5 Things to Do in the Region

Looking for something to do in the area this weekend? Here is a list containing five quite diverse suggestions.

1. We'll admit: This is a weekend activity that offers two purposes—making our kids happy and having curiosity satisfied. To the pleasing children business, Santa Claus is coming to the brand-spanking-new ShopRite of Greater Morristown Saturday at 9 a.m. for Breakfast with Santa. The event will include photo opportunities with the jolly old elf, ornament drafting, cookie decorating, manicures on site (try the candy cane polish), live music from area fifth graders and more. And in terms of the curiosity thing, well, this is your chance to get a look at the newest supermarket in the region.
   
2. Just in time for the holidays, children’s book author Artie Bennett visits to Sparta Books, 29 Theatre Center in Sparta, to talk about his latest release, "Poopendous." Yes, it's about what one might think (or fear), and it's just what one might expect from the author of the 2009 best-seller "The Butt Book." Bennett will park his caboose in a chair from noon to 2 p.m. at the bookstore to sign, discuss and read from his first and second books, plus preview his forthcoming picture book, "Peter Panda Melts Down." 
3. The Bloomingdale United Methodist Church recalls the traditional Christmas story with "A Night in Bethlehem" this weekend. On Saturday from 3-6 p.m., the church's Troxler Hall becomes a biblical-times Bethlehem marketplace with live animals, merchants at work in stalls, a couple named Mary and Joseph—and you can speak with them. The live nativity will feature other interactive elements, such as craft stations, and snacks will be available too. Admission is free; the church is at , 65 Main St. in Bloomingdale. Register or send questions to bethleheminbloomingdale@gmail.com.
4. The Florham Park Figure Skating club holds its first fundraiser of the 2013-14 season, the Holiday Skating Spectacular Sunday. This sounds like it will be one fun day: The event includes a holiday performance by the club's figure skating team, open skating (skate rental is included in the admission fee) and an appearance by Santa Claus. Breakfast, glow necklaces and raffles will be available for an additional purchase. Admission is $10. The spectacular starts at 10 a.m. Sundayat the Florham Park Roller Rink, 192 Ridgedale Ave.
5. Ease on down (or up) the road to Hackettstown for a Sunday night at the theater. The Young Performers Workshop presents its production of seven-time Tony Award-winning musical "The Wiz," which tells the story of Dorothy's adventures in the Land of Oz to a score of rock, gospel and soul music. A performance will be offered Sunday at 7 p.m. at 400 Jefferson St. in Hackettstown. (Other scheduled performances are Saturday, Dec. 21 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 22 at 4 p.m.) The youth group is an arm of the Centenary Stage Company. Tickets are $12.50 for adults and $10 for kids under 12. Get tickets by calling the Centenary College box office at 908-979-0900.