Hats-N-Heels Derby Day Soiree

MAY 17

Hats-n-Heels Derby Day Soiree is the theme of the Fort Bend Friends and Neighbors’ Scholarship Luncheon on Thursday, May 17, 10:30 a.m. at BraeBurn Country Club. Scholarships will be awarded  to deserving Fort Bend high school students and college freshmen attending college in Fort Bend County.

Guest will enjoy southern fare and sip bourbon mint julep spritzers while listening to the sounds of My Old Kentucky Home and more. Flaunt your southern flair and style in the Big Kentucky Hat Contest and bet on your favorite hat to show, place or win. Watch the Run for Roses Scholarship Presentation and 2012-13 FBFN Club Officer Installation and much more.

Tickets are $30 for members and $35 for non-members. RSVP by Monday, May 7.  For more information, email vpluncheons@fbfn.org or visit FBFN.org.

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Fort Bend Theatre Presents The Fantasticks

BEGINNING MAY 18

Fort Bend Theatre will perform The Fantasticks from May 18-June 3 on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Regardless of whether you’re a Baby Boomer, Gen X-er, or the upcoming generation, you’ll identify with the well-meaning parents, the starry-eyed young lovers, and laugh with the characters that bring to life the big, dangerous world that lies beyond the warmth and safety of home. The Fantasticks has appealed to audiences all over the world, proving that simplicity, love, and comedy remain timeless despite the ever-changing world.

Tickets range from $12-$15 and are available at fortbendtheatre.com.

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Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance’s Hispanic Business Division Hosts Cinco De Mayo Celebration

MAY 3

The Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance’s Hispanic Business Division is marking its third anniversary with a Cinco de Mayo celebration that is free and open to the public from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 3, at Legacy Ford, 27225 Southwest Freeway in Rosenberg. There will be food, beverages compliments of Silver Eagle Distributors, music, door prizes and a raffle.

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Oakbend Medical Center Presents “Surf’s Up, School’s Out”

MAY 4

OakBend Medical Center is the title sponsor for the 2012 “Surf’s Up, School’s Out” with the Triumphs, benefiting the Lamar Educational Awards Foundation. The annual dinner-dance and auction is Friday, May 4, at Fort Bend County Fairgrounds on Highway 36 in Rosenberg. Dinner is served 6:30 to 8 p.m., with a live dessert auction immediately following. The dance starts at 8:30 p.m. with entertainment by Fort Bend County’s favorite party band, The Triumphs.

Funds raised will go to underwrite grants for Lamar CISD teachers. More than $203,000 was awarded by the L.E.A.F. “Grant Express” in 2011. Since 2000, L.E.A.F has awarded more than $1.45 million dollars in grants for innovative classroom project.

Individual tickets are $25, which includes a chicken-fried steak dinner catered by Vincek’s. Tables for groups of 10 or can be reserved for $250. Contact Janice Knight at 832-223-0334 for ticket information or to reserve a table. Additional information is available online at leafgrants.org.

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Registration For Fort Bend ISD’s PreK Program

MAY 1-3

Registration for the Fort Bend ISD 2012-13 Prekindergarten (PreK) Program will take place at select Fort Bend ISD elementary schools on May 1, 2 and 3 beginning at 9 a.m. each day. To qualify for the Prekindergarten program, a child must be: a resident within the FBISD boundaries; four years old on or before Sept. 1, 2012; unable to speak or comprehend the English language; eligible for free/reduced lunch according to federal guidelines; homeless, in foster care (currently or previously), or have a parent currently on active military duty (or injured or killed while on active duty).

The following campuses will have PreK programs for the 2012-13 school year: Armstrong, Barrington Place, Blue Ridge, Briargate, Colony Meadows, Drabek, Fleming, Glover, Heritage Rose, Highlands, Holley, Hunters Glen, Jones, Mission Bend, Mission Glen, Mission West, Parks, Pecan Grove, Quail Valley, Ridgegate, Ridgemont Early Childhood Center, Seguin, Settlers Way and Townewest.

To register, parents will need the following original documents: child’s birth certificate (or its equivalent); social security card (If unavailable, a state ID number will be assigned); proof of residence (deed, lease or mortgage agreement AND a current utility bill such as gas, water or electric); child’s immunization records; income verification (last month pay stubs); unexpired Texas driver’s license (or other government provided photo ID of the parent or guardian) that contains the address of the parent or guardian residing within the FBISD boundaries.

All applications will be processed on a “first-come, first-served” basis, and spots will not be held due to missing documents. Also, since
FBISD does not provide transportation for the PreK program, parents can register their child at any PreK campus.

For more information, call Fleming Elementary School at 281-634-4600 or FBISD’s Even Start office at 281-634-1140.

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Farmers’ Market At Imperial

AVAILABLE YEAR-ROUND

Enjoy the freshest produce, view one-of-a-kind arts and crafts, and interesting artistic finds at the Farmers’ Market at Imperial. The market, presented by Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, will be held every Saturday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Highway 90 at Brooks Street.

Visitors can purchase local cheeses, fresh baked goods, jam, honey, fresh-cut flowers and more. Vendors interested in participating can contact Gail Best at gail@fortbendcc.org or call 281-491-0800. Sponsorship opportunities are available.

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Casa Candy Land Gala

MAY 5

Child Advocates of Fort Bend will host its Candy Land Gala on May 5 in the Ballroom at Sugar Land Marriott Town Center at 6 p.m. Dee Koch, grant officer at The George Foundation, will serve as honorary chair for the gala.

Sponsorship opportunities are available, and range from $1,500 to $10,000. To become a sponsor, donate an auction item, or attend the event, call 281-344-5108 or visit cafb.org.

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Hands And Hearts Golf Tournament

MAY 7

Hands and Hearts Foundation of Sugar Land will host its 11th Annual Benefit Golf Tournament at Sugar Creek Country Club on Monday, May 7. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. when the driving range and putting green will open. Following a putting contest, a box lunch will be provided with a shotgun start at 1 p.m. Dinner, awards ceremony and silent auction follow tournament play.

Sponsorships range from $5,000 to $500. Individual player fee is $125; and four-person team entry fee is $500.

For additional information, email golf@handsandheartsfoundation.org or visit handsandheartsfoundation.org.

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Coastal Prairie Quilt Guild Meeting

MAY 2

The Coastal Prairie Quilt Guild will hold its evening meeting on Wednesday, May 2, at 7 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Missouri City, 3900 Lexington Blvd. Dea Heller is the guest speaker, and she will discuss “Setting, Sashing, and Borders.” Heller specializes in color, curved piecing, fabric selection, hand quilting, machine quilting, miniatures and pictorials.

The day meeting will be held on Thursday, May 17, 10 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Missouri City, 3900 Lexington Blvd. Speaker Debbie Maddy’s presentation is “No Diamonds, No Y Seams: Old Quilts, New Methods.” For more information, go to cpqg.org or call 281-341-8309.

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National Day Of Prayer

MAY 3

The Annual National Day of Prayer “One Nation Under God” is set for May 3.

Fort Bend County locations and events include: Missouri City City Hall, 10 a.m.; Missouri City YMCA, 5 p.m.; Meadows Place City Hall, 10 a.m.; Sienna Brushy Lake Pavilion, 10 a.m.; Sugar Land Town Square, noon; Simonton City Hall, noon; Arcola City Hall, 3 p.m.; Fulshear City Hall, 7 p.m.; Stafford City Hall, 7 p.m.; Katy Merrell Center, 7 p.m.; Fort Bend County Courthouse, 7 p.m. and Sienna Brushy Lake Pavilion, 7 p.m.

Churches, businesses, schools, and communities observe National Day of Prayer with prayer events. For more information, contact Mary Cook at 832-651-7771 or maryhuntcook@comcast.net. To post or search for an event, go to ndptf.org.

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Alzheimer’s/Dementia Caregivers Support Group

SECOND & FOURTH TUESDAYS

The Health & Wholeness Ministry at First United Methodist Church in Missouri City coordinates a support group for those caring for others affected by Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. More than 70 percent of people with Alzheimer’s disease live at home, where 75 percent of their care is provided by family and friends. Caregiving can often cause stress, which can lead to health problems for the caregiver, disrupted social relationships, depression and decreased quality of care provided to the loved one.

If you are a caregiver or friend or relative of a caregiver, join this twice-monthly meeting that provides a forum for learning, socializing, discussing and supporting one another. The support group is facilitated by trained volunteers and meets the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 11 a.m. in the church parlor. For more information, contact Carol Farley at 281-835-6302.

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Literacy Council’s Wine & Music

MAY 11

Celebrate the Literacy Council’s 25th anniversary at the 22nd Annual “Wine & Music.” This year’s event, “A Silver Celebration” will be held Friday, May 11, at 6:30 p.m. at the Stafford Centre. Honorary Chairs for this year’s event are Larry and Lucia Street.

Guests will have the opportunity to sample food and wine from local vendors while listening to live music from Fort Bend’s favorite local musicians. In addition, the live and silent auction will be filled with unique and valuable packages.

Once again, the event will offer the100 for $100 Raffle for the chance to win the Live Auction package of your choice. The winner will be chosen at the event, but does not need to be present to win. Tickets are on sale now.

Sponsorships are currently available ranging from $10,500 to $750 with special underwriting opportunities. Tickets are $75  and can be purchased by calling 281-240-8181 or online at ftbendliteracy.org.

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Fort Bend Boys Choir 30th Anniversary Spring Concert

MAY 12

Help the Fort Bend Boys Choir commemorate 30 years of musical excellence by attending their Spring Concert celebration on Saturday, May 12, 7 p.m. at Grace Presbyterian Church in Houston. Tickets are  $15 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under.

All four choirs – Training, Town, Tour and Cantabilé (alumni choir of changed voices) – will be showcased as they celebrate this year’s theme”Thirty years of musical excellence … only boys aloud.” Special guests include Music Magic, the organization’s music class for 6 and 7 year olds and a select group of talented choir dads who are singing with Cantabilé. Call the choir office at 281-240-3800 to purchase Spring Concert tickets.

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Saturday With The Master Gardeners

MAY 5

Visit the 4 acres of Demonstration Gardens and talk to the volunteers who design and maintain them on Saturday, May 5, from 9-11 a.m.

Park in front of the Agriculture Center, 1402 Band Road in Rosenberg. Take one of the sidewalks back to the area behind the building to find the Master Gardeners. For more information, call 281-341-7068 or go to fbmg.com.

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Panther Fest At Ridge Point HS

MAY 5

Presented by the Sienna Running Club, the Elevated Technologies Panther Fest 2012 on May 5 at Ridge Point High School will include 10K (capped at 2,000 participants), 5K and 1-mile runs, as well as live entertainment, carnival games, food, shopping and more. The event will raise funds and help provide Ridge Point HS students and faculty with continued state-of-the-art educational opportunities. Sponsor commitments are being accepted through April 12. For more information, contact Laura Kroboth at jbfk@hotmail.com or 281-778-9211, or visit pantherfest.com.

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Help Restock Food Pantry Shelves At East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry

For more than 20 years, East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry has been making sure that neighbors in the community have enough food to feed their families. Located in Stafford, East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry operates the largest Food Pantry in Fort Bend, helping more than 3,000 individuals every month.

East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry is a place where residents in the community can go for food and emergency assistance when they have nowhere else to turn. As the Ministry strives to provide food to its neighbors in need, donations are down by 10 percent and the Food Pantry shelves are bare.

Consider holding a food drive or making a monetary donation. To learn more, visit HumanNeeds.org, or stop by 435 Stafford Run Road. Donations can be made online  or mailed to P.O. Box 1611, Stafford, Texas 77497. All donations are tax deductible.

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Fort Bend Salutes America

MAY 28

Fort Bend Salutes America county-wide ceremony will be held Memorial Day, May 28, in the city of Fulshear at 2nd and Harris Street. This ceremony will salute the countless men and women of the Armed forces who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Debbie Fancher and her patriotic band made up of regional musicians will kick off the ceremony at 9:40 a.m. with a short patriotic music concert. At 10 a.m., the ceremony will begin with the National Anthem, various speakers, the reading of the names of fallen heroes as well as honoring wounded veterans, TAPS, gun and cannon salutes, bagpipe march, and honoring Gold Star families. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Troy Nehls at 713-419-5994.

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FBJSL Seeks New Members For 2012-13 League Year

Fort Bend Junior Service League’s membership drive for the 2012-13 League year is currently under way. Provisional membership is available to women ages 23 and older. To learn more, attend the annual Bring-A-Friend social at PF Chang’s in Sugar Land on Thursday, May 24, at 6 p.m. Two informational meetings will also be held on July 12 and Aug. 7 at a location to be announced.

FBJSL is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, to developing the potential of women and to improving the Fort Bend County community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable as well as providing an atmosphere of friendliness, goodwill and camaraderie for all members.  For additional information, visit fbjsl.com.

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Fort Bend Women’s Council Of Realtors’ “Flocking” Benefits Women’s Center

If you’re looking for a birthday, anniversary, get well, special occasion gift or just have a friend who needs a good laugh, consider “flocking.” It’s a fundraiser sponsored by the Fort Bend Women’s Council of Realtors and benefits the Fort Bend County Women’s Center.

In secret, the “flock” of flamingoes flies into your honoree’s front garden, who then honors someone else. All in all, 10 flocks are flying throughout Fort Bend. A minimum donation of $25 sends a flock to someone; $35 has them removed; and $50 is insurance they won’t land in your yard again. For additional information, contact Sallie Wheeler at 832-236-5581 or email sallie@salliewheeler.com.

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Crime Lab Detective At Museum Of Natural Science At Sugar Land

THROUGH MAY 6

Crime Lab Detective is open at the Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land through May 6.

Visitors are the lead detectives and are challenged to examine various clues and use scientific reasoning skills such as observation, classification and analysis while evaluating evidence to make inferences, problem solve, and draw conclusions. Forensic science concepts such as the study of fingerprints, chromatographs, DNA, insect lifecycles, tire marks, hair analysis, thread comparison, and handwriting analysis are all covered in their pursuit of the culprit. For tickets or more information, visit hmns.org.

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Lake Olympia Garden Club

The Lake Olympia Garden Club meets each month for a field trip and meeting.

Members donate to a number of worthwhile organizations throughout the year, and are also asked to bring nonperishable items to each meeting for the East Fort Bend food pantry. Membership includes not only Lake Olympia but the surrounding area. Visitors and new members are always welcome. For information, contact Jo Ann Keene at 281-438-2174 or keeneja@yahoo.com.

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Fort Bend Theatre Presents Disney’s Alice In Wonderland

THROUGH MAY 6

Join Alice in her outrageous adventures in award-winning Fort Bend Theatre’s production of Disney’s Alice in Wonderland through May 6, Saturdays and Sundays at 3 p.m. When Alice follows the White Rabbit, she encounters a cast of wild, unforgettable characters that will delight the entire family. Meet the grinning Cheshire Cat, Tweedledum and Tweedledee, and join Alice in the craziness of the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party.

Tickets are $8 and available at fortbendtheatre.com. Group rates are available. For more information, call 281-208-3333.

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Chinese Dance Performance At George Memorial Library

MAY 6

In recognition of Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month in May, Fort Bend County Libraries will host a performance by Dance of Asian America on Sunday, May 6, beginning at 2 p.m. in the Meeting Room of George Memorial Library, 1001 Golfview in Richmond.

Enjoy authentic and contemporary Chinese dance performed with spectacular Chinese costumes and music in Dance of Asian America’s presentation of “A Journey Through China.” Get a glimpse of many of the different ethnic groups represented in China, each with its own dance forms that directly reflect the lifestyles and customs of their region. Classical and folk dances are an important part of China’s cultural heritage, serving as a wonderful tool for sharing the country’s traditions, history, and culture. The program is free and open to the public. For more information, call 281-341-2677.

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Spirit Of Freedom Republican Women’s Club Meeting

MAY 18

The Spirit of Freedom Republican Women’s Club will host Retired Justice Felipe Reyna as he shares his inspirational story on Friday, May 18, at Sugar Creek Baptist Church Chapel at 13213 Southwest Freeway in Sugar Land from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. A light lunch will be served courtesy of Texas HD 26 candidate Sonal Bhuchar. Meet and greet starts at 11 a.m. and the meeting will begin promptly at 11:30 a.m.  An RSVP is requested for those who plan to eat. To RSVP, contact President Cindy Bond at 281-980-5719, 281-435-3547 or email cindybond7@gmail.com.

Reyna was born in Texas in 1945. His father was a migrant worker, so his family followed the harvest every year from South Texas to the Panhandle. Reyna, the oldest of five children, not only became the first person in his family to graduate from high school, he was also the valedictorian of his class. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Baylor University in 1968 and a Juris Doctorate Degree in Law from Baylor Law School in 1972. To pay his way through law school, Felipe took a full-time job as a clerk and janitor for the 10th Court of Appeals cleaning the courtroom, the justice’s chambers, and the bar association library. His biographical book, From Janitor To Justice by Bart Cannon will be available for sale at the meeting. For additional information, visit spiritoffreedomwomen.com.

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Fort Bend Regional Council On Substance Abuse Bowling Tournament

MAY 19

Fort Bend Regional Council on Substance Abuse Inc. will host its eighth annual Fort Bend Corporate Challenge bowling tournament on Saturday, May 19, from noon to 3 p.m. at AMF Stafford Lanes, 4919 South Main. This year’s tournament is sponsored by Union Pacific Railroad Company. Area businesses, organizations and individuals are encouraged to form a team and join in the fun. Individual team sponsorships start at $500, which includes two games for a four-member team and lunch. Corporate sponsorship levels begin at $1,000.

For more information about registration, visit fortbendcouncil.org or call Irene Wisner at 281-207-2409.

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Sugar Creek Garden Club Garden Tour

MAY 12

Sugar Land Garden Club will hold its 13th annual Garden Tour in the Sugar Creek subdivision on Saturday, May 12, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (rain or shine). Tickets and map are available for $12 at each garden on the day of the tour.

Spend the day strolling through these delightful gardens and enjoy the vibrant flowers, fascinating plants, citrus, vegetable gardens, flowing water features, sparkling pools, a sandy beach, outdoor kitchens, unique garden art and great curb appeal.

The gardens are located at 2327 Country Club Blvd.; 39 Charleston North; 6 Bendwood; 711 Longview Drive; 3114 Groveshire Ct.; 802 Merrick Drive; 2815 Fairway Drive; 2807 Fairway Drive; and 906 Teague Circle. For advance tickets, contact Cheryl Swanson at 281-242-1773 or visit sugarlandgardenclub.org.

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Artisan And Antique Vendors Needed For Richmond Market

MAY 12

Historic Richmond Association is looking for vendors for the first monthly Artisan & Antique Market that will be held in downtown historic Richmond on the second Saturday of each month through July. This juried event will highlight the best artisans and antique dealers in Texas. This event is being held in conjunction with Richmond’s upcoming Farmers’ Market.

The association is looking for antique dealers who deal in primitives, furniture, glassware, vintage clothing and architectural remnants. Additional booth space is also available for artisans such as painters, ceramicists and jewelry designers. Also, limited indoor space is available, with the main focus in the closed streets area. Interested vendors should contact Shereen Lary at 832-525-6105, email sheree@mesologiespa.com, or visit historicrichmond.org.

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Fort Bend Aggie Moms’ Howdy Party In Sugar Land

MAY 14

The annual Howdy Party of the Fort Bend Aggie Moms’ Club will be held Monday, May 14 at 7 p.m. at the Sugar Land Recreation Center, 234 Matlage Way. They will be awarding their scholarship winners, honoring senior students and welcoming incoming freshmen and their parents. For more information, contact Stephanie Rammrath at srammrath@comcast.net.

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Sugar Land’s Law Enforcement Memorial Ride

MAY 12

Sugar Land’s 4th Annual Law Enforcement Memorial Ride on Saturday, May 12 will end this year with a Parade of Chrome and activities at Constellation Field. For the past three years, the community has joined police officers for a motorcycle procession that honors National Police Week. This year’s event is organized by the Sugar Land CitizenPolice Academy Alumni Association, Republic Harley Davidson and the Sugar Land Skeeters. The goal is to raise $10,000 and sponsorship opportunities are available. For information email bikenight@slcpaaa.org.

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Free Seminar At Methodist SL Hospital

THROUGH MAY 17

Powerful Tools for Caregivers® is an educational program to help family and friends caring for older adults with long-term health conditions. The free seminar consists of six classes, each of which focuses on different tools that will help guide the caregiver through the caregiving journey.

This six-week course runs through Thursday, May 17. Classes are held every Thursday from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Sweetwater Pavilion Chapel at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. To register or for more information, call the Spiritual Care department at 281-274-7164 or email SNBowman@tmhs.org. Seating is limited.

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Spirit Of Freedom Republican Women’s Club Meeting

MAY 18

The Spirit of Freedom Republican Women’s Club will host Retired Justice Felipe Reyna as he shares his inspirational story on Friday, May 18, at Sugar Creek Baptist Church Chapel at 13213 Southwest Freeway in Sugar Land from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. A light lunch will be served courtesy of Texas HD 26 candidate Sonal Bhuchar. Meet and greet starts at 11 a.m. and the meeting will begin promptly at 11:30 a.m.  An RSVP is requested for those who plan to eat. To RSVP, contact President Cindy Bond at 281-980-5719, 281-435-3547 or email cindybond7@gmail.com.

Reyna was born in Texas in 1945. His father was a migrant worker, so his family followed the harvest every year from South Texas to the Panhandle. Reyna, the oldest of five children, not only became the first person in his family to graduate from high school, he was also the valedictorian of his class. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Baylor University in 1968 and a Juris Doctorate Degree in Law from Baylor Law School in 1972. To pay his way through law school, Felipe took a full-time job as a clerk and janitor for the 10th Court of Appeals cleaning the courtroom, the justice’s chambers, and the bar association library. His biographical book, From Janitor To Justice by Bart Cannon will be available for sale at the meeting. For additional information, visit spiritoffreedomwomen.com.

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Fort Bend Regional Council On Substance Abuse Bowling Tournament

MAY 19

Fort Bend Regional Council on Substance Abuse Inc. will host its eighth annual Fort Bend Corporate Challenge bowling tournament on Saturday, May 19, from noon to 3 p.m. at AMF Stafford Lanes, 4919 South Main. This year’s tournament is sponsored by Union Pacific Railroad Company. Area businesses, organizations and individuals are encouraged to form a team and join in the fun. Individual team sponsorships start at $500, which includes two games for a four-member team and lunch. Corporate sponsorship levels begin at $1,000.

For more information about registration, visit fortbendcouncil.org or call Irene Wisner at 281-207-2409.

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27th Annual Chamber Golf Classic

MAY 21

The Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance and the Rosenberg-Richmond Auto Mile will present the 27th Annual Chamber Golf Classic on Monday, May 21, at the Houstonian Golf and Country Club in Richmond.

Conceived by internationally acclaimed golf course architect, Rees Jones, the course offers more than 7,100 yards of pristine play, with five sets of tees to accommodate all skill levels.

Limited sponsorship opportunities are available. For sponsorship information, contact Angie Wierzbicki at 281-342-5464 or angie@CFBCA.org.

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Sugar Land Superstar Auditions

MAY 23

Sugar Land’s American Idol-like competition, Sugar Land Superstar, is kicking off a new summer of local talent with open auditions on Wednesday, May 23, from 5-7 p.m. in the Plaza of Sugar Land Town Square.

Participants should be prepared to sing for 90 seconds without musical accompaniment. In addition, contestants must be over 14 years of age and residents of Fort Bend County to be eligible for competition. For contestant applications, visit SugarLandTownSquare.com.

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Sugar Land’s Concerts In The Park

THROUGH MAY 20

Sugar Land’s Concerts in the Park are held every Sunday through May 13 from 5-7 p.m. at Oyster Creek Park, 4033 State Highway 6 South. The final concert will be held on May 20 at Eldridge Park, 2511 Eldridge Road.

The series will present a variety of themes and musical genres, and each concert will include several family-oriented activities and other entertainment. Children’s activities will include a caricature artist, funny clown performances, magic acts and tattoo spray station. In addition, each Sunday will include various interactive activities such as a petting zoo, a mechanical bull, a rock wall, craft areas, sample massages, a Catch the Moment photo station or a classic car showcase. There will also be walk-around performers such as a rope trick artist, Ben the Recycle Man, giant puppets or an Elvis impersonator to coincide with the theme of each event. Concerts in the Park will also celebrate well known local events such as Jackson Pollock at the Park on April 29 and Lemonade Day Houston on May 6. Onsite refreshments will be available for purchase from the First Colony Lions Club.

The Concert Lineup includes:

April 29, Sugar Land Super Star Sunday Variety Music;

May 6, Cinco de Mayo, Folkloric Ballet;

May 13, Mother’s Day, Big Band & Swing; and

May 20, Peace, Love and Classic Cars, Classic Rock ‘n’ Roll.

For more information, call 281-275-2885 or visit sugarlandtx.gov.

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On Broadway At Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra

MAY 20

The Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra’s 20th anniversary season includes On Broadway on Sunday, May 20, featuring favorite Broadway hits. All concerts are held at 2 p.m. at the Stafford Centre located at 10505 Cash Road at Murphy Road. Tickets can be ordered online at fbso.org or by calling 281-276-9642.

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Crawfish Festival In Fredericksburg

MAY 25-27

A little bit of New Orleans and a whole lot of southern fun is headed to downtown Fredericksburg as the Jaycees host the Fredericksburg Crawfish Festival on May 25-27.

Enjoying freshly boiled crawfish is a big part of the event, but the festivities have expanded to include more food, more music and lots of family fun. In addition to crawfish, revelers can dig into mounds of gumbo, red beans and rice, shrimp, and boudin, plus hamburgers, corn dogs, and German sausage.

The fifth annual Gumbo Cook off will be held on Saturday. Sample gumbo from the seven teams participating, and be sure to vote for a favorite. A washer-pitching tournament will be held Saturday as well.

Youth of all ages will enjoy the kids area. Lively bands will provide upbeat music for every taste throughout the weekend.

Hours are 6 p.m.-midnight on Friday; 11 a.m.-midnight on Saturday; and 11 a.m.- p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $6, adults; and $1 for ages 12 and under. Two-day and three-day passes are available.

The event takes place on Marktplatz, Market Square, 100 West Main Street in downtown Fredericksburg. Proceeds from this event are distributed to charities. For more information, go to Tex-Fest.com or call 1-866-TEX-FEST (839-3378).

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Farmers’ Market In Sugar Land Town Square

THURSDAYS

Sugar Land Town Square is hosting the Urban Harvest Farmers Market at Sugar Land Town Square on Thursdays from 4-7 p.m. in the Plaza.

Visit the market and enjoy a wide variety of fresh and local produce and other items for purchase. For additional information, visit sugarlandtownsquare.com.

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Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Celebrates National Cancer Survivor’s Day

JUNE 1

Methodist Sugar Land Hospital will join more than 12 million American cancer survivors in observing the 25th annual National Cancer Survivor’s Day this year. Hundreds of communities worldwide will host events on this day to celebrate life and demonstrate that there is hope. The contributions of the families, friends and health care providers who support cancer survivors will also be recognized.

Methodist Sugar Land Cancer Center welcomes all local cancer survivors, caregivers, community leaders, Methodist Sugar Land Hospital physicians, and anyone passionate about the cause to honor the survivors living with a history of cancer in America today. The Cancer Survivor’s Day Celebration and Luncheon will be held Friday, June 1, from 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital – Conference Center. RSVP is required by May 29 to Frances Goerlich by calling 281-274-7930 or email FGoerlich@tmhs.org.

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Second Mile Mission Center Expands Service Hours

Second Mile Mission Center has expanded its hours of operation to provide food and personalized counseling to the working poor in Fort Bend County during select evening and weekend hours. Funded in part by The George Foundation, this initiative aims to reach food insecure families who often don’t get the chance to receive badly needed assistance. Second Mile launched hours of operation on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 5-8 p.m. and on the second and fourth Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to noon. The hours will add up to an additional 30 hours of service each month for individuals who need access to help outside of regular business hours.

Second Mile is looking for volunteers to assist families and to help prepare and distribute food. Those interested in volunteering are encouraged to call 281-261-9199, ext. 245, or email volunteer@secondmile.org.

For those seeking assistance, no appointments are necessary as walk-ins are welcome during operating hours. Second Mile is located at 504 FM 1092 in the Oak Plaza Center behind Sherwin Williams and near Avenue E.

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Impact A Hero 5K Walk, Run And Wheel

JUNE 2

Impact A Hero will host the eighth annual Impact A Hero 5K Walk, Run and Wheel on June 2 from 7:30-10 a.m. at Mercer Stadium, 16403 Lexington in Sugar Land. This year, Impact A Hero anticipates more than 2,250 runners, including 50 wounded heroes and their families, will participate.

Houston Texans Head football Coach Gary Kubiak and several of his coaches and players will participate with the wounded heroes. In addition, the Kids’ 1K Race will take place during the 5K Walk, Run and Wheel. Children will have fun running with the Texans’ Toro. For additional information, visit active.com/donate/impactahero.

The Impact a Hero Weekend Kick off Party was held in March at Reliant Stadium. Scott H. Koza, chief geophysicist, Gulf of Mexico Exploration for Marathon Oil Corporation, donated $50,000 to support veteran heroes who have been severely injured in the War on Terror. Heroes honored were Army Sgt. Andrew Miller, Army Sgt. Sergio Trejo, Marine Cpl. Steven Schultz, Marine Sgt. Jason Shaw and Marine Sgt. Ronny Porta.

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Common Threads Accepting Clothing

THROUGH JUNE 3

Common Threads is accepting gently-used or new clothing, sizes pre-k through XXXL, through June 3 at all Lamar CISD campuses. Common Threads also accepts maternity clothes as well as monetary donations. Contact Duban at 832-223-0335 to donate, volunteer or for more information about Common Threads. All donations are tax-deductible.

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Fort Bend Theatre’s Summer Camps

BEGINNING JUNE 4

Registration is under way for Fort Bend Theatre’s Summer Musical Theatre Camps that begin on June 4. Kids will learn stage and acting techniques while working on a show. Classes run weekly and offer something for everyone.

Space is limited. To become a member and register, call 281-208-3333 or visit fortbendtheatre.com for more information.

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Stonewall Peach Jamboree In Fredericksburg

IN JUNE

Everything’s peachy in Fredericksburg during peach season! Starting mid-May in the Hill Country, visitors can enjoy an abundance of nature’s juiciest and sweetest peaches. There are over 1,400 acres of peaches in Gillespie County, which makes it the largest peach-producing county in the state of Texas.

Discover varieties including Springold, Garnet Beauty, Harvester, Redglobe, Loring, Redskin, Dixiland and others. The area is host to numerous orchards with roadside stands packed with fresh, ready-to-go boxes of peaches and other locally grown goodies. And smack-dab in the middle of peach season is the annual Stonewall Peach JAMboree held during the third weekend in June. There’s a rodeo, parade, vendors, kids activities, Peach Queen coronation and all things “Peach”! See why visitors flock to Fredericksburg during this time of year. Get a complete listing of orchards at visitfredericksburgtx.com/food-wine-categories/peaches-farms.

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The Man In Black: A Tribute To Johnny Cash

JUNE 7

The Man in Black: A Tribute to Johnny Cash will return to Stafford Centre for one show only on Thursday, June 7, at 8 p.m.  This amazing performance has become the No. 1 tribute show in North America.

Barker is considered the pre-eminent Johnny Cash tribute artist as well as an accomplished musician and singer. Visit staffordcentre.com to purchase tickets.