Ornament Workshop and Holiday Market at Pitney Meadows Community Farm 12/2

Register today for the second Pitney Meadows Holiday Ornament Workshop taking place on Sunday, December 2nd from 1-4pm! Like last year they will be offering a variety of holiday projects to come and make, along with holiday goodies and a bake sale. They are also excited to include a holiday market!
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We will have pre-made ornaments, and will offer homemade and handmade items from farm participants for sale to benefit Pitney Meadows Community Farm. The perfect opportunity to buy local for holiday gifts!
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Families will find all of the materials they need to make a wide range of decorations, including pine-cone bird feeders, painted gourds, recycled wrapping paper from newspapers, and ornaments from such natural materials as pine cones, acorns, walnuts, berries, and seed pods. 

Hot chocolate, cider, Christmas cookies and other holiday refreshments will be served. Don't miss visits with Santa as well! 
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$5/person or $15/family. Please RSVP in advance: Contact@pitneymeadows.org

click the image below to see the Holiday Guide

Mini City Magazine :: November

click the cover to read it now!

GIVEAWAY CLOSED *** Holiday Giveaway with Your Toy Portrait!

Mini City has once again teamed up with our favorite local artist, Jennifer Maher Coleman for this great giveaway just in time for holiday gifting! To enter, simply comment below on what you would like YOUR portrait to be of, your home, your pet, your child’s favorite toy, your favorite people, whatever you want! One winner will be chosen at random on Friday, November 30th at 5pm and will receive an 8x10 acrylic painting on a deep, gallery-wrapped canvas, $120 value! This portrait can be shipped in time for the holidays, so enter now! You CAN enter more than once, so get going and good luck! Visit Your Toy Portrait on facebook here to see more beautiful examples of her work.

Family Saturday: 16th Make a Turkey Out of a Potato Festival 11/17

Join the Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery for the 16th Annual Make-a-Turkey-Out-of-a-Potato Festival on Saturday, November 17th from 2-3:30pm! Kids will make holiday centerpieces out of potatoes, pipe-cleaners, feathers, and beads. Create a fantastic bird sculpture to decorate your table! You can register for this one anytime by calling the Tang’s Visitor Service Desk at 518-580-8080. No limit, but advance registration is encouraged.

Family Saturdays foster multigenerational creative cooperation through looking at artwork, discussing it, and engaging in a hands-on art activity. Most programs run from 2:00 – 3:30 pm and include a tour of a specific exhibition.

All programs are free and open to the public, and suitable for children ages 5 and older, accompanied by their adult companions. All materials will be provided, and be prepared to get messy and have fun. And dress accordingly!

Share your Family Saturday photos on social media by including #tangfamsat.

Kids' Event with John Gray at Northshire Bookstore 11/18

John Gray will be discussing his book God Needed a Puppy on Sunday, November 18th at 4:00 p.m. at Northshire Bookstore wherein Edgar the Owl and Freddy the Fox show readers of all ages how saying goodbye to a beloved animal does not mean saying goodbye forever.

In God Needed a Puppy John guides children through the grieving process by using friendly animals from the forest to explain the reasons why a beloved pet sometimes has to leave us. He reassures them that this "goodbye" is not forever and offers hope that other furry friends will someday come into their lives.

John Gray is an Emmy award-winning television journalist and columnist in upstate New York, as well as a husband, father and avid pet lover. When John experienced the unexpected death of the family's six-month-old puppy Samuel, he wanted to turn his pain into something positive. He wrote this story to help every child (and grown-up) who has lost a pet. A portion of proceeds will be donated to animal shelters around the country.

Northshire Bookstore is located at 424 Broadway in Saratoga Springs.

Breakfast With Santa at Wilton Mall 11/17

The magic of the season is enjoyed best during this special event with Santa on Saturday, November 17th from 8-10am at Wilton Mall in Saratoga. Pre-register by calling (518) 583-2138 and enjoy a great breakfast, festive music, have the kids write letters to Santa, and listen to holiday stories read aloud.

Space is limited, to reserve today! Breakfast With Santa is brought to you by B95.5 and Market 32.

click the Santa’s Cottage image above to see the Mini City Holiday Guide 2018!

Special Story Time with Robert Broder and Jenn Kocsmiersky at Northshire Bookstore 11/17

Join Northshire Bookstore for a special story time with Robert Broder and Jenn Kocsmiersky as they tell the story of Paul and His Ukelele on Saturday, November 17th at 11:00 a.m.

Not all who wander are lost, sometimes they’re just searching for a new song. 

Paul loved his ukulele and spent all his time crafting his own song. As he got older, Paul knew it was time to head out in search of something new.
 
When his travels took him to one small town, the unexpected happened. But from unexpected circumstances can come new friendships and new experiences. And maybe that new song he’s been looking for. 

Robert Broder loves picture books, cold weather, and warm chocolate chip cookies. He likes all dogs and only two cats. When he’s not outside hiking with his family, he’s inside playing his ukulele. Visit his website: RobertBroder.com

Jenn Kocsmiersky is a freelance watercolor artist and illustrator. She studied American Studies, fine art, and cultural studies and taught writing in higher education for ten years before pursuing an art career. Jenn is particularly interested in increasing diversity in children’s literature. She is a recipient of 2016 WNDB Walter Myers Grant. Jenn has two children and lives in upstate New York. Visit her website: JennKocsmiersky.com 

Northshire Bookstore is located at 424 Broadway in Saratoga Springs.

Sunday Funday at The Candle Collective 11/18

It’s Sunday Funday at The Candle Collective in Ballston Spa on 11/18 where you can relax and make a candle and while your candle cools enjoy a paint your own picture frame craft project! This is a family friendly event. The cost varies depending on the type of candle you create. The candle mold prices range from $10 to $45 plus sales tax. To make a reservation call the studio at 518-288-3695 or by email at wax@candle-collective.com. The Candle Collective is located at 20 Prospect Street, Building 2, Suite 214 in Ballston Spa.

Project Feederwatch at Saratoga Spa State Park Creekside Classroom 11/17

Visit the Creekside Classroom on Saturday, November 17th from 10:30 AM – 3:30pm and help count the birds you see at their feeders! Hot cocoa and a warm fire will help to enhance your birding experience! No experience is necessary, and binoculars and bird books will be provided. Participants can take home a birding bracelet and notebook to continue bird watching throughout the winter. All ages welcome. This program is free. 

Project FeederWatch turns your love of feeding birds into scientific discoveries. FeederWatch is a winter-long (November-April) survey of birds that visit feeders at backyards, nature centers, community areas, and other locales in North America. Participants periodically count the birds they see at their feeders and send their counts to Project FeederWatch. Your bird counts help you keep track of what is happening in your own backyard and help scientists track long-term trends in bird distribution and abundance. With FeederWatch, your observations become part of something bigger.

The Creekside Classroom is located on Geyser Loop Road in Saratoga Spa State Park. Click the button below for more info:

Little Gym of Saratoga Fall Open House 11/16

Check out the Fall Open House on Friday November 16th from 5-7pm. Current members can renew their annual membership 1 year for free and new members receive free annual membership with class enrollment or 50% off without class enrollment. This is a family event, parents must stay with their children. This is a drop in event. No reservation needed.

Also don’t miss their Black Friday Special- ALL MONTH LONG!
FREE ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP AND 50% OF 1ST INSTALLMENT CLASS ENROLLMENT
$120 value for $40!

Black Friday Parent Survival Night November 23rd 5-8PM
$25 members, $30 non-members
Call to reserve your child's spot 518-764-7726

Holiday Drop and Shop December 2nd 2-4PM
Come shop local and let your kids burn off some energy in the gym.
If you are a local vendor and interested in having a spot in our drop and shop please contact Kathryn at kpellett@thelittlegym.com

Holiday Party December 22nd 5-7PM 
Member only holiday party! Enjoy us for an evening of crafts and fun!
This is a family event, parents must stay with their children.

For more info on The Little Gym of Saratoga click the button below:

Art Lab at The Hyde Collection 11/11

On the second Sunday of each month, admission to The Hyde Collection in Glens Falls is free, and from 1-4 this Sunday they are hosting Art Lab for kids, a free gallery and art-making activity that explores the “A” in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math). For families with children ages 6 and older, but anyone can participate; even adults without children will have a blast.

The Hyde Collection is located at 161 Warren Street, Glens Falls.

Try Hockey for Free this Weekend 11/10

Saratoga Youth Hockey is hosting Try Hockey for Free Day on Saturday November 10th - from 2:25 -3:30 pm in Vernon, all kids are welcome!

This event is designed to provide kids, between the ages of 4 to 9, a completely free experience to try youth hockey. A limited amount of equipment is available to borrow. Our top coaches will be on the ice to assist your child in learning the basics. Your son or daughter does not need any previous skating or hockey experience.

Family Saturday: Build a Skyscraper at the Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery

After looking at Roger Brown’s sculpture Twin Towers, 1977, in 3-D Doings: The Imagist Object in Chicago Art, 1964-1980, we will talk about images of the city and the enormous skyscrapers that inhabit it. What happens in those tall buildings and what might you see in the windows? Come and create your own skyscraper, outfitted with windows, designs, and patterns using materials such as paper, skinny colored tapes and markers.

Family Saturdays foster multigenerational creative cooperation through looking at artwork, discussing it, and engaging in a hands-on art activity. Most programs run from 2:00 – 3:30 pm and include a tour of a specific exhibition.

All programs are free and open to the public, and suitable for children ages 5 and older, accompanied by their adult companions. All materials will be provided, and be prepared to get messy and have fun. And dress accordingly! Reservations are required and may be made one week in advance of each program. For additional information and reservations, call the Tang’s Visitor Service Desk at 518-580-8080.

Share your Family Saturday photos on social media by including #tangfamsat.

Tang Event Page: https://tang.skidmore.edu/calendar/897-family-saturday-build-a-skyscraper

Kids' Event with Emily Arnold McCully at Northshire Bookstore 11/12

Join Northshire Bookstore on Monday, November 12th at 4:00 p.m. to learn about 21 women who changed the way we think.  Caldecott medalist Emily Arnold McCully will be reading from and discussing her book She Did It!

Prepare to discover new heroes among these twenty-one women who challenged the status quo, championed others, and made their voices heard. From Jane Addams to Alice Waters, from groundbreaking artists and social justice advocates to scientific pioneers and business innovators, a strong thread of trailblazing women runs through American history. Written in compelling, accessible prose and vividly illustrated by Caldecott Medalist Emily Arnold McCully, this collection of inspiring and expertly researched profiles charts the bold paths these women forged in the twentieth century.

Emily Arnold McCully was born left-handed in Galesburg, Illinois. She has written and illustrated numerous books for children and young adults, including Mirette on the High Wire, for which she received the Caldecott Medal. Emily is also the author of A Promising Life: Coming of Age with America and Ida M. Tarbell: The Woman Who Challenged Big Business-and Won! (a finalist for the YALSA Best Nonfiction Book of the Year). She has two grown sons, one grandson, and lives in New York City and Columbia County, New York, where she grows flowers and vegetables. You can visit her online at emilyarnoldmccully.com.

This event is free and open to the public.
 

click the photo below for our local Veterans Day Guide full of local activities!

Saratoga Library Goes to Town 11/9

The Saratoga Library Goes to Town? Follow that book and join us for a storytime at different community locations! On Fridays from 11-11:45am for children ages 2-5 and their younger siblings and caregivers. For information and to register call 518-584-7860, ext 306.

November 9: Lake Avenue Firehouse
November 30: Saratoga Hilton

Mini City Holiday Guide 2018

The holidays are fast approaching so we’ve compiled a list of the best events and activities happening in our area for this holiday season! Click the link below to see the guide and to add YOUR holiday event!

And don’t forget, we have a Veteran’s Day Guide just for next week! Click the button below for that info now!

Canadian Pacific Holiday Train Comes To Upstate NY & The Adirondacks 11/26

The Canadian Pacific (CP) Holiday Train will set out once again to entertain hundreds of thousands of people, celebrating 20 years of collecting food and raising funds for food banks across North America.

Beginning in Montreal on Nov. 25 and 27 respectively, two trains will make the festive journey, traveling through both the U.S. and Canada to bring holiday cheer to 164 communities along CP's network. Each event is free, with CP encouraging attendees to open their cupboards and wallets to help address hunger needs in their communities. Local food banks will be accepting donations at each stop to ensure those less fortunate have enough healthy food this holiday season. At each event, the Holiday Train provides a box car stage, a lineup of great musical talents, and a corporate contribution to the local food bank.

Attendees, in turn, are encouraged to donate food and funds, all of which stays in the community.

Train Schedule in New York's Capital Region & Adirondacks

Monday, November 26, 2018

• Mechanicville - Parking Lot adjacent to CP tracks, corner of Park and Railroad Street at 5:45 pm

• Saratoga Springs - Amtrak Station at 7:20 pm

Tuesday, November 27, 2018

• Fort Edward - Amtrak Station at 12:35 pm

• Ticonderoga - Pell's crossing, Amtrak waiting area, Route 74 (Fort Ti Rd) at 3:10 pm

• Port Henry - Amtrak Station at 4:30 pm

• Plattsburgh - Amtrak Station at 7:00 pm

• Rouses Point - Rouses Point Station at 8:45 pm

The entertainment lineup this year includes the Sam Roberts Band and JoJo Mason!

Schedule is subject to change. All times are local. Times indicate arrival times – show starts 10-15 minutes after, please come early.

Save the Date: Victorian Streetwalk with the Saratoga Tree Lighting Ceremony 11/29

Thursday night, November 29th, 2018 is the 32nd Annual Victorian Streetwalk brought to you by the Saratoga Springs Downtown Business Association in downtown Saratoga Springs from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Broadway will close from 5:00 to 10:00 from the Route 50 arterial to the Spring Street intersection.

CDTA, a festival Gold Sponsor, is running free shuttle buses every 20 minutes from the Empire State College parking lot at 111 West Avenue on Saratoga Springs’ west side, Silver Sponsor NYRA’s Oklahoma track just off Exit 14 of I-87, Gate 21 on the corner of East Ave and Union Ave, the National Museum of Dance on South Broadway, and the Weibel Avenue Skating Rink parking lots on the east side of Saratoga Springs to downtown from 4:30 until 10:00.

Saratoga Central Catholic choir will serenade the crowd beginning at 5:45 pm as the children wait for Santa and Mrs. Claus who will arrive on horse and carriage (Saratoga Horse & Carriage) escorted in by Santa’s elves and the Saratoga City Ballet Company.

The Honorable Mayor Meg Kelly will light the tree at 6:00 p.m. followed by the CBA Marching Band kicking off the evening starting at the city center, playing all the way down Broadway.

Santa, Clara, elves and Rumple Dumple will visit with children throughout the evening in the beautiful Santa Cottage which will be in the center of Broadway, Santa will visit with children on November 29th and throughout the month of December.

Enjoy over 35 sites with free entertainment, including the Flying Fingers Fiddlers, Spa City Duo, Saratoga Springs Fire Department fire truck, Shenendehowa MS Select Choir, Saratoga City Ballet Dancers along with a special appearance by mother ginger, Pokingbrook Morris Dancers, a cappella and brass groups from Skidmore College, Saratoga Soundtrack Chorus, Sax-O-Claus, the Saratoga County 4-H clubs gingerbread house display at various locations, The Ice Man, Santa and Mrs. Claus, Festival of Trees at the City Center, special DBA local Coupon Books, face painting, and Newfoundland Dog Club, Octavo Singers.

New this year, at the National Museum of Dance, there will be excerpt performances of the Nutcracker with refreshments.

Stop by the Post Office with your stamped Christmas card envelopes, get them canceled with the specially designed 32nd Anniversary Victorian Streetwalk cancellation (free) and you have a month to mail them.

The festivities continue until 10:00 pm throughout downtown Saratoga Springs. Don't miss out on the wonderful holiday event for the whole family!

We love your dogs as much as you, but please leave them home; a Saratoga Springs City Ordinance for all large events. For more info, click the button below:

Worry Box Craft for Grades 3-6 at the Saratoga Springs Public Library 11/14

Let go of your worries by putting them in a Worry Box at the Saratoga Springs Public Library! Come and create one to bring home. For grades 3-6. Register through their online Events Calendar through this link: https://bit.ly/2RKPwom, in-person, or by calling the Children's Room at 518-584-7860, ext. 305. This event takes place on Wednesday, November 14th from 6 PM – 6:30pm.

Veterans Day Activities :: Plan Ahead and Register for Programs NOW!

Click the photo above to see all the local events happening for kids and families on Veterans Day, and you can also add a local event of your own to share in the guide!