1) What do SpongeBob Squarepants, Russell Newberry from Discovery Channel's Deadliest Catch and former Oriole Joe Orsulak have in common? All three will be at the Baltimore Boat Show. Even if you don't buy, the Baltimore Convention Center show always gets the brain pointed toward warmer weather. Tickets are $10 for those 16 and older; younger visitors get in free when accompanied by a paying adult. All the fine print plus a complete listing of exhibitors and activities is at the show's website.
2) Going on at the same time and in the same building on Friday and Saturday is the Baltimore/DC Dive Show in Hall G. Show times are Friday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Film presentations on Friday night begin at 8. Catonsville's award-winning underwater photographer Nick Caloyianis will be at the Aqua Ventures booth (208) signing copies of his Shark Handbook on Friday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dive show details are on its website.
3) On Saturday evening, the Howard County Conservancy will host, NATURE: Photographed through the Eyes of George Grall. The National Geographic photographer's work will be presented in a slide show. Grall will offer up the stories behind the images and in the process provide some insight into taking better nature photos. The 7 p.m. event is at the Conservancy's 232-acre Mt. Pleasant farm on Old Frederick Road (Route 99) between Bethany Lane and Woodstock Road. Admission is $10 in advance or $12 at the door; children under 16 get in free. To register and get details, call 410-465-8877 or visit the group's website.
4) The NRA Great American Hunting and Outdoor Show returns for the second year to the Carroll County Agriculture Center Shipley Arena in Westminster this weekend. Last year, the show was hammered by a blizzard, but this year it dodged the bullet (sorry). Nationally known hunting and outdoor personalities will be holding seminars and major gear suppliers will be on hand. General admission is $10; children 11 and under get in for free. The show is open Friday, 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Check details on the show website.
5) The North Point Visitor Center at Gunpowder Falls State Park is having movie night Saturday starting at 6 p.m. Park staff will provide an outdoors-themed family movie, popcorn and "special animal guests" (hope they don't eat your popcorn). The cost is $2 per person. Call 410-592-2897 to sign up.