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After a long work week, it’s time for relaxation, entertainment and enjoyment. And Rockingham County has events planned to help you do just that.

If you want to get the party started early, gather up your family and friends and head over to Chinqua Penn Plantation & Vineyard to enjoy a free concert tonight  with Thick ’n Thin.

The highlight of this weekend’s events is  RiverFest 2009. The Olde Leaksville shopping district will transform into a celebration of Eden’s art, history and river heritage on Friday evening and all day Saturday. Activities planned for both days include historical reenactments, on the water events, exhibits, music, Little Miss RiverFest contest, a 5K run, a river village and a kids zone.

Musical performances are planned on two stages with the closing act Friday by Envision, performing hits from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s, up to current sounds.

On Saturday, close the event with Sleeping Booty, a high-energy band that has opened shows for Huey Lewis; Chicago; Earth, Wind and Fire; and KC and the Sunshine Band.

Wear comfortable shoes and stroll the streets of historic Olde Leaksville, visit and shop, and then dance to your heart’s content.  

Today

Reidsville Downtown Farmers Market, 6 a.m.-noon today and Saturday, Market Square, 307 S. Scales St., Reidsville. Fruit, vegetables and more. 349-1045.  

Western Rockingham Chamber of Commerce Coffee, 8 a.m., Mayodan Public Library, 101 N. 10th Ave., Mayodan. 548-6248. 

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Lunch and Learn, 10 a.m.-noon Sept. 17, Caregivers of Rockingham County, 116 N. Scales St., Reidsville. Discussion, information and networking with other grandparents. Lunch provided. Free. Registration: 361-0971. 

Chinqua Penn Plantation & Vineyards’ Fall Music Series, 6-9 p.m., 2138 Wentworth St., Reidsville. Music by Thick ’n Thin. Bring a lawn chair. Food and wine available for purchase. No outside beverages. Free admission. 349-4576. www.chinquapenn.com. 

Texas Hold ’Em Poker Satellite Tournament, 6:30 p.m., Yancey House Pavilion, 699 U.S. 158 West, Yanceyville. Presented by YanceyVillage Preservation. Top eight finishers receive invitation to play in grand finale April 30. Grand champion awarded $10,000 entry to 2010 World Series of Poker in Las Vegas. Donation for dinner and entry $40 ($30 tax deductible). Reservations: 336-694-4225. Visit www.yanceyvillage.com. 

Friday

Book sale, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. today and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Used Book Store, 103 S. Second Ave., Mayodan. 427-4229. 

 Blood Drive, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., American Red Cross, 3692 N.C. 14, Reidsville. Photo ID required. Appointments: 349-3434. 

Legal Aid Services for Seniors, 1-4:30 p.m., Madison-Mayodan recreation department, 300 S. Second Ave., Mayodan. Assistance with legal matters, wills and powers of attorney. Counselor Diane Brady of Legal Aid of North Carolina. Free. Appointments: 272-0148, Ext. 302. 

RiverFest, 5-10 p.m. Friday  and 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday , Olde Leaksville Shopping District, Washington Street, Eden. Sponsored by Olde Leaksville Merchants Association and city of Eden. Little Miss RiverFest Contest, kids’ zone, Revolutionary War living history, river village, antique engine exhibit, artisans, crafts, river excursions, RiverFest 5K run and fun walk, music and food. Free. www.exploreedennc.com.

Motorcycle safety course, 6-10 p.m. Friday; 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Learn controls, functions and safe operation. Motorcycles provided. Those who pass can waive the skills evaluation required by Department of Motor Vehicles. $150. Registration: 342-4261, Ext. 2140. Information: Mike Murphy, 342-4261, Ext. 2325. 

An Evening of Storytelling, “What Was Civil About that War,” and Origami with Megan Hicks, 7 p.m., Yancey House Pavilion, 699 U.S. 158 West, Yanceyville. Presented by YanceyVillage Preservation. Free. Donations accepted. www.yanceyvillage.com. 

McMichael at Central Davidson, high school football, 7:30 p.m. Friday , 2747 N.C. 47, Lexington. $6. 427-5165 or 357-2920. 

Morehead High School. No game Friday . 627-7731. 

Rockingham at Reidsville, high school football, 7:30 p.m. Friday , 1901 S. Park Drive, Reidsville. $6. 349-6361 or 634-3220.  

Saturday

Rockingham County Farmers Market, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Chinqua Penn stables, Reidsville. Produce, plants and more. Brenda Sutton, 613-6320 or brenda_sutton@ncsu.edu. 
 

RiverFest 5K run and fun walk, 8:30 a.m., Washington Street, Eden. $20 registration supports Rockingham County Literacy Project. First 50 participants receive RiverFest T-shirt. Register online at Active.com or pick up form at Eden City Hall. 623-7789, Ext. 3021 or 3046. 

Project Linus of Rockingham County, 9 a.m.-noon, First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 1520 S. Scales St., Reidsville. Learn blanket-making skills, share ideas and make blankets for children in crisis. Volunteers welcome. Supplies provided. Sandy Wyatt, 634-0785.    

Skateboarding Club, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Farris Memorial Park, 2919 Park Road, Mayodan. For ages 14 and under. Participants must fill out registration forms and abide by rules. Safety equipment required includes elbow pads, knee pads and helmet. Free. Registration: Jason Swisher, 548-2789.   

Spaghetti supper, 5 p.m., Shiloh Fire Department, 3320 Settle Bridge Road, Stoneville. Dine in or take out. Includes salad, drink and dessert. Suggested donation $5. Proceeds benefit Shiloh Community Building Fund. 573-9710.  

Blood drive, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Ruffin Stacey Baptist Church, 261 Estes Road, Ruffin. Photo ID required. Appointments: 939-2895. Information: 349-3434.     

Sunday

Gann Family Reunion, 12:30 p.m., Farris Memorial Park, 2878 Park Road, Mayodan. All relatives and friends invited. Bring a picnic lunch. Drinks, plates, cups and dinnerware provided. Lunch served at 12:30 p.m. 48-6933.  

Animal Protection Society of Rockingham County (APSRC), 2 p.m., Holiday Inn Express, 101 Express Drive, Reidsville. Mission of APSRC is to improve lives of companion animals within Rockingham County. www.apsrc.org or call 791-4606.  

 Girl Time: Time for Inspiration, Motivation, and Encouragement, 4 p.m., Cafe 99, 128 S. Scales St., Reidsville. Presented by the 4-H Impact Club. Insightful information on being the best lady you can be. For girls ages 13-17. Dinner included. Free. RSVP by Thursday, Sept. 17 to Mary Bratcher 349-2492.  

Sunday Afternoon with Caswell Artists, 4:30 p.m., Yancey House Restaurant, 699 U.S. 158 West, Yanceyville. Presented by YanceyVillage Preservation. Enjoy a glass of wine or cup of tea and talk with the artists whose works are featured at Yancey House, including Russell Watlington, Pat Ewalt and Shirley Cadmus. P.T. Deutermann will sign his 13th novel, “Nightwalkers.” Free. Donations accepted. Info visit www.yanceyvillage.com. 

Contact Carolyn Booth at 627-4881, Ext. 110, or carolyn.booth@news-record.com