We are pleased to announce the birth of our new little events calendar on BlackDressRedWagon.com. The calendar was born at 9:15 a.m. on Wednesday, August 25, and is doing great. To take a peek at her, just click the “Happenings” tab above. She is open for submissions for any community events (open houses, special promotions/sales, holidays, fairs/festivals, seminars, etc.), so please feel free to e-mail calendar@blackdressredwagon.com at any time with event information (date, time, 1-3 sentence description and purpose, cost, contact information). She just requests a two-week lead time to post events.

Our little calendar is looking forward to proudly displaying all of your upcoming happenings. (We can already tell that she’s a sweetie.)

Proud Parents,

The Little Black Dress Team

~her first photo~

The Gig:

Ladies, don yer kirtle and cap, and men shimmy into your hosen and codpiece. It’s time to strum a hurdy gurdy, gnaw a chicken leg and generally have a fabulous ole time at the 2nd annual Renaissance Festival at St. Teresa’s Episcopal Church in Acworth. (On second thought, scratch the hosen. Shorts and jeans will be just fine and dandy.)

The Guide:

Where: 5725 Fords Road, Acworth, GA. 30101 (at the corner of Mars Hill and Fords Rd)

When: Saturday, September 25, 9:30-7:00p.m. and Sunday, September 26, 12:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

What to expect: Enjoy entertainment, children’s activities, vendors and unique food.

Entrance fee includes: All activities and entertainment

Cost: $12/person for both days and $8/person for one day. Kids 3 and under are admitted for free.

For more information call 770-590-9040 or visit website at www.saintteresa.org.

The Gig:

Come join the fun at a Back-to-School Block Party at Bentwater Subdivision in Acworth! Everyone is welcome to attend this family-friendly public event!

When: SATURDAY, August 14, 4:00-8:00 p.m.
Where: Bentwater Field in front of the clubhouse
What: Dance Classes by CK DanceWorks… Hot Dogs… FUN… Music… FUN… Pork Sandwiches… FUN… Dancing… Face Painting… RAFFLES… Tile Painting… FUN… Tumble Mats… FUN… Nail Painting… FOOD… FUN… Bouncy Houses… Ice Cream… Dance Performances… FUN… Princesses… Vendors… T-Shirts! FUN… FUN… FUN…

The Guide:

For directions to Bentwater, click here.

The Gig:

We *heart* MOPS! And no, I’m not talking about the nasty, dried out spongy thing collecting cobwebs in the corner of my laundry room. I’m talking about Mothers of Preschoolers–an international moms’ support group for women with preschoolers. There’s an awesome MOPS group that meets in the Powder Springs area. Here’s the skinny:

When does the group meet? The first and third Thursday of each month during the school year. (First meeting of 2010-2011 is August 26.)

Where does it meet? McEachern Memorial in the Oaks Hall building, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. AND child care is provided.

Who’s welcome? Any mom with children ages birth through kindergarten is welcome to attend!

The Guide:

For more information, call 770-943-3008 ext. 1260.

The Gigs:

Three fabulous upcoming events at Little Bears in Kennesaw. Check it!

1. Parents’ Night Out: Parents, get your date on while your kids are happy and hyper at Little Bears Indoor Playground.

When: August 20, 7:00-11:00 p.m.
Cost: $25 per child (additional siblings $20 each). Children ages 6 and under are welcome.
Includes: Supervised care from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. AND a child-friendly meal, snack and juice
A deposit is required to reserve your spot. Reserve your spot by Wed. Aug. 18, 2010.

2. Free Storytelling! Little Bears presents storyteller and balloon entertainer, Kooky the Balloon Boy!
Both children and adults alike will enjoy and be amazed at the balloon story show, filled with magic and comedy.

When: Sunday, August 15 & 24, from 1:00 – 1:30 p.m.*
Cost: free with price of admission to Little Bears
* Dates and times are subject to change, check our website for more information: www.LILBEARS.com

3. Young Athletes Special Olympics: Each month Little Bears offers two hours of free play for special needs children and their families. Young Athletes is a developmentally appropriate play program for children ages 2 through 7 with intellectual disabilities ages.

When: Returns Sunday, August 22, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Cost: Free!

The Guide:
Little Bears Indoor Playground: 2655 Cobb Parkway NW, Suite 105, Kennesaw, GA, 30152; 770-429-0331 anna@lilbears.com.

The Goods:

I think I see Prince Charming. No, wait, it’s a King. Whoa, it’s a King and a Prince…and they bring a pretty charming offer! The King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort on St. Simons Island is the perfect destination for single parents traveling with the royal little ones in tow. You single moms ~and single dads~ out there need a worry-free vacay, and this one has been handmade to suit your every super-parent need.

A personal sand pail filled with goodies awaits your arrival; it’s chock full of info about the St. Simons Ghost Walk, the Sea Turtle Center, helicopter rides, kayaking…the list goes on and on. These activities are sure to provide hours of family fun, years of magical memories…and–even better–long, restful nights for your little court jesters!

Additionally, as a special gift for each single parent, you are invited to enjoy a complimentary breakfast daily for the length of your stay and a yummy family snack delivered to your room upon arrival.

The King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort has thought of every detail to make your family vacation everything you and your kiddies are dreaming of. Believe us, this fairy tale promises a very happy ending.

The Guide:

The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort

201 Arnold Road

St. Simons Island , Georgia 31522

For more info on the single parent getaway visit http://www.kingandprince.com/specials.php

Although ‘Jersey Shore’ is a hilarious show and great for parodies, it’s not quite what we look for in a family vacation. Leave the Bump-its and the Snookis for TV and instead enjoy a seven-day customized vacation at Callaway Gardens.

Callaway’s Summer Family Adventure program lasts through August 13 and is the perfect way to keep everyone happy! Mom and dad spend the day being pampered in a full-service spa, fishing on Mountain Creek Lake or relaxing in peace and serenity, while the kids (ages 3-12) and teens are off biking through nature trails, balancing sky-high on tightropes, and paddleboating across Robin Lake.

In the evenings, families are brought back together to enjoy down time in a perfectly peaceful private cottage or villa…or participate in fun and unique organized activities.

Starting at just $58/day per person*, this Callaway getaway is the perfect vacay to spend time with the family and experience the good ole outdoors…or spa!

Included in the Summer Family Adventure package:

• Neighborhood style accommodations in a private two-bedroom cottage or two-four bedroom villa with living and dining areas, kitchen, fireplace and screened porch
• Summer Family Adventure supervised programs during day camp and evening activities
• Unlimited admission to Callaway Gardens including the Virginia Hand Callaway Discovery Center, Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center, John A. Sibley Horticultural Center, Mr. Cason’s Vegetable Garden, Callaway Brothers Azalea Bowl and 10-mile Discovery Bike Trail
• Florida State University Flying High Circus performances and activities at Robin Lake Beach –swimming, paddleboats and miniature golf

The Guide:

http://www.callawaygardens.com/summer-adventure/make-sfa-reservations.aspx

For almost 60 years Callaway Gardens has provided “a place of relaxation, inspiration and a better understanding of the living world” for millions of visitors. Owned and operated by the non-profit Ida Cason Callaway Foundation, Callaway Gardens includes a garden, resort, preserve and residential community on 13,000 acres in Pine Mountain, Georgia. Highlights include a butterfly conservatory, horticultural center, discovery center, chapel, inland beach, nature trails and special events throughout the year.

*Based on pricing for eight guests in a two-bedroom Villa.