Events

BEST BET: The Irish are known as world-class partiers but no matter your ancestry, you can don your green and jig and reel with Irish spirit this weekend in both Scranton and Wilkes-Barre. Scranton does it up big time on Saturday claiming to be the second largest parade in the country for comparably sized cities. The day starts with mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral with the downtown parade stepping off at noon. Afterwards revelers can raise a glass at the post-parade party at the Scranton Cultural Center where the band Kilrush entertains. Downtown Wilkes-Barre will resound with pipe and drums corps, string bands and Celtic airs Sunday at 2 p.m. with the annual march along South Main Street.

THIS WEEK: MARCH 11 to 17, 2011

Orchid Extravaganza, the annual horticultural explosion. Through March 27. The International Orchid Show & Sale returns March 25-27. Longwood Gardens, Route 1, Kennett Square. Open daily 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. $18, $15 seniors, $8 students. 610-388-5442 or longwoodgardens.org.

Spirit, Mind and Body Fair, with national psychics, holistic services, massage and reiki, New Age Marketplace, jewelry, crystals, gemstones and more. Comfort Inn, Route 93 and Airport Road, West Hazleton. Today through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free admission. 455-3384.

Springtime in Paris, the annual Philadelphia Flower Show with Parisian-inspired exhibits incorporating art, fashion, food and love scenes in the City of Lights. Pennsylvania Convention Center, 12th and Arch streets, Philadelphia. Today, 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. $25, $20 students, $15 children. 215-988-8899 or theflowershow.com.

Rip! A Remix Manifesto, a documentary about the future of U.S. copyright law with a focus on the music industry. Osterhout Free Library, 71 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. Today at 2 p.m. 821-1959.

Miles for Michael Happy Hour, an Irish celebration with two bands, Irish gift baskets, free food and cash for gold. Banshee Irish Pub, 320 Penn Ave., Scranton. Tonight, 6 to 9. $10. 654-5505.

Monster Jam, the world’s premier monster-truck series with racing and freestyle events by favorites Gravedigger, Ironman, Spiderman, Raminator and Rammunition. Mohegan Sun Arena, 255 Highland Park Blvd., Wilkes-Barre Township. Tonight at 7:30; Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday at 2 p.m. 800-745-3000.

Getting Started in Genealogy, with genealogy columnist Tom Mooney. West Pittston Library, 200 Exeter Ave., West Pittston. Saturday, 9 to 11:30 a.m. Free. Reservations: 654-9847.

Civil War Tea, a themed Victorian Tea with period re-enactors, reading of letters from the battle lines, tours of the Victorian mansion and a talk on the fashions and etiquette of the times. Frederick Stegmaier Mansion, 304 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. Saturday and Sunday, 2 to 4 p.m. $40. Reservations: 655-8392.

50/50 Bingo, to benefit the Noxen-Monroe Sportsmen’s Club. Noxen School and Community Center, School Street, Noxen. Saturday, 6 to 9 p.m. Pay per card. Food and beverages available. 298-2052.

St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Dance, with music by Gary Dee and Company along with an open bar and door prizes. VFW Post 4909, 401-403 Main St., Dupont. Saturday with dinner at 7:30 p.m. and dancing until 1 a.m. $25. Reservations: 654-9104.

Purim Carnival, with games for all ages, arts and crafts, Queen Esther’s Castle Moon Bounce, stilt walker, face painting, Hamantashen Sale, sand-art necklaces, music, dancing and a costume parade with prizes awarded. Jewish Community Center, 60 S. River St., Wilkes-Barre. Sunday, noon to 3:30 p.m. 824-4646.

Luck for the Laurels Bingo, a fundraiser sponsored by Junior Leadership Wilkes-Barre for the Laurels Senior Living Facilities in Kingston. St. Ignatius Church, 339 N. Maple Ave., Kingston. Sunday at 1 p.m. $5, $3 children. 868-6054.

Frances Slocum: Child of Two Americas, a talk by Bill Bachman, Commonwealth speaker for the Pennsylvania Humanities Council. Presented by the Lackawanna Historical Society at the Catlin House, 232 Monroe Ave., Scranton. Sunday at 2 p.m. 344-3841.

Charter Day, free admission to all state-run museums in honor of William Penn receiving the charter in 1681 for the land that became Pennsylvania. Included: a free showing of the locally filmed “The Molly Maguires” at Eckley Miners Village, Highland Road, off Route 940, Eckley. Sunday at 2 p.m. 636-2070.

Taking Care of Yourself in the Sandwich Generation, tips on coping with stress and burnout from taking care of both elderly parents and young children. Presented by counselors and psychotherapists Karen and Tim Gunnet-Shoval. Jewish Community Center, 60 S. River St., Wilkes-Barre. Monday at 7 p.m. Free. 824-4646.

Educational Forum Series, with university professors Nathan and Erin Sorber speaking on “Rural Schools.” Marts Center, 274 S. Franklin St., Wilkes University, Wilkes-Barre. Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. Free. Act 48 credit. 408-5060.

FUTURE

Friday Night Dance, with DJ music, door prizes, food and refreshments. Sponsored by the Noxen Historical Community Association at the Noxen School and Community Center, School Street, Noxen. March 18, 7 to 10 p.m. $5, $3 students. 298-3052.

Loch’s Maple Open House, the 14th annual event with guided tours of the maple woods, the sap house and the fiber mill along with demonstrations of soap making, hand spinning, blacksmithing, woodworking, weaving, quilting, knitting and broom making. Also: a pancake breakfast at the Springville Methodist Church from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and other maple-inspired treats. Loch’s Maple, off Route 29 in Springville. March 19-20, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free. 965-2679 or lochsmaple.com.

Knitting Group. Bring yarn and needles. All ages. Osterhout Free Library, 71 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. March 19, 10:30 a.m. to noon. Free. 821-1959.

Fight for Air. Climb 1,224 steps of the Mohegan Sun Arena and raise funds for the American Lung Association. 255 Highland Park Blvd., Wilkes-Barre Township. March 19 at 1 p.m. Register online at lunginfo.org/arenaclimb.

Video Collage, screenings of juried short works by regional filmmakers ranging from 2 to 20 minutes. The Vintage Theater, 119 Penn Ave., Scranton. March 19, 7 to 9 p.m. followed by a reception with music and light refreshments. $5. 778-5322.

Gimme Some Sugar, a fundraiser to help fund Wilkes-Barre artist Samantha Blinn’s submission of her custom-made whimsical dessert jewelry at Nickelodeon’s Kids Choice Awards in Los Angeles. With appetizers, carnival games, dart tournament, raffles and door prizes. Molly’s Cozy Corner, 1324 Prospect Ave., Scranton. March 19, 8 p.m. to midnight. $10. 310-999-8290.

St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Dance, a benefit for the annual Kids Fishing Derby. American Legion Post 967, Annabelle Street and Route 415, Harveys Lake. March 19, 7 p.m. to midnight. 21 and older. 630-2240.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1, the final chapter of the Harry Potter film series begins as Harry, Ron and Hermione leave Hogwarts behind and set out to destroy the Horcruxes. Lemmond Theater, Walsh Hall, Misericordia University, 301 Lake St., Dallas. March 19 at 7 p.m.; March 20 at 3 p.m. $3. 674-6411.

Wyoming Valley Motorcycle and PowerSports Show, a benefit for the Wyoming Valley Children’s Association with People’s Choice Bike Show, motorcycle dealers, fashion show, vendors, food and more. 109th Field Artillery Armory, 280 Market St., Wilkes-Barre. March 20, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 598-9862.

Purim in China, with performances by Chinese acrobats, dancing and games in the Evolution Shushan Club and a Chinese Seuda Buffet. The Woodlands Inn & Resort, 1073 Route 315, Plains. March 20 beginning with a Megilla Reading at 3:30 p.m. followed by the buffet at 4 p.m. Come in costume. $12, $7 children. Reservations (by March 15): 208-3801 or 824-4646.

Franz Kline: Coal and Steel, the art and life of the Wilkes-Barre native and leading modernism artist with Robert S. Mattison, art professor of Lafayette College and curator of the Allentown Art Museum. Sponsored by the Luzerne County Historical Society at the Westmoreland Club, 59 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. March 23 at 6 p.m. $75, $65 members, $50 students includes dinner. 823-6244.

Basic Investing 101, a free financial seminar at the West Pittston Library, 200 Exeter Ave., West Pittston. March 23 at 6 p.m. Reservations: 654-9847.

Twitter 101, a free seminar to set up an account, learn the basics and send a few tweets. West Pittston Library, 200 Exeter Ave., West Pittston. March 23 at 6:30 p.m. Reservations: 654-9847.

Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, the inaugural event to raise money for the Panzi Foundation USA, which works with women from the Democratic Republic of Congo who have been affected by the ongoing humanitarian crisis and war. Begins with a one-mile walk in high-heeled shoes (for men and women) followed by a talk by Dr. Lee Ann de Reus, president of the Panzi Foundation. Insalaco Hall, Misericordia University, 301 Lake St., Dallas. March 26 at noon. $20 registration fee includes t-shirt and high-heel shoes. 674-8113.

Bingo Night, a benefit for Operation Empty Arms a.k.a. Friends and Family of Randy and Alicia Conley. With a basket raffle and bake sale. American Legion, 23 W. Broad St., Nanticoke. March 26 at 5 p.m. $1 per card. 239-8401.

Night at the Races, a fundraiser for the Lt. Jeffrey DePrimo Memorial Fund. Seton Catholic High School, 37 William St., Pittston. March 26 with doors at 6 p.m. and races at 7 p.m.

Night at the Oldies, a fund-raising event for the Dupont Lions Club with music by Eddie & the Dreamers along with a buffet, games, raffles and prizes for the best dressed. Dupont Volunteer Hose Company, 308 Main St., Dupont. March 26, 7 to 11 p.m. $18; $35 per couple. 466-2468.

Gourmet Gala, the annual fundraiser for the Ronald McDonald House with gourmet appetizers, entrees, desserts and wines by more than 50 restaurants with an “Under the Sea” theme. Genetti Manor, 1505 Main St., Dickson City. March 27, 5 to 8 p.m. $40 advance; $45 at the door. 969-8988.

World Affairs Luncheon Seminar on “Civil Liberties in the Age of Facebook, YouTube and the Ubiquitous Social Networks” with Judge Thomas I. Vanaskie, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. Room 509, Brennan Hall, University of Scranton. March 29 at noon. $20. 941-4089.

Tour of Asia: India Festival of Color, with dance, food and films. McIlhenny Ballroom, DeNaples Center, 900 Mulberry St., Scranton. March 30 at 4:30 p.m. Free. 941-7715.

Facebook 101, a free seminar in setting up a Facebook Page, adjusting privacy settings and adding friends. West Pittston Library, 200 Exeter Ave., West Pittston. March 30 at 6 p.m. Reservations: 654-9847.

Who Killed the Electric Car? An award-winning documentary following the development and demise of the electric car at General Motors. Lackawanna College Environmental Institute, 10 Moffat Drive, Covington Township. March 30 at 6:30 p.m. Popcorn and light refreshments served. Free but registration requested. 842-1506.

Pysanky Egg Demonstration, a discussion and demonstration on the 2000-year-old egg-decorating technique of Eastern Europe. West Pittston Library, 200 Exeter Ave., West Pittston. April 2 at 2 p.m. Free. 654-9847.

Geisinger Gala, the 12th annual event to benefit the new women’s and children’s hospital currently under construction at the Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center. With a reception, open bar, silent and live auctions, dinner and dancing to the music of Which Doctor and Soul. Westmoreland Club, 59 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. April 2 at 6 p.m. Black tie optional. $150 per person.808-3651.

An Evening of Fine Food and Wine, samples from area restaurants, wine tasting and tours of the Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington St., Scranton. April 3 at 5:30 p.m. $100 patrons, $85 guests. 346-7369.

World Affairs Luncheon Seminar on “Facing Disasters in the Middle East: Are There Only Bad Options?” with Stephen Kinzer, author and Boston College professor. Presented by the Schemel Forum at Redington Hall, 1120 Linden St., University of Scranton. April 5 at noon. $20. 941-4089.

Retirement Fundamentals, a free financial seminar at the West Pittston Library, 200 Exeter Ave., West Pittston. April 6 at 6 p.m. Reservations: 654-9847.

Spring Film Festival, 14 days of foreign, independent and art films. Opens April 8 with a Gala Night of hors d’oeuvres, wine, two films and desserts. Continues through April 21 at the Dietrich Theater, 60 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock. 996-1500 or dietrichtheater.com.

Race for Wishes, an evening of racing to benefit the Make-a-Wish Foundation. With entertainment, raffles, auction and prizes for best “derby” attire. Mohegan Sun Casino at Pocono Downs, 1280 Route 315, Plains. April 8, 7 to 10 p.m. $85. Reservations: 696-9474 or wishgreaterpa.org.

Blast from the Past, with the Poets, Frankie & the Corvettes, a tribute to the Everly Brothers by Dick & Tom, oldies and doo-wop by the Paramounts and the Fortunes and a tribute to female singing legends by Dani-elle. St. Mary’s Center, 320 Mifflin Ave., Scranton. April 9 with dinner at 6 p.m. followed by dancing 7 to 11:30 p.m. $37.50; $75 per couple. Reservations: 343-5151.

A Night with the Stars, the 9th annual gala with music, dinner, silent auction, celebrity look-alikes and dancing to raise funds for the Family Service Association. Music by the Mark Mack Orchestra. Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, 1280 Highway 315, Plains. April 9 at 6 p.m. $100. Reservations: 823-5144.

The Taming of the Brew, a fundraiser for the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble with fine microbrews, food and entertainment as well as an educational beer-tasting talk, a silent auction and 50/50 raffle. Caldwell Consistory, Market Square, Bloomsburg. April 9, 7 to 11 p.m. $65. 784-8181.

The Last Dinner on the Titanic, a themed Victorian dinner patterned after menu items from the ill-fated luxury liner. Also: Tours of the Victorian mansion and a talk on the fashions and etiquette of the times. Frederick Stegmaier Mansion, 304 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. April 10, 6 to 8 p.m. $52.50. Reservations: 655-8392.

Anti-Defamation League Award Dinner, honoring Dr. Susan Sordoni with the 2011 Distinguished Community Service Award. Woodlands Inn & Resort, 1037 Route 315, Plains Township. April 10 with reception at 5:30 p.m. and dinner at 6:30 p.m.

Garden Club Federation of Pennsylvania Convention, a weekend of gardening seminars and workshops. Topics include “Candy in the Garden,” “Container Gardens,” “Heirloom Gardening” and various garden design ideas. April 10 to 12 at Skytop Lodge in Skytop. 636-3982.

World Affairs Luncheon Seminar on “Israel and the U.S. – and the Rest of the World” with Itamar Rabinovich, former Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Presented by the Schemel Forum at Redington Hall, 1120 Linden St., University of Scranton. April 12 at noon. $20. 941-4089.

Voyage to India, a presentation by journalist and classical Indian dancer Sujata Nair-Mulloth. Included: various displays and samplings of Indian food. Catherine Evans McGowan Room, Bevevino Library, Misericordia University, 301 Lake St., Dallas. April 12 at noon. Free and open to the public. 674-6225.

An Evening with Larry King, the CNN interview veteran, Emmy Award winner and Broadcasters Hall of Fame member highlights stories and discussions from his long broadcasting career. F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. April 15 at 8 p.m. $65, $55, $45. 826-1100.

Earth Day Riverbank Cleanup. Help beautify the town. Meet at the West Pittston Cemetery at the end of Susquehanna Avenue and bring gloves. April 16, 10 a.m. to noon. 654-9847.

Titanic Afternoon Tea, a themed Victorian “low tea” patterned after menu items from the ill-fated luxury liner. Also: tours of the Victorian mansion and a talk on the fashions and etiquette of the times. Frederick Stegmaier Mansion, 304 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. April 16, 2 to 4 p.m. $42.50. Reservations: 655-8392.

Oldies Rock ’n’ Roll Revival, with the Cadillacs, Mike Sperazza, Jack Vitale, Dani-elle and the Fab 3 Plus 1. Genetti’s Manor, 1505 Main St., Dickson City. April 16 with dinner at 6 p.m. and dancing 7 to 11 p.m. $35. Reservations: 383-0207.

Lovin’ the Music, a benefit for the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic celebrating the sights and sounds of the ’70s. With cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, gourmet dinner followed by a chocolate fondue bar, dessert station and dancing to the 11-piece Dance Hall Docs. Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, 1280 Route 315, Plains Township. April 17 at 6 p.m. Black tie or groovy dress. $120. Reservations (by April 8): 341-1568.

Earth Day Fair, with interactive games and environmental exhibits on sustainable practices along with local green businesses and organizations. Dionne Campus Green, University of Scranton. April 19, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free. 941-7520.

Back Mountain Business Expo, a showcase of products and services along with workshops and door prizes. Insalaco Hall, Misericordia University, 301 Lake St., Dallas. April 20, 4 to 7 p.m.675-9380.

Affluenza, the film about the personal, social, economic and environmental costs of over-consumption. With popcorn and light refreshments. Lackawanna College Environmental Institute, 10 Moffat Drive, Covington Township. April 20 at 6:30 p.m. Free. 842-1506.

Irem Shrine Circus. 109th Field Artillery Armory, 280 Market St., Wilkes-Barre. April 25 to 30. 714-0783.

Cruise Night, with the Villa Capri Cruisers. T.G.I. Friday’s, 621 Scranton/Carbondale Highway, Dickson City. May 8, June 12, July 10, Aug. 14 and Sept. 11, 6 to 9 p.m. All vehicles welcome. 344-2014.

Estate Planning 101, a free financial seminar at the West Pittston Library, 200 Exeter Ave., West Pittston. May 17 at 6 p.m. Reservations: 654-9847.

Cruise Night, with the Villa Capri Cruisers. Steamtown Mall, 300 Lackawanna Ave., Scranton. May 20, June 17, July 15, Aug. 19 and Sept. 16, 6 to 9 p.m. All vehicles welcome. 344-2014.

James Bond 007 Gala, the 7th annual themed fundraiser for the Osterhout Free Library with music by Group du Jour, themed food and drinks, a “James Bond 007 Adventure to London” raffle and celebrity hosts WNEP-TV news anchors Mindi Ramsey and Tom Williams. May 21 with cocktails at 6 p.m. at the library followed by dinner at the Westmoreland Club, 59 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. $150. 823-0156.

Intro to eBooks, a free seminar on using eBooks at the West Pittston Library, 200 Exeter Ave., West Pittston. May 24 at 6 p.m. Reservations: 654-9847.

Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania Bus Trip. Take in the sights of the Little Grand Canyon and Wellsboro on this scenic bus ride guided by naturalist Jane Frye. Included: hikes, a box lunch, a narrated wagon ride through the canyon and sightseeing in Wellsboro. Leaves from the Dietrich Theater, 60 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock. June 2 at 7:45 a.m. with a 7 p.m. return. $100. Reservations: 996-1500.

Car Show and Flea Market, the 50th annual event by the Northeastern Pennsylvania Region of the Antique Automobile Club of America with special commemorative events, 30 classes of cars, trucks and motorcycles, DJ music, food and a model-car competition. Luzerne County Community College, 1333 S. Prospect St., Nanticoke. June 5 with gates at 8 a.m., judging until 1 p.m. and awards presentation at 3 p.m. 735-7064.

Father’s Day Car Show, open to all vehicles. NSRA Safety Inspection available. Sponsored by the Villa Capri Cruisers at Nay Aug Park, Scranton. June 19, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. 344-2014.

Founders Day Excursion, a diesel train ride from Scranton to the Delaware Water Gap for special displays and presentations. Steamtown National Historic Site, 300 Cliff St., Scranton. June 25 at 9 a.m. with an approximate return at 5:30 p.m. $54, $39 seniors, $32 children. 340-5200.

Tour of Back Mountain Gardens, self-guided tours of seven gardens with a variety of landscaping styles and themes including the Shakespeare Garden at Misericordia University. Also: related workshops and demonstrations by master gardeners and professional landscapers, a Standard Flower Show and special exhibits. July 2, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Proceeds benefit the Anthracite Scenic Trails Association. $20 before June 25; $25 thereafter. Information at backmountainbloomers.org.

Festival of Unity, the 7th annual celebration of regional diversity. Nay Aug Park, Scranton. July 9 and 10. 851-3378.

Reunion Car Show, open to all vehicles. Sponsored by the Villa Capri Cruisers at Nay Aug Park, Scranton. Sept. 4, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 344-2014.