From SMS: Shaw Pedicab Tour, Architectural Treasure Hunt, this Saturday

Shaw Main Streets brings word of several exciting happenings in the neighborhood this Saturday (May 1, 2010):

Come out and be part of the first ever DC Main Streets First Saturdays promotion on Saturday, May 1, 2010. Shaw Main Streets' events will be starting at the Historical Society of Washington, DC, 801 K Street, NW, at 12:00 PM.

It's Preservation Month--Watch a performance by the Wong Chinese Lion Dancers, take a free pedicab tour of Shaw and win prizes at the Shaw Architectural Treasure Hunt! See where history makers lived, worked, played and prayed; and sample food and beverages from neighborhood businesses. Tour reservations required, so RSVP now! Treasure hunt forms available at the Historical Society of Washington, DC.

Wong Chinese Lion Dancers

The Chinese Lion is a mythological creature that represents strength, wisdom and good luck and has the ability to drive away evil spirits. Come watch a performance of the Wong Chinese Lion Dancers, where a procession of musicians playing gongs and cymbals will be accompanied by a feathered, four-legged, carnival-like puppet lion swirling, spinning, and rearing up on its hind legs. This ancient ritual starts at 12:00 PM in front of the Historical Society of Washington, DC, 801 K Street, NW. Free.

Shaw Pedicab Tour

Ride in comfort with National Pedicabs for a tour guide-led tour of the neighborhood' s history, architecture, and upcoming development. See sites associated with Helen Hayes, "Duke" Ellington, the Washington Senators baseball team, the labor movement, Black history and much more. Visit an art-filled bed and breakfast in a former mortuary art-filled bed and breakfast in a former mortuary (D.C. Guesthouse), and sample wine sample wine (Modern Liquors), award-winning red velvet and lemon minicupcakes (Chatman's Bakery and Cafe), delicious coffee and sandwiches (Azi's cafe), and Ethiopian food
Ethiopian food (Little Ethiopia Restaurant).

Starts at 12:00 PM in front of the Historical Society of Washington, DC, 801 K Street, NW. Duration: 2 hours. Free. Reservations required. Call 202-265-SHAW or email shawmainstreetsinc@gmail.com.

Shaw Architectural Treasure Hunt

Walk along 7th and 9th Streets, NW around the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and look up to find architectural details on historic buildings in the area on the photo illustrated treasure hunt form. Stop for free treats at neighborhood businesses along the way. Turn in completed forms and enter to win prizes from neighborhood businesses. Free. Starts at 12:00 PM at Historical Society of Washington, DC, 801 K Street, NW. Forms available at information desk in Great Hall. Completed forms must be returned to HSWDC by 4:00 PM in order to be entered in drawing for prizes. Must be present to win. For more information, call 202-265-SHAW or email shawmainstreetsinc@gmail.com.

Sponsored by the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development

Sounds like Saturday will be a great day to browse Shaw's great businesses and take in some of the great sights and sounds of our neighborhood!