Hunter Cattle Farm Day 2012!
1-6 PM Saturday April 21
Enjoy an afternoon on the farm. $5 per person, which includes wagon ride, hay jumping, steer roping, farm animal petting and learning, hen house education & more.
Horse Rides: $5.00
Jumpy House: $3.00
Farm Fresh Concessions: $5.00-$10.00
Hunter Burgers, Fresh Sausage Dogs, and more!
Details here

Fort Pulaski “Animal Encounter”
April 22 2:00 PM
Part of the Fort’s FREE Earth Day activities. An animal program by an educator from Oatland Island Wildlife Center. Information on local fauna, including an up close animal encounter. Free and open to the public
http://www.nps.gov/fopu
Fort Pulaski Picnic Area

Fort Pulaski’s Earth Day activities on April 21 are also the kick-off for the Fort’s annual National Park Week event. Admission fees to all national parks including Fort Pulaski are waived through Sunday, April 29. Hour-long public marsh trek on Saturday, April 21 at 3:30pm. Free and open to the public http://www.nps.gov/fopu ; 912-786-5787

The Savannah Arts Academy’s Theatre Department under the direction of Andrea Verdis, Theatre Department Chair, presents their spring production, Dearly Departed on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, April 26 – 28, 2012 at 7:00 PM and Sunday, April 29 at 2:30 PM. Dinner and the show will be offered on Friday and Saturday with designated seating at 6:00 PM. Dinner Theatre tickets are $25 and must be reserved by Tuesday, April 24th. General admission for the show only is $10 and Students and Senior Citizens are $6. Tickets can be purchased at the Box Office Monday – Friday from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM beginning April 18th.
Dearly Departed is a comedy that highlights the colorful antics of a very dysfunctional Southern family as they struggle to get their patriarch, Bud Turpin, buried, In hilarious “redneck” tradition each family member deals with life, death and their own mortality in their own unique way.

Massie Heritage Center, Savannah’s museum for history and architecture located on Calhoun Square, will open its doors to the public after $1 million restoration project. The Grand Re-Opening Celebration activities are planned over 4 days, Thursday, April 26-Sunday, April 29 2012.

Discover new interactive exhibits including a laser show of the rebuilt three-dimensional model of James E. Oglethorpe’s famous city plan in Savannah: An Intelligent Grid. You’ll also see life-size classical structures from around the world which demonstrate the impact on Savannah’s own architecture in the Classically Inspired exhibit.

Schedule of Events:
Thursday, April 26 10 am: Ribbon Cutting & Dedication Ceremony
Friday, April 27 10 am-5 pm: Open FREE to public
Saturday, April 28 10 am-4 pm: Open FREE to public
Sunday, April 29 1-5 pm: Open FREE to public

For more information call Sandee Lipsitz at (912) 395-5070. Massie Heritage Center, 207 E. Gordon Street, Savannah, GA 31401. www.massieschool.com

Massie Heritage Center, Savannah’s museum for history and architecture located on Calhoun Square, will open its doors to the public after $1 million restoration project. The Grand Re-Opening Celebration activities and FREE ADMISSION are planned over 4 days, Thursday, April 26-Sunday, April 29 2012.

Discover new interactive exhibits including a laser show of the rebuilt three-dimensional model of James E. Oglethorpe’s famous city plan in Savannah: An Intelligent Grid. You’ll also see life-size classical structures from around the world which demonstrate the impact on Savannah’s own architecture in the Classically Inspired exhibit.

Schedule of Events:
Thursday, April 26 10 am: Ribbon Cutting & Dedication Ceremony
Friday, April 27 10 am-5 pm: Open FREE to public
Saturday, April 28 10 am-4 pm:  Open FREE to public
Sunday, April 29 1-5 pm: Open FREE to public

For more information call Sandee Lipsitz at (912) 395-5070. Massie Heritage Center, 207 E. Gordon Street, Savannah, GA 31401. www.massieschool.com

Read about the Tour de Kids & why your kids should participate here.

Features bike care, learning games and a group ride around Lake Mayer with kids participating in the event.

All participants must have helmets. A limited number of free helmets will be available. The event is a fundraiser for the Interfaith Hospitality Network of Coastal Georgia, which helps families who are homeless.

9 AM-noon Saturday May 5 2012

Kids will get their bikes checked out, fixed a bit and participate in bike skills learning games. There will be a group ride for kids, parents & friends. Participants must have a release signed by parent or responsible adult. All participants must wear helmets. A limited number of free helmets will be available. Training by volunteers from Savannah Bicycle Campaign & Coastal Bicycle Touring Club. Call 912.786.9622 or email Diane at dschleicher@cityoftybee.org for more info.
10 AM-1 PM Sat. April 28

Best Dressed Gnome Contest @ GnomeCon Conference,
Best Dressed Gnome Contest is looking for the best dress GNOME.

Figurines, dolls, your baby brother – it matters not – if they’re dressed like a gnome then you can enter GnomeCon’s first BEST DRESSED GNOME CONTEST!!! Or if you have a gnome and you want to dress him up – bring that too!

Members are allowed as many entries as they like. The best dressed gnome parade starts promptly at 8pm on Saturday April 21. Our expert panel of judges will announce the winner – and prizes – THAT’S RIGHT – prizes, will be given out at 8:30. There will be First and Second place, a 1st Place Kids* and a $1 pay-per-vote People’s Choice. Proceeds from the People’s Choice go directly into GnomeCon’s donation pool for the Live Oak Public Liberry.

1st Place – $25.00 GnomeCon Store Bucks
2nd Place – $15.00 GnomeCon Store Bucks
1st Place Kids – $15 GnomeCon Store Bucks
People’s Choice – winner chooses book for library donation
All kids in the contest get a certificate for participating – no gnome goes away empty handed.
So get handy, get creative – get gnoming and come join the fun!
* subject to change based on participation

A new, locally owned business, BIG FROG Custom T-shirts & More, is hosting a Grand Opening event 9 AM-1 PM Sat. April 21 & you and your family are invited!

BIG FROG is a unique retail shop designed around a friendly atmosphere where the customers can work directly with graphic designers to create a custom design.

The Grand Opening event is open to the public. BIG FROG is a fun, family friendly store and has planned several children’s activities and will provide light refreshments for their guests. As added incentive, the first 15 guests to attend the event will get a BIG FROG goodie bag and everyone who attends will be included in drawings for prizes including BIG FROG gift cards and free custom items.

Utilizing a new, green technology known as direct to garment (DTG) printing, BIG FROG is able to print full color digital images onto a single t-shirt in less than three minutes. BIG FROG boasts no set up fees, no artwork fees, no minimums, 100% satisfaction and extremely fast turn-around times. It may all sound too good to be true but just stop by the BIG FROG Grand Opening event to see the shop, meet the owners, and find out how their unique printing process works.

BIG FROG not only prints custom t-shirts but practically any kind of apparel from collared uniform shirts to fishing apparel, athletic gear, baby clothes, and even dog clothes. The store also has gift items such as tote bags, koozies, coasters, puzzles, car flags and wine bags.

Whether you need one or one hundred items, BIG FROG is ideal for family reunions, school events, corporate gear, or even personalized gifts. For student organizations, non-profits, and churches, BIG FROG also offers fundraising services at no cost to the organization.

BIG FROG cares about the environment and in celebration of Earth Day, BIG FROG is offering a special during the month of April for 22% off your next organic shirt order if you donate a clean, used screen printed shirt. The shirts will be donated to the Homeless Mission and the Humane Society of Savannah.

BIG FROG Savannah, email Savannah@bigfrog.com , 1909 E. Victory Dr. STE 101 (in the Victory Shopping Center across from Target) Savannah, 31404, 912-354-7714, www.bigfrog.com/savannah BIG FROG is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

A new, locally owned business, BIG FROG Custom T-shirts & More, is hosting a Grand Opening event 9 AM-1 PM Sat. April 21 & you and your family are invited!

BIG FROG is a unique retail shop designed around a friendly atmosphere where the customers can work directly with graphic designers to create a custom design.

The Grand Opening event is open to the public. BIG FROG is a fun, family friendly store and has planned several children’s activities and will provide light refreshments for their guests. As added incentive, the first 15 guests to attend the event will get a BIG FROG goodie bag and everyone who attends will be included in drawings for prizes including BIG FROG gift cards and free custom items.

Utilizing a new, green technology known as direct to garment (DTG) printing, BIG FROG is able to print full color digital images onto a single t-shirt in less than three minutes. BIG FROG boasts no set up fees, no artwork fees, no minimums, 100% satisfaction and extremely fast turn-around times. It may all sound too good to be true but just stop by the BIG FROG Grand Opening event to see the shop, meet the owners, and find out how their unique printing process works.

BIG FROG not only prints custom t-shirts but practically any kind of apparel from collared uniform shirts to fishing apparel, athletic gear, baby clothes, and even dog clothes. The store also has gift items such as tote bags, koozies, coasters, puzzles, car flags and wine bags.

Whether you need one or one hundred items, BIG FROG is ideal for family reunions, school events, corporate gear, or even personalized gifts. For student organizations, non-profits, and churches, BIG FROG also offers fundraising services at no cost to the organization.

BIG FROG cares about the environment and in celebration of Earth Day, BIG FROG is offering a special during the month of April for 22% off your next organic shirt order if you donate a clean, used screen printed shirt. The shirts will be donated to the Homeless Mission and the Humane Society of Savannah.

BIG FROG Savannah, email Savannah@bigfrog.com , 1909 E. Victory Dr. STE 101 (in the Victory Shopping Center across from Target) Savannah, 31404, 912-354-7714, www.bigfrog.com/savannah BIG FROG is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

UPDATE: Winner is Suzanne Work Hokanson!! Congratulations Suzanne!

This week’s giveaway is going to make you nostalgic for your favorite childhood doll. Win a handmade Little Lady Belles doll stitched with love and attention right here in Savannah.

 Little Lady Belles are unique, handmade soft form dolls designed as a treasured toy, family heirloom & long-lasting keepsake for display. Each belle has a unique personality and story to tell. Some represent the grand styles and fashions of the past, while others the sweet city and country girls of today.

To enter to win, “like” the Little Lady Belles family on Facebook here, then on the Little Lady Belles Facebook wall, share the name of your favorite childhood doll or simply a memory of your doll or playing dolls (or another favorite toy for the non-doll playing moms) Be sure to say that SouthernMamas.com sent you! Deadline to enter to win: noon Sun. April 22. We’ll pick a winner at random & announce it here Mon. April 23.

Little Lady Belles  are handmade with high-quality vintage fabrics and buttons. Their bodies are all new, 100 percent cotton; their hair is wool felt, polyester fleece, or cotton chenille fabric. Clothing is made from pre-washed repurposed materials. The belles have embroidered facial details.

Due to the use of buttons and small pieces, the dolls are best suited for ages 3 and older The belles measure from 26 to 31 inches tall, with an arm span of 22 inches. Each belle comes with one accessory and a small portrait.

Customized handmade dolls also can be commissioned for birthdays and other special events. Prices for the belles featured on the Little Lady Belles Facebook page here range from $50 to $75. (Customized orders are priced based on design and materials.)

The belles design and fabrication were developed by Abigail Kokai and Scribble Art Studio owner Carrie Christian, both graduates of the Savannah College of Art and Design.

You can meet the dolls in person at the Springtime in Paris: Art & Fashion Show, a kids’ art & fashion show presented by Scribble Art Studio & Sara Jane’s Children’s Boutique. All proceeds of the show will help to start-up Scribble’s charitable program Scribble On Wheels, a program that works with local hospitals in an effort to bring art to every little artist. The goal of Scribble on Wheels is to work with pediatric patients in groups or one-on-one sessions, providing fun, interesting art projects that provide a nurturing and inspirational creative experience to every child,

Springtime in Paris is 5-8 PM Sat. April 28 @ Scribble Art Studio, 212 E. 37th St.  Details here.

For more information, custom orders, or to purchase a doll you “like” on the Little Lady Belles Facebook page, please e-mail Joyce McDonald at: JoyceAMcDonald@yahoo.com.

For more information on Scribble or Springtime in Paris, contact artist Carrie Christian at 912-323-0123 or email ScribbleArtStudio@hotmail.com . Click here for more info. Scribble Art Studio a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

It’s hard to believe that the beloved go-to agency for vacation nannies, babysitters & live-in nanny services –  Hilton Head Nannies – could get any better.  After all, they’re already the leading nanny placement agency specializing in the recruitment and placement of highly-qualified nannies.

But Hilton Head Nannies just became even more essential.

While celebrating their 5th year in business birthday,  Hilton Head Nannies has expanded into companion work (Hilton Head Companions) and Pet Nanny Work!

Hilton Head Companions is a compassionate senior care service that assists seniors in staying in their homes longer. Hilton Head Companions provides families with non-medical, private-duty senior-care, elder-care, respite care, personal care, companionship, and home care with the goal of helping seniors stay in their own homes. To see the various senior services provided, click here. Call today for a complimentary in-home consultation: (843)342-5673

Hilton Head Nannies serves Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, Okatie, Beaufort, Palmetto Bluff, Fripp Island, Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Tybee Island, and Wilmington Island areas of South Carolina and Georgia.

Hilton Head Nannies, “The More We Care, The More Beautiful Life Becomes” www.HiltonHeadNannies.com , 843.815.1313 Appointments may be made 24 hrs, 7 days per week on the Hilton Head Nannies website. Follow Hilton Head Nannies on Facebook here for updated information, coupons &  special promotions! Hilton Head Nannies is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Just a quick reminder that Scribble Art Studio Summer Camp in Savannah is offering a half off early bird sign up (deadline April 20).  Don’t forget to sign up!

Scribble offers week-long summer camps for 4-7 yr olds; 8 year-olds & up. Full camp details are up on Scribble’s Facebook here & the Scribble Art Studio website here. (Click on events for camp class descriptions & more info.)

MORE LOCAL SUMMER CAMPS, CLICK HERE

For more information, contact artist Carrie Christian at 912-323-0123 or email ScribbleArtStudio@hotmail.com . Click here for more info. Scribble Art Studio a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

The Georgia Coastal Aquatic Team offers the 2012 Ultimate Stroke Camp at Chatham Aquatic Center. Kids focus on one stroke a day. Details on the SouthernMamas Summer Camps 2012 Page. Click here.

First Presbyterian Church of Savannah  will hold its popular Vacation Bible School June 25-29, 2012 from 9am-Noon.

Bible school is open to children 3 years-rising 5th graders. Open to the public.

This year’s theme is Rainforest Adventure: A Tree Top Bible Blast! Welcome to the jungle my friends! The children will learn about Christ’s love and grace and the beauty of God’s rainforest creation!

Register by June 15 to ensure your child gets a t-shirt. The cost is $20 for the first child, $10 for additional child(ren). If you would like to register your kid(s), please call the church office at 354-7615 or stop by the church to pick up a registration form.

First Presbyterian Church, 520 Washington Ave, Savannah, GA 31405

FOR A LISTING OF MORE LOCAL SUMMER CAMPS, CLICK HERE.

Interpretive Center hours: Wednesday-Sunday 10 AM-5 PM
Come see the display of the Giant Ground Sloth replica, wildlife exhibits, live reptiles and birding station. Programs listed below meet promptly at the Interpretive Center unless otherwise noted.

Skidaway Island State Park
52 Diamond Causeway
Savannah, GA 31411

Saturday, December 1:
12:00PM Sandpiper Trail Nature Hike: Join the naturalist as you hike through salt marsh and maritime forest discussing the local area’s interesting history and wildlife.
2:00PM Fossil Show ‘N’ Tell: Come see and talk about Naturalist Kerry’s impressive fossil collection.

Sunday, December 2:
2:00PM Leaping Lizards: Watch lizards leap and snakes chomp at their lunch and toads lick their chops during our feeding show.
4:00PM Wilderness Survival: We will talk about lost prevention and show you simple items to take with you on a hike.

PLEASE CALL AHEAD TO CONFIRM THESE PLANNED ACTIVITIES ARE STILL HAPPENING. Call (912) 598-2300

Have you taken your kids to see an Angela Beasley’s Puppet People show yet? It’s a Savannah tradition. Here’s an upcoming Puppet People show, studio toure and puppet making craft at The Puppet Place in Thunderbolt .

MONTHLY PUBLIC SHOW on the National Day of Puppetry
Angela Beasley’s Puppet People Presents “3 Pigs of Huge Proportions & the Teeny Tiny Wolf!”
Bring the family and follow along as Puppet People tells the classic story of the 3 Pigs!
**Includes Studio Tour and Mom and Me Puppet Making**
Saturday, April 28th
11:00 AM-12:00 PM
The Puppet People Party Place
3119 Furber Avenue
Savannah, GA 31404
$10 per person

Have you taken your kids to see an Angela Beasley’s Puppet People show yet? It’s a Savannah tradition. Here an upcoming Puppet People show at The Puppet Place in Thunderbolt .

“Beyond the Moss Curtain”
OPEN SHOW TO THE PUBLIC –
Come see what the tourists are raving about!
This show takes you on a journey “BEYOND THE MOSS CURTAIN” straight to your heart! Comedic host, Miss Moscelyne, the “moss fairy” dishes out good gossip from way back when to the present day. This musical variety show, featuring people-size puppets, highlights some of Savannah’s most colorful characters. You’ll meet founder General Oglethorpe, pirate Captain Flint, Girl Scout founder, Juliette Low, songwriter Johnny Mercer, witchy Meter Maids, Palmetto Bugs and even Paula Queen! Ya’ll come to Thunderbolt and see the refreshing creativity of our local artists and performers for a truly unique entertainment experience.
Sneak Peek for Locals with a special price $15.00
Please call for Reservations-
912.355.3366
7 PM Saturday, April 21st
The Puppet People Party Place
3119 Furber Avenue
Savannah, GA 31405

Have you taken your kids to see an Angela Beasley’s Puppet People show yet? It’s a Savannah tradition. Here are two upcoming Puppet People shows at  The Puppet Place in Thunderbolt .

“Beyond the Moss Curtain”
OPEN SHOW TO THE PUBLIC –
Come see what the tourists are raving about!
This show takes you on a journey “BEYOND THE MOSS CURTAIN” straight to your heart! Comedic host, Miss Moscelyne, the “moss fairy” dishes out good gossip from way back when to the present day. This musical variety show, featuring people-size puppets, highlights some of Savannah’s most colorful characters. You’ll meet founder General Oglethorpe, pirate Captain Flint, Girl Scout founder, Juliette Low, songwriter Johnny Mercer, witchy Meter Maids, Palmetto Bugs and even Paula Queen! Ya’ll come to Thunderbolt and see the refreshing creativity of our local artists and performers for a truly unique entertainment experience.
Sneak Peek for Locals with a special price $15.00
Please call for Reservations-
912.355.3366
7 PM Saturday, April 21st
The Puppet People Party Place
3119 Furber Avenue
Savannah, GA 31405

MONTHLY PUBLIC SHOW on the National Day of Puppetry
Angela Beasley’s Puppet People Presents “3 Pigs of Huge Proportions & the Teeny Tiny Wolf!”
Bring the family and follow along as Puppet People tells the classic story of the 3 Pigs!
**Includes Studio Tour and Mom and Me Puppet Making**
Saturday, April 28th
11:00 AM-12:00 PM
The Puppet People Party Place
3119 Furber Avenue
Savannah, GA 31404
$10 per person

Angela Beasley’s Puppet People “The Puppet Place” in Thunderbolt, 3119 Furber Avenue, Savannah, GA 31405, 912-355-3366, http://puppetpeople.com. The Puppet Place is also an ideal spot to host children’s birthday parties! Puppet People is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Make It & Take It: Earth Day
Celebrate Earth Day by making a hanging butterfly pattern!

Bull Street Library, Tuesday, Apr. 24, 4:30 p.m.
Islands Library, Thursday, April 26, 4 p.m.
Oglethorpe Mall Library, Saturday, April 28, 4 p.m.
Port City Library, Tuesday, April 24, 4 p.m.
Port Wentworth Library, Tuesday, April 24, 4:00 p.m.
Southwest Chatham Library, Tuesday, April 24, 4:30 p.m.
West Broad Library, Thursday, Apr. 26, 4 p.m.

Moon Puppet Circus

Evy Wright (former puppeteer with Atlanta’s Center for Puppetry Arts) takes you under the big top by combining puppets and vaudevillian style entertainment.
Hinesville Library – Tuesday, April 17, 10:30 a.m. @ 236 West Memorial Drive, Hinesville, GA 31313

Southwest Chatham Library – Tuesday, April 17, 4:30 p.m. @ 14097 Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA 31419
(behind Target at Savannah Mall)

Pooler Library – Wednesday, April 18, 10:30 a.m. @ 216 South Rogers Street, Pooler, GA 31322

Rincon Library – Wednesday, April 18, 4:30 p.m. @ 17th Street & Highway 21, Rincon, GA 31326

Islands Library – Thursday, April 19, 10:30 a.m. @ 125 Wilmington Island Rd., Savannah, GA 31410

Oglethorpe Mall Library – Thursday, April 19, 4:30 p.m. @ 7 Mall Annex, Savannah, GA 31406