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A Day of Colonial History

Historic and cultural sites throughout Annapolis will offer free exhibits, tours, readings, lectures, food and more from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday for Maryland Day, a celebration of the state's Colonial history.

Several county organizations will participate, including Annapolis and Anne Arundel County Conference and Visitors Bureau, Annapolis Maritime Museum, Banneker-Douglass Museum, Captain Salem Avery House Museum, Charles Carroll House, Chesapeake Children's Museum, Four Rivers, Galesville Heritage Society, Hammond-Harwood House, Historic London Town and Gardens, HistoryQuest at the St. Clair Wright Center, Historic Annapolis Foundation, Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, Sands House, the State House Visitors' Center, U.S. Naval Academy Visitor Center, Capital City Colonials, Discover Annapolis Tours, Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Foundation, Lost Towns Archaeology Project, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, the Terrapin Institute and Watermark tours.

Individual organizations must be contacted for event details, but some highlights include:

¿ An exhibit opening, artist-in-residence open studios, readings and book signings at Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, 801 Chase St., Annapolis. 410-263-5544 or http://www.marylandhall.org.

¿ Tours and hands-on children's activities, such as a garden scavenger hunt, Colonial games and smelling Colonial cooking spices at the William Paca House and Garden, 186 George St., Annapolis. 410-267-7619 or http://www.annapolis.org.

¿ Mother-daughter tea parties and tours with the Shady Side Rural Heritage Society at the Captain Salem Avery House Museum, 1418 E. West Shady Side Rd., Shady Side. Reservations required. 410-867-4486.

All events are free. For information, contact the Annapolis Historic Foundation at 410-267-8146 or http://www.annapolis.org.

Party Like It's the 1920s

Celebrate in speakeasy style Saturday as Sarles Boatyard and Marina hosts a 1920s-themed party in honor of the Annapolis Big Read's 2008 book selection, "The Great Gatsby." Part of a National Endowment for the Arts initiative, the yearly Big Read program features events devoted specifically to a classic book, including panel discussions, lectures, public readings, film screenings, theatrical readings and exhibits.

Saturday's nautical-themed party will feature a fashion show, food, drinks, "gangsters," historic boats and vehicles and live 1920s music by the Original Crabtown Stompers. Attendees are encouraged to wear period dress. In keeping with Prohibition, the party is "bring your own flask." 7-10 p.m. Saturday, Sarles Boatyard and Marina, 808 Boucher Ave., Annapolis. $25 ($15 tax-deductible).

Tickets must be bought in advance at http://www.annapolisalive.org/gatsbyparty.html or at the following locations: Ahh, Coffee! cafe, the Annapolis Bookstore, Boatyard Bar and Grill, Hard Bean Coffee and Booksellers or Sarles Boatyard and Marina. For information, call 410-263-3661, 410-267-9390 or visit http://www.annapolisalive.org.

Art and the Wildlife

Friends of the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center and Patuxent Research Refuge will host the 19th Annual Patuxent Wildlife Art Show and Sale this weekend, with more than 40 wildlife artists and crafters displaying and selling their work. An artists' reception with hors d'oeuvres, music and a silent auction will be featured Friday, and educational exhibits with live animals and art demonstrations will take place Saturday and Sunday. Saturday will also include Maryland bear and bird stamp design contests. Reception: 6-9:30 p.m. Friday, $30. Art show, sale and activities: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, free. All events are at Capitol College, 11301 Springfield Rd., Laurel. For information, call 301-497-5789 or visit http://www.friendspwrc.org.