Welcome to 2016 and another year of fun things to add to your calendar. Today I decided to add a couple of my favorite events to my calendar and realized I am not the only one who enjoys these things, so wanted to share. You don't even need to be a photographer to enjoy these events, and most are fun for the whole family. 

Quantum Fox Photography_ Warminster, Pa_ Immature Northern Goshawk, sitting on a post, looking through a windowBackyard Bird of Prey stops by for a visit

In February comes the GBBC (Great Backyard Bird Count) where you are asked by the audobon society to spend as little as 15 minutes up to however long you want from February 12th through 15th counting the backyard birds, then submit your results to their website. You might be wondering what the point of this is? It is to help get a rough estimate of the bird species, where they are hanging out, and see how their population is doing. So if you like to watch birds, which I personally am quite fond of, then spend a couple minutes helping with the count. (Oh, and don't forget the bird book, you never know what may turn up!) http://gbbc.birdcount.org/

Next we move to March, where the Philadelphia Flower Show takes over the convention center for a full week from March 5th through 13th. This year's theme is "Explore America", highlighting national parks. I imagine it will be another beautiful presentation as on their site they describe it as "Guests will climb a mountain, ford a stream, hike trails, and pitch camp in the exhibits and special events of the 2016 Flower Show." http://theflowershow.com/

Quantum Fox Photography_ Fairmount Park, Pa_ Fairmount Park Tea House with pink blossomsThe Fairmount Park Japanese Tea house during Sakura Sunday Cherry Blossom Festival 2014

In April mark your calendars for the Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival in Fairmount Park. The cherry blossoms are celebrated the week of April 11th through 17th, but the actual festival takes place on Sunday the 17th. The highlights of the festival include traditional and non traditional japanese music, dancing, and presentations on the main stage. The cherry blossoms when in full bloom are amazing, so hopefully they will be in bloom during the festival this year. (they were not in bloom yet at last year's event, but were absolutely gorgeous the year before) You will also come across all sorts of interesting characters as this seems to have become a fun meetup for cosplayers of all types as well. While you are here there is also a pretty little japanese tea house that you can buy a ticket to tour, which I haven't managed to get inside yet,

but I hear it's beautiful. http://subarucherryblossom.org/

Quantum Fox Photography_ Warminster, Pa_ brown horse in the rain at the Devon Horse ShowThe day it poured at the Devon Horse Show

As Spring turns to Summer it's time for the Devon Horse Show and County Fair. Some of my favorite highlights are Ladies Hat Day, which is usually on Wednesday, the ladies compete for who has the most fun hat while being all dressed up. Watching the horses jumping, as well as ladies riding side-saddle are also rather interesting, and there is always a special event each year which is always worth the trip. (I have gotten to see the Budweiser Clydsdales twice as the main event, they show off how well trained the horses are to be able to pull that multi-horse cart, and they are quite amazing.) It's too early to know what will be the main attraction this year, but I'm sure it will be great. http://www.devonhorseshow.net/

Well that's all I have for now, if you have any suggestions for more things to add leave a comment here or on the facebook post and I'll check them out.