5 Things for Families

So many fun things to do this weekend for healthy and engaged communities: share your love for the James River at a film premiere, and promote healthy babies, families, and neighborhoods at various events throughout the week. Plus: Star Wars Origami!

July 31, 2013; 7:48 AM • by Kelly Gerow

1. Affair with the James Premiere

Beginning late July 2012, Elli Morris made a short video every week for one year of scenes along (and in) the James River including rock hopping trips, kayaking in floods, and a goodbye celebration for Ralph White. This Friday, Morris premieres a 45-minute movie of her video diary of our river, to be shown on the floodwall at Diversity Park at Mayo Bridge (there are no facilities at the park, just a nice, grassy field perfect for river movie showings). Watch a trailer here.

Friday, August 2nd • 9:00 PM
Diversity Park, 14th Street at the Flood Wall (south side of Mayo Bridge)
Free

2. Big Latch On RVA

The Big Latch, a worldwide event to raise awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding, takes place this Saturday at the Virginia State Capitol. Put on your finest ponytail holder that lets you know which side your little one last fed from, and meet at the Bell Tower (Franklin and 9th Streets). The synchronized Latch On takes place at 10:30 A.M. I can’t find any information on what show will be streaming on Netflix while everyone nurses. Hopefully it’s Parks and Recreation.

Saturday, August 3rd • 9:45 – 10:45 AM
Virginia State Capitol, 1000 Bank Street
Free

3. Partnership for Families Northside Block Party

The 4th Annual Partnership for Families Northside Block Party has more fun than what can possibly fit on a block: petting zoo, GrowRVA Street Foodies trucks and other snacks, cooking demonstrations, a train ride, a fire truck, and much more. Partnership for Families Northside is a community nonprofit that offers services to Richmond families to promote stable and healthy environments.

Saturday, August 3rd • 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
800 W. Graham Road
Free

4. National Night Out

National Night Out is a chance for communities to meet each other, shake the crime stick at criminal activity, and then have some activities for the kids. Below are a few events happening in different parts of the city. Feel free to share any additional NNO events not listed below in the comments.

Tuesday, August 6th
Pollard Park, 900 W. Brookland Park Boulevard (4:00 – 9:00 PM)
Powhatan Community Center, 5021 Northampton Street (6:00 – 8:00 PM)
Tabernacle Baptist Church, 1925 Grove Avenue
Westover Hills UMC Tot Lot, 1705 Westover Hills Boulevard (6:30 – 8:00 PM)
Free

5. Star Wars Origami — May the Fold Be With You

I don’t know what origami and Star Wars have to do with each other, but I don’t care. Open to ages six and older, this Richmond Public Library event teaches the art of Japanese paper folding but skips the cranes and swans and goes straight to the Star Wars figures and characters.