HUGE May 16-17 Weekend of FREE Activities Coming Up!!

The weekend of May 16th looks to be a big one for FREE or nearly free activities. Here is a "taste" of what's coming up! Is see lots of music, food, story telling and parades here:

Clear Creek Volunteer Fire Department Fundraiser - Bring the family out for some outdoor fun, live music and barbecued foods. Other activities include a flea market, live auction and a raffle. If you would like to set up a booth or make a donation, contact Nancy Bedard at 208-392-9622. Sat., May 16, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. FREE, donations accepted. Clear Creek Lodge, 166 Clear Creek Road, Boise (North Boise), 208-392-4777.

Meridian Farmers Market - The theme for the 2009 farmers market and bazaar is Five for Five celebrating five years of fresh food and family friendly fun. Besides fresh produce, food specialties, baked goods and on site barbecue, the weekly market offers live entertainment on the Market Stage, an expanded Kid Smarts Craft Zone and a free Kid's Bounce. For more information, e-mail info@MeridianFarmersMarket.com. Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Continues through Sept. 30. www.meridianfarmersmarket.com. Ustick Marketplace II, 3630 N. Eagle Road, Meridian.

Avian Adventure - Deck out the family in hiking attire, grab the binoculars and join the Golden Eagle Audubon Society on a half-mile hike from the West Boise Wastewater Treatment Plant to a secluded spot along the Boise River. The guided tour is about the importance of the riparian ecosystem and about the different birds who call the watershed their home. Practice calls and complete a checklist as an experienced instructor helps identify our local birds. Children are encouraged to create tissue-tube binoculars to take along the journey and make bird feeders from recycled materials once they return. Sat., May 16, 10 a.m. FREE. Boise WaterShed, 11818 W. Joplin Road, Boise, 208-489-1284, www.boiseenvironmentaleducation.org.

Kids Day America - The childrens' event is dedicated to health, safety and environmental awareness. Attendees receive child safety ID cards, health screenings, face painting, door prizes, giveaways, games and fun activities. The guest list includes appearances by McGruff the Crime Dog, Sparky the Fire Dog and Doby the Roaring Springs Dolphin. Sat., May 16, 12-3 p.m. FREE. Meridian Boys and Girls Club, 911 N. Meridian Road, Meridian, 208-888-5392, www.bgclubidaho.org.

Storytelling - Gather around the Treasure Valley Storytellers for an afternoon of storytelling for all ages. The adventure begins when Old Mother Goose leads the audience from a European-style bridge, rumored to host its own troll, past a waterfall and pool and into a poplar grove. Grandmother Tree, queen of the poplar grove, leads adventure seekers on a trail lined with stories full of adventure. Attendees can bring a picnic to eat during the adventure. For more information, contact Mary Anne Hedrich or Jeanette Ross at 208-378-1217. Sat., May 16, 2 p.m. FREE. Boise Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 6200 N. Garrett, Garden City (West Boise), 208-658-1710, www.boiseuu.org.

Pedal Power Parade - Everyone loves a parade, so dress in costume, if you like, and deck out the ride too. The finale of Boise Bike Week 2009 is a pedal power parade through the streets of downtown Boise followed by pizza, refreshments and raffle prizes in the park. Sat., May 16, 5 p.m. FREE, www.boisebikeweek.org. Capitol Park, 601 W. Jefferson, Boise (Boise Downtown).