"People were very interested in Longwood, but they were tentative because Spanish was their first language," says Dara Gordon, Longwood's performing arts coordinator.
Sones de Mexico will get the crowd moving with its spirited sounds, and the children of Kennett Square's Danza Tenochtli will perform. The Terrace Restaurant will feature Mexican foods.
Many Mexican residents have volunteered to help out at the event, which was put together with assistance from Spanish-speaking community organizations, Gordon says.
Mexican Cultural Day for Families, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at Longwood Gardens,
Route 1, Kennett Square. $12; $6 ages 16-20; $2 ages 6-15. Information: 610-388-1000 or www.longwoodgardens.org.
Words and music
Opera Delaware brings a beloved children's tale to life - and gives families a chance to meet the author of its sequels.
The musical, The Secret of NIMH, is based on Robert C. O'Brien's Newbery Award-winning Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH, which tells of a family of mice and its friendship with a group of rats. The show, lasting about an hour, is geared toward children 3 and older.
From 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., O'Brien's daughter, Jane Leslie Conly, will sign copies of her books, which include two sequels to her father's tale: Racso and the Rats of NIMH and R-T, Margaret and the Rats of NIMH.
Another reason to get to the opera house early: Family Fun Day features plenty of hands-on activities, along with performances by Jungle John with his American alligator and Burmese python.
"The Secret of NIMH," 1 and 3 p.m. Saturday at the Grand Opera House, 818 N. Market St., Wilmington. Family Fun Day activities begin at 11 a.m. $10; $5 children 12 and under. Information: 1-800-374-7263 or www.operade.org.
Young circus stars
It's everything you've come to expect from the circus - jugglers, clowns, high-flying trapeze routines - but with a big twist.
The Russian American Kids Circus is just that - a circus whose performers are all under age 18. The troupe will take its act to Cumberland County College for one show on Sunday.
The circus, founded in 1994 in Brooklyn by former Moscow Circus star Alex Berenchtein, has performed around the world. You'll see acrobats, unicyclists and even 4-year-olds juggling scarves.
Russian American Kids Circus,
3 p.m. Sunday at Guaracini Arts Center, Cumberland County College, Sherman Avenue and College Drive, Vineland. $24; $18 seniors; $12 ages under 18. Information: 856-692-8499.
Contact staff writer Dana Reddington at 215-854-2469 or dreddington@phillynews.com.
