Hudson River EagleFest at Croton Point Park and other Hudson Valley viewing sites
During a recent walk at the Esopus Meadows Preserve, I passed some women who exclaimed, “Did you see that eagle a few minutes ago?” As usual, I had to reply that I hadn’t. I feel like the only person who has never seen an eagle around here.
So my luck might change this weekend. On Saturday, February 9 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Teatown Lake Reservation’s Hudson River EagleFest takes place at Croton Point Park, as well as other locations along the Hudson River. Each winter, eagles from Canada, northern New York and New England fly south to the Hudson River to feed on fish and waterfowl where the river hasn’t frozen over. I find it so exciting that the very symbol of our country actually lives here, but you would think that I’d have seen one by now.
This EagleFest is packed with low-cost, educational fun. The children’s activities, Eaglet Stage shows with master storyteller Jonathan Kruk and a Teatown bird-of-prey show are all free. Then there are the Eagle Theatre shows offering closer encounters with eagles and other birds of prey, and those tickets cost $5 in advance, $10 at the door, free for children ages 3 and under. Bus tours are available for $25 per person ages 12 and up, which visit three viewing sites and have a naturalist on board. Parking is free for EagleFest, and shuttle buses are available.
Additional eagle-viewing sites are located in Sleepy Hollow, Verplanck, Peekskill and Boscobel in Garrison. Croton Point Park is located at 1A Croton Point Avenue in Croton-on-Hudson. For more information, call (914) 762-2912, extension 110, or visit www.teatown.org/eaglefest.
Valentine’s Day crafts workshops for kids at Michaels in Kingston
With Valentine’s Day coming up, here are some fun – and free or low-cost – activities to do with the kids at Michaels Stores. On Saturday, February 9 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, kids can make a Valentine Love Bug Bag for storing their valentines. Sessions are available every half-hour, and the cost is $2 per participant, which includes materials. On Sunday, February 10 from 1 to 3 p.m., the whole family is invited to create a free embellished wood frame to keep or give for Valentine’s Day, one per person. I suggest arriving on the early side, because quantities are limited.
On Monday, February 11 from 5 to 7 p.m., bring the family back to create a free one-of-a-kind painting to keep or give as a gift. Then on Tuesday, February 12 from 5 to 7 p.m., all ages are invited to create a free origami bookmark that will show “Hearts Mark the Spot” for the one you love.
Michaels is located at 703 Frank Sottile Boulevard in Kingston, and you can check its website for its other locations. For more information, call (845) 382-1261 or visit www.michaels.com.
High Falls Café hosts Snowball Festival and Golf Tournament
My friend is an avid golfer who plays as far into the winter as he can, so this Snowball Festival and Golf Tournament might be perfect for you, Herb! On Saturday, February 9, head over to the High Falls Café for breakfast and winter golf registration at 10:30 a.m., shotgun start at 11:45 a.m. and a lunch buffet after the Tournament. The cost is $28 per person; preregistered foursomes receive a $3 discount per person along with choice of six-pack of beer and sleeve of colored golfballs.
At 2 p.m., take breaks to warm up by the bonfire while sleighriding and competing for prizes in the snowman-building competition for kids under age 8, in such categories as Biggest, Silliest and Animal Lookalike. Dancing with Big Joe Fitz and the Lo-Fis begins indoors at 3:30 p.m., followed by the Dempsey/Nelson Way at 5:30 p.m. and Breakaway with Robin Baker at 7:30 p.m.
The High Falls Café is located at 12 Stone Dock Road in High Falls. For more information or to register, call (845) 687-2699 or visit www.highfallscafe.com.
Join the family! 
