Datebook: April 23 - St. George's Day

Today is St. George's Day, a feast day celebrated by Catholic and Anglican Churches, and nations of which St. George is the patron saint. It is the second most important National Feast in Catalonia, where it is traditional to give a rose and a book to a loved one. It's also the International Day of the Book, since 1616, the date of death and possibly anniversary of birth for William Shakespeare (Julian calendar) and Miguel de Cervantes (Gregorian calendar). In 1497, John Cabot flew the Cross of St. George on his voyage to discover Newfoundland, in 1620, it was the flag flown by the Mayflower when the pilgrims arrived in Massachusetts. In Bulgaria, you might prepare a roast lamb, as St. George is the patron saint of shepherds. In Serbia, you'd celebrate with morning picnics, music, and folk dances. In the novel Dracula, evil things are said to "have full sway" on St. George's Day, begriming at midnight.

It’s Monday, April 23

Anna Kipervaser, artist-in-residence of the Paducah Arts Alliance, presents her documentary project, Voices and Faces of the Adhan: Cairo.  The free screening is tonight at 6:30 at Maiden Alley Cinema in Paducah.

There’s a Canine Behavioral Psychology Workshop this weekend in Murray.  The workshop will be held at the Carmen Pavilion from 3 to 8 on Friday and from 8:30 to 4:30 on Saturday and Sunday.  Lecture topics include working with fearful or aggressive dogs, foundational obedience training solutions, and dog evaluation. The cost of the workshop is $125.  Register at forthepets.org.

In honor of autism awareness month, Cheri Theatres in Murray offers a special sensory-friendly showing of Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked.  The box office opens at 4:30 tomorrow, and the film starts at 5.  This showing provides an enjoyable movie experience for children with autism or other special needs.  Details at moviesinmurray.com.

See more community events at wkms.org.