“I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream.”
~ Vincent Van Gogh
The Wizard Comes To Woodstock
There’s no place like home, says Dorothy in the The Wizard of Oz, and there’s no place like Bird-on-a-Cliff Theatre to see The Wizard of Oz! Round up your family, friends, and neighbors for this outdoor classic, which is driven by the L. Frank Baum’s book, rather than the movie. Performances take place outdoors at 5 p.m. every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through September 6. Admission is a suggested donation of $5. The Wizard of Oz takes place at 45 Comeau Lane in Woodstock. For more information, call (845) 247-4007 or visit https://birdonacliff.org.
Saturday, August 29
Rosie The Riveter Day
“You must tell your children, putting modesty aside, that without us, without women, there would have been no spring in 1945,” reads the quote at the Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historic Park in Richmond, California. You and your family can celebrate this icon of our nation’s history this weekend at Rosie the Riveter Day in Catskill. On Saturday, August 29 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Catskill Point, commemorate the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II and honor service members and civilians on the homefront with a USO show, a dance with lessons, food vendors, and a Rosie the Riveter Lookalike Contest. Admission is free. For more information, call (518) 945-2700.
NY Air Show at Stewart
Do you remember the movie, Top Gun? You know how you’ve since moved on with your life, but somehow when you hear Berlin’s song, Take My Breath Away, you’re right back in 1986? Or perhaps it’s just me. Here’s a 2015 aircraft highlight for you: The New York Air Show. On Saturday, August 29 and Sunday, August 30, head to the civilian side of Stewart International Airport for a show featuring over 30 military and civilian aircraft, simulators, a kids zone, and more! Performers fly between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. on both days. General admission for one day is $17.50 for adults, $10.50 for children ages 6 to 12, and children under 6 years are free. On-field parking is $20, nearby parking is $15, and you can save by purchasing in advance. Additional ticket packages are available for Photo Pit or VIP viewing. This show is handicapped accessible with shuttle service between the parking area and the entrance. General admission attendees will want to bring chairs or blankets. No off-site food is allowed. Show-goers should follow the directions for Stewart International Airport found on the website, https://airshowny.com.
For tickets or more information, call (877) 766-8158 or visit https://airshowny.com.
Dr. Marmalade in Rhinebeck
What do you get when you put together a doctor who helps puppet animals around the world, who then become her friends and assistants? Why, it’s Dr. Marmalade, of course! The audience will meet a gorilla with a belly ache, a singing dinosaur, a snake that wants to be a cat, and many more. Dr. Marmalade will perform at the Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck this Saturday, August 29 at 11 a.m. Tickets are $9 for adults and seniors, $7 for children. The Center is located at 661 Route 308 in Rhinebeck. For tickets or more information, call (845) 876-3080 or visit https://www.centerforperformingarts.org.
Free Movie Night At Olana
Did your family see the animated movie, Epic? I just learned that the home of Dr. Bomba in the film is based on Olana State Historic Site and appears several times! You and your family can come to Olana for a free movie night to see Epic this Saturday, August 29. A free shuttle runs from the lower parking lot to the East Lawn, where the Mid-Hudson Astronomy Association will have telescopes and astronomy binoculars available for kids to peek through, beginning at 6:30 p.m. From 7:30 p.m. to 8:15 p.m., John Farrell performs live music. Then the movie will begin. This event is free and open to the public, and no registration is required. Olana is located at 5720 Route 9G in Hudson. For more information, call (518) 828-0135 or visit https://www.olana.org.
Protecting the President
If only you could ask some of President Roosevelt’s military police what it was like to protect him during World War II. Well, you can! This Saturday, August 29, military police reenactors will be available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt National Historic Site to answer your questions about protecting the president and about what life was like back home during the war. The Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site is located at 4097 Albany Post Road in Hyde Park. For more information including ticketing and tours, visit https://www.nps.gov/hofr.
Sports First Aid Certification
Are you coaching your kid’s team this fall? Here’s one way to feel extra safe and prepared both on and off the field: Sports First Aid Certification Course. On Saturday, August 29 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Vassar Brothers Medical Center, coaches, athletes, and parents are invited to learn how to manage common sports injuries. The cost is $75 and includes the text and materials. I know I feel so much more relaxed having taken a basic first aid/CPR class, and this seems like a terrific way to bring safety knowledge to games and practices this fall. Vassar Brothers Medical Center is located at 45 Reade Place in Poughkeepsie. For more information or to register, call (845) 475-9742.
The Animal Olympics at Minnewaska
Ask your kids: Can you run as fast as a black bear? Can you see as far as an eagle? Now, let’s test out their answers at the Animal Olympics! This Saturday, August 29 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Minnewaska State Park Preserve, gather up your 5 to 10 year olds and give them some hands-on activities to compare their bodies and senses with those of animals. Pre-registration is required. Minnewaska State Park Preserve is located at 5281 Route 44/55 in Kerhonkson. For more information or to register, call (845) 255-0752 or visit https://nysparks.com.
Nature’s habits talk and walk
Don’t you love walking out in nature with experts and learning about things that you never noticed before? You can have that experience this weekend! On Saturday, August 29, three field biologists will be at Germantown Library to give a talk at 9 a.m. about different organisms and their habitats. Then they will lead a two hour field walk at 10:30 a.m. at Keep Conservation Preserve. You can come to the talk, or the walk, or both, and it’s all free. Germantown Library is located at 31 Palatine Park Road in Germantown. For more information, call (518) 537-5800 or (518) 672-7994.
Solar powered at Starr Library
Do you ever wish your kids could experience life “off the grid,” an existence that doesn’t rely on modern conveniences like electricity or Internet? Then you want your kids ages 8 and up to go to Starr Library this Saturday, August 29 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., where the activities are all powered by the sun! Make artwork with SunPrint paper, drink Sun Tea, and create a sundial! This program is free and open to the public. Starr Library is located at 6417 Montgomery Street in Rhinebeck. For more information, call (845) 876-4030 or visit https://starrlibrary.org.
Sunday, August 30
Living History at Boscobel
Boscobel is so beautiful, here’s another excuse to get there: Living History Reenactment Day! On Sunday, August 30 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., military reenactors from three different wars demonstrate camp life, including musket firings and drills, and to commemorate the sesquicentennial of the Civil War, a Parrott Cannon will be fired. Reenactment Day is included with admission for entry to the grounds and house tour, which is $17 for adults; $14 for seniors ages 62 and up; $8 for children 6 to 14 years; free for children under 6; $45 for a family of four, plus $8 for any additional people. Admission is slightly cheaper for those not entering the house.
Boscobel is located at 1601 Route 9D in Garrison. For more information, call (845) 265-3638 or visit https://www.boscobel.org.
Erica Chase-Salerno and her new port live in New Paltz along with her husband, Mike, and their two children: the inspirations behind HudsonValleyParents.com. She can be reached at kidsalmanac@ulsterpublishing.com
Join the family! 
