Model Rocketry, Duck Races, ARTsee Tour This Weekend

This weekend is almost completely filled with fundraisers, runs and festivals throughout the township and around the area.

Below is the combination of our weekly pick of weekend activities, offering both fun weekend activities and great family-friendly fun at the same time.

Here are this week's picks:

Coach Bag BINGO for a Cause
When/Where: Friday at 6 p.m. at Literacy Volunteers of Somerset County on Finderne Avenue in Bridgewater.
Why Go: Because you have a chance to play BINGO to win an authentic Coach bag, while also helping a worthwhile cause in the Literacy Volunteers.
Cost: $35, or you can become a Coach bag sponsor with a $250 or more donation.

Civil Air Patrol Performs Model Rocketry
When/Where: Saturday at 10 a.m. at North Branch Park in Bridgewater.
Why Go: Because the Civil Air Patrol is holding a salute to the space shuttle at North Branch Park with a salute and several different shuttle launches of their own. They will be building five Shuttle models and launching them in the order they were actually launched.
Cost: Free.

ARTsee Open Studio Tour
When/Where: Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., based from the Farmstead Arts at King George Road, with map for tour of artists in their studios in Basking Ridge and Bernardsville.
Why Go: Self-guided tour of artist' studio, showcasing fine arts and crafts in a wide array of media. See the work of great local artists — and maybe stock up on gifts or buy art for your home.
Cost: Free, download map and information at www.ARTseeTour.com.

Dog Walks at Lord Stirling Stable
When/Where: Morning hours resume for The Friends of Lord Stirling Stable's popular Saturday dog walks starting in September. The weekly event will be held at 10:30 a.m. with check-in at 10:15 a.m. at Lord Stirling Stable at 256 S. Maple Ave. in Basking Ridge.
Why Go: This is the only chance to enjoy the beautiful trails of Lord Stirling Stable on foot — along with your best friend. Guided walks last for approximately one hour.
Cost: Registration is $3 per leashed pet. For more information, contact Martha at 973-635-8672.

5th Annual 5K Run/Walk
When/Where: Saturday at 10 a.m. at Duke Island Park in Bridgewater.
Why Go: The Sean Hanna Foundation is hosting the event in order to help the charity that is designed to ease the burdens of those suffering from childhood cancers and their families.
Cost: $25.

Steeplechase Distance Run
When/Where: Sunday at 8:30 a.m. starting on Amsterdam Drive in Hillsborough.
Why Go: The Steeplechase Cancer Center, at the Somerset Medical Center, will benefit from the run, with a 25K run at 8:30 a.m., a 5K run at 9 a.m., a Kids’ Sprint at 10:15 a.m., 5K awards at 10:30 a.m. and 25K awards at 11 a.m.
Cost: $55 at the door for the 25K run, $25 for the 5K run and $8 for the Kids’ Sprints.

Scoop It, Chop It, Cook It
When/Where: Sunday at 11 a.m. at Wegmans on Route 202 in Bridgewater.
Why Go: Because specialty industry executive Tara Brennan will show how to use the foods in the Mediterranean Bar to create delicious meals.
Cost: Free.

Raritan Riverfest and Rubber Duck Race
When/Where: Sunday at 12 p.m. at Canal Street Park in Raritan.
Why Go: Because the festival itself will feature vendors, car displays, a dog fashion show, pet adoptions, a jazz dance show and so much more. Plus, at 5 p.m., head to the Nevius Street Bridge to watch the rubber duck race down the river!
Cost: Free.

Bridgewater Veterinary Hospital Open House
When/Where: Sunday at 1 p.m. at the Bridgewater Veterinary Hospital on Route 202/206 in Bridgewater.
Why Go: Because the new hospital and wellness center is holding its open house to celebrate the new location and opportunities available for all dogs and cats in the area.
Cost: Free.

Bernardsville Farmers Market
When/Where: Saturdays, through the season, at the train station off Mine Brook Road just south of Olcott Square in Bernardsville.
Why Go: Because you can get the bounty of the season, fresh as can be, as well as gourmet goodies. (Hey, this is the Somerset Hills!)
Cost: Free admission, cost of purchases.

Historic Photo Exhibit of Somerset Hills
When/Where: Throughout September, century-old images of the Somerset Hills taken in the early 20th century by photographer Fred Pitney Crater will be display during a shared exhibit at the Bernardsville Public Library at 1 Anderson Hill Road and in the Peapack-Gladstone Municipal Building at 1 School St. in Peapack. The Crater photographs will be view on during regular library hours unless a meeting is in progress.
Why Go: Because you're a history buff, a photography buff, or both.
Cost: Free

Spook Handy Concert
When/Where: Saturday, at 4:30 p.m. at the Farmstead Arts, 650 King George Road, Basking Ridge.
Why Go:Acclaimed folk singer Spook Handy will be performing again at Farmstead Arts with a tribute to his mentor, Pete Seeger.
Cost: Tickets are $20 per person, $10 for seniors and students, and may be purchased online at http://septfarmsteadconcert.eventbrite.com. Tickets may also be available at the door based on availability.

Shred Day to Benefit Basking Ridge Fire Co.
When/Where: From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday at the Basking Ridge Fire Co. firehouse, 30 Washington Ave., Basking Ridge
Why Go: Get rid of personal documents and mail by having papers safely shredded and support the volunteer fire company.
Cost: Free

Atrium Gallery Fall/Winter Exhibit Opening Reception
When/Where: Friday, 6 to 8 p.m. at the Administration and Records Building, 5th Floor, Court Street, Morristown
Why Go: You want to experience the Morris County government system in a more artistic way.
Cost: Free

Organist John Alexander
When/Where: Friday, 7:30 p.m. at The Presbyterian Church in Morristown
Why Go: You want to enjoy classical works by a trained musician.
Cost: Free

Royal Drummers and Dancers of Burundi
When/Where: Friday, 8 p.m. at Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morristown
Why Go: You want to tap your toes to the rhythms of what is considered one of the best percussion groups in the world.
Cost: $19 to $39

Speedwell Avenue and Beyond Town Cleanup
When/Where: Saturday, 9 a.m. from the Morristown Firehouse, Speedwell Avenue
Why Go: You love Morristown and you love keeping it squeaky clean! And, be sure to head to the recycling center afterward for its rededication!
Cost: Free

Fungus Fest 2012
When/Where: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Frelinghuysen Arboretum, Morris Township
Why Go: You love mushrooms and all the mysteries therein!
Cost: Free with suggested donations of $1 to $2

Tower Choir Car Wash
When/Where: Saturday, 11 a.m. at The Parish House at the Presbyterian Church in Morristown, South Street
Why Go: You want to get your car squeaky clean while supporting the Presbyterian Church in Morristown Middle School Choir.
Cost: Free will donation

Morristown Farmers Market
When/Where: Sunday, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Spring and Morris streets, Lot No. 10
Why Go: You like to eat fresh.
Cost: Bring your wallet

Annual Blessing of the Animals
When/Where: Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. at The Presbyterian Church in Morristown
Why Go: You have an animal in need of blessing.
Cost: Free

Bizet's 'Carmen'
When/Where: Sunday, 3 p.m. at The College of Saint Elizabeth
Why Go: You enjoy a night at the opera during a Sunday afternoon.
Cost: $25 to $50