A great island weekend ahead

This Saturday, May 12, will be busy here in Jamestown. The weather outlook holds promise for a spectacular day, so forget the yard and garden chores. Have fun!

Here's the lineup: Our island's Revolutionary War heritage will come alive at the Conanicut Battery Park. Watson Farm will host islanders at its annual Sheep Shearing Day. And, Jamestowners can shop a huge yard sale that will benefit a sick child. If you plan your schedule right, you can do all three.

Battery Day activities start at 11 a.m. at the park, which is just off Beavertail Road. The Jamestown Historical Society has invited Major William Blodgett, who served as General Nathael Greene's aide-de-camp during the Revolutionary War, to oversee the event. There will be plenty of excitement with the firing of cannon and the ceremony of raising flags. You can visit the reenactment of a soldier's encampment. The kids will love it!

Meanwhile, the sheep will receive their spring shearing up the road at the Watson Farm. The annual fleecing of the flock begins at noon. Kids can ogle the lambs and chicks. Walk the farm and take in the expansive pastoral vista that rivals any in New England. There will be spinners and weavers demonstrating their arts. A perfect family agrarian outing!

Over at the Melrose Avenue School there will be a giant yard sale to benefit 10-year-old Payton Watson, who is valiantly battling leukemia. Take a chance with the raffles for children and adults. Tasty treats can be purchased at the PTO bake sale. The yard sale doors open at 8:30 a.m. Bargain hunters will want to arrive early. If you have items to donate for the yard sale, you can drop them off at the school tonight - Thursday, May 10 - from 6 to 8 p.m. You may also call 423-3822 or 423-2388.

While you are out on Saturday, take a stroll through the many shops in the village. Everyone has their finest ready for the summer season ahead. You might want to cap off your outing with lunch or dinner at one of our island's outstanding eateries.

Don't forget that this Sunday, May 13, is Mother's Day. Make the day special for Mom!

- Jeff McDonough