5 Things for Families: Corn, swans, chess, teeth, and trains

Each of this week’s featured events are free. Look how much Richmond loves you, you guys!

July 15, 2015; 9:00 AM • by Valerie Catrow

Photo by: Osajus

1. The Ugly Duckling

Bright Star Touring Theatre will present a live-action version of the beloved Hans Christian Andersen classic at three Richmond Public Library locations over the course of one day. Perhaps they’re gunning for the record of Most Performances of the Ugly Duckling at Public Libraries? Whatever their motivation, I support any opportunity for kids to hear stories about outcasts stickin’ it to the nay-sayers.

• Thursday, July 16th • 10:30 AM, 1:30 PM, and 4:00 PM
• Broad Rock Library, 4820 Old Warwick Road; North Avenue Library, 2901 North Avenue; and West End Library, 5420 Patterson Road
• Free!

2. Free Chess Club

If you, like me, have a child with a propensity for games requiring strategy and patience but do not possess such a propensity yourself, the Henrico Police Athletic League is here to help. Every Friday evening, boys and girls ages 6 to 18 (who are preferably “vaguely familiar” with chess) are invited to spend time with Henrico PAL staff and volunteers to learn more about the Game of Kings.

• Friday, July 17th (all Friday evenings, actually) • 6:30 — 8:30 PM
• Henrico County Training Center, 7701 E. Parham Road
• Free!

3. Gallmeyer Farms Third Annual Sweet Corn Festival

Corn–specifically sweet corn from Gallmeyer Farms–is one of those foods that can make you pretty sure God is real. It’s just…woooooo. Celebrate this golden gift from the heavens with live music, bounce houses for the kids, hayrides, and (of course) corn that you can purchase and roast on-site.

• Saturday, July 18th • 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Pumpkin Patch at Gallmeyer Farms, 4506 Millers Lane
• Free admission

4. Stories at the Museum

Enjoy an educator-led reading of a children’s history book and let the little ones get in on some make-and-take craft action. This Saturday’s selection: George Washington’s Teeth. Who else really, really hopes the kids will fashion their own sets of false chompers?

• Saturday, July 18th • 11:00 AM
• Virginia Historical Society, 428 N. Boulevard
• Free!

5. Hull Street Station Centennial Celebration

Hull Street Station served the Southern Railways’ Richmond passengers from 1915 to 1957. Come celebrate this historic Richmond landmark’s 100th birthday with telegraph demonstrations, live music, refreshments, and a huge model train display. Historic interpreters will also be on hand during the day portraying Southern Railways employees, so be sure test their commitment to character by asking if the trains have WiFi and stuff like that.

• Saturday, July 18th • 1:00 — 5:00 PM
• Richmond Railroad Museum, 102 Hull Street Road
• Free!

July 15, 2015 9:00 AM 0