The Free Sheet

A roundup of regional freebies

By Nicholas Testa

May 1, 2008

By land and by sea
Amphibious crafts are rare, but the city's streets and waters will teem with them Saturday. Watch the mayhem as the American Visionary Art Museum hosts the Baltimore Kinetic Sculpture Race. Racers, or kinetinauts, build gaudy and outrageous human-powered crafts to traverse road, mud and water for glory. When it's over, racers are given awards not only for great victory, but also for epic failure.

The event is 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Saturday. The museum is at 800 Key Highway. Call 410-244-1900 or go to kineticbaltimore.com.

Festival springs into action
With an estimated regular attendance of 250,000 people, the Towsontown Spring Festival has grown considerably since its start in 1968. The community festival welcomes in the warmth Saturday and Sunday with more than 450 vendors, summer food and four stages with 50 acts. Activities include a children's area, beer garden and NASCAR area.

The festival is 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m.-7 p.m. Sunday at 400 Washington Ave., Towson. Call 410-825-1144 or go to towsontownspringfestival.com.

Honoring heroes
For 22 years, Fallen Heroes Day has been observed at the Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens. Tomorrow, the ceremony honors the sacrifices of four police officers and two firefighters who died in public service. A procession with units from across the state will begin the ceremony and will be followed by addresses from Mayor Sheila Dixon, Gov. Martin O'Malley and former Baltimore Oriole Brooks Robinson.

The ceremony is at 1 p.m. Friday at the gardens, 200 E. Padonia Road. Call 410-666-0490 or go to dulaneyvalley.com.

In full bloom
Friday and Saturday, the city streets beneath the Washington Monument go into bloom. For 90 years, Baltimore's Flower Mart has brought plants, entertainment and the classic lemon stick to the city. The festival offers a variety of vendors, live music, art and singing contests, classic cars and a pet parade.

The market is 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the monument, Mount Vernon Place and Charles Street. Call 410-323-0022 or go to flowermart.org.

To market, to market
What // Baltimore Farmers' Market Reopening

When // 8 a.m.-noon Sunday

Where // Saratoga Street, between Holliday and Gay streets

Why // Warm weather coaxes out the Baltimore Farmers' Market with its selection of produce, flowers and cuisine. The market will be open every Sunday until December.

Contact // Call 410-752-8632 or go to bop.org. FREE

Artists' flea market
What // Station North Artists Flea Market Opening Day

When // 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday

Where // 1800 Maryland Ave., next to the Howard Street bridge

Why // This community and artist flea market deals in art, clothing, jewelry, and all manner of odds and ends. The market is open the first Saturday of each month through November.

Contact // Call 410-962-7075 or go to loadoffun.net. FREE