Planet Weekend Picks, June 7-9

Art+10 exhibition opening reception at Small World Coffee Friday night. Painting: Mary Waltham.
Art+10 exhibition opening reception at Small World Coffee Friday night. Painting: Mary Waltham.

Friday, June 7

Beach Reads Event – A panel of eight authors, including Lisa Cullen (“Pastors’ Wives”), Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus (“The Nanny Diaries” and “Between You and Me”), Christina Baker Kline (“Orphan Train”), Sally Koslow (“The Widow Waltz”), Pamela Satran (“The Possibility of You), Priscille Sibley (“The Promise of Stardust”) and Beatriz Williams (“Overseas” and “A Hundred Summer”) talk about their latest works and what they have on their summer-reading lists. Amy Bromberg of Chick Lit Central will moderate the evening. Cupcakes, sorbet and beverages will be served during the book signing to follow. A fun night to mingle, talk about books and sample sweets. 6:30 p.m., Princeton Public Library Community Room, free.

Art +10 Goup Exhibition Reception at Small World Coffee –  “Away We Go” art exhibition at Small World Coffee, 14  Witherspoon Street, until July 2. Celebrate the opening 7-9 p.m. tonight.  Art +10 is a group of independent, professional artists working in and around the Princeton area.  Their mission is to promote the arts in the local community. Reception free and open to the public.

Saturday, June 8

Paddle for Pink Dragon Boat Festival – Paddle for Pink Dragon Boat Festival, hosted by the Machestic Dragons, New Jersey’s first breast cancer survivor’s dragon boat team. Celebrate the seventh anniversary of the fun festival at Mercer County Park, at the Finish Tower Field Area of Mercer Lake between the Marina and Tennis Courts.  Boat races, music, dance, and other entertainment, food, 50/50 raffle drawing, silent auction, cultural dance and ceremonies, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., free.

Worldwide Knit in Public Day – Bring your knitting and crocheting and join this fourth annual international celebration of knitting. Representatives from Pins and Needles will be on hand to teach beginners how to knit. Author Adrienne Martini will join the knitters and read from her book “Sweater Quest: My Year of Knitting Dangerously” about tackling the notoriously complicated Mary Tudor pattern. Knitters are advised to bring a chair. Hinds Plaza (weather permitting) or Princeton Public Library Community Room, 11 a.m., free.

Happy Birthday Amelia Bedelia with author Herman Parish – Amelia Bedelia turns 50 this year and author Herman Parish will be on hand to celebrate. Parish has created a new Amelia Bedelia series. He will be debuting his new book “Amelia Bedelia’s First Library Card”. Books will be available for sale by jaZams of Princeton. 1 p.m. Princeton Public Library Story Room, 3rd floor.

derekDerek’s Dreams Fundraiser and Super Bowl XLVIII Raffle  – Southern Style BBQ and Super Bowl Raffle to Benefit Derek’s Dreams hosted at the home of Carol and Andy Golden (directions with ticket purchase). Can’t make it the BBQ, but want to support the cause? Buy a $50 raffle for a chance to win a pair of tickets for the 2014 Super Bowl XLVIII on February 2nd, 2014 at the Metlife Stadium in New Jersey. To purchase tickets for the event or raffle, visit www.dereksdreams.com. (100% of the proceeds from the event and raffle will support Derek’s Dreams.  Winner does not have to be present to win raffle.)

The Princeton High School Choir presents Cabaret Night – An evening of solos and ensembles from Broadway, Pop, and Jazz repertoire. Princeton High Performing Arts Center, 7:30p.m., tickets $10, $5 for students and seniors.

Sunday, June 9

D and R Canal Watch Talk – New Jersey archaeologist Richard Veit will contrast the Delaware & Raritan Canal today and 40 years ago in an illustrated talk at the annual meeting of the D and R Canal Watch, 2 p.m., lower-level meeting room of Lawrence Municipal Building, 2207 Lawrence Road. The meeting is free and open to the public. Veit is associate professor of anthropology at Monmouth State University. He specializes in the historical archaeology of the Garden State.

Send Hunger Packing Film Screening – Fundraiser for the grassroots partnership to provide needy Princeton elementary school students with food for the weekends, spearheaded by the Princeton Human Services Commission in cooperation with the Mercer Street Friends Food Bank and the Princeton Public Schools. Fundraising kick-off is a screening of the critically-acclaimed film “A Place at the Table” starring Jeff Bridges and Tom Colicchio of Top Chef. Panel discussion follows the film.  Garden Theatre, 160 Nassau St., Doors open at 3:30 p.m., film starts at 4 p.m. To purchase tickets visit  sendhungerpacking.ticketleap.com. Ticket prices start at $50.

Rhythm Dance and Drum Circle – Drum, slap, tap, dance, shake it up. Experience the healing vibrations created by group drumming. Drumming as a group can create states of euphoria, promote play, release anger, and promote feelings of community, unity and well-being. No experience necessary.  All drums are provided or bring your own. 8-10 pm, Orchard Hill Center 88 Orchard Hill Rd Skillman, admission $15.