Astorian Weekend Edition 03.07.08

Not sure about your plans for the 4th? Although this weekend may be quiet in the city, there are plenty of fun happs in Astoria.

Visit the Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden for their 4th of July Festival. They'll serve over 40 types of beers and have a live band on-site. Drink, party and celebrate Independence day at this outdoor haven--but get there early because seating is hard to come by. $5 admission. 19-19 24th Avenue, Astoria. 718.274.4925

Enjoy a nice brunch at our favorite neighborhood hangout, Bistro 33. I recently tried their blueberry pancakes (picture above) and they're out of this world. The cranberry mimosa is also a nice complement to brunch. 19-33 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria. 718.721.1933

This Saturday, check out the 6th Annual NYC Musical Saw Festival. You'll enjoy the music of about 20 saw players from around the world as well as an exhibition featuring musical saw paintings and a video installation. The music starts at 2p at Trinity Church - 31-18 37th Street, Astoria. $10 at the door.

Also on Saturday, keep Astoria Park sparkling and join the Post Independence Day Clean-Up. You can meet your fellow cleaner uppers at the bottom of the green lawn on Shore Blvd from 7a - 9a. For more information contact, astoria_park_alliance@googlegroups.com

Final reminder: The Great Astoria Water Balloon Fight and Picnic has been moved to this Saturday. Meet at Noon sharp at 19th Street between Hoyt Avenue North & 24th Road and water balloon fight till you drop!

Astorian Weekend Edition 26.07.07

It's the big one- I mean come on, 4 days of fair food!?!?!?! Thu - Sun., occupying 23rd Ave. from 35th to mid 37th Streets and 36th St from 23rd Ave. to under the Amtrak overpass is the St. Irene Chrysovalantou Annual Street Fair.

Hellgate Road Runners meet 4 days/week for group runs at the track in Astoria Park. 7:30pm Thursday nights go for a "group run" or if you want to "go the distance"- stop by the Astoria Park Field House at 9am on Saturday for a long distance run.

Not only are there burgers galore to be had on Saturday, but Grandmaster Flash will be entertaining the masses at Water Taxi Beach. Get a $13.50 ticket and enjoy 3 original burgers :) I've got my tickets already so stay tuned for picks next week!

Ever heard of the Saw Players? Maybe not, but in the past- i'm sure a few of us have ran across the Saw Lady Natalia Paruz on our way somewhere or other. On Saturday at 2pm at the Quinn Memorial Building (35-20 Broadway, 4th floor), Natalia along with a "Chorus of Saws" will be performing and discussing different types of music. It's $10 at the door, but where else can you get the inside scoop on playing hardware from veteran sawists?

The 3rd Official Astoria Pug Meetup takes place this Sunday, July 29, 2007 at 11:00am. They will be meeting at Astoria Park (23rd Ave and 19th St.) There seems to be quite a few pugs and owners in Astoria that are itching to make friends. If only I had a one of those adorable little guys!