n Gratz: Contestants are being accepted for queen and alternates for the 2014 Gratz Fair, which is set to run Sept. 14-20. Also, applications are being accepted for fair scholarships and the Clair A. Hartman scholarship. According to a press release, the new queen and alternate will spend their year representing the fair and promoting agriculture. For the rules and regulations and applications for contestants, go online to www.gratzfair.net/queen.html, email info@gratzfair.net, call 717-365-3746 or write to Gratz Fair, P.O. Box 204, Gratz, PA 17030. Applications must be postmarked no later than Aug. 1. There will be five Gratz Fair scholarships and one Hartman scholarship awarded for $500 each. The rules and requirements are noted on each type application, and must be postmarked no later Aug. 15. Both types of scholarship applications can be found on the web at www.gratzfair.net/Scholarship.html. People may also use the aforementioned email, phone number and address. A self-addressed, stamped envelope must be included when requesting an application, according to the release.
n Mahanoy City: The Blessed Teresa Golden Age group will sponsor a bus trip to the premium outlets at Limerick on Oct. 11. The cost is $30 and there will also be pickups in Shenandoah, Frackville and Pottsville. For more information or reservations, call Elizabeth at 570-773-1753.
n New Philadelphia: An American Red Cross blood drive is set for 1 to 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Simon Kramer Institute, 15 Alliance St. People who are 17 or older, weighing at least 110 pounds and in general good health are eligible to give blood. To make an appointment to donate blood, call 800-RED-CROSS or go online to www.redcrossblood.org.
n Orwigsburg: Salem United Methodist Church, 133 S. Liberty St., will hold its annual free block party from 3 to 7 p.m. Aug. 31. In a release, church officials said, "Everything is free. Our gift back to the community."
n Pottsville: The Kauffman chicken barbecue sponsored by the Pottsville Rotary Club was deemed a success, according to the Rotary Bulletin. The club's annual Hops, Vine & Dine is set for Sept. 18 and the committee is looking for sponsors to donate gifts for the auction.
n Shenandoah: The Greater Shenandoah Area Historical Society, 201 S. Main St., will stage rummage sales from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at its headquarters. The public is welcome.
n Shenandoah: Shenandoah Community Watch will sponsor a four-day outdoor carnival from 6 to 10 p.m. Aug. 20-23 at Bicentennial Park along Herald Road in the borough's southeast section. SCW President Gordon Slater said this year's rides and amusements will be provided from Double M Amusements, Lehighton. He also said there will be two wristband nights this year, in which a person can buy a wristband and ride all of the rides throughout the evening. Attractions will include up to 10 rides, including a Ferris wheel, super slide, merry mixer, octopus, a kid's train and bounce house, according to Slater, who added there also will be a dunk tank. SCW will also have a concession stand offering hamburgers, hot dogs, french fries and beverages. There will be a four-day bake sale and Slater asked for people to donate items. A disk jockey will provide entertainment for three nights and there will be live entertainment the last night with Schuylkill County Idol winners Shaina Graff, Autumn Maurer and finalist Cody Wiley slated to perform. Slater said he is open to ideas for the event. He can be reached at 570-527-9653.
n Tamaqua: Tamaqua Area High School Principal Stephen Toth said orientation for freshmen and new students to the district will be held at 7 p.m. Aug. 13 in the district auditorium. Parents of incoming freshman and new students to the school district are encouraged to attend. Students are also welcome. The high school will not be open for tours during the orientation; however, arrangements to schedule a tour can be made by calling the high school office between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday at 570-668-1901.