Celebrities Converge on the Area This Weekend

1. Fourth Annual Shrewsbury Road Scholars 5k & Fun Run

Where/When: The 5k & Fun Run will start and end at . You can register online or at either the Parks & Recreation or School Departments at the Shrewsbury Town Hall. Click here to view the course map online.

Why Go?: Boston Marathon legend Bill Rodgers is the official starter for the Shrewsbury Road Scholars Road Race. Rodgers is best known for his marathon victories in the late 1970s for both the Boston and the New York City marathons. He was also a member of the U.S. Olympic Team at the 1976 Montreal Olympics. Rodgers will be available to meet race participants and to sign autographs.

In addition, everyone who registers for the Fourth Annual Shrewsbury Road Scholars 5k & Fun Run will be entered in a drawing to win one of two gift certificates for "Dinner for Ten" at . Proceeds from run will go to the Citizens for Education Fund (CEF) to purchase books and materials and to support innovative programs and activities such as the Global Education Initiative.

Pricing: Pre-registration is $15 for adults, $10 for students and children younger than 18. There is $45 family cap. For additional information, contact Race Coordinator, Beth McCollum at 508-841-8400.

2. The Sound of Music

Where/When: Auditorium on Friday, April 8 at 7 p.m., Saturday, April 9 at 1 and 7 p.m., and Sunday, April 10 at 1 p.m.

Why Go?: This classic musical with music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein opened on Broadway in 1959. The story and the music behind it have been entertaining audiences ever since.

Pricing: Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for senior citizens and students. Advanced tickets are available for purchase in the lobby of on April 4 through 8 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tickets can also be reserved via e-mail at musictickets@shrewsbury.k12.ma.us or by calling the box office at 508-841-8300, ext. 1088.

3. Tim Conway and Friends

Where/When: Hanover Theatre of Performing Arts, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester on April 9 at 7 p.m.

Why Go?: Tim Conway has been a writer, performer and amateur jewel-thief for more than 50 years. He has starred in shows such as “The Carol Burnett Show” and “McHale's Navy,” has made more than 100 television appearances on shows like “The Johnny Carson Show” and “30 Rock” and has starred in films such as “The Apple Dumpling Gang” and “The Private Eyes.” Do not miss Tim Conway and his friends for laugh-out-loud, good clean fun.

Pricing: Tickets are $45, $55 and $65, depending on seat location. There is a 10% discount for members, groups of 15 or more, corporate partners, children, students and WOO card holders. For tickets and additional information, call the box office at 877-571-7469.

4. Shrewsbury's Annual Town Clean-Up Day

Where/When: South Pavilion on Saturday, April 9 at 9 a.m.

Why Go?: Are you available to spare a half hour or more to help clean up Shrewsbury following our long winter? The Board of Health and the Parks & Recreation Departments are sponsoring the Annual Town Clean-Up Day. This is a great opportunity to teach your children about caring for the community. Join your fellow Shrewsbury residents at Dean Park South Pavilion, where you can pick up needed supplies. If you get a group together, contact Angela Snell at asnell@th.ci.shrewsbury.ma.us and your group will be assigned to a location in town. We provide trash bags and gloves.

Pricing: Free.

5. Disney on Ice Presents Princess Wishes

Where/When: The DCU Center, 50 Foster St., Worcester on Thursday at 7 p.m.,
on Friday at 7 p.m.,
on Saturday at 11 a.m., 3 and 7 p.m., and
on Sunday at 1 and 5 p.m.

Why Go?: Enter a world of wishes with your favorite Disney princesses. Tinker Bell represents the magic of Disney, as she sails through beloved Disney stories. Join Ariel as she longs to experience the world above the water. See Snow White find her one true love. Explore a new world with Jasmine. Witness the dreams of Cinderella, Belle, Aurora and Mulan all come true.

Enjoy the Disney Princess Pre-Show starting one hour before each performance. A live Disney Princess presides over a fairy tale collection of gowns and treasures from the Disney Princess stories. The pre-show is free to all ticket holders.

Pricing: Tickets are on sale at the Box Office, at Ticketmaster locations, by phone at 800-745-3000 and online at Ticketmaster.com. Discounts are available for groups of 15 or more for select performances and seating. Call 508-929-0125 or e-mail groups@dcucenter.com for details.

6. Champagne and Chocolate Opening Reception

Where/When: Goddard House and Art Gallery, 1199 Main St., Worcester on Sunday, April 10 fro 2 to 5 p.m.

Why Go?: Roots, the Ninth Annual Goddard House Art Show, opens with its famous Champagne & Chocolate Reception. Roots is an art exhibition that explores the theme of roots, from what lies, literally and metaphorically, beneath the surface to the origins of family, culture, movements and beliefs. A variety of works in a range of mediums by 51 established and emerging artists from throughout Worcester County will be on display. Meet the artists, enjoy decadent chocolate desserts and champagne, and listen to jazz by Chet Williamson.

Pricing: Free.

7. Meet Ruff Ruffman and the FETCH! Cast

Where/When: The Science Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton on Saturday, April 9 between 1 and 4 p.m.

Why Go?: Meet Ruff, the lovable canine host of the PBS Kids Go! series “FETCH! with Ruff Ruffman™” along with several of the show’s young cast members. Be ready to answer FETCH! trivia questions, get some autographs, and do popular FETCH! challenges throughout the afternoon. Question and answer periods and autographs with the FETCHers will be held at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. For additional information, call 978-264-4200.

Pricing: Included in the price of museum admission of $10.50 per person.