditorium, J P Carr, J P Carr Community Room and the Senior Services Center. Bus limits 8-20 people. Reservations must be made in advance by calling 770-278-7529.

7/10 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. Wood Carving 101 $30 plus $5 parking PMSP During this introductory course, learn how to carve wood by hand, shaping it into art. The course will cover types of wood, carving tools and equipment, and hands-on instruction. Participants will carve in-the-round and relief. Meeting at the nature center. Call 770-389-7801 for additional information.

7/12-7/16 7:30 a.m.- 6 p.m. Clover College $120 week/ $35 day PRC Enjoy a fun filled week of swimming, daily field trips, time exploration, nature, cooking, hands on science, dance, art, outdoor play and just plain old fun! 4-H Code of Conduct and medical Information Release Form required. Rising 5th and 6th graders. Limit 12. Call 770-278-7373 for additional information.

7/12- 7/16 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Mega Sports Camp $75 FUMC Your kids will have a ball at Mega Sports Camp. For children rising kindergarten through 6th grade. This camp features basketball, soccer and cheerleading. Mega Sports Camp gives kids the chance to learn more about sports, discover character-building concepts, and have a whole lot of fun! Registration begins in May. For more information contact Nancy Pye at npye@fumcconyers.org or 770-483-4236 x117.

7/13 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Garden Party Free, ticketed OTP Learn about our beautiful Lewis Vaughn Botanical Garden and take part in a picnic by the Garden and in the Pavilion. Call 770-602-2606 for additional information. 36 max.
7/14 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. Jam Session Free, ticketed OTP Create music with a variety of instruments and every day items. Make your own instrument to take home with you! Call 770-602-2606 for additional information. 36 max.

7/15 10:30- General Public 11:30- Summer Camp Ken Scott "Make a Splash @ Your Library" Free NGL Ken Scott over 20 years of experience, performing over 350 shows a year. He has entertained over a million people with his unique cutting edge programs. He was voted Greater Atlanta Entertainer of the year. Ken was also featured on CNN Headline News, where he headlined their segment on "A Day of Magic." Ken performs yearly in Hollywood California at the World Famous Magic Castle, which is home to the Academy of Magical Arts. Ken has also been invited to the White House. Ken does a wonderful job of adapting each program of magic and fun to the summer reading program's theme this year, "Make a Splash at Your Library"! Call 770-388-5041 for additional information.

7/15 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. Masks! Masks! Masks! Free, ticketed OTP Learn about masks and create one of your very own! Call 770-602-2606 for additional information. 36 max.

7/16-7/18 16th-17th - 8 p.m., 18th - 3 p.m. The New Depot Players Present, "Li'l Abner, the musical" General Admission - $20, Seniors (over 55) - $16, Students (w ID) 16 CSA The New Depot Players are pleased to present "Li'l Abner, the musical" directed by Jay Tryall. Call 770-922-3143 or visit www.conyersarts.org for additional information.

7/17 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Family Fun Day at the Farmers Market Free admission PRC Fun for the whole family. Baking contests, vegetable races, taste tests, and shop with our local farmers. 1400 Parker Road parking lot. Call 770-602-2606 for additional information.

7/17 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Celebrate National Recreation and Parks Month Free JP The Johnson Park Recreation Center will be open free of charge to the public in honor of National Recreation and Parks Month. Visitors may swim, play basketball or exercise in the weight room at no charge. Call 770-278-7529 for additional information.

7/20 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. Whistle while you work! Free, ticketed OTP Learn about the City of Conyers Stormwater Services and what they do for the community. While learning about how they help our environment you will be helping to catalog and mark storm drains in Olde Town and learning how you can help the environment as well! Call 770-602-2606 for additional information. 36 max.

7/21 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Hero Day Free, ticketed OTP Learn about our emergency responders and bike safety. Afterwards, enjoy some pizza with members of the police, fire and other agencies that are there for us every day! You must bring your own bikes if you wish to participate in the bike rodeo. Call 770-602-2606 for additional information. 36 max.

7/22 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. Tie-Dye $3, ticketed OTP A Rockdale Extension Service Program. Bring your own white T-shirt to decorate. All ages. Call 770-602-2606 for additional information. 50 max.

7/22, 7/23, 7/24, 29, 7/30, 7/31 8 p.m. nightly The New Depot Players Present, "Li'l Abner, the musical" General Admission - $20, Seniors (over 55) - $16, Students (w ID) 16 CSA The New Depot Players are pleased to present "Li'l Abner, the musical" directed by Jay Tryall. Call 770-922-3143 or visit www.conyersarts.org for additional information.

7/25 4 p.m. Bicycle Ride in Olde Town Free OT 4th Sunday of the month, self-guided, approximately 4 mile/45 minute leisurely ride for kids and adults on the beautiful streets of Olde Town Conyers, start at Railroad Depot building at 4PM with refreshments after the ride. Call 770-483-1110 or 770-760-1771 for additional information.

8/7 Gates open at 7:30 movie shows at dusk B98.5 At the Movies Free GIHP "Enjoy an evening of free, family fun at this outdoor movie event presented by B98.5FM. Located at the Georgia International Horse Park's Special Events Field, this event is open to the public at 7:30PM. Movie begins at dark. Bring your own blankets and chairs. Concessions available. No pets please. Call 770-602-2606 or visit www.georgiahorsepark.com for additional information.

8/14 2 p.m. Introduction to Backpacking $7 plus $5 parking PMSP This beginner's class will take place in an outdoor classroom. This is a great introduction on how to prepare for backcountry hiking; what is essential, how to save weight, and what to leave at home. Meeting at the nature center. We recommend arriving 30 minutes before each program. Call 770-389-7801 for additional information.

8/22 4 p.m. Bicycle Ride in Olde Town Free OT 4th Sunday of the month, self-guided, approximately 4 mile/45 minute leisurely ride for kids and adults on the beautiful streets of Olde Town Conyers, start at Railroad Depot building at 4PM with refreshments after the ride. Call 770-483-1110 or 770-760-1771 for additional information.

8/28-8/29 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Big Haynes Creek Wildlife Festival Admission $5, free parking GIHP Get outside and go WILD at the Georgia International Horse Park on Saturday and Sunday from 10 am-5 pm. Enjoy activities such as the Birds of Prey show, Southeastern Reptile Rescue Show, Wildlife Wonders animal show, Living History, Storytelling, and much more. You can even learn to fly-fish or shoot a bow and arrow. Show among unique arts and crafts in the Artist Market and participate in the Animal Olympics, presented by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Admission is $5 and parking is free. No pets please! Call 770-602-2606 or visit www.bighaynescreekwildlifefestival.com for additional information.