CALENDAR

29 FRIDAY

Enjoy the longest days of the year at a Summer Solstice Celebration from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. today and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 30, at Roots Natural Foods, 100 Crawford St., Leominster. Activities planned include Astrological Tarot Readings for individuals and couples, chair massage, Reiki, and Mehendi (temporary Indian henna tattoos) as well as opportunities to sample products. Cost is $25 and includes a lunar almanac. For information, or to register, call (978) 534-7768.

The Longsjo Classic race gets underway at 3:15 p.m. for pro women and at 4:30 p.m. for pro men, beginning at Saima Park, Fitchburg. This is a 6.2-mile race against the clock. Visit www.longsjo.com

30 SATURDAY

A Monoosnock Ridge Trail hike will be held today. Hikers should meet at the Kmart parking lot in Fitchburg at 8 a.m. For information, call Jenn Gordon at (978) 343- 4847, Ext. 214.

Join pastel artist Gregory Maichack from 10 a.m. to noon at the Ashby Free Public Library, 812 Main St. Enjoy an engaging hands-on experience of basic pastel painting, as well as advanced techniques. Created for adults, accommodating age 14 and up if accompanied by an adult. Supported in part by a grant from the Ashby Cultural Council. For information, call (978) 386-5377.

A Doll Carriage and Bicycle Parade will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Riverfront Park, Boulder Drive, Fitchburg. For information, visit www.civicdays.com. This is a Fitchburg Civic Days event.

Riverfront Revival of the Arts, a Fitchburg public arts exhibit, will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Riverfront Park, Fitchburg. The event will feature live music, food, art activities for children, and an art exhibit by local artists. The Fitchburg High School Jazz Band, as well as other talented members of the community, will entertain. For information, call Hannah Masse at (978) 400-6463.

The Longsjo Classic changes venues with the men's pro riding a total of 104 miles in the Wachusett Mountain Road Race. The riders will start shortly after noon at the ski area of Wachusett Mountain, Princeton. Visit www.longsjo.com

LifeFest will be celebrated from 1 to 5 p.m. at Coolidge Park, Fitchburg. Festivities will feature free food, live music, rides, games and prizes, clowns, puppets, drama, face painting, balloons, a petting zoo and pony rides. Admission is free to all. This is a Fitchburg Civic Days event.

The Civic Days Softball Tournament will be held from 1:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Coolidge Park's Charlton Softball Field, Fitchburg. For information, visit www.civicdays.com. This is a Fitchburg Civic Days event.

1 SUNDAY

Vocalist Wil Darcangelo will perform a selection of patriotic music at 10 a.m., as part of the regular Sunday worship service, at Rollstone Congregational Church, 199 Main St., Fitchburg. The Longsjo Classic concludes at 3 p.m. and 4:10 p.m. for the pro women and men respectively, around a 0.9 mile loop through downtown Fitchburg. Visit www. longsjo.com

Dance2Swing Studios presents DJ Alan- Hep2theJive at 7:30 p.m. at the Leominster Lodge of Elks, 134 North Main St. A special group swing dance lesson will be held at 6 p.m., followed by a beginner friendly group swing dance lesson at 6:45 p.m. For information, visit www.dance2swing.com

3  TUESDAY

A Downtown Block Party will be held from 5 to 11 p.m. on Main Street, Fitchburg. The party will feature live entertainment, classic cars, an International Food Court, vendors, children's events and family fun. Fireworks will be held at dusk (approx. 9 p.m.) For information, visit www.civicdays. com. This is a Fitchburg Civic Days event.

4  WEDNESDAY 

The 4th of July Parade will kick off at 10 a.m. from the Bernardian Bowl on Summer Street onto Main Street and up to the Upper Common, in Fitchburg. The parade will feature bands, floats and more. For information, visit www.civicdays.com. This is a Fitchburg Civic Days event.

5  THURSDAY

Campfire Stories will be held at 10 a.m. at the Fitchburg Youth Library, 610 Main St. Children, ages 6 and up, will learn fire building safety, sing songs, play campfire games, roast marshmallows and participate in a flag burning ceremony. For information, call (978) 345-9637. "Acoustics Under the Stars" presents Kieran McNally from 6 to 10 p.m. at Lidio's Restaurant, 1045 Central Street, Leominster. For information, call (978) 534-6600.

7 SATURDAY

The Townsend United Methodist Church, 265 Main St., will host their annual indoor yard sale from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the church. To donate items, or for more information, call (978) 597-2486.

Check out lizards, turtles, snakes and more at a Rainforest Reptiles display from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. today and Sunday, July 8, at Davis' Farmland, 145 Redstone Hill Road, Sterling. For information, call (978) 422-MOOO.

8 SUNDAY

Coggshall Park Concert Series presents the band Country Mile from 2 to 4 p.m., in Fitchburg. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy the beautiful setting. Rain date is July 22.

Dance2Swing Studios presents BJ Magoon and Driving Sideways at 7 p.m. at the Leominster Lodge of Elks, 134 North Main St. A beginner-friendly group swing dance lesson at 6 p.m. Admission is $12. For information, visit www.dance2swing. com

9 MONDAY

Eddie Raymond will perform a magic show at 6:30 p.m. at the Fitchburg Youth Library, 610 Main St. Enjoy a magic show full of fun and entertainment. For ages 6 and up, no registration required. For information, call (978) 345-9637.

Jeanne d'Arc Circle #44 Daughters of Isabella will meet for lunch at 11:30 a.m. at the King Buffet P&L, 488 John Fitch Highway, Fitchburg. A Chinese buffet will be featured. A short business meeting will be conducted at the restaurant. Members should call Jeannette Desjean at (978) 343-3467 for reservations. For further information on the Daughters of Isabella, or how to become a member, call Anita Winters at (978) 345-5279.

10  TUESDAY

A Children's Story Hour will be held from 3 to 4 p.m. at Stevens Memorial Library, 20 Memorial Drive, Ashburnham. The topic "Germ Busters" will be presented by Sharon Fata, RN. Presented by the library and Nashoba Associated Boards of Health. For information on library events, call (978) 827-4115.

The Central Mass Repertory Theatre will present "The Funtastic Fable Maker" by Stephen Levine at 3 p.m. at the Leominster Public Library, 30 West St. This performance will be "an interactive, funfilled collection of Aesop's Fables that is presented by none other than Aesop himself and his crazy cast of characters." For children ages 6 to 12. For information, call (978) 534-7522.

11  WEDNESDAY

Movie Time will be held at 10:30 a.m. at Stevens Memorial Library, 20 Memorial Drive, Ashburnham. For information on library events, call (978) 827-4115.

Whether your style is casual cool or perfectly preppy, the Totally Tweens Fashion Stylists Key Chains workshop is for you. The workshop will be held at 3 p.m. at the

Leominster Public Library, 30 West St. Create funky, mini, paper doll key-chain charms of you and your friends. For ages 8 to 12. Bring photos of you and your friends that you won't mind cutting up. For information, call (978) 534-7522.

The Ashby Band, under the musical direction of Robert Healy, will perform in concert at 7:30 p.m. at the Ashby Common. Refreshments provided.

12 THURSDAY

Members of the Leominster Land Trust and Recreation Department will lead a hike for women today. Meet at the Elm Street Gate of Monoosnoc Trail (near power lines) at 9 a.m. to hike to the Granite Street trailhead for a return trip by van. Plan to have a break on the South Monoosnoc Overlook; carry water, a snack and insect repellent. There is some moderate climbing. For more information, call the Recreation Department at (978) 534-7529 or (978) 537-3018.

A Shadow Puppet Theatre, with Sally Cragin, will be held at 2 p.m. at Stevens Memorial Library, 20 Memorial Drive, Ashburnham. A puppet-making workshop will be held following the performance. For information on library events, call (978) 827-4115.

Tim Ricardi will present "Birds of Prey" at 10 a.m. at the Fitchburg Youth Library, 610 Main St. Birds that you may see include owls, hawks, eagles, falcons and a vulture. For information, call (978) 345- 9637.