The Yankee Datebook

January 1 1904. L Street Brownies take their first plunge into the frigid waters of South Boston’s Dorchester Bay, beginning a tradition that still continues. January 2 Women ski and ride Okemo Mountain in Ludlow, Vermont, all day for just $39. Also Jan. 9, 16, and 30. 800-786-5366, 802-228-4041; okemo.com January 3 1920. Boston Red Sox owner Harry Frazee sells Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees. January 5 1643. First divorce granted in the American Colonies. January 6 1994. Figure skater Nancy Kerrigan of Stoneham, Massachusetts, is attacked by a club-wielding assailant at a practice session for the Olympic trials. January 6 NFL playoffs begin. We trust that the Patriots will be fixing us to our seats all the way to the Super Bowl. January 8 The slopes are free this week for kids 12 and under at Sunday River in Newry, Maine. 207-824-3000; sundayriver.com January 12 “1964” … The Tribute: Enjoy classic Beatles tunes played live by a renowned Beatles tribute band. Also Jan. 13. Stadium Theatre Performing Arts Centre, Woonsocket,RI. 401-762-4545; stadiumtheatre.com January 13 Sleigh rides and sledding at Billings Farm & Museum in Woodstock, Vermont. Also Jan. 14-15 and Feb. 17-19, 24-25. 802-457-2355; billingsfarm.org January 14 The Historic Inns of Rockland, Maine, honor National Pie Day by opening their doors and serving traditional cherry, apple, and berry pies as well as more unique treats such as kiwi-berry tarts or sun-dried tomato and goat cheese breakfast pie. Also Jan. 21. 877-762-4667; historicinnsofrockland.com January 15 1919. In Boston’s North End, molasses lets loose from a five-story tank, killing 21 people. January 18 The Boston Symphony Orchestra performs music by Mozart and Haydn in breathtaking Symphony Hall. 617-266-1492; bso.org January 19 Sun WineFest ’07: Sample more than 1,000 fine wines and watch demonstrations by celebrity chefs. Through Jan. 21. Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, CT. 860-728-5700; sunwinefest.com January 26 Premier snow sculptors transform columns of snow into glittering works of art. Through Jan. 28. Town Park and Village Center, Jackson, NH. 603-383-9356; jacksonnh.com January 28 Last day to see all of Norman Rockwell’s Saturday Evening Post covers. Norman Rockwell Museum, Stockbridge, MA. 413-298-4100; nrm.org February 2 Winter residents of Block Island, Rhode Island, converge on the Albion Pub to have their official head count estimated. Last year’s total came to 980. February 4 1870. The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, is incorporated. February 6 1978. A major blizzard hits New England, dumping 2 to 4 feet of snow across the region in 32 hours and leaving snowdrifts 15 feet high. Fifty-four deaths are reported. February 8 Winter carnival: The oldest collegiate winter festival includes music, dances, ski racing, the Human Dog Sled Race, and enough food and laughter to fill a winter. Through Feb. 11. Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH. 603-646-3399. dartmouth.edu/~carnival February 9 North American Home Show 2007: Meet with contractors and designers, compare products and services, and explore the latest in home comforts. Through Feb. 11. Gillette Stadium, Foxboro, MA. 800-225-1577, 617-242-6092. naexpo.com February 10 In 1976, the once-fledgling band’s dream of hitting it big takes another step toward coming true when “Dream On,” from Aerosmith’s debut album, is rereleased as a single and reaches number 6 on the charts. February 12 1909. Massachusetts native W.E.B. Du Bois founds the NAACP. February 14 Warm Up at Wildcat: The ultimate couples’ event. Two ski for the price of one on Valentine’s Day. Wildcat Mountain, Pinkham Notch, NH. 800-255-6439, 603-466-3326; skiwildcat.com February 17 Connecticut Audubon Society Eagle Festival: Boat tours, birds of prey demonstrations, music. Through Feb. 18. Townwide, Essex, CT. 800-714-7201; ctaudubon.org February 19 Throngs of New England schoolchildren begin their winter vacation, making this week one of busiest at local ski hills. February 21 1858. E.T. Holmes of Boston installs the first burglar alarm. February 24 Try out telemark gear from some of the best companies in the world, take lessons, and watch the experts. Through Feb. 25. Sunday River, Newry, ME. 207-824-3000; sundayriver.com February 28 According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, based on the moon cycles, this is one of February’s best days for entertaining guests.