New Paltz Regatta
The New Paltz Regatta is a long tradition where homecrafted boat creations are put to the ultimate test: launch into the Wallkill River. After the boat race is a rubber duck race, which offers duck sponsors the possibility of winning prizes. Proceeds from the New Paltz Regatta go to Family of New Paltz.
This day is so family-friendly, with past activities for kids including bounce houses and face-painting, and the live music adds fun or relaxation, depending on the tempo. This festival celebrates ingenuity, good fun and a great cause.
The 2013 New Paltz Regatta takes place along Main Street in New Paltz on Sunday, May 5, beginning with a parade of the boats at 1 p.m., followed by the boat race at approximately 2 p.m. For more information, visit the New Paltz Regatta listing on www.facebook.com.
Cornell Cooperative Extension centennial in Kingston
Happy 100th birthday to Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County (CCEUC)! And what’s a milestone birthday like this one, without a big party to match? On Saturday, June 1, join in on the fun as CCEUC celebrates 100 years of research, growth and collaboration: “Cooperative Extension’s connection with Cornell University dates back to 1865, when Cornell was founded as New York State’s land-grant university. Since its inception, the Land Grant idea was that if people had access to university-based knowledge and applied it to their everyday lives, stronger individuals, families and communities would be the result. It would mean a better quality of life. It was an idea based on a belief that individual success, democracy and hard work could see us through any challenges.”
Festivities begin at 8 a.m. with the annual Master Gardeners’ plant swap and sale, followed by opening ceremonies for the Centennial Celebration at 11 a.m. This family-friendly event also includes activities for kids, as well as music by the family favorite band Ratboy, Jr. This event takes place on Saturday, June 1 in the parking lot of the Education Center and main office located at 232 Plaza Road in Kingston at the Kingston Plaza. For more information, call (845) 340-3990 or visit www.cceulster.org.
Path through History events
The Path through History highlights a fusion approach to exploring history in New York State by connecting significant events and their locations and classifying them under one of 12 different categories: Arts & Culture; Canals & Transportation; Civil Rights; Colonial History; Innovation & Commerce; Native American; Natural History; the Revolution; Sports History; US Presidents; the War of 1812; and Women’s Rights. Special events coordinating with the Path through History take place on Saturday and Sunday, June 1, 2, 8 and 9, often at a free or discounted rate.
I think that this approach to organizing history might be helpful for families to support their kids’ interests by saving time skipping the legwork of tracking down individual resources. These are categories that are now recognized throughout New York State. For a complete Path through History calendar of events and map, visit www.paththroughhistoryweekends.com.
Dinosaur Petting Zoo at the Bardavon
There’s Hudson Valley history, and then there’s Hudson Valley prehistory! On Sunday, June 2 at 3 p.m., go back in time to the prehistoric era when the Bardavon presents Dinosaur Petting Zoo, an interactive performance that gives children the chance to see a wide array of dinosaurs, and also help care for them. Tickets cost $10.
The Bardavon is located at 35 Market Street in Poughkeepsie. For tickets or more information, call (845) 473-2072 or visit www.bardavon.org. To learn more about the performers, visit https://erth.com.au. l
Erica Chase-Salerno celebrates spring in New Paltz with her husband Mike and their two children: the inspirations behind hudsonvalleyparents.com. She can be reached at [email protected].
