Get Out: IronPigs Prepare Baseball Fans for Spring

You can tell it’s almost here. The air is getting warmer. The snow is melting quickly. The sky is staying brighter later into the evening.

Yes, pretty soon, we will be hearing the crack of the bat.

The Phillies and Yankees play the first exhibition game of the year from Tampa at 1 p.m. Saturday on the MLB Network. But you can do more than just sit in front of your television to bask in the glorious glow of the Grapefruit League to get yourself in the mood for the summer game.

1. NATIONAL PIG DAY, LEHIGH VALLEY IRONPIGS

Where/When: Coca Cola Park, Allentown, Saturday, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Why Go: The Pig Day celebration is filled with lots of fun events for the whole family, including a noon children’s story time and appearances by team mascots, FeRROUS and FeFe, the pork racers, Tootsie the Clown and Raines the Pig, star of Animal Planet’s “Unusual Pets 101.”

There will also be raffles, prizes and giveaways, including complementary IronPigs lawn signs. There will also be complementary pulled pork sandwiches, hot dogs, soda and hot chocolate. Fans who buy tickets will be offered a chance to take some swings in the IronPigs indoor batting cage. While you are at Coca Cola Park, there will also be opportunities to help those who were affected by the a few weeks back

This is also the first opportunity anyone will have to buy single-game tickets for the Pigs, the Triple-A minor league affiliate of the Phillies.

Pricing: Free. Game tickets cost from $6 to $14.

2. THE DON AND BUNK SHOW

Where/When: , 5 E. Fourth St., Bethlehem, Friday night.

Why Go: A chance to see and hear two of the original members of Frank Zappa’s Mothers of Invention band, Don Preston and Bunk Gardner, interpret the legendary rock/jazz/fusion/classical musician’s compositions, including “Uncle Meat,” “A Pound For A Brown On The Bus,” “Holiday In Berlin Full Blown,” “I Am The Slime,” “Duke Of Prunes,” “Eric Dolphy's Memorial Barbeque,” “Who Are The Brain Police” and many others.

Pricing: Call , 610-868-5311, for details.

3. DISTRICT 11 HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PLAYOFFS

Where/When: Various high school gymnasiums around the greater Lehigh Valley and Poconos. Check these Web sites for locations and game times for boys and girls matchups.

Why Go: If you grew up in or near Bethlehem, there is a good chance you can cheer on your alma mater in the annual local high school version of March Madness. , , and will all have teams competing this weekend. Saucon Valley boys are also in the districts, but the team’s number one seed in AAA, gives them a bye until Tuesday.

Pricing: Call your school’s athletic department to find out.

4. LISTEN LIVE MUSIC CONCERT: LORI MCKENNA

Where/When: Upper Milford Township Municipal Center, 5671 Chestnut St, Zionsville, Saturday, 8 p.m.

Why Go: Lori McKenna is a well-regarded folk and country singer-songwriter who has penned songs for the likes of Faith Hill and Keith Urban. Mark Erelli opens.

Pricing: $20

5. HOPE FOR ALLENTOWN I, A BENEFIT CONCERT

Where/When: Fairview Volunteer Fire Co., 927 S. Seventh St., Allentown, Sunday, 2 p.m.

Why Go: Six hours of music from a broad spectrum of talented local musicians, including Sinister Realm, the James Supra Blues Band, the School of Rock’s Bank Street Band, Beyond Eden, Sharon Elaine and Allie Santos. And all of it is to benefit the victims of the Feb. 9th explosion at 13th and Allen street.

Pricing: $10 for adults, $7 for children, free for children under 12.