1 . Upcoming Events in New Jersey
Oktoberfest
Start Date: October 1, 2021
End Date: October 31, 2021
Pilsener Haus & Biergarten will host its annual celebration of OKTOBERFEST, beginning October 1 and will feature events and celebrations throughout the entire month. New menu items, fall cocktails, and special Oktoberfest beers will be served all month long.
Anna Deavere Smith
Date: October 21,2021
Start Time: 11:00 AM
End Time: 12:00 PM
As a part of the Visiting Writers Series, the actress, playwright, teacher, and author, Anna Deavere Smith will join us for a virtual speaking engagement. According to her website, Anna Deavere Smith “looks at contemporary issues from multiple viewpoints and combines the journalistic technique of interviewing her subjects with the art of interpreting their words through performance.” Among the topics she addresses in her presentations are the fragility of youth, inequality, and the criminal justice system.
Trio Solace
Date: October 22, 2021
Start Time: 2:00 PM
End Time: 3:30 PM
Trio Solace was formed at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic by long-time school friends Yukiko Kuhara (violin), Mark Serkin (cello), and Jacob Savransky (piano) as a way to spread a little bit of comfort by way of music. The trio consists of three graduates from Mannes School of Music, The New School.
Grain House Halloween Brunch
Date: October 31, 2021
Start Time: 11:00 AM
End Time: 3:00 PM
Trick or Treat at the Grain House annual Halloween Brunch and see our horrible decorations! The Grain House Witch will be giving out Halloween candy & souvenirs. Reservations required: 908-221-1150.
1. What will Anna Deavere Smith focus her program on?| A．Stage arts. | B．School education. | C．Social issues. | D．Language learning. |
| A．It lasts for the longest of time. | B．You have to book it by phone. |
| C．You can buy foods at a discount. | D．It takes place once a month. |
| A．October 1, 2021. | B．October 21, 2021. | C．October 22, 2021 . | D．October 31, 2021. |
2 . We asked our readers to vote for the top events across six categories: music, general food, specialty food, film, cultural and emerging industries (founded in the past five years). These are some of the winners:
Kutztown Folk Festival
The nine-day Kutztown Folk Festival is the nation’s oldest continuously operated folk life festival, drawing visitors from around the globe. A celebration of Pennsylvania Dutch culture and heritage, the event includes America’s largest quilt sale, 200 craftsmen and folk artists, local food and family-friendly entertainment.
Water Lantern Festival
The Water Lantern Festival is all about connections. Magical nights in cities across the US include food, live music and the beauty of thousands of lanterns decorated with letters of love, hope and dreams floating on the water.
Carnaval of Quebec
The Quebec Carnaval is a 10-day festival of winter, the world’s largest, complete with night parades, ice skating, snow sculptures and a towering ice palace. Other highlight include ice canoe racing, a sugar shack and iconic Caribou drinks.
San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade
San Francisco has celebrated its Chinese heritage during its annual Chinese New Year Festival&Parade since just after the Gold Rush. The parade ranks among the best in the world, with 100 units, fancy costumes, fireworks and a 268-foot Golden Dragon, which takes a team of 100 men and women to march through the streets. It has become one of the largest events of its kind in the world, drawing some three million spectators and television viewers.
1. What can you see during the Kutztown Folk Festival?| A．Quilts for sale. | B．Modern arts. |
| C．Traditional weddings. | D．Shows on stage. |
| A．Carnaval of Quebec. | B．Kutztown Folk Festival. |
| C．Water Lantern Festival. | D．San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade. |
| A．mention parades | B．include special food |
| C．take place only at nights | D．have sculpture exhibitions |
| A．In a novel. | B．In a diary. |
| C．In a history book. | D．In a travel magazine. |
3 . The tradition of birthday parties started a long time ago. People thought that there was a special danger from evil spirits, so friends and family came together to bring good thoughts and wishes and even presents.
In many English-speaking countries, a twenty-first birthday cake often has a key on top.
In the past in parts of Europe, men who reached the age of thirty and were still single, had to clean the stairs of the City Hall. This way every girl could see that the man didn't have a girlfriend.
After the age of thirty, many people prefer to forget their birthdays rather than celebrate them...children often bring Mum（or Dad）breakfast in bed.
| A．Birthday traditions are around the world. |
| B．At one time, only kings had birthday parties. |
| C．Or the cake itself is sometimes in the shape of a key. |
| D．It's traditional to give flowers and enjoy a special meal. |
| E．Family members put many sweets on the birthday cake. |
| F．They could also see how good he was at cleaning the house! |
| G．Others are more specific to certain ages and certain countries. |
4 . The British Library is holding a new exhibition named "Harry Potter: A History of Magic." The show coincides with the 20th anniversary of the publication of J.K. Rowling's first book.
The exhibit opened last Friday. It includes Rowling's outline for the book. It also includes her personal drawings of characters and a map of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
It also looks at magic and the nature of belief. It reveals that many of the things Harry Potter fans thought were imaginary were actually based in fact. Or they were based in folklore(民间传说). It includes rare books and manuscripts from around the world. It includes broomsticks and crystal balls. These offer insight into Rowling's inspiration and how the books came to be."I've taken liberties with folklore." That's what Rowling says in a video that opens the show.
The show is divided into rooms based on the subjects studied at Hogwarts. Hogwarts was the setting for Rowling's novels following the adventures of Harry. He is the orphan who learns at age 11 that he is a wizard. Each section touches on the legends and beliefs that Rowling wove into her stories.
Being hosted at the British Library meant the exhibition featured some amazing books. Their topics include palmistry(手相术) and tea leaf reading. And, of course, witches. Tanya Kirk, a curator, said working on the exhibit gave her a whole new appreciation of witches."I think all of the things I learned about witches is that they get quite a bad rap through history, and it was quite hard to find positive accounts," she said with a laugh. "The Harry Potter books have done a lot to change that."
The exhibition runs from Oct. 20 to Feb. 28, 2018 and has already sold some 30,000 tickets. The highest amount of advance tickets ever sold for a British Library exhibition. It will then travel to New York to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the release of "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.” That is the book's title in the United States.
1. J.K. Rowling's first book of Harry Potter was published in ________| A．1996 | B．1997 | C．1998 | D．1999 |
| A．imagination | B．facts and rare books |
| C．legends and myth | D．all above |
| A．different subjects in magic school | B．different beliefs |
| C．different books of Harry potter’s stories | D．different characters |
| A．a mystery | B．negative |
| C．just like the character in Harry Potter’s stories | D．appreciated by many |
5 . The Sahara Festival is a celebration of the very recent past. The three-day event is not fixed to the same dates each year, but generally takes place in November or December. It is well attended by tourists, but even better attended by locals.
During the opening ceremonies (仪式), after the official greetings from the government leaders, people who attend the festival begin to march smartly before the viewing stands, and white camels transport their riders across the sands. Horsemen from different nations display their beautiful clothes and their fine horsemanship. One following another, groups of musicians and dancers from all over the Sahara take their turns to show off their wonderful traditional culture. Groups of men in blue and yellow play horns and beat drums as they dance in different designs. On their knees in the sand, a group of women in long dark dresses dance with their hair: their long, dark, shiny hair is thrown back and forth in the wind to the rhythm of their dance.
The local and visiting Italian dogs are anxious to run after hares. The crowd is on its feet for the camel races. Camels and riders run far into the distance, and then return to the finish line in front of the cheering people.
Towards the evening, there comes the grand finale of the opening day, an extremely exciting horse race. All the riders run very fast on horseback. Some riders hang off the side of their saddles. Some even ride upside down — their legs and feet straight up in the air — all at full speed. Others rush down the course together, men arm in arm, on different horses. On and on they went. So fast and so wonderful!
1. Which of the following is true about the Sahara Festival?| A．It has a very long history in North Africa. |
| B．It is held in the same place on the same day. |
| C．It is attended mainly by the people in the Sahara. |
| D．It is celebrated mostly by travelers from different countries. |
| A．Musicians, dancers, horses and hares. |
| B．Camel riders, musicians, dogs and hares. |
| C．Horsemen, dancers, camels and dogs. |
| D．Musicians, officials, camels and horses. |
| A．The first part of the opening day. |
| B．The middle of the opening day. |
| C．The last part of the opening day. |
| D．The whole of the opening day. |
| A．What happens on the opening day of the Sahara Festival. |
| B．How people celebrate during the three-day Sahara Festival. |
| C．What takes place at the closing ceremonies of the Sahara Festival. |
| D．How animals race on the first and the last days of the Sahara Festival. |
6 . People in the United States honour their parents with two special days：Mother’s Day, on the second Sunday in May, and Father’s Day, on the third Sunday in June. These days are set aside to show love and respect for parents. They raise their children and educate them to be responsible citizens. They give love and care to their children. These two days offer an opportunity to think about the changing roles of mothers and fathers. More mothers now work outside the home. More fathers must help with childcare.
These two special days are celebrated in many different ways. On Mother’s Day people wear carnations (康乃馨). A red one symbolizes (象征) a living mother. A white one shows that the mother is dead. Many people attend religious services to honour their parents. It is also a day when people whose parents are dead visit the cemetery(公墓). On these days families get together at home, as well as in restaurants. They often have outdoor barbecues(烤肉) for Father’s Day. These are days of fun and good feelings and memories.
Another tradition is to give cards and gifts. Children make them in school. Many people make their own presents. These are valued more than the ones bought in stores. It is not the value of the gift that is important, but it is “the thought that counts”. Greeting card stores, florists(花匠), candy makers, bakeries, telephone companies, and other stores do a lot of business during these holidays.
1. Which is NOT a reason for children to show love and respect for their parents?| A．Their parents bring them up. |
| B．Their parents give love and care to them. |
| C．Their parents educate them to be good persons. |
| D．Their parents passed away before they grew up. |
| A．Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are both in May. |
| B．Fewer women worked outside the home in the past. |
| C．Not all the children respect their parents. |
| D．Fathers are not as important as mothers at home. |
| A．people usually have family parties |
| B．everyone goes to visit the cemetery |
| C．children always go to their parents’ home |
| D．handmade cards are the most valuable gifts |
7 . How to Choose the Best Mother’s Day Gift
Let’s face it, shopping for that perfect gift on Mother’s Day can be very painful.
Remember all the little things.
Mother’s Day is a very special day.
Think about the good old days.
Give her a surprise.
It’s always fun to surprise our mothers and to see the joy on their faces.
Send her a handmade gift.
| A．Making gifts are always better than buying gifts. |
| B．Sometimes a hug and a kiss can be the best gift of all. |
| C．Giving a gift that brings back memories can go a long way. |
| D．Colorful fresh-cut flowers are universally loved and will brighten her day. |
| E．Holding a surprise party for your mom can really make her feel appreciated. |
| F．Nowadays, many people don’t know what to buy for mothers on this special day. |
| G．But that doesn’t mean you should burn a hole in your pocket to buy the most wanted gift. |
8 . Although the first Fourth of July fireworks began more than 200 years ago in Philadelphia, the celebration never grows old. So whether you’re starting your family’s Fourth of July traditions or just looking for a new place to see great fireworks this Independence Day, check out our list of top places to catch magnificent fireworks displays.
Bristol, Rhode Island
Bristol is credited with having the oldest Fourth of July celebration in the country, with a 230-year history of patriotic festivities. The town’s first Independence Day celebration was held in the early 1800s, more than two centuries ago. The celebration features a concert series at Independence Park, a performance from the Drum Corps, a carnival and parade, and of course, a beautiful fireworks show over the Bristol Harbor.
New York City, New York
Macy’s annual show is the nation’s largest fireworks display with more than 40,000 fireworks and a 38-year record of extraordinary entertainment. You can view the fireworks from anywhere with open views of the sky above the East River. This fireworks show has become an American tradition, and even those who can’t make the trip out to New York City can tune into NBC at 8 p.m., July 4.
Gorham, New Hampshire
Gorham’s Fourth of July Spectacular is one of New Hampshire’s longest running Independence Day celebrations, with four days of exciting events. The fireworks show will begin after dark on July 4 in the skies over the carnival. But that’s not the end of the fun. Stick around for another day to see a classic car parade and get your fill of the carnival rides and even visit Concord enjoying the breathtaking scenery.
1. Who will be interested in the Fourth of July activities?| A．Children who mean to relax themselves with friends. |
| B．Volunteers who desire to do something to serve the people. |
| C．Teachers who want students to acquire the history of fireworks. |
| D．Parents who hope to develop the family’s Independence Day traditions. |
| A．Concord. | B．Bristol. | C．Gorham. | D．New York City. |
| A．Philadelphia’s fireworks display. | B．Gorham’s Fourth of July Spectacular. |
| C．Macy’s annual show in New York. | D．Bristol’s Independence Day celebration. |
9 . If you are planning to visit the historic capital city of Scotland, Edinburgh, a travel destination that people crowd to from around the world, and want to attend one Festival while you are there, keep on reading to discover more information.
AKA. Imaginate Festival When: 22 May – 2 June 2021
Where: Traverse Theater, Assembly Roxy
A festival where kids take over Edinburgh. With a whole range of free pop-up performances, take your kids to see some of the most inspiring theatre and dance from a whole range of talented performers.
Edinburgh International Film Festival When: 19 June – 29 June 2021
Where: Film House, Festival Theater
Originally the very best in international film, it was established in 1947. The dynamic programme features everything from documentaries to shorts, along with a range of experimental cinema, in an attractive setting with a spray of red carpet charm.
Edinburgh Art Festival When: 25 July – 25 August 2021
Where: City Art Center, The Scottish Gallery
With over 40 exhibitions to attend, the Edinburgh Art Festival is the UK’s largest visual arts event where you can see everything from historical works to contemporary masterpieces.
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo When: 2 – 24 August 2021
Where: Edinburgh Castle
With a different theme every year, over 200,000 visitors crowd to Edinburgh to see the military bands and the symbolic piper set against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.
1. Who is the AKA. Imaginate Festival intended for?| A．Children. | B．Talented performers. |
| C．Parents. | D．Dancers. |
| A．It includes all forms of arts. |
| B．It is about great works in history. |
| C．It is the largest festival in the world. |
| D．It lasts for the longest time. |
| A．Edinburgh Art Festival |
| B．AKA. Imaginate Festival |
| C．The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo |
| D．Edinburgh International Film Festival |
10 . No matter where you go around the globe, everybody loves to celebrate. And when it comes to celebration, festivals offer something for everyone.
Mardi Gras （New Orleans, Louisiana）
Also known as Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras in New Orleans is a cultural event. Though the celebration
is held every year on the day before Ash Wednesday, the festivities last for months, banning in November throughout January and early February. And if you love music, check out the annual Galactic concert at the world-famous Tipitina’s on Lundi Gras (the day before Mardi Gras).
La Tomatina （Valencia, Spain）
Launched way back in 1945, La Tomatina is one of the oldest festivals on our list. It's also easily the happiest but the messiest, coming off like the world's biggest food fight.
Legend has it that the whole thing started when some local boys joined a parade alongside musicians. The boys made the performers so angry that they tried hit the boys, and a vendor's (小摊贩)vegetable stand fell victim to the incident.
If you go, please follow some simple rules: Don't throw hard objects, squash the tomato before throwing it, stay a safe distance away from tomato trucks, and stop in time.
Montreux Jazz Festival （Switzerland）
Founded back in 1967, Montreux is one of the oldest music festivals in the world. It's also the second largest jazz festival, after the Montreal International Jazz Festival. That Canadian concert may attract more visitors-around 2 million annually. But Montreux benefits from its pretty location on the attractive shores of Lake Geneva. The area is particularly beautiful in late June/early July, when the festival is held.
1. When is Galactic concert held?| A．On Mardi Gras. | B．On Lundi Gras. |
| C．On Montreux Jazz Festival. | D．On La Tomatina. |
| A．Punish naughty boys. | B．Enjoy musicians' performance. |
| C．Throw tomatoes without hurting. | D．Catch people who destroy tomatoes. |
| A．News report. | B．Academic journal. |
| C．Conceit brochure. | D．Travel magazine. |
