Free or Nearly Free Things to Do During Vacation Week April 15-20 in the Ellsworth/MDI Area

It is school vacation week, and if your aren't lucky enough to have flown away to somewhere warm or exotic, you may be faced with the task of looking for something to keep the kids occupied as the weather early and late in the week looks to be "unsettled" (a polite way of saying rainy and crappy!)

Here's a list of events that I have found that are free or nearly free happening April 15-20 in the Ellsworth/MDI area. If you know of an event that I have missed, please email me at chris.popper@townsquaremedia.com and I'll add it.

The Grand on Main Street in Ellsworth is showing the movie Wreck It Ralph 2 in 3-D, Monday- Friday at 1PM . Admission is just $1.00

Monday through Saturday, April 16th through the 20th The Southwest Harbor Public Library and Sawyer's Market are participating in the Earth Day Groceries project – a fun and simple activity for the whole family. Stop by the library anytime during the week to decorate one of Sawyers' paper grocery bags with pictures and slogans about caring for the earth. On Monday, April 22, groceries will be bagged in these works of art at Sawyer's Market. For more information, please check out the project website www.earthdaybags.org or call the Library at 244-7065.

On Wednesday, April 17th at the Southwest Harbor Public Library at 10AM - Join Children's Library staff in songs, simple sign language, and interactive short stories. (Designed ages 3-5 but all welcome.)

On Wednesday, April 17th at the Ellsworth Public Library at 6PM Maine author, Derek Volk will speak about his poignant memoir Chasing the Rabbit: A Dad’s Life Raising a Son on the Spectrum.  Volk includes ‘Dylan’s Take’ segments in the book. Dylan, who has Asperger’s syndrome, is now performing stand-up comedy in Texas and ‘Dielawn Comedy’ videos on YouTube. The memoir highlights the family’s challenges, coping strategies and victories throughout Dylan’s life. Books will be available for purchase.

On Thursday, April 18th at the Southwest Harbor Public Library at 2 PM - Come to the Library for tea! Everyone is welcome to enjoy a cup of tea by the Library’s fireplace, nibble on delicious homemade treats, and enjoy the company of others. Live music, too!

In Bar Harbor on Friday, April 19th the Abbe Museum invites children to a morning of family-oriented storytelling and activities! John Dennis, Mi’kmaq, will kick off the celebration by telling traditional Wabanaki stories about water. Afterwards, the Abbe's education team will be on hand to facilitate crafts, games, and face painting. Be sure to check out the new exhibit, wolankeyutomon: Take Care of Everything while you’re there!
11:00AM-11:45AM Storytelling with John Dennis, Micmac
11:45AM-12:30PM Educator Lead Activities and Face Painting

At the Ellsworth Public Library the Riverview Creatives will meet on Friday, April 19th for an art workshop for children at 2PM

On Saturday, April 20th at the Southwest Harbor Public Library - The Southwest Harbor Public Library will offer a free Window Star-making Workshop with Margot Haertel on Saturday, April 20, from 10 - 12:30.  Children aged 10 years and older welcome with an adult chaperone. Registration required. Call the Library, 244-7065, to register and for more information.

On Saturday April 20th the Bar Harbor Inn will be hosting the Easter Bunny and Annual Easter Egg Hunt! Photos and crafts with the Easter Bunny at 11AM followed by the Easter Egg Hunt at 11:30

Remember too that it's Holy Week and here is a link to Hancock County Church Services for Holy Week and Easter