Grahamsville Fairgrounds throw Giant Pumpkin Party
Clear your calendars this Saturday, October 4 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the Giant Pumpkin Party at the Grahamsville Fairgrounds. Children of all ages will enjoy the Old MacDonald’s Farm and Petting Zoo, hay maze, obstacle course, haunted house, carnival games that everyone wins, homemade donuts and more.
The Grahamsville Fairgrounds are located along Route 55 in Grahamsville. For more information, call (845) 985-7233 or visit www.denning.us.
Walkway over the Hudson fifth anniversary puppet exhibit
This weekend marks the fifth anniversary of the Grand Opening of the Walkway over the Hudson, and some of the original celebratory puppets are on display on Saturday, October 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. While you’re there, I encourage you to take a ride in the new 21-story elevator!
To me, the Walkway symbolizes possibility – that so many people could work together and transform this rehabilitated railway into such a valuable community asset – and connectedness: a tangible and personal direct link between the people of Ulster and Dutchess Counties, as well as a destination that draws visitors from around the world.
Parking is available on either end of the Walkway: 61 Parker Avenue in Poughkeepsie, 125 Washington Street in Poughkeepsie and 87 Haviland Road in Highland. For more information, visit www.walkway.org.
18th-century Fall Festival at Kingston’s Senate House
The Senate House in Kingston is a reminder of how bold our forebears were, declaring a new State Senate during the war against the British. And since we can still visit the house and grounds, it is a terrific way to experience the feelings that “History happened here.” But throw in some live period music; hands-on activities such as cornhusk dolls and action figures, making dried-apple wreaths and candle-dipping; and live demos of blacksmithing, apple cider-pressing and cooking with 18th-century reenactors – now you’ve got an 18th-century Fall Festival! And it’s free!
On Saturday, October 4 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., stop by the festival, and add on a tour of the Senate House and Museum while you’re there. Tour admission is $4 for adults, $3 for seniors; children 12 and under get in free. The Senate House is located at 296 Fair Street in Kingston. For more information, call (845) 338-2786 or visit https://nysparks.com.
House model-building workshop at Olana
Pop culture is currently infused with selfies: pictures that one takes of oneself and typically shares on social media, including the tongue-in-cheek song by the Chainsmokers, “#SELFIE,” and the word “selfie” was added to the Merriam-Webster dictionary this year. But what if the mode of expression were changed, yet you were still given complete artistic license? How about creating a model of a house that reflects who you are?
That’s exactly what Frederic Church did when he built Olana over 100 years ago, and you are invited to try it yourself. On every Saturday in October, beginning this Saturday, October 4 from 1 to 4 p.m., use paper, cardboard and wood to construct your own three-dimensional house that reflects you. Then take a selfie with your house and post it to the Olana Facebook page.
This event is free and open to all ages; however, some components are available to be purchased for $5. A vehicle entry fee also applies, for $5. Olana is located at 5720 Route 9G in Hudson. For more information, call (518) 828-0135 or visit www.olana.org.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5
Hudson Valley Reptile Expo returns to Civic Center
Calling all HerpNerds: It’s that time again! The Hudson Valley Reptile Expo takes place this Sunday, October 5 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Mid-Hudson Civic Center. The cash-only admission fees are $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 7 through 12; kids under age 7 get in free with an adult. Showtimes take place at 10:30 a.m., 12 noon, 1:30 and 3 p.m., as well as giveaways throughout the day.
The Mid-Hudson Civic Center is located at 14 Civic Center Plaza in Poughkeepsie. For more information, visit www.herpnerds.com.
Magician Mike Super at West Point
For all-ages appeal, nothing beats a good magic show, and this Sunday, October 5 at 3 p.m., Mike Super performs at West Point’s Eisenhower Hall Theatre. You may recognize him from America’s Got Talent: the one who channels Desmond, an imaginary friend from childhood.
Tickets cost $38. Remember to allow extra time for the security check as you enter the post. For tickets or more information, call (845) 938-4159 or visit www.ikehall.com. To learn more about the performer, visit https://mikesuper.publishpath.com.
Saugerties Mum Festival
The 49th annual Saugerties Mum Festival takes place this Sunday, October 5 at Seamon Park. There are no admission fees, and the day includes many free activities, such as a wildlife show, petting zoo, horse-drawn wagon rides and plenty of gorgeous background for fall photos.
Seamon Park is located at 5 Malden Avenue in Saugerties. For more information, visit the Saugerties Mum Festival on Facebook.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 6
Sewing circle for teens & tweens in Stone Ridge
The Stone Ridge Library offers terrific programming for teens and tweens, including a sewing circle that begins this week. Watch out, Project Runway! All levels are welcome, and topics will include stitches, using simple patterns, practicing using a needle and thread and trying simple sewing projects. The sewing circle for teens and tweens in grade 4 and up takes place on Mondays from 3 to 4:30 p.m. on October 6, November 10 and December 8.
The Stone Ridge Library is located at 3700 Main Street in Stone Ridge. For more information or to register, call (845) 687-2044 or visit www.stoneridgelibrary.org.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8
Curse of the Were-Rabbit at Red Hook Library
Everyone speaks so highly of the octagonal Red Hook Library. With Halloween season upon us, I had to mention this viewing of Wallace & Gromit’s The Curse of the Were-Rabbit. This great film will be shown on Wednesday, October 8 at 5 p.m. The screening is free and open to the public.
The Red Hook Library is located at 7444 South Broadway in Red Hook. For more information, call (845) 758-3241 or visit https://redhooklibrary.org.
Workshop on autistic students
The workshop “Understanding Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders” takes place on Thursday, October 9 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Center for Spectrum Services. This event is intended for certified administrators newly assigned to a special education position, individuals pursuing special education certification and parents, professionals and anyone else interested in learning about autism. The cost is $55, and seating is limited.
The Center for Spectrum Services is located at 70 Kukuk Lane in Kingston. For more information, call (845) 336-2616 or visit https://centerforspectrumservices.org.
Erica Chase-Salerno just found out that the new Poughkeepsie Rita’s is open year-round! 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! 
