Herbal effects
It's all about herbs at the Baltimore Herb Festival at Leakin Park Saturday. From herbal teas and breads to herbal plants and remedies, you'll find more than 60 vendors selling herbal items, as well as other plants, aromatherapy products, pottery, crafts and more at the 17th annual festival.
There'll be lectures on herbs, demonstrations with herbs and samplings of herbal foods. Visitors can learn about cooking with herbs and take wild-herb woodland walks. There'll also be live music and train rides.
This year, the featured herb is basil. Visitors will learn about this mildly peppery herb that's part of the mint family, its uses, how to harvest it and all about its more than 40 known varieties.
The Baltimore Herb Festival runs 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday at Leakin Park, Windsor Mill Road. Admission is $5. Call 410-448-1281.
Ride Lake Hashawha
Take a cruise down Lake Hashawha and watch for wildlife tomorrow at the "Dusk Canoe and Campfire" event at Bear Branch Nature Center in Westminster. Meet at the lake and take a canoe ride as the sun sets. Personal floatation devices will be provided.
Afterward, roast hot dogs and makes s'mores over the campfire. Event is geared to all ages. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult.
The "Dusk Canoe and Campfire" event runs from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. tomorrow at Bear Branch Nature Center and at Lake Hashawha, 300 John Owings Road, Westminster. $7; $5 members. Call 410-848-9040.
Festival of India
It's not every day that you see an ornate 30-foot-high chariot hand-pulled along Pratt Street. But Saturday you will. The ancient Indian Festival of Chariots parade begins at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Pratt and Eutaw streets, then proceeds to Rash Field, Key Highway, where it will conclude.
After the parade, a Festival of India will be held at McKeldin Square, Pratt and Light streets, featuring live classical Indian music and dance, art exhibits, theatrical performances, Indian literature, a free multi-course vegetarian feast, face-painting, hand-painting and more.
The Festival of Chariots begins at noon Saturday at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Pratt and Eutaw streets. And the Festival of India takes place from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at McKeldin Square, Pratt and Light streets. Free. Call 410-747-1843 or 410-744-1624.
