In brief: Santa's Summer Breakout, storytelling at Bradford Woods Reserve and more in Hampton

Santa’s Summer Breakout event

Santa’s breaking out the fun at Bakerstown Alliance Church on July 31, and the entire community is invited to join him.

This free event is happening from 1 to 4 p.m. on the church grounds at 4030 Bakerstown Road, Gibsonia.

“It’s been a hard year for many, and this is our way of helping the community come together and enjoy some much-needed fun and fellowship,” Pastor Jack Scheid said. “Bakerstown Alliance Church is small, but mighty, and we could not have pulled this off without the generosity of our friends and neighbors.”

Guests can enjoy the following at Santa’s Summer Breakout:

• Free popcorn and water

• Food trucks (American and Korean BBQ, coffee cart, ice cream)

• Touch a fire truck/police car

• Bounce house and kids’ games

• Raffles and prizes/gift basket giveaway (everyone gets free raffle ticket)

• Visits/photos with Santa (1 to 2:45 p.m.)

Bring a beach towel or lawn chair to enjoy live music at the church pavilion from 3 to 4 p.m. Raffle winners will be drawn at the end of the live music session. Free parking is available in the parking lot adjacent to the church grounds.

Storytelling at Bradford Woods Reserve

People will gather July 30 at 7 p.m. at the reserve in Bradford Woods at the corner of Lincoln and Bradford Road, where you can walk down the trail to a beautiful outdoor area around the campfire to listen to people telling short stories. When people arrive, Joe McGuire will be singing and playing his guitar and then the stories will begin.

If you plan to come, bring a blanket to sit on the grass or a chair and a flashlight for leaving as it might be getting dark. There is no parking at the reserve, so people will have to park and walk in.

After the storytelling, s’mores will be made.

This event is sponsored by the Bradford Woods Conservancy, and it is free.

If you have questions, call Vicki Wiegand at 724-816-0413.

Swing Dance — ‘All That Jazz’

The Hampton Presbyterian Church Big Band is back on the bandstand from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. on July 30 for Swing Dance ­— “All That Jazz.”

Enjoy some great live music that will get your feet tapping. Admission price is $10 to be collected at the door. Children 12 and younger are admitted free. Please sign up in advance online at hamptonpresbyterian.net under “Events” on the menu or call the church office.

Appetizers, cookies, snacks and beverages will be provided. Jared Clemens will be giving free professional dance lessons from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The church is located at 2942 East Hardies Road in Gibsonia. Call the church office at 724-443-3201 for additional details.

McCandless Democratic’s Summer Meet & Greet

Enjoy an evening with candidates, elected officials, local committee members and neighbors at Devlin Park (9955 Grubbs Road, behind Town Hall) on Aug. 6 from 5 to 8 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. Activities are planned along with raffle baskets.

Details will be updated on mccandlessdems.org.

5K in memory of Bradly Maslanka

The 3rd annual 5K Memorial Run/Fundraiser to benefit Treatment Advocacy Center will be held Aug. 1 at Hamar Grove, South Ridge Drive (North Park).

The race starts at 9 a.m. Participants can run virtually or in person. The entry fee is $20 for adults, $15 for children 12 and younger and $15 for seniors 60 and older.

There also will be a 50/50 raffle, a Chinese auction and postrace refreshments.

For registration and more information, visit runsignup.com or email smaslanka52@gmail.com.

Hampton Community Library events

• Wag Your Tails is an interactive storytime for preschoolers on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. and runs through Aug. 3. It is filled with stories, songs, music and parachutes. The program is held at the Rotary Pavilion in Hampton Community Park regardless of weather. The program is designed for ages 3-5, but all ages welcome. The program will run about 30-45 minutes. Be prepared to wear a mask or remain 6 feet apart. Registration is not necessary.

• Early Bird Storytime is 8:30 to 9 a.m. Thursdays through Aug. 5 for children preschool age or younger. Wake up your body with gentle stretches, stories, songs and rhymes. Rain or shine, the event will take place at the Rotary Pavailion in Hampton Community Park. Be prepared to wear a mask or remain 6 feet apart. Registration is not necessary.

• Hoot & Holler Storytime is 11 a.m. to noon Thursdays through Aug. 5. It features nature-themed stories and songs, puppets and games. Rain or shine, the event will take place at the Rotary Pavailion in Hampton Community Park. Be prepared to wear a mask or remain 6 feet apart. Registration is not necessary.

Farmers market

The Hampton Township Farmers Market operates from 3 to 7 p.m. on Wednesdays through Oct. 13. It features local produce, honey, baked goods, spices and a variety of other items.

Food trucks will be on site several times during the season, with notices posted on the township website.

The farmers market is located in Hampton Community Park, 3101 McCully Road.