Kingston Library presents Zippy the Clown
Zippy the Clown makes an appearance at the Kingston Library this Saturday, June 7 at 10:30 a.m. With a free show for school-aged children that includes magic, comedy, balloon creations, stories and music, it sounds like every kid will have a great time!
The Kingston Library is located at 55 Franklin Street in Kingston. For more information, call (845) 331-0507 or visit www.kingstonlibrary.org.
Snapping Turtle Walk at Boscobel in Garrison
Last week, our family saw three instances of turtles crossing the road. We were relieved when each one made it across safely. For some snapping turtle action, go to Boscobel this Saturday, June 6 at 7:30 a.m. for the annual Snapping Turtle Walk, where you can see a presentation about these animals, then stroll the grounds and find female turtles laying their eggs. Tickets cost $12; children 6 and under get in free. And since it’s National Trails Day, a special separate hike is available at 9 a.m. after the turtle walk for anyone interested and registered.
Boscobel is located at 1601 Route 9D in Garrison. For tickets or more information, call (845) 265-3638 or visit www.boscobel.org.
Help with National Trails Day cleanup at Esopus Meadows Preserve
Speaking of National Trails Day, which is the first Saturday in June, what’s your favorite trail? I love paths near streams, and the kids and I had a great hike along the Peterskill last week. I’ve been holding out hope that the Empire Passport would go on sale again like it did last year, but no dice. (If any of you have pull or influence that could offer a sale like that for next year, I’d be thrilled!)
On National Trails Day, crews of volunteers are gearing up to help maintain, create and repair trail areas. On Saturday, June 6 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Scenic Hudson invites participants to help out at the Esopus Meadows Preserve: that beautiful area along the river where everyone spots eagles except me. You can find a list of gear to bring on the website.
Esopus Meadows is located at 257 River Road in Ulster Park. For more information or to RSVP, call (845) 473-4440, extension 273, or visit https://scenichudson.org. To learn more about National Trails Day, visit www.americanhiking.org/national-trails-day.
Earth & Water Festival at Thomas Bull Memorial Park in Montgomery
The theme for this year’s seventh annual Earth and Water Festival is “Children and Their Environment,” and the event has plenty for children to do, including learning while collecting passport stamps and redeeming them for a small prize. The Festival takes place on Saturday, June 7 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Thomas Bull Memorial Park, with free admission, free parking, free activities for kids and free live concerts all day.
Thomas Bull Memorial Park is located at 94 Grove Street in Montgomery. For more information, visit https://waterauthority.orangecountygov.com/festival.html#.
Marlboro Fit Day & 5K at Cluett-Schantz Memorial Park
It’s June. How are those New Year’s exercise resolutions holding up? If you need a jumpstart to your fitness commitment, or you are just looking for some new ideas, Marlboro Fit Day & 5K takes place on Saturday, June 7 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Cluett-Schantz Memorial Park. All ages are encouraged to try something new, from bocce ball to Ultimate Frisbee to a kickball tournament.
Cluett-Schantz Memorial Park is located at 1801-1805 Route 9W in Milton. For more information, visit www.marlborofitday.com.
SUNDAY, JUNE 8
Purina Kids Day at HITS in Saugerties
On Sunday, June 8 from 12 noon to 2 p.m., kids can enjoy free pony rides, participate in a hilarious horseless horse show and much more at HITS on the Hudson III’s Purina Kids Day. HITS on the Hudson is located at 454 Washington Avenue Extension in Saugerties. For more information, call (845) 246-8833 or visit www.hitsshows.com/saugerties.
Williams Lake Classic youth bike race in Rosendale
This Sunday, June 8, kids from 3 to 14 years can participate in the Williams Lake Classic youth bike race. Age categories are Tyke Bikers, 3 to 6 years; Speed Racers, 7 to 14 years. The event is free, but preregistration is strongly encouraged.
Williams Lake is located off Route 213 in Rosendale. For more information, visit www.williamslakeproject.com.
Touch a Truck at County Fairgrounds in New Paltz
Some of you will drive as long as it takes to get your little one to a Touch a Truck. Luckily, there’s one right in New Paltz this weekend. On Sunday, June 8 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., stop by the Ulster Fairgrounds for free activities, the chance to explore some of the vehicles and the opportunity to meet some emergency personnel. Admission is $5 per person, and kids under 3 years old are free. For additional information, go to https://www.newpaltzrotary.org/. The Ulster County Fairgrounds are located on Libertyville Road in New Paltz.
Soap Box Derby in Port Jervis
The Port Jervis Soap Box Derby takes place this Sunday, June 8 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The sheer scale of it sounds impressive! Races begin on Sussex Street. For more information, call (845) 800-1000 or visit www.pjsoapboxderby.com.
Unique area youth camps and activities
Snapology has scholarships available for upcoming summer Lego camps, including the July session of the new Snapology Girls’ Club: Animation Studio for ages 7 through 12. (845) 255-1318, www.midhudson.snapology.com.
Olana’s interdisciplinary summer arts program, Panorama, is for ages 6 through 12 and features arts, crafts, activities and culture, as inspired by artist Frederic E. Church. (518) 828-6742, www.olana.org.
Summer Stages at Bethel Woods provide children from preschool age to 12th grade with performance opportunities in musical theatre, as well as experience behind-the-scenes. (866) 781-2922, www.bethelwoodscenter.org.
Kids’ Almanac Writes
Kids’ Almanac thanks Stefan Bolz for supplying writing prompts for the month of June! Stefan thought of becoming a writer at the tender age of 17. It took 20 more years to begin writing and ten more to finish his first novel. Now he’s onto his fourth. Never give up!
Here is his prompt for this week. Remember to post your piece on the Almanac Weekly Facebook page: www.facebook.com/pages/almanac-weekly/287633831270607.
Prompt: “You receive a letter in the mail, written by your favorite character from a book. She asks you to come with her on an adventure. What would you write back?”
Erica Chase-Salerno lives in New Paltz with her husband and their two children: the inspirations behind www.hudsonvalleyparents.com. She can be reached at kidsalmanac@ulsterpublishing.com.
Join the family! 
