Birthday Cake

Grandmother Lily Rose had an unbreakable kitchen rule. Don't touch her white enamel saucepan that was strictly reserved for birthday cakes.This time of the year, that white vessel with the red handle saw plenty of use. In my family, January, February and March seemed to have more birthday celebrations than the rest of the year combined.Lily Rose, who was born in 1886, had a cake repertoire of chocolate, devil's food, orange, coconut, mocha, pound and birthday. You could practically tell the season by the kind of cake she was making -- orange in summer, chocolate in winter, fresh coconut when in season in winter, for example.

Last night on his show, comedian Jon Stewart picked up on an important part of Monday night's debate: The "baby-off. "  He played clips of candidates Tim Pawlenty, Herman Cain, Rick Santorum and Mitt Romney all pleasantly informing the audience of their number of children and grandchildren.  Stewart then cut to Minnesota Congresswoman Michele Bachmann. "I've given birth to five babies and I've taken 23 foster children into my home," Bachmann said, introducing herself to the New Hampshire crowd.  "We have a winner!"

Laurel Park will celebrate its 100th anniversary with live racing, birthday cake and a Fall Fest on Saturday, Oct. 22 from noon to 6 p.m. The live card will begin at 1:10 p.m. As part of the centennial celebration, the first 3,000 people will receive a 100th birthday key chain, and drawings will be held for prizes such as flat screen TVs, iPads and airline gift cards. A health fair will be held and entertainment includes live music and on-track performances between races, featuring Medieval Times performers, pony club members and Jack Russell terriers and basset hounds.

Samson, the Maryland Zoo's young elephant, made quick work of his vegetarian cake while a hillside of children and parents serenaded the birthday boy who is turning 4. His arching and nimble trunk first went for the prize, one of four big carrot candles atop a confection crafted of cornbread, mashed potatoes, squash, bananas and grapes, neatly garnished with lettuce. "He was actually smiling. I could have sworn he knew it was his birthday," said Sykesville resident Melissa Rectanus as she picnicked on pasta salad and strawberries with her husband, Michael, and children, Kelsey, Jessica and Abigail.

A year ago, Latin jazz great Eddie Palmieri celebrated his 70th birthday in the 75-seat An die Musik venue on North Charles Street. For someone used to playing in much larger venues, An die Musik was a change. The venue is so small that people can't even stand up and dance. But the intimate size gave the performance an intensely personal feel and meant that Palmieri was even able to share his birthday cake with audience members who wanted a slice. The event went so well that Palmieri, a pianist and bandleader, is returning to celebrate his 71st birthday at the Baltimore venue.

So you just can't get enough of George Washington? In honor of his birthday, Old Town Alexandria, Va., is celebrating for days on end.Saturday, an 18th-century-style banquet and ball will be held at Gadsby's Tavern, commemorating the 199th anniversary of the first ball there, and at the adjoining museum. The fun begins at 5: 30 p.m. Tickets are $40; call for reservations.On Sunday, you can go to war -- the Revolutionary War, that is -- during an encampment at Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site, 4301 W. Braddock Road.

`Light the Night' Always wanted to ride on a camel? Well, now's your chance. The Baltimore Zoo is the place for the Maryland Society for Sight's "Light the Night for Sight" walkathon Saturday. The event, which benefits the society's sight-saving programs, includes camel rides, contests, a children's petting zoo, raffles, a light barbecue dinner and more. Walkers can also learn about the dangers of firework injuries to the eyes. Walkers raising $50 or more in pledges will receive a free event T-shirt.

SUNDAY ANTIQUE FLEA MARKET: It's in with the old at the Antique Flea Market in Fells Point's Broadway Market Square, 800 S.Broadway. From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., approximately 50 vendors showcase and sell antique items. This free event is held by the Fells Point Preservation Society. Call 410-675-6750 or go to preservationsociety.com. FOODSCAPE OPENING: Once again, Mount Royal Tavern, 1204 W. Mount Royal Ave., hosts the opening of the long-running Artscape alternative, Foodscape. From 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., schmooze with the unconventional artists behind the show's various food-themed works.

Name: Kennedy Jude Patti Owner: Jeana Patti How They Met: Kennedy was given to me when he was 6 weeks old. I didn't think it was going to work out at first (my first dog ever) he was always in trouble to say the least, but we instantly became BFF's. He started out a frisky puppy who has recently mellowed out into a mature senior citizen. Age: 12 Home: Nottingham Breed: Labrador mix Best Trick: Speak! Favorite Activity: Aside from being with his grandparents and cousins, Kennedy loves to sit out front and chill.

Coin convention Check your pockets, raid the piggy bank and dust off the safe-deposit box. Gather those old coins and any rare paper money you've been stashing, and find out if they're more valuable than you thought at the Suburban Washington/Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention tomorrow through Sunday at the Baltimore Convention Center. Browse tables from more than 750 dealers, participate in coin auctions, see the "Billion Dollar Currency Exhibit" by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, attend educational seminars, free appraisal sessions and evaluation clinics, have your coins graded, learn how to look up values, receive a show-issued souvenir card, and for young numismatists -- ages 12 and under -- receive free coins, information and supplies.