Universal Playground Opens Saturday

A playground that's believed to be the first of its kind in Somerset County has its grand opening this Saturday.

Ann Van Middlesworth Park, located at the end of Pleasant View Road, is the site of Hillsborough's first Universal Playground. The playground allows children with and without Special Needs to play together, in an environment all can enjoy.

Other items happening this weekend include:

When/Where: Competition begins at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday at  in Basking Ridge. Drill team performance begins at 1 p.m.
Why Go: Come cheer and watch adult riders show off their skills. Free pony rides for the little spectators. 
Pricing: Free.

When/Where: At 7 p.m. on Thursday at  in Basking Ridge.
Why Go: You can choose your stride in an exciting 5K race while taking strides to end homelessness among veterans.
Pricing: $25 for 5K, $10 for 1-mile walk.

When/Where: From 7:30 to 9 p.m. on Thursday at the  in Warren.
Why Go: Warren eesident Bob Marino will serenade you with a love song and his smile will woo you.
Pricing: Free.

When/Where: From 2 to 4 p.m. on Thursday at  in Bridgewater.
Why Go: To meet celebrity chef Tyler Florence and get an autograph. His new food-friendly wines will be available for tasting.
Pricing: Free.

When/Where: At 6 p.m. on Friday at  in Bridgewater.
Why Go: To put some mystery into your evening with a five course dinner and a little murder among neighbors.
Pricing: $65 per person.

When/Where: At 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m on Sunday at the  in Hillsborough. 
Why Go: To laugh a little with a gentle comedy that lightens the heart and uplifts the soul.
Pricing: $17 for adults. $15 for seniors and students.

When/Where: From 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday at  in Hillsborough.
Why Go: For young professionals, ages 21 to 39 years old, to get out, get some exercise, and make new friends. An invitation for drinks and a late lunch is optional but always fun.  
Pricing: $5 to $10 for New Jersey Young Professionals members, or $20 for non-members.

When/Where: From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday at Colonial Park in Somerset.
Why Go: To celebrate the re-opening of the Rose Garden with the warmth of the summer sun and the beauty of more than 3,000 roses. There is something for everyone with lectures, demonstrations, and a plant sale. Take time to smell the roses.
Pricing: Free. Donations are appreciated. 

When/Where: From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday at  in Basking Ridge.
Why Go: To grab your sneakers and run to breathe. Proceeds benefit the Boomer Esiason Foundation and the cystic fibrosis community. There is a 5K run for all ages and a track-and-field competition for children kindergarten through eighth grade.
Pricing: $25 for race day entrants.

When/Where: At 7 p.m. on Saturday at  in Hillsborough.
Why Go: It is an evening of talent as student written and directed one-act plays are performed by HHS's finest.
Pricing: $10 per ticket.

When/Where: On Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Garden State Exhibit Center in Somerset.
Why Go: Because it is the next evolution of anime convention. There will special guests, contests, music, fashion shows, and even a Cosplay human chess game. In the not so distant future anime fandom is everywhere and everyone is an Otaku.
Pricing: $35 to $60.

GRAB & GO KIDS PLANNER

When/Where: At 10:30 a.m. on Saturday at  in Basking Ridge.
Why Go: Because kids and family will learn how to aid the survival of the New Jersey bats.
Pricing: Free. 

When/Where: At 10 a.m. on Saturday at Lowe's in Hillsborough.
Why Go: This awesome project is fun to build and part of the Build and Grow Clinic. You will be right on par with a Father's Day gift created with your own two hands.
Pricing: Free, but registration is required.

When/Where: At 9:30 a.m. on Saturday at in Hillsborough.
Why Go: To run, swing, slide, and make new friends in a brand new park. The specially designed play equipment is for all children, those with and without special needs. 
Pricing: Free.

When/Where: From 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday at Michael's in Bridgewater.
Why Go: To honor Dad with a heartfelt gift that you designed yourself.
Pricing: Free with purchase of a tie or T-shirt.

When/Where: At 11 a.m. to noon or 1 to 2 p.m. on Sunday at in Bridgewater.
Why Go: It is a grand slam of learning to cook. Go to bat with Dad to make cheddar beef sliders and root beer floats. Love and laughter is always a good recipe.
Pricing: $10 per child and parent or $5 per child and parent with shoppers club card. 

When/Where: From 10 a.m. to noon on Thursday at in Warren.
Why Go: For preschool children to ride scooters and trikes, run and play and make new friends. The playgroup is non-denominational.
Pricing: Free.