Events Calendar

To include a listing in the Out & About calendar, submit your events at www.Chattanooga Now.com. Questions? Call Susan Pierce at 423-757- 6284.

Leisure

AN EVENING OF POETRY AND SONG — Wildflower Tea Shoppe and Apothecary, 1423 Market St. Local author Susan Gregg Gilmore joins Sue Weaver Dunlap, Lisa Dordal, Darnell Arnoult and Belinda Smith for night of entertainment. 7 p. m. Thursday, March 22. 423777-5629. BARBECUE, BLUES AND BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL — Greenway Park, 755 Raider Drive, Cleveland, Tenn. New festival with arts and crafts, barbecue vendors; five barbecue samples for $ 5. 10 a. m.- 6 p. m. Saturday, March 24. 423- 486-7597. BIKE COMMUTING 101 — Outdoor Chattanooga, 200 River St. Certified instructors teach rules of the road, safety and riding techniques to commute to work; followed by optional practice ride in good weather, bring helmet. 6 p. m. Monday March 19. Registration required: 423- 643- 6888. BIRDWATCHING HIKE — Chickamauga Battlefield, Visitor Center, 3370 LaFayette Road, Fort Oglethorpe, Ga. Meet at Visitor Center then caravan to program site for two- hour, 2.5- mile hike

focusing on modern and historical birding in the battlefield. Wear appropriate clothing for weather, hiking shoes or boots and bring water. 7: 30 a. m. Saturday, March 31. 423- 821-7786. BLUFF VIEW WINE SERIES — Back Inn Cafe, 411 E. Second St. Educational wine series for ages 21 and older; $ 40 per person. 6: 30- 8: 30 p. m. Tuesday, April 10. Reservations required: 423265-5033, ext. 4. BOOKER T. WASHINGTON STATE PARK — 5801 Champion Road. Meet at The Point for two- hour, 2.5- mile hike with scenic lake views. 1-3 p. m. Saturday, March 24. 423- 894- 4955. BUNNY CARES — Hamilton Place, center court. A sensory-friendly photo experience with the Easter bunny for special- needs children. 9-11 a. m. Sunday, March 18. www. hamiltonplace.com CAREER FAIR — Chattanooga State Community College gymnasium, 4501 Amnicola Highway. More than 50 business representatives at event to discuss employment opportunities. 10 a. m.-2 p. m. Thursday, March 22. 423- 697-2432. CIVIL WAR TALK — Chickamauga Battlefield, Visitor Center, 3370 LaFayette Road, Fort Oglethorpe, Ga. Meet at Visitor Center for one- hour talk about battle’s impact on several communities. 2 p. m. Saturday, March 17. 706- 866- 9241. CHAUTAUQUA LECTURE — Chattanooga State Community College, Kolwyck Library mobile classroom, 4501 Amnicola Highway. Professor Joshua Johnson discusses the culture and identity of Haiti in “The Haiti You Don’t Know.” 4 p. m. today, March 15. 423- 6972546. COCKTAILS IN COLOR: LET IT GLOW — Hunter Museum of American Art, 10 Bluff View. Mixologists from The Flying Squirrel design specialty cocktails inspired by art in “New Media, New Millennium: Digital Art from the Thoma Foundation.” One special cocktail included in ticket, $ 15 Hunter members, $20 nonmembers; full cash bar also available. 6-7: 30 p. m. today, March 15. 423267- 0968. COMEDY SHOW — Moccasin Bend Brewery, 3210 Broad St. Nationally touring comedians Krish Moham and Andrew Frank address social issues. Free, but donations collected. 8 p. m. Tuesday, March 20. 423- 821- 6392. DOGGIE EGG HUNT — McKamey Animal Center, 4500 N. Access Road. Thousands of eggs filled with dog treats for pets to find. Admission either $ 5 per pooch or bag of pet food. Dogs must be on leash at all times and be current on rabies vaccinations. 9: 30-11 a. m. Saturday, March 24. 423-305- 6500. DOWNHILL BIKE RIDE — Outdoor Chattanooga, 200 River St. Guided 13- mile mountain bike adventure for ages 12 and older that highlights the scenic trails on Lookout Mountain and how they connect to the Tennessee Riverwalk and into downtown; $25 includes bike, helmet, transportation. Teens must be accompanied by an adult; all riders must be able to independently ride, shift, maneuver and

operate a bike with hand brakes. 9 a. m.- noon Friday-Saturday, March 23-24. Reservations: 423643- 6888. DREAD HOLLOW SCREAM BREAK — Dread Hollow, 321 Brown’s Ferry Road. Enter the haunted sanitarium for spring break thrills; $ 15 per person. 7-10 p. m. Saturdays, March 24 and 31. 423- 821-244. FAIRYTALE NIGHTS — Rock City Gardens, 1400 Patten Road, Lookout Mountain. Meet storybook characters, learn to sword fight with a knight, have tea with Alice in Wonderland during Fairytale Nights. 6- 8 p. m. March 23-April 15. $ 11.95-$22.95. 706- 820-2531. FALL CREEK FALLS STATE PARK — 2009 Village Camp Road, Spencer, Tenn. 1- 800250- 8610.

March 16-18: Tennessee Spring Star Party at Fall Creek Falls State Park Inn. For reservations and information: watkinslk@comcast.net.

March 19-21: Wildflower and Waterfall Tour, $299 per person double occupancy, $ 399 single occupancy, includes all taxes and gratuities, meals, lodging and transportation. Reservations: 1- 800-250- 8610. FARLYCON — East Ridge Community Center, 1517 Tombras Ave. East Ridge Toy and Comic Book expo features Michael Copon, who played Blue Power Ranger and was Felix Taggaro on “One Tree Hill;” Keith Brook, who played Dan on “The Walking Dead;” vendors and artists. Adults $ 5, children 12 and younger free with a paid adult. 10 a. m.-5 p. m. Saturday, March 17. 706- 866-2667. GARDENING CLASS — UT Extension Office, 6183 Adamson Circle off Bonny Oaks Drive. Master Gardeners of Hamilton County lead classes for beginners. 6: 30- 9 p. m. Tuesdays. Notebooks, materials, door prizes and refreshments included in $ 50 fee. Reservations required: 423- 855- 6113.

March 20: Edible landscapes, trees and shrubs

March 27: Perennials, annuals and beginning vegetable garden

HARRISON BAY STATE

PARK — 8411 Harrison Bay Road, Harrison, Tenn. Join Ranger Matt Vawter in the Rec Hall for an introduction to ori- enteering followed by a practical test of skills; participants get to keep their compass. 9 a. m.-12: 30 p. m. Saturday, March 17. 423-344- 6214. HIKES, TENNESSEE — Led by Soddy- Daisy Hiking Club. Bring water and snack.

Carpool locations given for those who want to meet group. For more information, contact George Bonneau at george. r. bonneau@gmail.com or 423- 842-3619.

Saturday, March 17: Brady Mountain, Highway 68 to two overlooks, moderate 5.5 miles. Meet at Durham Street parking lot in Soddy- Daisy at 9 a. m.

Tuesday, March 20: Heiss Mountain to Big Possum Creek and back, moderate 3 miles. Meet at Durham Street parking lot in Soddy- Daisy at 9 a. m.

Saturday, March 24: Retro Hughes Road trailhead to Rock Creek Bridge and back, slightly strenuous 5.5 miles. Meet at Durham Street parking lot in Soddy- Daisy at 9 a. m. HISTORY TALK — Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center, 3370 LaFayette Road, Fort Oglethorpe, Ga. Park staff presents one- hour talk on the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps/ Women’s Army Corps work with the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion during World War II. 2 p. m. Saturday, March 24. 423821-7786. MAD, BAD AND DANGEROUS — Girls Preparatory School, 205 Island Ave. As part of MBD entrepreneurial weekend, shop the Girls Marketplace, featuring products created by local teen females. 1-5 p. m. Saturday, March 17. 423- 634-7600. MOMS NIGHT OUT — BX at Brainerd Crossroads, 4011 Austin St. First Things First offers evening of laughter for moms with performance by comedian Kerri Pomarolli; $ 15 per person includes desserts and warm beverages. 6: 30 p. m. Thursday, March 22. Reservations: FirstThings.org PARENTING TALK — Girls Preparatory School, 205 Island Ave. Dr. Lisa Damour, author of “Untangled: Guiding Teenage Girls Through the Seven Transitions into Adulthood,” gives talks at 7 p. m. today, March 15, in GPS Frierson Theatre; and 9:45 a. m Friday, March 16, in GPS Caldwell Commons. Free, but registration required: eventbrite.com. PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY OF CHATTANOOGA — St. John United Methodist Church, 3921 Murray Hills Drive. Larry Perry, author of “Larry’s Photo Notes,”

is guest speaker at 7 p. m. today, March 15. Photo boot camp at 6 p. m. on “Adobe Lightroom, Part 2.” Visitors welcome. 423-344-5643. RED CLAY STATE PARK — 1140 Red Clay Park Road, Cleveland, Tenn. Meet at gazebo for spring hike. 10 a. m. Saturday, March 24. 423478- 0339.

REFLECTION RIDING ARBORETUM AND NATURE CEN

TER— 400 Garden Road. Hours of operation 9: 30 a. m.- 4 p. m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, 12: 30- 4 p. m. Sunday. Closed Mondays. Admission $ 10 adults, $7 ages 4-11 and ages 65 and older. All events require registration: 423- 821-1160.

Saturday, March 17: Red wolf feeding and talk, noon, free for members, $ 10 all others.

Saturday, March 17: Chattanooga’s Natural Neighbors, noon- 9 p. m., $ 10 suggested donation per family, learn about turtles, snakes, lizards and frogs. RUBY FALLS LANTERN TOURS — Ruby Falls, 1720 South Scenic Highway. Experience underground cavern with only lanterns to light the way; $29.95 adults. 8: 30-10: 30 p. m. Fridays. 706- 820-2531. SHAMROCK CITY — Rock City Gardens, 1400 Patten Road, Lookout Mountain. Irish celebration with costume characters, Irish jig lessons, Irish food and even a green waterfall. 8: 30 a. m.-5 p. m. Saturday-Sunday, March 17-18. Adults $22.95, children $ 12.95. 706- 820-2531. SPRING FOR THE ARTS — The Farm, 186 South Goosehill Road, Rocky Face, Ga. Luncheon and fashion show, accessories art market and raffle on Thursday, March 22, to benefit Creative Arts Guild. 10: 30 a. m. market, 11:45 a. m. lunch and fashion show; $ 50 per person. 706-217- 6677. STRIDES OF MARCH — Renaissance Park, Manufacturer’s Road. Annual walk for Chattanooga CARES with music from Priscilla & Little RicKee, beverages from Heaven & Ale and barbecue from Chatterbox Cafe. Noon Saturday, March 24. www. chattanoogacares.org TRAIN RIDES, CHATTANOOGA — Departing from Tennessee Valley Railroad, 4119 Cromwell Road. 894- 8028. Check website for designated weekend train rides such as Chickamauga Turn, Dinner on the Diner and Hiwassee River Rail Adventure. www.tvrail.com.

Missionary Ridge Local: Sixmile, 55- minute ride through East Chattanooga to TVRM’s repair shop. $ 17 adults, $ 11 ages 2-12. March schedule: Trains depart every Saturday and Sunday at 10:40 a. m., 12:05, 1:15, 2:25 and 3: 35 p. m. Trains also depart Mondays through Fridays at 10:40 a. m. and 12:05 p. m. WINE DINNER — Westin Hotel, 801 Pine St. WTCI benefit includes five- course meal paired with wines at Masterpiece Experience wine dinner and silent auction; $ 175 per person. Tuesday, March 20. 423-702-7817. WINTER IN WEST VILLAGE — West Village, Chestnut and Pine streets around the Westin Hotel. Street party with food trucks, beer wagon, live band, laser light show. 6 p. m. every Saturday. 423531- 46543.

Children/ Teens

CHATTANOOGA PUBLIC LIBRARY All locations of the Chattanooga public library system have preschool story time. The Downtown, Eastgate and Northgate libraries have Adventure Club for children ages 6 and up. The library’s teen center, Teen Stack, is located in the Downtown Library. For more information about all programming held in the Downtown, Eastgate, Northgate or South Chattanooga libraries, call 757-5310 or visit www.chattlibrary.org.

Lego Clubs: Downtown branch, every Monday, 5- 6 p. m., for ages 5-11, free; Northgate branch, first Saturday of each month, 2-3 p. m., for ages 3 and up, free. 757-5314.

Toddler Time: Learning program for ages 18-36 months and parents/ guardians, preregistration not required. Wednesdays: 10: 30 a. m. Eastgate Library, 10 a. m. and 11 a. m. Northgate Library. Saturday: 11 a. m., downtown branch.

Baby Bounce: Wednesdays and Saturdays, 10-10: 30 a. m., Eastgate branch. Finger play, songs and stories for infants up to 18 months and their parent/caregiver. CHILDREN’S STORY HOUR — Barnes & Noble, 2100 Hamilton Place Blvd., 11 a. m. Saturdays. 423- 893- 0186. COLORING WITH COPS — Northgate Mall, Highway 153. Chattanooga Police Department and AARP sponsor free event in mall near Sears; coloring books and crayons provided along with snacks. 10 a. m.- noon Saturday, March 17. 423- 825- 4222. CREATIVE DISCOVERY MUSEUM — 321 Chestnut St. Hours: 10 a. m.-5 p. m. Sunday-Tuesday and Thursday-Saturday; closed Wednesday. $ 13.95 adults and children.756-2738, www. cdmfun.org. DALTON-WHITFIELD COUNTY, GA., PUBLIC LIBRARY — 310 Cappes St., Dalton, Ga. 706- 876-1360.

Saturday, March 17: Tween Nerf War, 1: 30-3: 30 p. m., nerf guns and bullets provided, or bring your own. Parents must sign a permission form.

Tuesday, March 20: Teen Writers Club, 4: 30 p. m., for students in grades 8-12.

Tuesday, March 20: Read to therapy dogs, 5- 6 p. m., children practice reading in comfortable environment. HOMESCHOOL WORKSHOP — Hunter Museum of American Art, 10 Bluff View. Ages 5-13 explore the world of digital art as they explore the tech details in a Hunter spring exhibit. Hunter members $ 11, nonmembers $ 16. 10 a. m.- noon Friday, March 16. Reservations: 423-267- 0968. ROSSVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY — 504 McFarland Ave., Rossville, Ga. Preschool Ready to Read, Tuesdays at 10: 30 a. m. Come for stories, crafts and songs. 706- 866-1368.

Dances

BALLROOM — Ballroom Magic Dance Center, 4200 N. Access Road. $ 10 per person. 8: 30-10: 30 p. m. Fridays. 423771-3646. CONTRA DANCE — Brainerd United Methodist Church, 4315 Brainerd Road. Chattanooga Traditional Dance Society hosts dance with caller Donna Calhoun and music by Peavine Creek String Band. $ 10 individuals, $7 students and senior adults. 7: 30 contra lesson, 8-11 p. m. dance. Saturday, March 24. 423- 629- 0333. SHAG, BOP, SWING, JITTERBUG — Elks Lodge 91, 1067 Graysville Road at East Brainerd Road. $ 5 members, $7 guests. 7-10 p. m. Thursdays. www.choochooshagclub.com.