Family Datebook

Imagine if campaign sound bites used characters from Eric Carle stories. "The Very Busy Spider" namesake is too busy spinning (her web) to pay attention to others. In "Little Cloud," a cloud changes itself into a variety of shapes. The title character in "The Mixed-Up Chameleon" discovers it can change color, shape, and size. These three stories are in today's puppet theater performance "Very Eric Carle" by Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia. Providence Performing Arts Center, 220 Weybosset St., at 2 p.m. Tickets are $14.50, $18.50. Call 401-421-2787.

If campaign sound bites incorporated Impulse Dance Company's focus on heritage, culture, and the diversity of its people, we would pay attention. Believing that jazz dance has a distinct place in American history and culture, tonight's "Impulse to Dance" concert at 8 incorporates the emotions of birthing, near death experience, and slavery with hip-hop, gospel, and live music by the Gustavo Agatiello Trio. Tickets for the Dance Complex, 536 Mass. Ave., Cambridge, are $22; $15 students, seniors. Call 617-304-2347. Recommended for ages 8 and older.

If campaign sound bites incorporated less of this, we would pay attention. Yo-yo (4 p.m.), juggling, and storytelling are a few of today's many activities at "The Performance Fair" from 1-5 p.m. at Harvard Yard, part of this weekend's Harvard University Arts First Festival. On Sunday, the Outdoor Band Fest is from noon-
4 p.m. (Holyoke Center). Sunken Garden Children's Theater presents a kids' version of "Taming of the Shrew" at 2 and 3 p.m. (also Saturday at 1 p.m.). Free. Call 617-495-8676. Rain or shine (indoors if rain).Campaign sound bites aren't the only forum for circus, physical theater, and humor. The Momix company of dancer-illusionists perform in the Boston premiere of "Opus Cactus," inspired by the flora, fauna, and magic of the American Southwest. Performances at the Cutler Majestic Theatre, 219 Tremont St., are tonight at 8 and Sunday at 3. Tickets are $25, $35, $45. Call 617-876-4275, 800-233-3123. .

A campaign fantasy. The Sojourner Truth Scholarship benefits from tonight's 7:30 p.m. Gospelfest presented by the Phillips Academy Music Department. New England gospel choirs sing in the Cochran Chapel, 180 Main St., Andover, and include the New England Gospel Ensemble, Just 4 Praise, Joyful Voices of Inspiration, and the Boston Community Choir. Admission is $10; student donations accepted. Call 978-749-4995.

To wrap up our campaign, we bring you Mayor Thomas M. Menino as Sunday's grand marshal for the Ducklings Day Parade at 1 p.m. that begins on Beacon Street in front of the State House. Celebrating Robert McCloskey's "Make Way for Ducklings" are the Harvard University Marching Band and children's entertainer, singer, and guitarist Elisabeth Accardi. March in the parade and dress as your favorite character from the book. Registration ($25 per family) begins at noon at the Shaw memorial (opposite State House). Registered children receive refreshments and entertainment after the parade. Call 617-426-1885. Rain or shine.

Submit items and photos two weeks before event to: June Wulff, Living/Arts, The Boston Globe, PO Box 55819, Boston MA 02205-5819 or jwulff@globe.com.