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Potomac Whitewater Festival If you have ever visited Great Falls Park, you have probably been in awe of the raging Potomac as it crashes through huge boulders. It might not seem like the best place to take a dip, but for whitewater kayakers it's heaven, and on Saturday and Sunday you can watch them compete. A downriver race begins Saturday at 8 a.m. along the Maryland side of Great Falls; the community paddle, in which kayakers wear funny costumes, is Saturday at 1 p.m. and can be watched by walking along the Billy Goat Trail downstream from Great Falls; a race upstream begins at Old Angler's Inn Sunday at 3 p.m. Locations of events are subject to change according to water levels, so check the Web site for the most up-to-date and complete schedule. Watching is free, but if you want to park at the Great Falls Tavern and Visitor Center, there is a $5 admission fee per car. Great Falls Tavern and Visitor Center, 11710 MacArthur Blvd., Potomac. 303-241-5595 or http:/
In Town
Earl Shaffer and the Appalachian Trail The Appalachian Trail has been in the news a lot lately because of someone who didn't actually hike it. But Earl Shaffer not only hiked the entire trail (more than 2,000 miles), he was the first person to do it in one continuous journey. An exhibit featuring mementos from Shaffer's 1948 trip, including his journal, photographs and maps, opens today and runs through Oct. 11. National Museum of American History, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue NW (Metro: Smithsonian). 202-633-1000 or http:/
French Festival Don your red, white and blue and get ready for a patriotic celebration. Yes, we know July Fourth has passed; we're talking about Bastille Day! On Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m., Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens will host an 18th-century French festival with garden strolls, lessons in country dances and manners, period music and children's games. Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens, 4155 Linnean Ave. NW. 202-686-5807 or http:/
For more Bastille Day events, check out Saturday's Going Out Guide in Style.
National Barbie Doll Collectors Convention Ever since Barbie popped onto the scene 50 years ago wearing just a tiny striped bathing suit, the doll has been a fashion icon and coveted collector's item. The National Barbie Doll Collectors Convention is open to the public Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Check out Barbie's life-size pink pumps, her Volkswagen Beetle (including a vanity in the trunk!) and plenty of other Barbie paraphernalia. Marriott Wardman Park, 2660 Woodley Rd. NW (Metro: Woodley Park). 724-433-3862 or http:/
Around Town
Merce Cunningham Dance Company The legendary choreographer Merce Cunningham once described dance as a "single fleeting moment when you feel alive." Cunningham's troupe will perform "Split Sides" (which includes music by Radiohead and Sigur Rós) Tuesday at 8:30 p.m. Wolf Trap National Park, Filene Center, 1551 Trap Rd., Vienna. 703-255-1868, 877-965-3872 or http:/
Ice Cream SocialEat the ice cream, keep the bowl! Whether you like chocolate, strawberry or vanilla, you will love eating your ice cream out of a ceramic bowl made by Workhouse Arts Center potters. The ice cream social is Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. and will include a performance by Point Blank. The chance to get an interesting (and inexpensive) piece of art isn't the only reason to visit the Workhouse on Saturday. The center is kicking off a second Saturday art walk series with open studios Saturday at 6 p.m. Workhouse Arts Center, 9601 Ox Rd., Lorton. 703-495-0001 or http:/
Mark Curry The comedian who got his big break in 1990s ABC sitcom "Hangin' With Mr. Cooper" is in town with an edgier stand-up persona. Tonight at 9:45 and Saturday at 7:30 and 9:45 p.m., he's at Arlington Cinema 'N' Drafthouse, 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington. 703-486-2345 or http:/
Old Time Banjo Festival It's like "American Idol" for Washington area banjo players: On Saturday at 11 a.m. about a dozen pickers will compete in an old-time banjo contest. The winner (based on the judges' decision) gets to open the Old Time Banjo Festival Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at the Birchmere. Banjo legend Mike Seeger headlines the show, which will include Bruce Molsky, Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer, the Old 78's, Clark Buehling and Adam Hurt. The competition will be outside at Westmoreland and Carol avenues in Takoma Park, and the show will be at the Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria. 703-549-7500, 703-573-7328, http:/
Vans Warped Tour Kick up your heels and get ready to skank: The Vans Warped Tour is back in town! The tour celebrates 15 years of bringing punk and ska to the masses with headliners including Bad Religion, Flogging Molly and Less Than Jake. The tour comes to Merriweather on Tuesday at 11 a.m. Merriweather Post Pavilion, 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia. 410-715-5550, http:/
-- By Amy Orndorff
