There are some interesting things going on this week in the city of Lowell. Here’s a sampling:

On Monday, City Councilor Patrick Murphy will kickoff his campaign at the Old Court at 31 Central Street. There will be Irish music and information on how to get involved with the campaign, Patrick’s priorities if elected to a second term, and refreshments, of course. The event is from 6 to 8:30pm and everyone is welcome.

On Wednesday, August 17, city data analyst Michael Herbert will speak at a forum hosted by the political action committee Move Lowell Forward at the Pollard Memorial Library at 7 pm.

That same evening from 6 to 8 city council candidate John MacDonald will hold a fund raiser at the Lowell Humane Society at 951 Broadway. There’s a suggested donation to the MacDonald campaign of $20 but all proceeds from ice cream sold at the event will go to the Humane Society. Information for dog owners will also be provided.

This coming Saturday, August 20, the 15th annual Southeast Asian Water Festival will be held along the banks of the Merrimack River at the Sampas Pavilion from 9:30 am to 4 pm. The Lowell Southeast Asian Water Festival, Inc. is dedicated to the preservation, protection and sharing of the cultural heritages of the Southeast Asian Americans of Greater Lowell, Massachusetts area. More than 60,000 people from around the country and the world come to Lowell to celebrate water as it is celebrated in Southeast Asia. They come for the blessings, food, crafts, performances and (of course) the races. I’ve attended this event in the past and have always had a great time. Please consider attending.