PARENTGUIDE News May 2012
 

by Donald McDermott

Big Entertainment
The Salaam Shrine Circus pitches its tents from May 17-20 at the Mennen Arena in Morristown. The three-ring extravaganza is guaranteed to astound audiences young and old. Versatile members of the Royal Hanneford Circus occupy the center ring as they present eight amazing shows that are jam-packed with live circus action. Proceeds benefit the Salaam Shrine Temple. Call (973)992-2860 or visit www.salaamshrinecircus.com to buy tickets.

 

Honoring Mom
The Imagine That!!! Children’s Museum, 4 Vreeland Road, Florham Park, celebrates Mother’s Day during Ladies Get in Free Day on May 8. The event is highlighted by an array of mom-friendly vendors that offer well-earned pampering while kids play safely in the museum. Advanced registration is strongly suggested. To reserve a spot, call (973)766-8000 or see www.imaginethatmuseum.com.

Catch the Rainbow
Attend the 13th Annual Jenna’s Rainbow Foundation Spring Fair on May 20, 12:30-5pm, to support a wonderful cause. Families enjoy arts and crafts, inflatable rides, games, pie-eating contests, raffles, music and food. Jenna’s Rainbow is a local not-for-profit organization committed to supporting families combating pediatric brain and spinal cord tumors. The fair is held at Tenafly Middle School, Tenafly. Visit www.jennasrainbow.org for further information.

Be Our Guest
Treat your family to a Broadway musical when Disney’s Beauty and the Beast comes to State Theatre, 15 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick. Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature film, the classic love story is filled with enchanting characters, lavish sets and costumes and unforgettable songs.Performances run on May 4, 5 and 6. Call (732)246-7469 or visit www.statetheatrenj.org for tickets.

Kids’ Play
The Algonquin Arts Theatre offers family friendly entertainment this month. The delight begins on May 12 with the musical Angelina Balllerina. The classic Brothers Grimm tale Rumpelstiltskin comes to life on May 19. And TheatreworksUSA kicks off June with the story of Skippyjohn Jones on the 1st. Performances are held at the Algonquin Arts Theatre, 60 Abe Voorhees Drive, Manasquan. Call (732)528-9211 or visit www.algonquinarts.org for tickets and more information.

Keep on Moving
The Enright Foundation encourages families to be healthy, stay productive and spend quality time together during the Enright Health Trek on May 12. Presented at Camp Riverbend in Warren, the daylong affair offers an array of activities to keep guests occupied. Choose from one of three bike routes, a timed 5K run, or a relaxing 5K walk to benefit melanoma awareness and education programs. Reserve a spot at www.enrightfoundation.org.

Hands-On Fun
Children ages 3 and up are invited to partake in hands-on craft programs every Saturday at Lakeshore Learning, 275 State Route 18, East Brunswick. Workshops are ongoing from 11am-3pm on May 5, 12, 19 and 26. All activities are free and feature different themes. Dial (732)967-8585 or log onto www.lakeshorelearning.com to reserve a spot.

Let’s Ride
The Edison Recreation Department and the Metuchen Recreation Department join forces to present the 2012 Cycling for a Cure on May 20. Open to riders of all ages, the event is a 25-mile charity bike tour through both Edison and Metuchen townships. Proceeds benefit the JFK Medical Center Foundation, which raises funds to fight Parkinson’s disease. The tour starts and finishes at the Edison Municipal Complex, 100 Municipal Boulevard. Registration is required by May 16. Call (732)248-7309 or (732)632-8502 for details.

Fitness for a Cause
Put on your running shoes and support a great initiative during the Titan 5K on May 12, 9am. Keansburg High School, 140 Port Monmouth Road, Keansburg, hosts the event designed to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project. For more information or to sign up by the May 10 deadline, log onto www.keansburg.k12.nj.us.

Giddy Up!
Give the special lady in your life a memorable gift when you treat her to a Mother’s Day Horseback Ride on May 13, 10am. Open to all experience levels for riders ages 12 and older, the leisurely one-hour excursion takes participants along a safe, eye-catching trail. Rides take place at Lord Stirling Stable, 256 South Maple Ave., Basking Ridge. Browse www.flssnj.org for details.

Donald McDermott is an associate editor.