Cavalia’s Odysseo will make its premiere under the White Big Top at Assembly Row tonight, August 7. With its latest creation, Cavalia marries the equestrian arts, stage arts and high-tech theatrical effects at never-before-seen levels. Cavalia’s Odysseo features 67 horses and 46 artists in a larger-than-life theatrical production that sends hearts racing. For tickets you can go online at www.cavalia.net or by calling 1-866-999-8111.

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The mayor’s annual “Old Time” Senior Picnic is being held today at Powderhouse Park from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

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Candidate Caroline Shea Rosas, who is running for Ward Five School Committee, is having a campaign fundraiser tonight, Wednesday, August 7, at Olde Magouns Saloon, 518 Medford St., 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. You can read about Caroline on Facebook: CarolineSheaRosasForSchoolCommitteeWard5. She’s a very nice lady, a great mother of two boys, and she’s very involved in the Kennedy School PTA. Come to Olde Magouns Saloon to meet her and say “Hi.” Any candidate running for office wishing to have their campaign event listed here let us know.

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Happy Birthday this week to some of our fans here in the Ville and elsewhere. Alan Laurentano, who grew up here in Spring Hill, is celebrating this week, as is John Alan Roderick, well known here in the Ville for many things, but his knowledge of the history of the city is one of the best. We wish him the very best. Alicia Lafuente, who lives here in Winter Hill and works in the family business at Flagraphics, we wish her a HB.   Chris Just, now of Indiana, heading his own security company, is well known growing up here in the Ville. To Kaitlin Norton, who is from Somerville now of Woburn, the granddaughter of Donald and Pat, is now 19 years old. Our good friend and motivator Brendan Cunningham, of Buffalo NY, who follows the paper every day. He’s a nice guy, and if you’re looking for a motivator he’s the man.

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We saw Maureen Bastardi out walking the streets campaigning, and with her was former Alderman Bill Roche. Even though Bill is not running you wouldn’t know it. He’s spending a lot of after work hours helping Maureen. We heard she’s worn out two pairs of shoes so far, walking the entirety of Ward One. It looks like both the firemen and policemen here in Somerville voted to endorse Maureen for Alderman. Meanwhile, Alderman candidate Bob McWatters is exhausting everyone that wants to go with him out in Ward Three. He’s relentless and a hard worker. Doing two jobs and campaigning would exhaust anyone, but not Bob. In Ward Seven we keep hearing that Katjana Ballantyne is running a strong campaign.

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Candidate Michael Nionakis, who is running for Ward Two School Committee, is hosting a reception this Thursday, August 8, 5-8 p.m. at Sally O’Brien’s, 335 Somerville Ave.

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If you haven’t seen the “Dead Sea Scrolls” at the Museum of Science there’s still plenty of time. It’s very enjoyable and educational and well worth the trip.

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Ignite! A Fire and Street Food Festival After Dark is happening Saturday, August 10 from 6-10pm at Union Square Plaza. Enjoy treats like samosas from India, char-grilled barbecue from Brazil, Salvadoran pupusas, and even homemade popsicles with unique flavors like watermelon and mint. Over a dozen local restaurants and performances by fire spinners, belly dancers, an accordion playing drag queen lunch lady, and more!

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Mark your calendars. Somerville Fight Night takes place August 23 at Dilboy Stadium. For ticket information call 617-764-3326.Somerville Fight Night is presented by Somerville Boxing Club, Somerville Recreation Dept., Mayor Curtatone and USA boxing.

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The Nave Gallery and the Washington Street Art Center have teamed up to produce the first ever Somerville Toy Camera Festival. The festival is an ode to the unexpected, reveling in the quirky and creative results that happen when a photographer is forced to loosen his or her controls. Defined as any low-end, low-tech, limited-control camera, the “toy camera” has been a source of inspiration for both art spaces, with each having held a toy camera exhibition in the past. “Our past shows have been hugely successful,” says Susan Berstler, director of the Nave Gallery and Nave Gallery Annex. “People respond positively to photography because they see the familiar stare back at them. The image triggers memories and emotions associated with those memories, making the viewing experience highly personal. With toy camera photography, these images are different than regular photography; whether it is through the process or the limited scope of the camera, the familiar becomes altered, and people are fascinated by that.” When it came time to brainstorm about the next toy camera show, a city-wide festival made the most sense. “When the Nave approached us about collaborating, we were instantly on board,” said Lee Kilpatrick, photographer and director of the Washington Street Art Center. “In an age where imperfections can disappear with digital editing, there is something particularly delightful about toy camera photography. The photographic process can be awkward, and though it can result in technical ‘mistakes’, there is still something authentic about it that resonates with the audience.” The festival takes place over the course of two months at three locations in Somerville. The Washington Street Art Center will kick-off the opening with an August exhibition entitled: Black, White, and a Little Local Color. The exhibition features the work of Jim Baab, Richard Chase, Liz Ellenwood, Alice Grossman, Stephanie Goode, Beth Hankes, Lee Kilpatrick, Patty Lemke, Ted Ollier, Colby Perry, Rebecca Philio, Ana M. Reyes and Nicholas Shectman. An opening reception will take place on Saturday, August 10, from 7-9 pm. The festival continues throughout the month of September at the Nave Gallery in Teele Square and the Nave Gallery Annex in Davis Square. The spaces feature the work of national and international artists, and include: Meg Birnbaum, Mara Brod, Kelly Burgess, Kathy Chapman, Ron Cowie, Ashley Craig, Perry Dilbeck, Sara Fields, Bill Franson, Shawna Gibbs, J.M. Golding, Warren Harold, Silke Hase, Jennifer Henriksen, Karen Janus, Michael Kirchoff, Jose Manuel Madrona, C. Gary Moyer, Suzanne Révy, Claudia Ripee, Michelle Sheppard, Barbara Traub, Bill Vaccaro, Kavita Venkateswar, Elizabeth Wood and James Zall. “We’re pleased with the response for our inaugural year,” Berstler notes. We’re already planning on an expanded festival next year, and hope to get many more art spaces in Somerville involved.”.

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Congratulations this week to Edie and Kenny Manzi, celebrating their two year anniversary. We wish them a long and happy life together, and a woman cave for Edie to do her wonderful baking. By the way, if you haven’t had one of her cakes you’re in for a treat.