Thursdays 9/22 & 9/29, 10am-1pm: Storytime
The West Chester Public Library presents storytime every Tuesday in September for children ranging from newborn to five years old. Times vary depending upon age, with two-year-olds at 10am, and three-year-olds at 11am. 415 North Church Street, 610-696-1721, wcpubliclibrary.org
Thursday 9/22, 1-8pm: Civil War Documentation Day
The Chester County Historical Society invites you to bring your family’s Civil War letters, photographs and artifacts to CCHS for documentation and possible inclusion in their October 2012 exhibit. Owner confidentiality will be maintained and no appraisals will be given. Conservator Kory Barrett will provide preservation advice. Events include the opening of new exhibit “If Walls Could Talk,” costumed reinactors, a book discussion with Dr Sarah Trembanis on Adam Goodheart’s 1861: The Civil War Awakening, Ed and Fay Max: A Hero’s Honor Roll – photographs of local soldiers and the Chester County enlistment roster, and a special exhibit of Civil War covers (envelopes) from the collection of Bruce Mowday. 225 North High Street, 610-692-4800, chestercohistorical.org
Friday 9/23, 7:30pm: Barrage – Soundtrack Of The World
Barrage brings its final show, “Soundtrack of the World,” to West Chester University. Check out young artists performing in a variety of musical styles. Tickets can be purchased online, over the phone or in person at the ticket office on WCU Campus at the Sykes Student Union, ground floor. Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall, wcupa.edu/visitingartists/VAS.asp
Saturday 9/24, 8:30am-1pm: Kids’ Chess Tournament
The West Chester Public Library is hosting this chess tournament for children and teens at Borough Hall. 501 East Gay Street, 610-696-1721
Saturday 9/24 – Sunday 9/25, 10am-4:30pm: RotorFest
The American Helicopter Museum is hosting “Rotorfest,” the only all-helicopter show in America. Bring the family for rides, food, music and helicopters and helicopter rides. The event also features three air shows daily. 11220 American Boulevard, 610-436-9600, helicoptermuseum.org
Saturday 9/24 – Sunday 9/25, 10am-4:30pm: Big G And The Cool Cats
Big G and the Cool Cats are a big horn band under the direction of George Whittam. They feature three saxes, two trombones and two trumpets. The rhythm section includes guitar, bass, drums and keys. Featured vocalists on the night will be Barbara Kovacs and Andrew Coffin, two singers who perform all over the Delaware Valley. You’ll hear the sounds of the ’60s and ’70s made famous by bands such as Chicago, and Blood Sweat and Tears, as well as the fabulous sounds of Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Ottis Redding, Tina Turner, Van Morrison and more. Tickets are $8 for members, $10 for non-members and are on sale at the Chester County Historical Society and Taylor’s Music. 225 North High Street, 610-692-4800, chestercohistorical.org
Sunday 9/25: Calistalicious Fun-Raiser
Calista Grand are attempting to break the Guinness record for most haircuts in eight hours. Celebrity judges will be in attendance, and tons of prizes will be raffled away, including a brand new Land Rover. For more information about the event, turn to page five. Calista Grand Salon and Spa, 1211 Wilmington Pike, 610-399-6677, calistagrand.com
Monday 9/26: Barnaby’s Charity Golf Outing
Barnaby’s of America presents a charity golf outing at Broad Run Golf Club, with all proceeds going to the Hero Fund. 1520 Tattersall Way, 610-696-1400
Monday 9/26, 6:30-7pm: Teen Advisory Meeting
Teens, help the West Chester Library plan programs for you. Meet other teens, discuss events and current issues, and let the library know what’s cool and what’s not while enjoying snacks. Join now before the group fills up. For ages 13-17. No registration required. Meetings are once a month on Mondays. 415 North Church Street, 610-696-7985, wcpubliclibrary.org
Tuesday 9/27 10am-1pm: Storytime
The West Chester Public Library presents storytime every Tuesday in September for children ranging from newborn to five years old. Times vary depending upon age, with ages 0-12 months at 10am, 12-23 months at 11am and four to five-year-olds at 1pm (two and three-year-old children meet on Thursdays). 415 North Church Street, 610-696-1721, wcpubliclibrary.org
Wednesday 9/28, 1-7pm: Red Cross Blood Drive At Mitch’s Gym
Giving blood saves lives – plain and simple. So, if you’re available, stop by Mitch’s for the chance to be a hero. 322 West Market Street, 610-918-2900, 1-800-RED-CROSS, mitchsgym.com
Wednesday 9/28, 6:45-8pm: Book Signing And Discussion With Bruce Mowday
Hear about Richie Ashburn and the young fan who later helped get him inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Ashburn signed an autograph for Jim Donahue, Mowday’s co-author for this book; Donahue and Ashburn became good friends as a result. Richie Ashburn … Why the Hall Not? The Amazing Journey to Cooperstown chronicles the story of one of Philadelphia’s best-loved athletes. In the words of author Ted Taylor, “Ashburn [was]… not only a great player but a great human being as well.” 15 North Church Street, 610-696-7985, wcpubliclibrary.org
Thursday 9/29, 12-5pm: Plein Air Brandywine Valley
Plein Air Brandywine Valley is a painting and photography competition, show and sale featuring the beauty of the Brandywine Valley. From Sunday, September 25 to Saturday, October 1 artists will paint and photograph the most scenic properties of the Brandywine Valley. On Thursday, the tour stops in West Chester for a fun-filled day including workshops for artists at West Chester University and Chester County Art Association, painting in town, a quick-draw competition for children and families in Old Court House and a block party with an art sale. Additionally, a portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit Chester County Art Association’s ArtReach scholarship programs. pleinairbrandywinevalley.org
Friday 9/30 and Saturday 10/1: Ghost Tour Of West Chester
This walking tour features tales of ghosts, folklore and history. Your guide will lead you on a 90-minute walk through the spooky lanes of neighborhoods where you’ll explore the land of the shadow people, learn of the lost souls of the Underground Railroad, and hear about the West Chester gallows where horse thieves and murderers were hanged. Ghost Tours of West Chester occur every Friday and Saturday night in October and start at The Lincoln Room. Courtyard Grill will be open for light sandwiches, snacks and beverages before the tours, and doors open at 7pm rain or shine. Price is $10 per person, ages five years and up. Reservations required. 28 West Market Street, 610-696-2102
Friday 10/7, 5-9pm: Fall Gallery Walk
It’s a Friday night and you are looking for something to do. You wish there was something free around, but where? Downtown West Chester is the place to be. Come out for an evening of culture, shopping, dining and that crisp fall weather we all enjoy! In addition to 13 great galleries they will once again offer the “Stillman Volvo Art Experience” in the Wells Fargo parking lot.
Galleries:
FastFrame West Chester
Kent Studios at Z Gallery
Sunset Hill Jewelers & Fine Arts Gallery
The Five Senses
Visual Expansion Gallery
One Night Only Art Shows:
Chester County Art Association
Chester County Historical Society
DNB First Bank
Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union
Fulton Bank
The Hickman
Wells Fargo
West Chester Friends School
Sunday 10/9, 12-3pm: West Chester Chili Cookoff
For just $10 you can purchase a wristband and sample chili from more than 60 booths that will be lining Gay Street. Additionally, vendors will be filling the streets with arts, crafts, goods and even other foods. So, even if you don’t like chili, this is a can’t-miss event. You can purchase tickets in advance at three for $25. westchesterchilicookoff.com
