Thank you, Hurricane Earl. Instead of dumping massive amounts of rain on us, the storm that has some evacuating down south is quietly passing us by, leaving a trail of cool air to follow. It’s going to make for a splendid Labor Day weekend. If your family is spending it in town and still making plans, here are some ways to take advantage of the weather and the extra day of relaxation.
The Big Dig
Great Country Farm’s Annual Pancake Breakfast and Potato Harvest is on Saturday and Sunday, September 4 & 5. Take the scenic drive out to the Blue Ridge Mountains early for all-you-can-eat pancakes topped with homemade fruit syrups, then hop on a hayride that will take you out to u-pick fields for a potato hunt. Breakfast is served from 9am – 12pm, but the fun doesn’t have to stop there. The $10 admission (free for kids under 2) to the Big Dig also includes access to the rest of the farm’s attractions, including a cow train, mazes, barnyard petting area, pick your own fields, and more. Visit the website for more information and directions.
How ‘Bout Them Apples
If you want a farm experience without all the hoopla, and your family are fans of apples, head to Homestead Farm in Poolesville, MD. They’ve just announced that Jonagold and Jonathan apples are ready for picking, plus they still have some peaches and tomatoes, too. Walk to close-in picking areas or ride a tractor to those further away. And if the kids like animals, stop by the barnyard area to see chickens, cows, and goats (look up to catch them crossing overhead on the goat walk). Bring a picnic lunch or grab a hotdog there. Admission to the farm is free; you just pay for produce. Homestead Farm is located about 20 miles from the city. Visit the website for directions.
Symphony Under the Stars
The annual Labor Day Capitol Concert will take place on Sunday at 8pm. Enjoy the music of the National Symphony Orchestra on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. Gates open to the public at 3:15pm. If you can’t make it to the evening show, catch the dress rehearsal at 3:30pm. This free event attracts a large audience, so get there early to get good seats.
Final Free Swim
DC Public Pools have already started closing for the season, and the few that are still open will close on September 6. If you and the kids want to take one last dip of the summer, find out which pools are still welcoming swimmers.
Walks in the Woods
How about some wilderness this weekend? The cooler temps will make for excellent hiking weather, and there are plenty of trails to hit with the kids, both close to the city (even in it) and beyond. For suggestions, check out this post from a few months back.
Labor Day Parades
For some holiday pageantry on Monday, September 6, head to Maryland—both Gaithersburg and Kensington celebrate with Labor Day parades. The 72-year tradition in Gaithersburg will include fire engines, high school marching bands, giant balloons, horses, and clowns in its procession through Olde Towne. More information can be found here. Kensington is hosting its 43rd Annual Labor Day Parade and Festival. Dance troupes, equestrian groups, fire trucks, circus perfomers will be part of the show making its way through town starting at 10am. The fun will continue afterward at a festival on Antique Row with live music, food vendors, crafts, and more. More details, including the parade route, are available here.
by Audrey Penn, and 
made quite an impression as well. If you’re looking for some books to read with (or buy for) your kids as they start a new school year, here are some more recommendations:
by Lauren Child (ages 3-6)
by Anna Dewdny (ages 4-8)
by Herman Perish (ages 4-8)
by Dianne Billstrom (ages 4-8)
by Katie Davis (ages 4-6)
by Judy Blume (ages 5-9)
by Nikki Grimes (ages 7-9)
by Jennifer L. Holm (ages 9-11)
by David Borgenicht (ages 9-12)
by Harriet S. Mosatche (ages 13 – 17)
