If this weren?t a list of completely free things to do, I?d mention the Friends of Campbell County book sale today until 8 p.m. and this weekend from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Campbell County Library on Sixth Street in Newport. I love a good library sale because I can stock up on classics and kids books at amazing prices. But again, this is a list about completely free things to do, so I guess I can?t mention it. Too bad!
[caption id="attachment_12190" align="alignright" width="300" caption="The Mercantile Library is one of Cincinnati's true gems. Settle in this comfy chair and enjoy live music from the Great American Songbook by Nancy James and her trio from noon to 1 p.m. Friday."]
[/caption]
Sneak away at lunch and enjoy the sounds of Nancy James and her trio as they perform selections from the Great American Songbook from noon to 1 p.m. at the Mercantile Library on Walnut Street downtown. Now this is my kind of music: Sinatra, Porter, Gershwin, Ellington and more. Definitely worth the trip if you can make it.
Tell your friends ages 35 and older about this one: there's a mammography van from 1 to 4:30 p.m. at the White Oak location of CVS brought to us by the YWCA. Appointments are available by calling 513-956-3729.
Starting at 6 p.m., head out for First Friday, a relaxed gallery hop in the Covington Arts District. Hop around the different locations, meet with the artists and see their latest work. Gallery hops are a lot of fun because the people who go are generally smart without being pretentious and they're just out enjoying the night. Join them!
From 6:30-8 p.m., bring a flashlight and gather at the pavilion in Ault Park to meet some of the characters in Harry Potter. OK, not Ron or a hippogriff, but more likely you'll see owls and a few other creatures. Make sure the little ones are wearing their wizarding capes to stay warm.
At 7 p.m., bring the family for a concert by singer/songwriter Jim Gill at the main branch of the Boone County Library on Burlington Pike. Clap, jump and even sneeze your way through this funny concert sure to excite the little ones and even make the older ones giggle a time or two.
Saturday, November 6
There's not a whole lot of free events this weekend, probably because there are more church holiday bazaars than there are ornaments on a tree, but there are few things to do that don't cost money.
Ever been to a pumpkin chuck? Yeah, me neither, but this sounds like fun. From noon to 5 p.m., watch everyone chuck their pumpkins from a launcher into the compost pile in Mt. Washington's Stanbery Park. It's free to watch, and for $2 you can chuck your old pumpkin if you haven't pitched it already. There's also live music, children's crafts and face painting. For more info, call 513-236-5467.
[caption id="attachment_13501" align="alignright" width="238" caption="Head to the Cincinnati Art Museum for Family First weekend to see this amazing scultpure by Dale Chihuly and have fun with hands-on activities."]
[/caption]
From 1-4 p.m. today and tomorrow, head to the Cincinnati Art Museum for Family First Saturday and Sunday, meant for kids age 6-12 (accompanied by an adult). Remember, parking's $4 to park in the Museum lot, but you can park in Eden Park and walk up the hill to avoid the fee. The Family First days are always a great time with plenty of hands-on activities and tours. If the weather cooperates, you can bring a packed lunch and enjoy your PB&J on the lawn.
The fine folks at Happen Inc. on Hamilton Avenue in Northside are at it again with two free art sessions. Choose either the 3:30-5:45 or 6:30-7:45 session and have some fun making art projects with your kids.
Sunday, November 7
Honor Veterans at a dedication ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park on Neeb Road in Delhi. Starting at 1 p.m., watch the new names etched into the wall be unveiled, and give your kids an understanding of what Veterans Day is all about.
Celebrate Veterans with a little more fanfare at 2 p.m. with the Veterans Day parade in Harrison. The parade starts at the post office on State Street and includes a flag ceremony and riffle salute. For more information, call 513-367-2111.
by 
