What to Do for the First Weekend of “Fall”

Yes, we know it is not officially Fall yet. But school is back in session, the weather has been hinting at cooler temperatures, and a couple of early-bird trees have changed colors. So let’s look at things to do for what looks to be a nice not-quite-fall weekend.

· Yorktown Grange Fair: This year "All Signs Point to the Fair!" Follow the signs and enjoy the competitions and exhibits. There will be livestock, produce and flower shows; beautiful local craft displays; a fun fair midway; local bands live onstage, and delicious food! For more information: http://www.yorktowngrangefair.org/. For further information, click here.

· A Fire Boat and a Viking Ship: The retired fire boat “John J. Harvey” and the “Draken Harald Harfagre,” which is the largest Viking dragon ship built in modern times, will both be on display this weekend at the Hudson River Maritime Museum at 50 Rondout Landing in Kingston. For more information, click here.

· Oktoberfest in Putnam: An authentic Oktoberfest will be held Saturday and Sunday, rain or shine at the German American Social Club at 11 Kramers Pond Road in Putnam Valley. Featuring a wonderful band from Oberlind, Germany and Bud and Linda Gramer. Come to enjoy a unique event, friendly atmosphere with live music, and a variety of German and American foods, along with imported beers, Viennese Café, and Oktoberfest pretzels! There will be activities for the kids, too. Indoor clubhouse bar and ample parking. Hours are Saturday from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 7 p.m. For further information, click here.

· A Kids’ Program on Putnam Iron Mining: Join the Southeast Museum for its kids’ program on the Tilly Foster Iron Mine on Saturday September 10 at 10:00 a.m. Learn about the mine and create a craft based on its magnetic properties. This program is free and is for children aged 5-11. The Southeast Museum is located at 67 Main Street in Brewster.

· Hike Tallman Mountain and Piermont: You can take a hike of Tallman Mountain State Park on Saturday at 11 a.m. Then it is on to a historical tour of the Piermont Pier. The hike will be 5 hours long. Bring your own lunch and water and wear good walking or hiking boots. Meet on the corner of Tate and Piermont Aves in Piermont in front of 450 Piermont Ave. Drivers should park across the street down Gair Ave in municipal Lot D on the right. The hike is not suitable for children under age 7. For more information, click here.

· Hike the AT to the Dover Oak: There will be a hike along part of the Appalachian Trail to the Dover Oak on Saturday starting at 10 a.m. The hike starts at the AT Boardwalk in Pawling, west of the MetroNorth Railroad’s Appalachian Trail station stop, which is just south of Native Landscapes at 991 Route 22. The hike will go west across the boardwalk over the Great Swamp, and then proceed to the Dover Oak on West Dover Road in Pawling. This magnificent tree is more than 300 years old and is the largest tree on the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine. For more information, click here.

· An Evening of Opera: Soprano Christine Partridge will perform a selection of sacred and operatic arias at Immaculate Conception Church on Winter Hill Road in Tuckahoe. She will sing compositions by a variety of composers, including Cassini, Handel, Mendelssohn, Puccini, and Verdi. Hors d’oeuvres and wine will be served during intermission. The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $35.

· Art Walk in Ridgefield: Head into Connecticut for Art Walk 2016. Sixty-one artists will be showing their works in the downtown Ridgefield and Copps Hill areas. Works include photography, paintings, and sculpture that are all for sale and will be displayed in 54 storefronts and inside stores in downtown Ridgefield. For further information, click here.

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