Forsyth Nature Center Fall Festival set for Oct. 7
KINGSTON, N.Y. >> An annual festival to benefit the Forsyth Nature Center is set for the Sunday of Columbus Day weekend.
The 16th annual “Forsyth Nature Center Fall Festival” will be held on Oct. 7 at the Lucas Avenue facility. The event will run from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
It will include a day of games, crafts, food, bake sales, raffles and entertainment.
This year’s festival will host a few new attractions including a “Jazzy Jack-OLanterns” craft and a “Dino Dig” game in addition to the regular children favorites: Peacock Pop, Funny Farm Hunt, Udder Putter, Sand Art, Spin Art, Pumpkin Painting, hayrides, bouncy houses and a crazy corn maze.
Center Caretaker Mark DeDea said he is excited about having miniature donkeys from Brays of Sunshine as well as Wild Mountain Birds of prey at the festival.
The event and all entertainment is free but tickets for games and crafts must be purchased.
All proceeds from tickets benefit the Friends of Forsyth Nature Center. The event normally raises about $10,000 each year.
Free activities include face painting, corn maze, leaf crowns and entertainment by local musicians.
There will also be some raffle prizes again this year including gift certificatesfrom local restaurants, handmade crafts, admission to local attractions and a kayak package donated by Kenco.
“We are very appreciative of the community in their attendance and volunteerism at the festival,” DeDea said in a press release. “This is a day the community can help us to continue improvements at the facility, better the visitor’s experience, and enhance the animals’ conditions.”
Entertainment lineup will include the Hudson Valley Youth Chorale and the G.W. Elementary School Peace Singers.
The following is a listing of events:
Main stage
11 a.m. to 11:10 a.m.: A welcome from Mayor Steve Noble, Chairwoman of Friends of the Forsyth Nature Center Donna Seymour, and
Master of Ceremonies Steve Johnson.
11:10 to 11:40 a.m.: Hudson Valley Youth Chorale
Noon to -12:40 a.m. Musician Jim Donnelly
1 p.m. to1:40 p.m.: Deb Martin and Lauren Tully, musicians
2 p.m. to 2:40 p.m.: Musician Jerry Mitnick
3 p.m. to 3:40 p.m.:pm The Fabulous Hackers, musical group.
3:40 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Raffle and 50/50 drawings
Children’s stage
11:30 a.m. to noon: Karen Pillsworth, Storytelling
Noon to 1 p.m.: Stephanie Morgan, storytelling.
1 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.: George Washington Elementary School Peace Singers.
The fall festival is the primary fundraiser of the Friends of Forsyth Nature
Center
During the past 16 years, the annual fall festivals have raised more than $130,000.
The money has been used on many of the facility upgrades including fencing, animal exhibits, pavers, construction of a pond, installation of a gazebo, greenhouse, turtle exhibit, signage, landscaping, and energy efficient upgrades including solar panels and new windows.