Family Saturday Papel Picado

Join the Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery on August 18 for Family Saturday: Papel Picado. We will visit the exhibition Give a damn. and talk about Daniel Gonzalez’s Artes es Vida, 2013, how it is made, and the Mexican folk art tradition of “papel picado,” or cut paper. Then we will make our own papel picado creations with construction paper and tissue paper!

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. Materials are provided. Reservations are required and can be made starting one week before the program. For more 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/843-family-saturday-papel-picado

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The Science of Music with The Dirtmeister Aug 22nd

Check out The Science of Music with The Dirtmeister on Weds Aug 22nd at 11am at the Saratoga Springs Public Library. This high energy, interactive program is presented by award winning author and science celebrity Steve “The Dirtmeister” Tomecek, who will take us on a journey to learn about the science behind sound and rhythm. Please join us for this educational and, knowing the Dirtmeister, hilarious presentation on the science of music. For ages 3 and up. No registration required.

“See even more local events and enter your event for FREE in our events calendar by clicking the photo below!”

New Parent Meetups at Northshire are Back!

Great news! The new parent meetups will resume at Northshire Bookstore on Broadway after their summer hiatus on Thursday, September 6th. This group will meet on regularly on Thursdays (note the new day!) at 10:30 am, and is facilitated by Rebecca Rovner, birth & postpartum doula. 

Artsy Afternoon at Northshire Bookstore Sun. Aug. 19th

On Sunday, August 19, 2018 - 2:00pm join bookseller Leah at Northshire Bookstore on Broadway in Saratoga Springs for story time and a fun family art project inspired by the art of Eric Carle!

Mini City Magazine AUGUST is HERE!

The August Issue is here! And you know what that means-it's time to get serious about registering the kids for all the after school fun! Don't have any idea where to start? Don't worry, this entire issue is full of places kids can jump and run and kick and dance and play all kinds of games and sports, complete with links right to where you need to sign up (before its too late!). 

We also have some great interviews and features, a look back at Mom Camp and so much more, so click through the button below and enjoy! xoxo

Stream Safari at Saratoga Spa State Park

Spend the morning in Geyser Creek at Saratoga Spa State Park on Sunday, August 19th from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM getting to know the aquatic creatures that call it home! Please wear water shoes and clothes that can get wet. This program is free with vehicle entry fee. Registration is required. Please call (518) 584-2000 Ext. 111 to register.

Lake George Land Conservancy 30th Anniversary Party at Up Yonda Farm

Celebrate the LGLC’s 30th Anniversary with food trucks, kids’ activities, free treats, hiking trails, and more! Join in the fun at Up Yonda Farm, Environmental Education Center in Bolton Landing on August 18th where The Lake George Land Conservancy will be hosting a family-friendly gathering featuring local food trucks, face painting, live music, and more as a way to thank all of their friends, supporters and communities that have been with them throughout our 30 year history. Come, mix and mingle, bring your family and friends and celebrate three decades of history, conserving land and water quality to keep it as clean and beautiful as it is today for our children and future generations.

This event and its activities are free, though food from vendors is available to purchase (each vendor is donating a part of their proceeds from the day back to the LGLC).

11 am – 2 pm  —  Activities and food available
12 pm  —  Brief welcome and LGLC year-in-review, a look ahead to the next 30 years
12:10 pm  —  Volunteer Award presented
12:15 – 2 pm  —  Live music with Dan Ladd
12:30 pm  — Guided hike starts by pavilion

Free Activities and Treats:
• Live music with Dan Ladd (12:15/after presentations – 2 pm – bring a chair or blanket for the lawn!)
• Face painting by Casey Beal Designs
• Nature scavenger hunt, crafts and more from the LGLC
• Live raptors with Nancy Kimball, licensed and local wildlife rehabilitator
• Hands-on river simulation table with Warren County Soil and Water Conservation District
• Up Yonda Farm’s on-site exhibits, butterfly house, children’s nature museum, pond exploration, and hiking trails
• Guided hike led by Up Yonda and LGLC staff at 12:30 pm; approx. 1 mile round-trip through woods and to the scenic view overlooking the Farm and Lake George

Food Trucks (food for purchase):
• The Plaid Pancake: Mobile food truck serving sweet Liege Belgian waffles with various topping options
• 9 Miles East: Local, farm fresh food with seasonal offerings, vegan and vegetarian friendly
• Adirondack Pub & Brewery Hops, Chop and Roll Food Truck with Lake George Soda Works: classic food truck fare with a twist and hand crafted sodas

Registration is appreciated but not required.  Register by clicking the button below:

Story Time with Elizabeth Macy at Northshire Bookstore 8/17

Head to Northshire Bookstore on Friday, August 17th at 10:30am for a special story time with author Elizabeth Macy, as she shares her new picture book, "Lucky's Adventure in Saratoga" - which was inspired by the true story of a doggie who was lost in Saratoga.

Take an adventure with Lucky as she travels through Saratoga. Meet her new animal friends as they safely guide her through town in search of her mommy.

Northshire Bookstore is located at 424 Broadway in Saratoga Springs.

Summer Time Fun at the Saratoga YMCA

Summer Time Fun is happening on Friday, August 17th at the Saratoga YMCA! From 6-8 PM at their Saratoga Spring branch swing by for a FREE community event. There will be bounce houses, a giant slip and slide, pool time with Witbit (NEW!), crafts, raffles and so much more! 

Registration is required for the new and exciting Wibit. Must be 8 or older to use. Call 518-583-9622 to register or sign up here: http://bit.ly/2vpKUdI

This Week at the Saratoga Springs Public Library...

The Saratoga Springs Public Library has some great programming coming up this week!

First up, The Puppet People Present "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" at the library on Wednesday August 15th starting at 11am (and a second show starting at 1pm). Enjoy this thrilling, comic rendition of Washington Irving's classic story. This show features handcrafted marionettes, two life-sized puppets, special lighting, and smoke effects accompanied by both classical and traditional folk music. Recommended for children age six and up. Free tickets will be available in the Children's Room beginning July 1.

Also on Wednesday the 15th, FALL Storytime Registration Begins! Register online, by phone, or in person for Fall storytime programs beginning Aug. 15th! Registration will be open until the programs are full. For questions about their fall offerings, please call the Children's Room at (518) 584-7860, ext. 305.

Then on August 16th from 11 AM - 12 PM head to a free concert with Uncle Rock! His music blends kid-friendly lyrics with a rock and roll sound that adults will also enjoy. For all ages. No registration required. 

For more on Uncle Rock, visit https://store.cdbaby.com/Artist/UncleRock

Family Saturdays: Ocean Habitat Diorama

This Saturday at The Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery is Family Saturdays: Ocean Habitat Diorama from 2-3:30pm. Admission is free. Artist Dona Nelson created artwork inspired by whales and octopus. After viewing her work, we will make dioramas of underwater habitats with boxes, bubble wrap, pipe cleaners, scrap paper, and your own creations of swimming creatures!

The Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery at Skidmore College presents a series of seven Family Saturday programs to accompany the work in our summer exhibitions Dona Nelson: Stand Alone Paintings and Give a damn.

Held on Saturdays from July 7 through August 18, the programs include a brief tour of one of the exhibitions followed by a hands-on art-making activity, with all materials provided.

The programs run from 2:00 to 3:30 PM, except on Frances Day on July 14, and are free and open to the public. Suitable for children ages 5 and up along with their adult companions. Reservations are required and may be made one week in advance of the program. For more information and reservations, please call the Tang’s Visitor Service Desk at 518-580-8080.

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Annual 18th Century Day at the Historic Schuyler House

Step back in time to learn what life was like 235 years ago. Visit with colonial artisans, musicians, teamsters; play colonial games; dip candles; watch a Punch & Judy show.

Visit with spinners, weavers, dressmakers, soapmaker, candle dipper, horn worker, sheep shearer, beekeeper, herbalist, brewers, surveyor, ropemaker, blacksmith, banker, broommaker, dyer, quilter, needlecrafters, buttermakers and more on the lovely grounds of the Schuyler House, home of General Philip Schuyler from about 1762-1804.

Enjoy period music and entertinment and light refreshments at this free event sponsored by the Old Saratoga Historical Association in cooperation with the National Park Service.

On Sunday, August 12th, 12-5pm. Admission is free. The Historic Schuyler House is located at  4 Broad Way in Schuylerville. Call (518) 670-2985 for more information. 

The Markets at Round Lake

Come and Celebrate the Makers Revolution and Sustainable Food Movement at the Markets at Round Lake this weekend. 

Three Markets – Two Days – One Eclectic Village

August 11th & 12th, 2018 from Sat. 9am to 5pm & Sun. 10am to 4pm

For one weekend in August, we will be showcasing over 80 of the best and brightest Artisans in the local and regional Maker, Crafter and Artisanal Edibles community. These Makers, who have been selectively juried, will converge within an eclectic village bringing forth the latest talent and hottest trends.

• The Makers - talented and passionate vendors with a variety of handmade goods from leather bags to ceramics, clothing to candles, industrial chic to upcycled jewelry and much more.
• The Food Market –pre-packaged goods with tastes ranging from salsa and sauerkraut, craft ciders and spirits to sweet treats and spices.
• The Book Market - will feature more than 15,000 used and some rare books in the historic Round Lake Auditorium. Preview day Friday from 5pm-7pm with Hardcovers $2, Paperbacks $1. Saturday and Sunday, Hardcovers $1, Paperbacks 50¢.
• Live Music - sponsored by The Mill on Round Lake with musical guests: Stories Told ~ Gary Moon & Alice Jenkins Hausmann, Round Lake Heartstrings, Mike Gowens, Kate Blain, Jeanine Ouderkirk Jazz Duo. Sunday: DJ Selector David Normal.
• Featuring - BarStream serving up beer, cider and wine from their iconic vintage 1966 Airstream and Food Trucks Capital Q, Burger 21, Samosa Shack, The Plaid Pancake, The Hungry Traveler, Tin Can Juicery and O’Pablo’s Food Truck, as well the WRLIS Pie Booth.
• For Kids - The Creativity Caravan - A travelling studio, gallery, and imaginarium which is sure to spark, engage, and nourish creativity in kids of all ages. Join us in front of the Round Lake Auditorium for a delightful experience of miniature book-making! Participants will have the opportunity to learn how to make their very own miniature books, with lots of materials and embellishments available to fill the books with stories and illustrations.

This is a FREE event and is a fundraiser sponsored by The Woman’s Round Lake Improvement Society (WRLIS) for the Round Lake Libraries and the historic Village of Round Lake. So, come meet the makers, Taste the goodness, Read a piece of history, Listen to live music and Shop Local!

LOCATION: Village Green - 49 Burlington Ave, Round Lake NY 12151

DATE & TIME: August 11th & 12th - Sat. 9am to 5pm & Sun. 10am to 4pm

ADMISSION: Free Admission

Exploring with CDPHP Cycle!

Have you noticed these colorful bikes around Saratoga this summer?

CDPHP Cycle! – the Capital District’s bike-share system—has grown exponentially in Saratoga  Springs since last summer, now with 14 hubs and dozens of bikes. Especially during this month, when the weather is nice but the traffic can be ugly, using CDPHP Cycle! to get across town can save a lot of time and hassle. Plus, with strategic hub locations throughout the city, including Rail Road Run and the Spa State Park, it’s a great way to get to an event, or to stretch your legs and explore. 

Just recently, CDPHP Cycle! introduced a twist: “unicorn bikes.” Featuring unique colors and designs, unicorns turn bike-sharing into a game of hide-and-seek, with each ride benefiting CDPHP The Foundation. Only 12 unicorn bikes have been distributed across the four cities in the system (Albany, Schenectady, and Troy)—if you find one, take an ~exclusive~ ride for a great cause!

The bikes are easy to use, with U-locks and a GPS-enabled key pad on every bike. Once you create an account, the app will give you all the information you need to find available bikes and open hubs (although you do not need to return the bike to a hub after each ride).  Visit cdphpcycle.com for complete instructions. 

Share Your Event for FREE on the New Mini City Calendar!

Big News here at Mini City, we now have a feature on the brand new calendar where you can submit your own local event for FREE! Have a family friendly or parent focused event that's coming up? Just go to the calendar under our "Stuff to Do" tab here and click the submit button. One of the Mini City moms will review and publish your event for free on the calendar. The calendar is one of our busiest spots on the website, so your event will be in front of the eyes of thousands of local parents! Get started by clicking the button below!

Open House at Jumper Bean Preschool August 11th

 Have you been wanting to check out the new Jumper Bean Preschool? Well here is your chance! They are hosting an open house on August 11th from 12-4pm!

Located at 441 Geyser Road in Ballston Spa, Jumper Bean Preschool is a full day program which incorporates learning with a certified teacher along with their Healthy, Active and Organic approach!

At Jumper Bean they have created an environment where children feel safe, eat well balanced organic meals, are encouraged to play, stay active, and learn about the environment. Jumper Bean Preschool is a place where parents can feel confident that their child is safe, and learning both developmental and fundamental skills for life. Encouragement, staying positive, learning to play with others and creativeness are all aspects of the Jumper Bean program. Their goals are to provoke learning and healthy living at all stages of your child’s development.

To find out more, visit Jumper Bean Preschool online by clicking the button below and mark your calendars for the Open House!

Childbirth Preparation at Saratoga Hospital :: Register Today ::

Childbirth Preparation is a four-class series at Saratoga Hospital designed to educate expectant parents on their options during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Participants will discuss having a healthy pregnancy, the work of labor and birth, coping with labor, options for medications and other interventions, being an active participant in your care, the role of the birth partner, and the first 48 hours after birth. This series will include discussions, films, hands-on opportunities, networking with other expecting couples, and a tour of Saratoga Hospital’s Labor & Delivery Unit.

The next class starts September 5th. Register using the link below:

Story Time with Jamie Heath & Make-A-Wish

Join Northshire Bookstore for an extra-special kids' event and storytime with Jamie Heath on Thursday, August 9th at 10:30am. 

Make-A-Wish Vermont has released a new, illustrated children’s book called Wishes are Medicine! How Make-A-Wish Gave me Hope and Helped me Heal, based on the true story of a Wish Kid from Barre, VT--Jamie Heath who survived two strokes and had to learn to walk and read again. She credits Make-A-Wish with restoring her self-confidence and assisting in her healing process. This book, illustrated by fellow Vermonter Leonard Kenyon tells the story of when Jamie meets her Wish Granters and, along with her pet turtle Bob, dreams up her wish to swim with sea turtles.

Jamie recently completed her Junior year at Spaulding High School where, in addition to being an honor roll student, she served on the Student Council and Student Outreach Committee. In her free time she volunteers for the Friends of Stowe Adaptive Sports program, an organization that has provided invaluable support to her in achieving her athletic goals. Jamie is a Wish Ambassador for Make-A-Wish Vermont. She regularly gives speeches at Make-A-Wish events and has appeared in public service announcements on both TV and radio for the organization. Jamie lives with her mother in Barre, Vermont. And she really, really loves turtles.

Northshire Bookstore is located at 424 Broadway in Saratoga Springs. 

Special Event: Lucky's Adventure in Saratoga visits Saratoga Farmers' Market Weds Aug. 7

 Lucky's Adventure in Saratoga is going to visit the Saratoga Farmers' Market at High Rock Park on Wednesday, August 8! Lucky and author Elizabeth Macy will host the market's Power of Produce Club for Kids! Elizabeth will have a fun scavenger hunt for children to find Lucky hidden amongst fruit and vegetables at the farmers' market all the while children will be learning about fruit and vegetables! Elizabeth will read Lucky's Adventure in Saratoga aloud at 4 pm, too. Signed copies of the newly released children's book will be available. Plus, children who participate get a $2 POP coin for the purchase of fresh fruit or vegetables at the market and earn their fifth stamp in their POP Passport (every 4 stamps = a prize!). The Power of Produce party gets even better with FREE face painting by Artsy Fartsy Face Paint! This event is FREE to attend, no registration required. 

The Saratoga Farmers' Market is located at 105 High Rock Ave in Saratoga Springs and the market on Wednesdays is from 3-6pm.