“Every family meeting consists of the same three topics: Who isn’t flushing? Who leaves the lights on? and
How often do you bathe? #parenting”
– overheard in Hurley
FRIDAY, AUGUST 17
Grahamsville Little World’s Fair
As New York State’s oldest independent fair, the Grahamsville Little World’s Fair has something for everyone: agriculture and livestock exhibits and contests, live music, rides for all ages and more! Give your family some old-fashioned fun this Friday through Sunday, August 17 to 19, starting at 9 a.m. And check out these prices: free for ages 4 and under and 75 and older, $3 for ages 5 through 11 and $6 for ages 12 through 74. Rides are priced separately.
The Grahamsville Little World’s Fair takes place at 8230 State Route 55 in Grahamsville. For more information, call (845) 986-7367 or visit www.grahamsvillefair.com.
LGBTQ Center hosts Youth & Birth Control Workshop
You name it, someone’s either starting it or already running it at the LGBTQ Center! On Friday, August 17 from 6 to 7 p.m., LGBTQ youth and allies ages 12 to 19 are invited to participate in a free LGBTQ Youth & Birth Control Workshop at the LGBTQ Community Center. Young people will learn more about birth control and the reproductive health rights of minors. Donuts will be provided, and feel free to stay for dinner and Teen Night afterwards.
The Hudson Valley LGBTQ Community Center is located at 300 Wall Street in Kingston. For more information, call (845) 331-5300 or visit http://lgbtqcenter.org/news/sage-table-an-intergenerational-dinner-2.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 18
Bethel Woods presents Sesame Street Live!
We all know Cookie Monster’s favorite song, “C is for cookie…” but this weekend, C stands for Celebration! On Saturday, August 18, Bethel Woods presents two performances of Sesame Street Live! C is for Celebration. Choose 12 or 4 p.m. to watch your children’s favorite characters transform from screen to stage, including favorite characters Elmo, Abby, Cookie Monster, Super Grover and Rosita. The shows take place in the Pavilion, and prices range from $35 to $77 for reserved seats, or $107 for a family four-pack. All guests ages 6 months and up must have a ticket, and ticket prices increase $5 the day of the performances.
Bethel Woods is located at 200 Hurd Road in Bethel. For tickets or more information, visit www.bethelwoodscenter.org/events/detail/sesame. To learn more about the show, visit www.sesamestreetlive.com.
Extreme Ballet Final Showcase free at Kaatsbaan in Tivoli
Need some inspiration? I offer to you Elwince and Raye Vince, both 16 years old, from the Philippines. Like Eminem says, “You only get one shot, do not miss your chance to blow/This opportunity comes once in a lifetime.” With the help of the first Filipina American to achieve principal dancer in the American Ballet Theatre, Stella Abrera, the young dancers traveled across the world to participate in the Extreme Ballet program at the Kaatsbaan International Dance Center. And we get to watch them perform! Come to the Extreme Ballet Final Showcase of the summer this Saturday, August 18 at 12 noon in the Kaatsbaan Studio-Theatre. The show is free and open to the public, but come early, as seating is limited.
Kaatsbaan is located at 120 Broadway in Tivoli. For more information, call (845) 757-5106 or visit www.kaatsbaan.org/extreme.html.
Family hikes at Sam’s Point, Minnewaska
Need some perspective on parenting? How about a family hike? Give your kids the gift of the great outdoors and be a part of Minnewaska State Park Preserve’s weekend plans. On Saturday, August 18 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sam’s Point offers a Long Hike to Swim at Lake Awosting. This 12-mile hike includes a break for lunch and a swim in this pristine lake. This outing is recommended for ages 16 and up. Sam’s Point is located at 400 Sam’s Point Road in Cragsmoor. Preregistration is required at (845) 647-7989, or visit https://parks.ny.gov/events/event.aspx?e=193-22976.0.
Or, come further up the Ridge to the Minnewaska Nature Center for a Citizen Science Hike for Families on Beacon Hill from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. It’s recommended for ages 8 and up. Preregistration is required at (845) 255-0752, or visit https://parks.ny.gov/parks/127/details.aspx. Park entry costs $10 per vehicle, or use your Empire Pass. Happy trails!
SUNDAY, AUGUST 23
Free sails in Hudson
If you live in Hudson, cancel your plans for Sunday, because you get to go on a free sail! On Sunday, August 19, boats will take you out for rides between 2 and 6 p.m.; you just have to weigh at least 50 pounds. Head down to the Henry Hudson Waterfront Park, and you’ll have your “river legs” in no time as you learn about the Hudson River Sloop Club, the river itself and sailing basics during your sail. Participation is first-come, first-served, no reservations required.
The Henry Hudson Waterfront Park is located along Front Street in Hudson. For more information, call (518) 610-1160 or visit http://hudsonsloopclub.org/.
SAT prep at Coleman High
You can smell it in the air: SAT season is upon us. But don’t panic. If your genius needs help preparing for the exam, Fit for U College Counseling has got you covered. This Thursday, August 23 from 9 to 11 a.m. at John A. Coleman Catholic High School, join Fit for U for SAT cramming to prep and review before the August and September tests. The cost of the session is $35 per student, and registration is due by Tuesday, August 21.
Coleman High School is located at 430 Hurley Avenue in Hurley. For more information or to register, call (845) 481-3667 or visit www.fitforucollegecounseling.com.
Autism swim
According to retired Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, “So many people along the way, whatever it is you aspire to do, will tell you it can’t be done. But all it takes is imagination. You dream. You plan. You reach.” There are many people, including folks with autism, who experience resistance like this every day. But not at the Union Avenue Community Fitness Center! Autism Swim is a new program to teach water safety skills to young people with autism in a fun and supportive environment. Open to youth with autism from ages 2 to 17, lessons start September 9 and meet Sundays at 3:30 p.m. and Tuesdays at 5 p.m. for five weeks. The cost for this series of private lessons is $225 per person.
The Union Avenue Community Fitness Center is located at 565 Union Avenue in New Windsor. To register or for more information, call (845) 561-5700, extension 2, or visit www.communityfitnesscenter.com.
Mohonk Preserve offers Ulster County residents a free month of membership
Ulster County residents who like *free* fun family experiences, read on: The Mohonk Preserve offers a free monthlong membership, good through September 16! Just provide proof of residency and show up at one of the places and times as listed here to score your passes. For more information, call (845) 255-0919 or visit https://bit.ly/2nkcHaZ.
• Mohonk Preserve Visitor Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday, August 16 through Sunday, August 19; 3197 Route 44/55 in Gardiner.
• Spring Farm Trailhead from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, August 18 and 19; Upper 27 Knolls Road in High Falls.
Erica Chase-Salerno is grateful it’s still summer! She loves hearing from you and can be reached at kidsalmanac@ulsterpublishing.com.
Join the family! 
