Author: Sharon

Saturday, May 16

Yard sale to benefit Cape Ann Animal Aid, 8 a.m. to noon, Blackburn Industrial Park, 12 Blackburn Center, Unit 40. All proceeds benefit CAAA Building Fund. 978-283-6055. http://www.CapeAnnAnimalAid.com.

Cape Ann Symphony’s spring plant sale, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Fuller School, Blackburn Circle. Variety of locally grown plants in many sizes. Flower photographs and photo note cards for sale. All proceeds benefit the Cape Ann Symphony. 978-281-0543.

Flea market to benefit the Gloucester High School Docksiders, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., GHS parking lot. Rain or shine. More than 40 vendors, two performances by the Docksiders, face-painting, games and activities, a dunk tank, and food. Call Kathy at 978-283-3722.

Cape Ann girls fast-pitch softball signups, 10 a.m. to noon, Burnham’s Field. Middle-Essex Softball League open to girls in age groups 10U-18U (and also 18-25), and consists of more than 170 fastpitch softball teams in communities north of Boston. Season begins in late June and runs until the middle of August. Cost is $70. Contact Rhonda Ryan-Nelson at rhondaryannelson@hotmail.com or 978-546-7549.

Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team with Rick Roth, 2 to 4 p.m., Sawyer Free Library. Open house, exhibit and video. All welcome.

Annual Historic Preservation Awards ceremony, 3 p.m., Cape Ann Museum, 27 Pleasant St. Free and open to the public. Sponsored by the Gloucester Historical Commission. 978-283-0455. http://www.capeannmuseum.org.

Dinner to benefit Sail GHS, 5 to 7 p.m., Sailor Stan’s. Chowder and seafood served. Silent auction held. Proceeds support the Gloucester High School Sailing Team. All welcome. E-mail sailghs@yahoo.com.

Fundraiser dance, sponsored by Cape Ann Relay for Life’s Team Re-lei for a Cure, 7 to 11 p.m., Elks Lodge. Ra$15 per person. For tickets, contact any team member, or call Melanie Wall at 978-283-4406 or Julie Thibedeau at 978-281-1043. All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society.

Cape Ann Symphony Pops concert, 8 p.m., Fuller School auditorium, Blackburn Circle. Refreshments available. Handicapped-accessible. $30 for adults, $25 for seniors, $20 for college students, free for children under 18. For tickets, call 978-281-0543 or visit http://www.capeannsymphony.org.

Cape Ann Shakespeare Troupe’s “Twelfth Night,” 8 p.m., Gloucester Stage, 267 East Main St. Advance tickets available at Toad Hall Bookstore in Rockport and The Bookstore in Gloucester, or online at http://www.mktix.com/cast. Tickets, $15 and $10 for students and seniors, available at the door.

Elks karaoke night, 8 p.m. to midnight, Gloucester Lodge of Elks. Hosted by Tracey Sousa. Members and guests welcome. Free.

Spring Music Festival, 8 p.m., Blackburn Performing Arts, 1 Washington St. Features Machine 475. $10. For reservations or information, call 978-281-0680.

Celebrate Earth Day at Halibut Point

On Saturday, May 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., The Friends of Halibut Point State Park will hold an Earth Day Celebration at the park’s visitor center. Admission is free.

The Earth Day program includes: 10-11:30 a.m. Quarry Tour with John Ratti, Park Interpreter; 10:30-11:30 a.m., Planting Project with Stacy Twombly and Daisy Scouts; noon-2 p.m., Richard Wolniewicz presents Amphibians of Essex County.

You may also come for any part of the day and participate in Coastal Clean Up with local scout groups beginning at 10 a.m.

For more information, call the park at 978-546-2997. For more information about the park’s program schedules or information, visit www.halibutpoint.wordpress.com

Rockport Dog Parade planned for May 16

The $10 registration fee benefits Cape Ann Animal Aid. Register your dog to be in the parade at Good Dog! Gallery. Early registration is encouraged, or register on the day of the parade by 1 p.m. Everyone takes home a photo of their pet.

Prizes will be awarded this year for numerous categories, including best and funniest dog costumes and human/owner look-alikes. People are encouraged to dress up too.