January 23-31, 2012: Comedy Fest, Clare Danes, Chinese New Year, Snow & Ice Sculpting, Sled Dogs, & Subway Breakdancing
01/23/12 by
Johnny Monsarrat
This Week in Review
This week, please pay special attention to the private subway breakdancing that I want to set up for Events INSIDERs. You need to email me to find out the place and time.
I hope you are having an awesome week. Now get out there and do something fun!
-Johnny
The Week in Weird
Magners Comedy Festival – tix giveaway, interview
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I’ve been to the Magners Comedy Contest — and it’s fantastic. They bring in comedians of national talent, who then compete. And you can drink! I’m giving away 4 tickets for the Upright Citizens Brigade, Thursday, 1/26 at the Wilbur Theatre. Email johnny@eventsINSIDER.com to win and click to see my interview with executive producer John Tobin! (Click ‘more’ for details)I’ve been to the Magners Comedy Contest — and it’s fantastic. They bring in comedians…
Boston, MA
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Boston, MA
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Hasty Pudding Woman o…
Speaking of national celebrities, act now and maybe you can get tickets for the Woman of the Year Roast on this Thursday. Or if not, you can still catch the parade! Actress Clare Danes is this year’s winner of the theatre troupe at the school that has no drama department. The parade begins at 3:15pm, starting at the Inn at Harvard in Harvard Square and going to the Pudding Theatre. Then the roast at 12 Holyoke Street at 5pm, with a preview of the Hasty Pudding theatre season afterwards. (Click ‘more’ for details)Speaking of national celebrities, act now and maybe you can get tickets for the Woman of the Ye…
12 Holyoke St, Cambridge, MA
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12 Holyoke St, Cambridge, MA
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Rock of Ages – tix giveaway
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I also have four tickets to give away for the Jan 27 show, at 8pm, of this Tony Award-nominated rock musical from the 1980s. Winners will also get tickets to the super secret afterparty where they could meet the cast! Email johnny@eventsINSIDER.com to win. (Click ‘more’ for details)I also have four tickets to give away for the Jan 27 show, at 8pm, of th…
Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge St, Worcester, MA
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Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge St, Worcester, MA
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Chinese New Year Para…
This is the Chinatown festival where different lion dance clubs go door to door eating lettuce and throwing around fireworks. They go to every door to accept these “offering”, and the ground ends up literally covered with lettuce and fireworks shells! This is not the festival with stages for music and dance. That’s one’s in August. 11am-5pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)This is the Chinatown festival where different lion dance clubs go door to door eati…
Harrison Ave & Essex St, Boston, MA
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Harrison Ave & Essex St, Boston, MA
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Snow Sculpting Competition
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This snow sculpture, in New Hampshire, will have real professionals. Pretty neat. Oh, and amateurs can join in, too! Each day has a different location. (Click ‘more’ for details)This snow sculpture, in New Hampshire, will have real professionals. Pretty neat. Oh, and amat…
Black Mountain, Jackson, NH
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Black Mountain, Jackson, NH
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Newburyport Winter Ca…
This festival looks more like a winner! There’s no shopping mall involved. They just got a little confused naming the local park. It features horse-drawn hayrides, skating on the pond, sledding, and a “human dog sled race”! Let’s hope they fix their website as the date gets closer. (Click ‘more’ for details)This festival looks more like a winner! There’s no shopping mall inv…
Bartlett Mall (which is really a park), Newburyport, MA
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Bartlett Mall (which is really a park), Newburyport, MA
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Sled Dog Derby
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While you’re in the area — perhaps going skiing? — why not check out this sled dog race? (Click ‘more’ for details)While you’re in the area — perhaps going skiing? — why not check out this sled dog race?
Tamworth, NH
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Tamworth, NH
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Evening Snowshoe Adve…
What’s better than snowshoeing at night and looking up at the stars? I can’t think of anything. If there’s no snow, the event will become a hike. But do they rent snowshoes? 4-5:30pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)What’s better than snowshoeing at night and looking up at the stars? …
Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, 280 Eliot St, Natick, MA
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Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, 280 Eliot St, Natick, MA
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Maple Syrup Tree Tapp…
I really want to see this! They tap actual maple trees and you get to help! 3pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)I really want to see this! They tap actual maple trees and you get to help! 3…
Anderson Hall, 200 College Avenue, Medford, MA
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Anderson Hall, 200 College Avenue, Medford, MA
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Mystic River Polar Pl…
Diving into freezing water to raise money for charity is pretty daft. But this one… doesn’t involve a charity? 9:10am. Pre-register if you want to go in. (Click ‘more’ for details)Diving into freezing water to raise money for charity is pretty daft. But this on…
Mary O’Malley Waterfront Park, Chelsea, MA
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Mary O’Malley Waterfront Park, Chelsea, MA
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MIT IAP (Independent Activities Period)
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The school that never sleeps, MIT holds a month of creative classes, lectures, and special events, many of which are open to the public. I’ll highlight some of my favs throughout the month, but check their calendar! (Click ‘more’ for details)The school that never sleeps, MIT holds a month of creative classes, lectures, and special…
MIT, Cambridge, MA
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MIT, Cambridge, MA
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Head of the Zeisinger…
For example, MIT students will make their own boats out of cardboard and you get to see ’em race. Or sink. 3-5pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)For example, MIT students will make their own boats out of card…
Zesinger Center Pool Deck, MIT, 120 Vassar St, Cambridge, MA
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Zesinger Center Pool Deck, MIT, 120 Vassar St, Cambridge, MA
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MidWinter Celebration…
Do you like folk dancing? Do you like pretending to take part in old timey celebrations of the solar year? Check out this song, dance, and storytelling. It’s free! The dancing will be pretty cool; I have seen it. 7:30-9:30pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)Do you like folk dancing? Do you like pretending to take part in old timey celeb…
Church, 1326 Washington St, West Newton, MA
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Church, 1326 Washington St, West Newton, MA
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Teen Birding at Druml…
Birdwatchers like to track the fluctuations in bird populations over time. Now you can help! Here’s one for kids… (Click ‘more’ for details)Birdwatchers like to track the fluctuations in bird populations over time. N…
Drumlin Farm, 208 South Great Road, Lincoln, MA
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Drumlin Farm, 208 South Great Road, Lincoln, MA
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Superbowl of Birding …
… And one for people of all ages. You get to “compete” in teams to find the most birds. Everyone welcome. 5am-7pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)… And one for people of all ages. You get to “compete” in teams to find the …
Joppa Flats Education Center, Newburyport, MA
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Joppa Flats Education Center, Newburyport, MA
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St. Moritz Winter Won…
This is a hike to an abandoned carnival site for winter sports. 1pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)This is a hike to an abandoned carnival site for winter sports. 1pm.
Shea Rink, 651 Willard St, Quincy, MA
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Shea Rink, 651 Willard St, Quincy, MA
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Decordova Park Snowsh…
Yes! You can rent snowshoes if you don’t already have ’em for this tour. The DeCordova has an entire park with dozens of sculptures. If there’s snow, I bet it’s a great excuse to take a tour! 10am and 12:30pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)Yes! You can rent snowshoes if you don’t already have ’em for this tour. The DeCordova has an …
51 Sandy Pond Rd, Lincoln, MA
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51 Sandy Pond Rd, Lincoln, MA
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Winter Star Search
Hot chocolate will keep you warm at this event where you’ll get to use telescopes to look at the stars. 6:30-9:30pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)Hot chocolate will keep you warm at this event where you’ll get to use t…
Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, 108 North St, Norfolk, MA
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Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, 108 North St, Norfolk, MA
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Winter Tracking Hike …
I love this event! You get to track animals in the snow. 1:30-3:30pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)I love this event! You get to track animals in the snow. 1:30-3:30pm.
Breakheart Reservation, Saugus, MA
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Breakheart Reservation, Saugus, MA
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Amherst Railway Society – Big Railroad Hobby Show
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Okay, okay, here’s some indoor stuff for you wimps. Way out west is a model train show. They hook together dozens of privately built tracks to create one huge railroad track system. (Click ‘more’ for details)Okay, okay, here’s some indoor s…
Eastern States Exposition, 1305 Memorial Ave, West Springfield, MA
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Eastern States Exposition, 1305 Memorial Ave, West Springfield, MA
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Mary Johnson – An Unq…
Mary Johnson was a nun working for Mother Theresa, and now she is an outspoken author telling tales of how it wasn’t the perfect life. Come join the secular humanists for this book talk. 1:30pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)Mary Johnson was a nun working for Mother Theresa, and now she is an outspoken author telling tal…
12 Eliot St, Cambridge, MA
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12 Eliot St, Cambridge, MA
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Experience the Way of…
Also at MIT, as part of their annual arts month, learn new social skills at this formal tea ceremony. 2-3pm. Free but RSVP in advance. (Click ‘more’ for details)Also at MIT, as part of their annual arts mont…
Mezzanine Lounge W20 (Student Center), 84 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA
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Mezzanine Lounge W20 (Student Center), 84 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA
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Tour of Wallace Astro…
I don’t know how open this one is to the wider community, but you’d better register immediately. It’s a tour of a telescope! And if you can’t get to Westford, they are offering rides. 7-11pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)I don’t know how open this one is to the wider community, but you’d better register immediately. It’s a tour …
Westford, MA
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Westford, MA
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Also Fun
Subway Dance!
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There’s a breakdancing group in Boston that is willing to set up our own subway dance, if I can get a dozen people to RSVP. They hop and spin and use the subway car framework for dancing. It’s amazing and I’ve seen it twice randomly. This is my attempt to share it with you by setting up a scheduled time. Note: I will not be announcing this publicly. To attend, you MUST write me and say you’re interested. Email johnny@eventsINSIDER.com. (Click ‘more’ for details)There’s a breakdancing group in Boston that is willing to set up our own subway dance, if I can get a dozen people to R…
Cambridge, MA
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Cambridge, MA
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MIT Science Fiction M…
Here’s a sci-fi marathon for just $4! It includes Cowboys & Aliens, Inception, Terminator 2, and the original The Thing. 7pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)Here’s a sci-fi marathon for just $4! It includes Cowboys & Aliens, Inception, Te…
77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA
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77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA
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Science on Screen: Bi…
A science expert will talk about the physics of time travel before a showing of Keanu Reeves’ breakout film. Totally excellent! 7pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)A science expert will talk about the physics of time travel before a showing of Keanu…
Coolidge Corner Theatre, Brookline, MA
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Coolidge Corner Theatre, Brookline, MA
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Who’s Afraid of Post-…
February is African-American Heritage Month. Check out this book talk by author Touré. 2012; 6pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)February is African-American Heritage Month. Check out this book talk by author Touré. 2012; 6pm.
Boston, MA
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Boston, MA
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Volcanoes on the Verg…
Volcanoes are awesome because stuff is blowing up, big time! Come learn about it at the Museum of Science, Boston. 7pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)Volcanoes are awesome because stuff is blowing up, big time! Come learn about it at th…
Museum of Science, Boston, Boston, MA
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Museum of Science, Boston, Boston, MA
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Fire & Ice Days
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They’re harvesting ice! And there are horse-drawn sleigh rides, hot cider, and all the usual awesome live re-enactments that make OSV my favorite historic destination. (Click ‘more’ for details)They’re harvesting ice! And there are horse-drawn sleigh rides, hot cider, and all the usu…
Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge, MA
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Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge, MA
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Beautiful Types: Tran…
While this is not a re-enactment, this lecture includes many of the famous authors who are buried at Mt. Auburn Cemetery that were involved in Transcendentalism, the philosophical movement. 3-4pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)While this is not a re-enactment, this lecture includes many of the famo…
Mt Auburn Cemetery, 580 Mt Auburn St, Cambridge, MA
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Mt Auburn Cemetery, 580 Mt Auburn St, Cambridge, MA
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Poetic Convergence at…
Also combining art and dead people is this poetry event at Forest Hills Cemetery. 2pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)Also combining art and dead people is this poetry event at Forest Hills Cemetery. 2pm.
Forest Hills Cemetery, Boston, MA
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Forest Hills Cemetery, Boston, MA
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Groundhog Day Celebra…
Oh, Groundhog Day Extravaganza. You had me at “groundhog obstacle course”. Plus nature hikes, snow sculptures, and more! 1-4pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)Oh, Groundhog Day Extravaganza. You had me at “groundhog obs…
Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, 87 Perkins Row, Topsfield, MA
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Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, 87 Perkins Row, Topsfield, MA
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Annual Robert Burns C…
Robert Burns was the poet laureate of Scotland. A Scottish community event, they’ll speak the strangest dialect of English and serve “neeps, tatties, and haggis”. They’ll do a haggis presentation and toast, but it’s basically a social dinner, with no performance. (Click ‘more’ for details)Robert Burns was the poet laureate of Scotland. A Scottish communi…
J. Timothy’s Taverne, 143 New Britain Ave, Plainville, CT
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J. Timothy’s Taverne, 143 New Britain Ave, Plainville, CT
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Kimball Farm Horse-Draw Sleigh Rides
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If there’s snow, you’ve got sleigh rides in Haverhill! Otherwise, hay rides. Hey… rides! Thanks, Kimball Farm! (Click ‘more’ for details)If there’s snow, you’ve got sleigh rides in Haverhill! …
Kimball Farm Corn Maze, 780 East Broadway, Haverhill, MA
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Kimball Farm Corn Maze, 780 East Broadway, Haverhill, MA
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Free Community Skatin…
The skating will be free, and they’ll hand out hot cocoa. Yum! If no ice, backup date is Feb 11. (Click ‘more’ for details)The skating will be free, and they’ll hand out hot cocoa. Yum! If no ice, backup date is Fe…
166 John Scott Blvd., Norton, MA
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166 John Scott Blvd., Norton, MA
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Winter Carnival Go Gr…
I don’t really get why serving a free breakfast helps to promote commuting instead of driving. But hey. Free food! The bad news? It’s 7am-9am. (Click ‘more’ for details)I don’t really get why serving a free breakfast helps to promote commuting in…
Holyoke Center, 1350 Mass. Ave., Cambridge, MA
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Holyoke Center, 1350 Mass. Ave., Cambridge, MA
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Taste of Chocolate Festival
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While this event is mainly an excuse to get you to eat at an upscale restaurant, one of them will have a chocolate murder mystery theatre show! (Click ‘more’ for details)While this event is mainly an excuse to get you to eat at an upscale restaurant, one of them will have a …
Cambridge, MA
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Cambridge, MA
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AIDS Action’s Dance P…
This used to be a dance marathon and now it’s only a dance party. But it still benefits AIDS research. 9pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)This used to be a dance marathon and now it’s only a dance party. But it stil…
Marriott Hotel, 110 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA
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Marriott Hotel, 110 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA
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Performance
Green Eyes
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This sexy Tennessee Williams play takes place in an actual hotel room! Click for our review, 4 out of 5 stars! (Click ‘more’ for details)This sexy Tennessee Williams play takes place in an actual hotel room! Click for our review, 4 out of 5…
Ames Hotel, 1 Court St, Boston, MA
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Ames Hotel, 1 Court St, Boston, MA
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IAP Math Music Recita…
MIT’s math department is holding a concert. That’s… good? 3:30-5:45pm. It appears to be free. (Click ‘more’ for details)MIT’s math department is holding a concert. That’s… good? 3:30-5:45pm. It appears to be fre…
MIT, Killian Hall, Cambridge, MA
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MIT, Killian Hall, Cambridge, MA
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Travel
Camden WinterFest
Ice skating, ice sculptures… Plus kids activities and hot food and drink. “All day.”. (Click ‘more’ for details)Ice skating, ice sculptures… Plus kids activities and hot food and drink. “All day.”.
Camden, ME
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Camden, ME
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Norway SnowFest
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Ooo! It’s snowmobile racing. (Click ‘more’ for details)Ooo! It’s snowmobile racing.
Norway, ME
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Norway, ME
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Auburn Winter Festival
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These outdoorsy snow sports events take place all over the region. (Click ‘more’ for details)These outdoorsy snow sports events take place all over the region.
Auburn, ME
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Auburn, ME
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Bennington Winter Fes…
Gee, with a pancake breakfast, penguin plunge, ice sculptures, and a lot more, this sounds great. 8am-11pm. (Click ‘more’ for details)Gee, with a pancake breakfast, penguin plunge, ice sculptures, and a lot more, this sounds great. 8am-11pm….
Bennington, VT
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Bennington, VT
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North Bennington Peng…
Dive into freezing water. Sure, why not? (Click ‘more’ for details)Dive into freezing water. Sure, why not?
North Bennington, VT
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North Bennington, VT
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