Are We There Yet?: Everything IS Awesome

Have you seen "The Lego Movie"?

I admit I was skeptical about it going into the theater and I did come out of the theater the first time I saw it thinking it was goofy but kind of fun. When it came out on DVD, we purchased it, and my daughter has since watched it at least 30 times, many of those in the car on her iPad. Which means I have HEARD "The Lego Movie" about 30 times, and I have to say, listening to it and instead of watching it has given me a new appreciation of the clever one-liners that are sprinkled throughout the movie. One of my favorites: The female lead (voiced by Pittsfield native Elizabeth Banks, FYI) says to the bad guy: "He would rather die than turn it over." To which the meek and mild hero of the movie replies, "I would not rather he die."

Well, maybe you have to see it to really get how funny it is. Luckily, that's the movie being shown Friday night, Aug. 1, at one of my favorite events of the year: the kickoff celebration to the annual "Movies Under the Stars" series in the town of Adams. The gala opening, sponsored by Adams Community Bank, will take place on the lawn in front of the Town Hall starting at 6 p.m. and “The Lego Movie” will be featured at dusk. This event is free and open to the public. The rain date will be on Saturday, Aug. 2.

In conjunction with the movie is the 12th annual community appreciation event. Free hot dogs, popcorn, fried dough, soft drinks and other refreshments will be served. Kids of all ages will have a chance to catch some cash in the cash cube and participate in other games and giveaways. Face painting will be provided by Magic Brushes and balloon art by Bowie the Clown.

Make sure to bring a blanket or chairs for the movie, and prepare to be entertained.

Speaking of entertainment in Adams, remember that the Aggie Fair runs all weekend. I will be there Saturday morning, Aug. 2, as my daughter ends her reign as Aggie Fair Princess and crowns the new princess. Being the Aggie Fair Princess was highlighted by the ride in the convertible in the Fall Foliage Parade (oh, and the $50 prize money that just came - sweet!).

A trip to Adams not in the cards? How about Williamstown! This just in: St. John's Episcopal Church at 35 Park St. will host two Community Art Days,  where kids of all talents and ages will have the chance to create art. Art supplies of all kinds will be provided, but participants are asked to bring one donation (a stick of glue, a roll of ribbon, a tube of paint, a used picture frame, etc.), to add to the variety of materials available. Then, on Aug. 16, the art will be made available to the public at the St. John's Church "Kids Art for Kids" auction. A quilt raffle in conjunction will benefit the Northern Berkshire Early Intervention "Social Sprouts" program, a play group for children who have aged out of Early Intervention, but aren't old enough for school aged services. This unique group does not receive the same funding as Early Intervention, therefore, donations are needed to support this effort.

The Arts Days will be held Saturday, Aug. 2, and Wednesday, Aug. 6; come anytime between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Call 413-458-8144 for more information.

And can you believe it's August already?