The Weekend: Earth Day, Fund Raisers, and a World Record Attempt

Prepare for a full weekend ahead!  With everything from Earth Day celebrations to College for a Day, there is no excuse for boredom.  Below are some Patch picks for you to consider – check the Patch calendar for a full listing of events.  And feel free to add you own suggestions for weekend fun in the Comments section.  Enjoy!

The of Maplewood/South Orange will host a 5K run and Kids’ Fun Run at the South Mountain Reservation to raise funds for the school.  Age-group winners and overall winners will receive prizes at the Awards Ceremony.  Fun for the entire family!  $35 for 5K, $10 for Kids’ Fun Run; Saturday registration at 8 a.m., 5K at 9 a.m., and Fun Run at 10 a.m.; Maplewood

Celebrate Earth Day at with a host of exhibitors highlighting simple, money-saving, sustainable practices. Exhibits include electric cars, composting demonstrations, a children’s green craft corner, live music and more.  Free; Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Millburn

High school students from Maplewood and South Orange will participate in this ice show at the , performed by Special Olympian members of the Essex Special Skaters program, and their coaches.  All donations at the door benefit the Special Skaters Fund. Free will donation; Saturday at 5:30 p.m.; West Orange

Young families can participate in a fun and interesting event this Saturday: the Great Cloth Diaper Change.  During a day of baby-centered activities, there will be an attempt at a Guinness World Record for the most cloth diapers changed globally at the same time.  In addition to the Change, attendees can participate in a baby-signing class, a cloth diaper swap, NJ CHIPS registration, car-seat checks and more.  Free; Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Livingston

We cannot stay in college forever, but here is a chance to return for just one day.  in Maplewood is hosting a day of college classes without stress or tests.  Learn from award-winning instructors by choosing one, two, three or four classes for the day, with an optional lunch. $82; Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.; Maplewood

A collection of classic tales including Little Red Riding Hood, The Emperor's New Clothes, The Princess and the Pea and Hans Christian Anderson's All's Well That Ends Well will be presented in an altered, comfortable, judgment-free space that is welcoming for all families at the .  With lower volume and consistent sound levels, and lights on in the theater, special needs audience members will be free to talk and leave their seats.  $20; Saturday at 10 a.m.; Millburn

What better place to celebrate Earth Day than at the zoo?  The will host a day full of special events for all ages at their “Party for the Planet”.  Bring a reusable mug and receive free fountain drinks in the café! Adults $10, Children $7, Seniors $7, Under 2 Free; Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; West Orange

The CROP (Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty) Walk for Hunger will join members of the local community with members of churches from Maplewood, South Orange, and Millburn to raise funds that will be used to combat local hunger as well as support the efforts of Church World Services as they provide disaster relief, food bank funds and provisions, clean drinking water, seeds to grow crops, and resources to build wells, schools, and health clinics.  Everyone is welcome to join in as the Walk begins at !  Free; Sunday at 1 p.m.; Maplewood

will be the host of a concert of sacred and secular music that takes the listener on a spring ramble through the centuries, around the world, and into many musical genres. The Harmonium Chamber Singers are 20 of the most advanced members of Harmonium Choral Society under the direction of Dr. Anne J. Matlack.  $20; Saturday at 7:30 p.m.; Short Hills

Comic book fans take note!  More than 300 boxes of comic books will be for sale during a day of special appearances by writers and artists, and special lectures.  Admission is free, but preregistration is needed for the lectures.  Proceeds will benefit Hospice! Free; Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; West Orange

Bring your original story, and see it spring from the page to the stage!  Atticus Theatre Workshop will premiere works by five of its’ writers as well as work from the public onstage at .  Everything from poetry to prose is acceptable, so step up to the mic!  Light refreshments will be served.  Free; Saturday at 7 p.m.; Maplewood

Rain or Shine, the Millburn Street Fair will bring music, art, crafts and international foods to Millburn Avenue and Spring Street in downtown Millburn. Free; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m., Millburn.

Four parents of students at are professional opera and Broadway artists and will lead a musical afternoon focusing on hits from The Sound of Music, The King and I, Mary Poppins, Peter Pan, Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables and The Wizard of Oz as well as such Disney musicals/movies as: The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Tarzan, Mulan and The Lion King. The concert will be presented in the Sanctuary of the on Irvington Avenue in South Orange and proceeds will benefit Weekday Nursery School.  Donation of $5.00/adult and $2.00/child; Sunday at 3 p.m.; South Orange