A Mud Run, Cancer Research Fundraisers, a Pirate Invasion, and More in Stonington This Weekend

Friday Night Folk
Friday, 7:30 p.m. - John Gorka is widely heralded for the sophisticated intelligence and provocative originality of his songs. He occasionally laments, “Life is not fair and love is not enough, but it is the only thing worth pursuing.” His songs, rich with depth, beauty and emotion, have gained attention across Europe as well as the United States. While he was studying Philosophy and History in Pennsylvania in the 1970s, Gorka encountered legendary folk troubadours Stan Rogers, Eric Andersen, Tom Paxton and Claudia Schmidt; captivated, he was soon performing his own songs. Gorka’s stunningly soulful baritone voice and emerging songwriting began turning heads. Those who had at one time inspired him - Suzanne Vega, Bill Morrissey, Nanci Griffith, Christine Lavin, Shawn Colvin - had become his peers. Gorka now lives near St. Paul, Minnesota. His first album, I Know, recently had its 25th anniversary. To date, more than a score of artists have recorded and performed Gorka songs, including Mary Chapin Carpenter, Mary Black and Maura O’Connell. Recently he has performed and recorded an album as “Red Horse” with Eliza Gilkyson and Lucy Kaplansky. He also performs with Antje Duvekot and Christine Lavin, both of whom recently performed on the Friday Night Folk stage. The performance starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 at the door, $17 reserved in advance, and $10 for students with ID. The 2013-14 schedule and tickets for all shows are available at fridaynightfolk.org.

Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Walk Across Southeastern Connecticut
Saturday, 6:30 a.m. - By walking in the Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer (TBBCF) Walk Across Southeastern Connecticut you will increase funding of breast cancer research that leads to earlier detection, better treatments and ultimately prevention of this disease. The walk goal is to raise funds for research through walker fundraising commitments. Youth walkers must raise $100 and choose any marathon walk option. Adult walkers must raise $200 for a quarter marathon, $250 for a half marathon and $500 for a full marathon walk. The Foundation commits that 100 percent of funds raised goes directly to breast cancer research. In seven years, TBBCF has funded over $2.4 million in breast cancer research. There is a walk to suit everyone’s level of ability. Registration is now open. Walks include a quarter marathon (6.55 miles), a half marathon (13.1 miles) or the signature full marathon (26.2 miles). Opening ceremonies begin at 6:30 a.m. at Saybrook Point, Old Saybrook, with feet on the pavement at 7 a.m. These full marathon walkers walk the scenic route along the shoreline through Old Saybrook, Old Lyme, and East Lyme ending in Waterford. Half marathon walkers start at Capital Drive, East Lyme at 10 a.m. and quarter marathon walkers start at the Niantic Baptist Church, Niantic at 1 p.m. All walks complete at Camp Harkness, Waterford, with closing ceremonies. There are Youth Walk Team options for 12-18 year olds. Gather eight or more youth with a Youth Walk Coach and the Coach only pays registration with no fundraising requirement. Or, gather seven or fewer youth with an adult walker and the adult pays registration and meets the fundraising requirement. To register to walk or volunteer, or to contribute to a registered walker, please visit www.tbbcf.org or call 860-245-0402.

Mud Run
Saturday, 9 a.m. - The Boys & Girls Club of Southeastern CT and Fields of Fire Paintball Park in Mystic presents the GETTIN’ MUDDY FOR KIDS Mud Run on Saturday. It’s an adventure trail run for all abilities. It's is a "PG-13" version of the traditional hard core mud run. Hence, there will be adventurous obstacles throughout the 5k trail run but there will not be extreme obstacles with such things as barbed wire, electric fencing, ice water nor fire. Yet, it will still be plenty challenging. Whether you have done a mud run in the past or have always wanted to this is the one for you. As the Boys & Girls Club of Southeastern CT is youth based, the mud run is for those 10 years and older. Participants are encouraged to run with others as a core concept of a mud run is partnership and teamwork. If you have a team of four or more, it's $40 a person if you pre-register. Also, pre-registering allows you to schedule your wave time. Online registration can be done at http://bgcse.org/mudrun.aspx.

"A Taste of Honey," a Connecticut College Arboretum Workshop
Saturday, 10 a.m. - Bees account for 80 percent of all insect pollination, but the commercial honeybee population has been dying off in the past several years. Kim Donohue’s workshop will cover the lifecycle of these very important pollinators and social structure in the colony. Participants will get an in-depth look at a Langstroth hive, helpful information about beekeeping gear and tools of the trade, and some delicious honey samples. Registration is required. The cost is $15 for Arboretum members and $18 for the general public. To register, contact Kathy Dame at ktdam@conncoll.edu.

Bark for Life
Sunday, 10 a.m. - The American Cancer Society Bark For Life is a non-competitive walk event for dogs and their owners to raise funds and awareness for the American Cancer Society's fight against cancer. By supporting Bark For Life, you help the American Cancer Society save lives, and that helps move closer to the ultimate goal of a world with less cancer and more birthdays. Bring your best canine friend and join a fun-filled day starting with a walk, and then continuing with demonstrations, contests, and games. Registration begins at 9 a.m. with the walk at 10 a.m. Activities include a dog costume parade/contest, music, dunking for cookies, a sketch artist, a Department of Corrections demonstration and more.

Pirate Invasion
Sunday, noon - An invasion of Mystic is planned for Sunday, and thanks to social media, residents and visitors are forewarned and encouraged to attend. Pirates plan to plunder downtown Mystic after they land at Mystic River Park. And by plunder we mean talk pirate, flaunt their ruffled shirts, kick up their boots, and pose for photos. Fear not hearties, the militia is on high alert and will rescue us from those bilge rats and make them walk the plank while the wee lads and lassies are entertained with fun activities. Activities include a scavenger hunt, crafts, and a costume contest. Costumes are recommended.