Arts And Crafts

Summer's almost over, your money's almost gone, and yet it feels like there's still so much left undone. What's a person to do? We can't help you with the money part. And much as we'd like to, there's no way to expand the calendar. But we can point out what you may not realize: There's plenty to do in and around Charm City in the waning days of summer, even with nary a penny in your pocket. Herewith, an itinerary for the thrifty, offering 50 no-cost activities to keep body and soul engaged over the next month or so. There's a lot to do, so get busy.

The International Festival on Sunday at Mount Moriah African Methodist Episcopal Church on Bay Ridge Avenue in Annapolis featured the Gombey dancers of Bermuda, along with music, food, arts and crafts, face-painting and vendors.

Q: As an admirer of the arts-and-crafts style, I'm gradually putting together a room based on this type of design. I could also use some information on the historical background of arts-and-crafts furniture. I've collected a few reproductions, but I'm only partly familiar with the antiques.A: As you probably know, there were two major arts-and-crafts movements -- one in Britain in the late 19th century; the other in the United States a decade or so later. The two streams intersected at many points.

Alexandria Arts Fair Take an easy drive down to Alexandria, Va., next weekend for the area's Old Town Arts and Crafts Fair. The 26th annual event features two days of live music, arts and crafts from more than 75 talented artisans and an array of foods, all in Market Square. Visitors can listen to tunes from Ruthie & the Wranglers, the Fleastompers, Patty Reese, Janine Wilson and Max Evans, the Danny Keane Combo, Reverb Galaxy and the Mesmers. And shoppers can find unique paintings, stained-glass works and photography, as well as handmade toys, jewelry, clothing and ceramics.

WITH THE Christmas season here, finding that perfect gift for everyone on your shopping list has become a priority. Don't miss the opportunity to shop for unusual, creative gifts when the Mount Airy Volunteer Fire Department holds its arts and crafts show tomorrow.2 Information: (310) 831-5271 or (301) 829-1527.Christy Kruhm's Southwest Carroll Neighborhood column appears each Friday in the Carroll County edition of The Sun.

The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra will hold its annual Celebration Gala fundraiser Sat., Sept. 10, 6:30 p.m., at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. The event will offer patrons an evening of entertainment and fine dining and a concert (at 8:30 p.m.) will feature conductor Marin Alsop and renowned violinist Hilary Hahn. Tickets run $50 and $75 for the concert. Call 410-783-8054. Ukraine festivities Baltimore City's Showcase of Nations annual Ukrainian Festival will take place Saturday and Sunday, Sept.

Last week's question What is your favorite summer Olympic sport? 0 percent Baseball 11.1 percent Cycling 33.3 percent Gymnastics 0 percent Shooting 11.1 percent Swimming 22.2 percent Track and field 11.1 percent I love it all 5.6 percent None of it; Olympics are lame 5.6 percent Other 18 total votes Question of the week: What camp activity was your favorite as a kid? Arts and crafts Canoeing Dodgeball Hiking Swimming Other Never went to camp

What: HampdenFest When: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday Where: West 36th Street Why: Live music all day, courtesy of about 15 bands on two stages set up on 36th Street, and oodles of arts and crafts. Browse local shops such as Atomic Books and Mud and Metal, along with other vendors from around Hampden and the city. There will also be a moon bounce and face painting. Admission: Free Information: www.hampdenfest.com

Community Arts Development Grants are available to support nonprofit organizations that offer arts and crafts activities in Carroll County between July 1, 2006, and June 30, 2007. Applicants must be based in Carroll County and conduct their programs and events in fully handicapped-accessible locations. Awards range from $500 to $3,500 based on the organization's size, artistic quality and amount available for distribution. Applications are available at the Carroll Arts Center, 91 W. Main St., Westminster.