Block party in Kingston
Skip cooking dinner this Saturday and pick up a treat from Yum Yum on Wheels or Aba’s Falafel while hanging out listening to great music in Kingston. Chronogram is throwing a block party to celebrate its 20th anniversary, the event is free and the whole family is invited. What’s happening for the kids? There will be a do-it-yourself art tent, popular children’s band Dog on Fleas and a dunking booth to benefit the Kingston YMCA Farm Project.
The Block Party takes place on Saturday, August 17 from 4 to 11 p.m. on Wall Street, between North Front and John Streets in Kingston. For more information, call (845) 334-8600 or visit www.chronogram.com. To learn more about Dog on Fleas, visit https://dogonfleas.com.
Kingston’s Senate House demonstrates Colonial-era summer cooking
Wanting more history-based activities, you say? Stop by the Senate House this weekend for a warm-weather cooking demonstration. On Sunday, August 18 from 2 to 4 p.m., Senate House staff will prepare a Colonial cabbage salad and churn butter. If people have ever compared your dance style to churning butter, this might be your big chance to set the record straight. This event is free and open to the public, and visitors will get to sample the foods and take home the recipes.
Named after the first meeting of New York’s newly organized Senate back in 1777, the Senate House is located at 296 Fair Street in Kingston. For more information, call (845) 338-2786 or visit https://nysparks.com.
“Skull and Bones” workshop at Staatsburgh
It’s August, and the grocery store shelves are stocked with Halloween candy. Well, as the saying goes, if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. Whether your 6-to-9-year-old connects with the Jolly Roger flag or is just curious about natural science, how about checking out a class about skulls? On Wednesdays from August 14 through 28, from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., the Staatsburgh State Historic Site offers “Skull and Bones.” Children will analyze animal skulls to learn more about predator and prey animals. The fee is $2 per child, parents must stay with their kids, and registration is required.
The Staatsburgh State Historic Site is located at 75 Mills Mansion Road in Staatsburgh. For more information or to register, call (845) 889-8851, extension 338, or visit www.facebook.com/staatsburghshs.
Phoenicia celebrates Davy Crockett Day
Here’s another history event, and it’s definitely not something you hear about very often: Davy Crockett Day. Dust off your coonskin cap and head over to Phoenicia for this very brief festival, which runs from 12 noon to 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 17. This free event includes a ribbon-cutting and dedication for the world’s largest Davy Crockett statue, reclaiming his title as King of the Wild Frontier and being re-erected in front of Mystery Spot Antiques; a performance by the Catskill Ukulele Group; refreshments; and a chance to win a prize at the Davy Crockett Lookalike Contest for kids, adults and pets.
Mystery Spot Antiques is located at 72 Main Street in Phoenicia. For more information, call (845) 688-7868 or visit www.mysteryspotantiques.com.
Fiberflame Studio hosts clay workshop for women
I love hearing about opportunities for Moms to get together in area gatherings. I find them enjoyable, and a great way to make new friends. On Wednesday, August 21 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., come on out to “Dirty Girls: A Crafty Night out with Clay,” hosted by Jessica Walsh, owner of Illuminated Baby, at Fiberflame Studio: “This is a night about giving to ourselves, trying something new and being with women of all walks! Come create, chat, snack and have a drink!” You can build bowls, cups, soapdishes, spoonrests – anything you can imagine.
Fiberflame Studio is located at 1776 Route 212 in Saugerties. For more information or to register, call (845) 684-7024 or visit https://illuminatedbaby.com. To learn more about the studio, visit www.fiberflamestudio.com.
Erica Chase-Salerno is still swooning over the movie The Heat. She and her husband Mike live in New Paltz with their two children: the inspirations behind hudsonvalleyparents.com. She can be reached at kidsalmanac@ulsterpublishing.com.
Join the family! 
