Family Fun Calendar
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Listed chronologically
Friday, Aug. 27
Antique Gas & Steam Engine Association. 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; also Aug. 28 & 29. Antique tractor parades, flea market, live music. Town Park, Route 26, Maine. (607) 624-3834.New York State Fair. 10 a.m.- midnight; through Sept. 6. Check out the Midway rides; competitions for crafts, art, livestock and agriculture; entertainment; and all your favorite foods. New York State Fairgrounds, Geddes. Admission: $10/general; free/age 11 and younger. Parking: $5/car; $3/motorcycle. (800) 475-FAIR.
Syracuse Chiefs. 7 p.m. Cheer the hometown International League team as they face the Buffalo Bisons. Alliance Bank Stadium, 1 Tex Simone Drive, Syracuse. $4-$11. 474-7833.
Saturday, Aug. 28
Antique Gas & Steam Engine Association. 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; also Aug. 29. See Aug. 27 listing.Snip-Its Anniversary Celebration. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Celebrate the salon’s fifth anniversary with free ice cream (truck 11 a.m.-4 p.m.), prizes and more. Snip-its, 5663 E. Circle Drive, Suite 500, Cicero. 452-5437.
New York State Fair. 10 a.m.- midnight; through Sept. 6. See Aug. 27 listing.
Sciencenter Showtime. 2 p.m. Cindy Reinhart-King, professor of biomedical engineering at Cornell University, gives a view on how the body heals itself, at a microscopic level. Sciencenter, 601 First St., Ithaca. Admission: $7/adults; $5/ages 3-17; free/under 3. (607) 272-0600.
Syracuse Chiefs. 7 p.m. Vs. Lehigh Valley IronPigs. See Aug. 27 listing.
Sunday, Aug. 29
Antique Gas & Steam Engine Association. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. See Aug. 27 listing.New York State Fair. 10 a.m.- midnight; through Sept. 6. See Aug. 27 listing.
Syracuse Chiefs. 5 p.m. Vs. Lehigh Valley IronPigs. See Aug. 27 listing.
Monday, Aug. 30
New York State Fair. 10 a.m.- midnight; through Sept. 6. See Aug. 27 listing.Camillus Page Turners. 6-7:30 p.m. Kids ages 9-12 with an accompanying adult can talk about a book. August’s selection is Rick Riordan’s The Lightning Thief. Maxwell Memorial Library, 14 Genesee St., Camillus. Free. 672-3661.
Tuesday, Aug. 31
New York State Fair. 10 a.m.- midnight; through Sept. 6. See Aug. 27 listing.
Wednesday, Sept. 1
New York State Fair. 10 a.m.- midnight; through Sept. 6. See Aug. 27 listing.Family Fest. 11 a.m. David Ying and Elinor Freer lead a musical parade of feathered and furry creatures, followed by an instrument petting zoo; for age 5 and up. Part of the Skaneateles Festival. First Presbyterian Church, 97 E. Genesee St., Skaneateles. Free. 685-7418.
Syracuse Chiefs. 7 p.m. Vs. Rochester Red Wings. See Aug. 27 listing.
Thursday, Sept. 2
New York State Fair. 10 a.m.- midnight; through Sept. 6. See Aug. 27 listing.Syracuse Chiefs. 7 p.m. Vs. Rochester Red Wings. See Aug. 27 listing.
Friday, Sept. 3
New York State Fair. 10 a.m.- midnight; through Sept. 6. See Aug. 27 listing.Theatre Club. 3-4:30 p.m.; also Sept. 10, 17 & 24. Kids ages 13-17 can read, discuss and perform their own poetry or that of other poets. Central Library, Galleries of Syracuse, 447 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. 435-1900.
Saturday, Sept. 4
New York State Fair. 10 a.m.- midnight; through Sept. 6. See Aug. 27 listing.
Sunday, Sept. 5
New York State Fair. 10 a.m.- midnight; through Sept. 6. See Aug. 27 listing.Monday, Sept. 6
LABOR DAYLast Day of New York State Fair. 10 a.m.- midnight. See Aug. 27 listing.
Exhibit Closing. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Last chance to tease your brain in the Mindbender Mansion exhibit. Strong National Museum of Play, 1 Manhattan Square, Rochester. Admission: $11/adults; $10/seniors; $9/ages 2-17; free/younger than 2. (585) 263-2700.
Tuesday, Sept. 7
See ongoing eventsWednesday, Sept. 8
Teddy Bear Story Time. 10 a.m.; also Sept. 8, 15 & 22. Children ages 2-5 and their families can enjoy picture books, puppets, finger plays and more. Paine Branch Library, 113 Nichols Ave., Syracuse. Free. Register: 435-5442.Back to School Craft. 3:30 p.m. Children age 3 and up can create their own craft. Beauchamp Branch Library, 2111 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. 435-3395.
Thursday, Sept. 9
Preschool Story Time. 10 a.m.; also Sept. 16, 23 & 30. Stories, songs and finger play for kids ages 3-5 and their families. Soule Branch Library, 101 Springfield Road, Syracuse. 435-5320.Diary of a Wimpy Kid Movie. 2 p.m. PG-rated live-action movie of Jeff Kinney’s illustrated novel about a wise-cracking sixth-grader; some rude humor and language. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. 637-6374.
Friday, Sept. 10
Syracuse Irish Festival. 5-10 p.m. Two days of Irish music, dance, food, drink and exhibits. Clinton Square, downtown Syracuse. Free. 426-2813.Saturday, Sept. 11
You & Your Girl. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mothers and daughters can hear author and Virtuous Reality Ministries founder Vicki Courtney talk about the challenges teen girls face and how to overcome them. North Syracuse Baptist Church, 420 N. Main St., North Syracuse. $45/mother; $30/first daughter; $15/additional daughter. (800) 254-2022.Golden Harvest Festival. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; also Sept. 12. Enjoy the atmosphere of an old-time country fair with horse-drawn hayrides, live music, animal demonstrations, nature walks, and games and contests. Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. $5/general admission; $1/ages 6-17; free/age 5 & under. $2/vehicle. 638-2519.
Trash to Treasure. 10:30 a.m. Children ages 5-10 can use leftovers from the craft supply stash to decorate a cigar box. Petit Branch Library, 105 Victoria Place, Syracuse. Free. Register: 435-3636.
Syracuse Irish Festival. 10 a.m.-11 p.m. See Sept. 10 listing.
TomatoFest. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; also Sept. 12. Live music and a kids tent with a lineup of entertainment including juggling, reptile demonstration, face painting ($1) and a veggie art contest. Emerson Park on Owasco Lake, Auburn. Donation. 237-8066 or www.cnytomatofest.org.
Gotta Dance! Studio Open House. Noon-5 p.m.; also Sept. 12. Demonstrations, free classes, prizes, games and more. Gotta Dance! Performing Arts Studio, 8075 Oswego Road No. 12, Clay Commons, Liverpool. Free. 409-8655.
Sunday, Sept. 12
CNYSPCA Walk and Four-Legged Festival. 9:30 a.m., registration; 10:30-11:30 a.m., walk; 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m., festival. Fund-raiser benefits CNYSPCA and offers exhibits on animal health care, obedience, dog bites, animal rescue groups, among others. Long Branch Park, Longbranch Road, Liverpool. 454-0409.Golden Harvest Festival. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. See Sept. 11 listing.
TomatoFest. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. See Sept. 11 listing.
Gotta Dance! Studio Open House. Noon-5 p.m. See Sept. 11 listing.
Monday, Sept. 13
Maxwell Movie Night. 6 p.m. See a family-friendly film, popcorn included. Maxwell Memorial Library, 14 Genesee St., Camillus. Free. 672-3661.
Tuesday, Sept. 14
See ongoing eventsWednesday, Sept. 15
Bubble Man. 7 p.m. The Bubble Man entertains at the first meeting of High Point, a program of Bible teachings and activities for kids in K-5. Community Wesleyan Church, 112 Downer St., Baldwinsville. Free. 638-2222.Special Education Advisory Board Meeting. 6-8 p.m. Parents, teachers and advocates of children with special needs are encouraged to attend this Syracuse City School District meeting. Hughes School, 345 Jamesville Ave., Syracuse. Free. 435-4424.
Thursday, Sept. 16
Story Times with Miss Mandy. 10:30 a.m.; also Sept. 23. A mix of stories, songs and rhymes creates a special time for you and your child. Betts Branch Library, 4862 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. 435-1940.CNY SPD Support Group. 7 p.m. Monthly meeting of the CNY Sensory Processing Disorder Parent Connections Support Group features a discussion of developmental evaluations with a guest speaker. Beacon Baptist Church, 4800 Route 31, Clay. Free. 247-4195 or 415-7074.
Friday, Sept. 17
La Festa Italiana. 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; through Sept. 19. Celebration of all things Italian includes children’s activities as well as bocce tournament. In front of Syracuse City Hall, Montgomery and Washington streets, Syracuse. Free admission. 463-5134.KidzClub Grand Re-Opening. 6-8 p.m. Celebration features music, juggling, balloon sculpture, crafts and more. KidzClub Indoor Play and Party Place, Three Rivers Plaza, 219 Route 57, Phoenix. $10/child; free/adults. Reservations encouraged: 695-2211.
Illustrator Book Signing. 6:30 p.m. Michael Borkowski, illustrator of Iron Man: Armored Adventures, signs books and talks about how he draws superheroes. Barnes & Noble, 3454 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt. Free.449-2948.
Saturday, Sept. 18
Fall Harvest Celebration Begins. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; through end of October. Petting zoo, apple and pumpkin picking, wagon rides, playgrounds, corn maze. Critz Farms, Route 13, Cazenovia. $7/person; $5/seniors; free/age 2 & under. Each paid admission includes a season pass. 662-3355.Talk Like a Pirate Weekend. 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; also Sept. 19. In conjunction with International Talk Like a Pirate Day (Sept. 19), take pirate elocution lessons, or participate in dance, music or crafts. Strong National Museum of Play, 1 Manhattan Square, Rochester. Admission: $11/adults; $10/seniors; $9/ages 2-17; free/younger than 2.
(585) 263-2700.
La Festa Italiana. 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; through Sept. 19. See Sept. 17 listing.
Friends and Family Carnival. Noon-5 p.m. Games, pony rides, karaoke, chicken barbecue and more. First United Church of East Syracuse, 823 Franklin Park Drive, East Syracuse. Barbecue: $6.50/adults; $5/seniors & children over 5. 447-8016.
Barefoot Hike. 1-2:30 p.m. A member of the Barefoot Society of CNY leads a half-mile barefoot hike over grass, wooden bridges, leaves and soil. Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus. $8/person; $25/family. Register: 673-1350.
Sunday, Sept. 19
Sycamore Hill Garden Tour. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Enjoy a day in nature walking 25 acres of themed gardens. Benefit for Baltimore Woods Nature Center. Sycamore Hill, 2130 Old Seneca Turnpike, Marcellus. $5/advance; $10/door; free/under 12. 673-1350.La Festa Italiana. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. See Sept. 17 listing.
Westcott Street Cultural Fair. Noon-5 p.m. Annual daylong celebration features art, food and music showcasing unique neighborhood. Festivities begin with a funky parade down the street. Kids Korner at Petit Library, 105 Victoria Place. 400-500 block of Westcott Street, Syracuse. Free admission. 703-6848.
Talk Like a Pirate Weekend. Noon-5 p.m. See Sept. 18 listing.
Monday, Sept. 20
Raising Healthy Kids. 8:15 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Workshop features Dr. Dennis Embry, who will talk about encouraging behavior change in homes, schools and communities. Driver’s Village Conference Center, 5885 E. Circle Drive, Cicero. $20. 471-1359.Nature’s Little Explorers. 10-11 a.m. Children ages 3-5 accompanied by a parent or guardian can explore the hidden world of ants. Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus. $12/preschooler. Register: 673-1350.
Tuesday, Sept. 21
See ongoing events
Wednesday, Sept. 22
YogaKids. 4:15 p.m. Children age 6 and up can take part in a free yoga class taught by YogaKids facilitator and trainer Julie Daniel. White Branch Library, 763 Butternut St., Syracuse. Free. Register: 435-3519.
Thursday, Sept. 23
AUTUMN BEGINSProtecting Your Child’s Immune System. 7 p.m. Rodney Dietert, professor of immunotoxicology at Cornell University, talks about and signs his book on keeping your child healthy. Barnes & Noble, 3454 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt. Free. 449-2948.
Friday, Sept. 24
Smart Play. 10:30 a.m.; also Sept. 25. Children can take part in a play experience designed to enhance early literacy skills; ages 2-5. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. 657-6374.Great Syracuse Oktoberfest. Noon-11 p.m.; through Sept. 26. Live ethnic music, German food and beverages. CNY Regional Market, Park Street, Syracuse. Free admission. 675-8321.
Saturday, Sept. 25
Comic Books Weekend. 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; also Sept. 26. Meet comic books artists and writers as well as WordGirl and Iron Man. Strong National Museum of Play, 1 Manhattan Square, Rochester. Admission: $11/adults; $10/seniors; $9/ages 2-17; free/younger than 2. (585) 263-2700.
SmartPlay. 10:30 a.m. See Sept. 24 listing.
Family Day: Design Your World. Noon-3 p.m. Spend an art-filled afternoon: go green with a recycled cardboard challenge, create candy furniture models or make new patterns with a fabric and stamp activity. Everson Museum of Art, 401 Harrison St., Syracuse. Free. 474-6064.
Great Syracuse Oktoberfest. Noon-11 p.m.; through Sept. 26. See Sept. 24 listing.
Alice in Wonderland. 12:30 p.m. Children in the audience help Alice find her way through a magical land filled with unusual characters in the Magic Circle Children’s Theatre version. Spaghetti Warehouse, 689 N. Clinton St., Syracuse. $5. Reservations suggested: 449-3823.
Toddler’s Tango. 2:30 p.m. Bring in your toddlers to sing and dance. Beauchamp Branch Library, 2111 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. 435-3395.
No Child. 3 & 8 p.m.; through Oct. 10. Reenah Golden stars in 16 roles in this story of an idealistic young artist who attempts to teach a class of under-challenged 10th graders. Storch Theatre, Syracuse Stage, 820 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. $20/adults; $15/students. 443-3275.
Sunday, Sept. 26
Yeah Baby Expo. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Baby and family expo with exhibitors, displays, samples and more. Holiday Inn, 441 Electronics Parkway, Liverpool. Free admission. 472-9797.National Down Syndrome Society Buddy Walk. 10:30 a.m. (registration at 9:30 a.m.). Individuals with Down
syndrome along with their friends and families promote acceptance and advocacy with a two-mile walk; followed by picnic lunch and festivities. Long Branch Park, Longbranch Road, Liverpool. Free. 682-4289.
Fun Day for Families Affected by Autism. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Pumpkin decorating, corn maze, train rides and other activities for families affected by autism. Presented by CNY Autism Society of America and FEAT of CNY. Wolf Oak Acres, 6470 Creek Road, Oneida. Reservations recommended: 464-8668.
Jewish Music and Cultural Festival. Noon-6 p.m. Kosher food, children’s activities and numerous musical acts. Jewish Community Center, 5655 Thompson Road, DeWitt. Free admission. 682-8489.
Great Syracuse Oktoberfest. Noon-6 p.m. See Sept. 25 listing.
Comic Books Weekend. Noon-5 p.m. See Sept. 25 listing.
Pat’s Pavement Pounder. 1-3 p.m. (registration noon-1 p.m.) Walk or run to benefit Dr. William J. Waters Center for Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders at University Hospital and the Patrick Cole Courage Award, named for Patrick Cole, who died of cancer at age 16. Fayetteville-Manlius High School Track, 8210 E. Seneca Turnpike, Manlius. $20/person; $40/family. 682-6286.
No Child. 2 p.m.; through Oct. 10. See Sept. 15 listing.