Kids arts festival

Kids arts festival
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- Hoyt Institute of Fine Arts is offering a free day of art activities for children from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday.
The Children's Summer Arts Festival opens with the traditional Chalk on the Walk for ages 3-12, a colorful competition of chalk drawings. Prizes are awarded in each age group including art kits, supplies, and Hoyt memberships. Once the drawings are completed, kids can jump on the Trackless Train (10:30-3:30) to join the festivities on the Hoyt lawn. There a petting zoo awaits from Living Treasures (11 a.m.-3 p.m.) featuring goats, ducks, miniature ponies and llama.
The Pittsburgh Zoo representatives will introduce their new polar bear exhibit. Strolling magician David Lawrence will give a stage show at 2:30 p.m. after the free, healthy lunch provided by Jameson Health System at noon. Arts and Crafts activities include festival hats, printmaking and tie dye, available all day until 4 p.m. Bring your own T-shirt for the tie dye. All other materials will be provided.
Pyrotechnico's Fly Guys will join the Hoyt to dance to the music of DJ Ricky Davis. For more information, visit www.hoytartcenter.org.
Banjo Band performance
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- The Pittsburgh Banjo Band will perform a concert at 7 p.m. Aug. 5 at the New Castle Playhouse, 202 E. Long Ave..
Tickets are $7 for general admission. To reserve tickets call (724) 654-3437.
Pittsburgh Banjo Band members wear bright, colorful uniforms. The PBC program consists of sing-alongs, vocals, banjo solos, music from the '20s and '30s, polkas and Dixieland.
Wildlife bicycle tour
WARREN -- World of Wildlife Bicycle Tour will take place Aug. 13.
The event, in its second year, has added a 62-mile route for those not satisfied with a shorter ride. Registration will occur at Trumbull Campus of Kent State University in Champion from 7:30 to 10 a.m. Riders will use the Trumbull County portion of the Western Reserve Greenway for most of their miles, especially the 20- and 40-mile routes. The 62-mile course includes public roads in Trumbull and Ashtabula counties.
For more information, a list of raffle prizes or directions, go to www.ndcis.com/wow or call Bud at (330) 652-2898.
Gospel music festival
YOUNGSTOWN -- Bethlehem Church, 388 E. Midlothian Blvd., will hold a Music Fest from 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday. In case of rain, the event will be Sunday.
It will feature two gospel bands and a performance by an Elvis impersonators. Hot dogs and pop will be sold, and gift certificates from local businesses will be raffled.
Proceeds will benefit the church's music ministry.