Events

The City of Amsterdam Drive-Thru Trick or Treat Sponsored by MCT Federal Credit Union

Posted on October 27, 2020

The City of Amsterdam Drive-Thru Trick or Treat Sponsored by MCT Federal Credit Union

The City of Amsterdam will be hosting a Drive Thru Trick-or-Treat Sponsored by MCT Federal Credit Union on Saturday, October 31 starting at 1pm. The event will be held in the north end of Veteran’s Park in the parking lot at 199 Locust Avenue. The first 2000 kids to arrive will receive a Sticker Mule draw string backpack bag with candy, crayons, stickers and coloring set, free dessert coupons from McDonalds, spider rings and teeth, Amsterdam Mohawks tickets, ring pops and goodies from MCT Federal Credit Union.

Along with the treats the City will also be putting over 60 Golden Tickets in random bags. If a bag contains a Golden Ticket kids will win the prize listed. Golden Ticket prizes include; two XBox Ones, four Chromebooks, six bicycles, one 42 inch TV, one Nintendo Switch Lite, fourteen tablets, ten $100 Sticker Mule gift cards, one $50 Gift card to Miss Blues Pet Boutique, two free Amsterdam Youth Soccer Club 2021 registrations, one Apple Airpods, one GoPro, two drones, five Bluetooth light up speakers, four Bluetooth speakers, two Stewart’s $20 gift cards, one hover-board, ten Goodfella’s pizza certificates, one kids Kindle, one Lego Super Mario, one Gravity Stem toy, one Coding Stem toy, one Hexbug Junkbots and hundreds of stuffed animals.

City of Amsterdam Mayor Michael Cinquanti stated, “We realize many of our City’s residents, especially our seniors will be reluctant to hand out treats at their doors this year so we want to provide one big safe stop where our City’s trick or treaters can make a huge haul.”

All total The City will be handing out over 7,000 pounds of candy, 2000 McDonalds free dessert coupons, 2000 Amsterdam Mohawks tickets, 2000 goodies from MCT Federal Credit Union, 2000 Sticker Mule drawstring bags, sticker sets, crayons sets and coloring pages, 4000 Halloween rings and teeth and over $5,000 worth of Golden Ticket prizes.

Cars will proceed in to the Veteran’s Park parking lot and pull up to a designated area to receive their treat bags. There will be no need to exit your vehicle. Children must be in car to receive a bag and all NYS COVID-19 protocols will be followed.

Costumes are encouraged! For more information please contact Michele Pawlik at mpawlik@amsterdamny.gov.

Erie Canal Art the Topic for Presentation

Posted on October 8, 2020

Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site will host Mary Alexander, Curator of Education and Public Engagement at the Arkell Museum at Canajoharie, for a program on Tuesday, October 13th. Tune in at 6:30pm for the presentation, “Perennial in Frame: Picturesque History with The Arkell Museum.”

Explore some of the great paintings in the collection at the Arkell Museum with Mary Alexander, and David Brooks of Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site. Discover more about the collection, the artists, and the history represented in the amazing portraits and landscapes. “Pleasure is a shadow, wealth is vanity, and power a pageant; but knowledge is ecstatic in enjoyment, perennial in frame, unlimited in space and indefinite in duration.” ― DeWitt Clinton, The Life and Writings of DeWitt Clinton.

As part of the sixth annual Tuesday Talk series to recognize New York State History Month, the site will offer this program for free and via the online platform Webex. The link can be found on the Schoharie Crossing Facebook, the NYS Parks Website, or by contacting the site.

Other NY State History Month programs being offered by Schoharie Crossing are:

The Schuyler Sisters with Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site staff Jessica Serfilippi on Tuesday, October 20^th at 6:30pm.
The Life and Times of DeWitt Clinton with Ashley Maready of the Erie Canal Museum on Wednesday, October 21^st at 1:00pm.
Converging on the Canal: the 19^th Century Through Food with Amanda Massie and Valerie Balint on Tuesday, October 27^th at 6:30pm.
10 Stories with Bob Cudmore on Wednesday, October 28^th at 1pm.

For information about this program, please call the Visitor Center at (518) 829-7516, email SchoharieCrossing@parks.ny.gov, or visit our Facebook page.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 individual state parks, historic sites, golf courses, boat launches and recreational trails, which are visited by 71 million people annually. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit www.nysparks.com, connect on Facebook, or follow on Twitter.

Fall Foliage Report: September 30 – October 6

Posted on September 29, 2020

I LOVE NY starts the “New York Fall Foliage Report” on September 11 and will continue until the end of the foliage season, around the first or second week in November. Montgomery County has started its own annual report this year as well.

Reporting station: Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site, Fort Hunter

Percent of trees predicted to have changed by the coming weekend: 25%

Brilliance: Average

Predominating colors: Oranges and Yellows emerging, sumac reds starting to shine

Rating: We’re nearing midpoint but the colors are already beautiful along the Mohawk Valley

The leaves are continuing to change in Montgomery County. While green is still predominant, Oranges and Yellows emerging, sumac reds starting to shine.

The weather has been beautiful, so get out while you can and enjoy all of the gorgeous views.

Explore our countryside, enjoy our events, and take in the autumn season!

Call for Travel Guides and Specialty Maps!

1.800.743.7337

Halloween 2020 Drive-Thru Trick or Treat Sponsored by MCT Federal Credit Union

Posted on September 24, 2020

The City of Amsterdam and the Amsterdam Tourism, Marketing & Recreation Department presents Amsterdam’s Drive-Thru Trick or Treat Sponsored by MCT Federal Credit Union on Saturday, October 31^st at 1PM.Treat bags will be given to the first 1,500 kids. Children must be present in the car to receive a bag and the event is open to children age 12 and under. The event will take place at the Veteran’s Park parking lot, on Locust Avenue.

Due to COVID-19 the City of Amsterdam had to make a few changes to our annual Trick or Treat. This year you will get to enjoy a free family Drive-Thru Trick or Treat on Halloween! Veteran’s Park will be spooktacularly decorated while we hand out fun treats and great prizes! If your business or organization is interested in becoming a Treat Sponsor, your donation will help provide kids in the City of Amsterdam with candy & prizes in their goodie bags. Your business name will be displayed proudly on the City of Amsterdam Tourism, Marketing & Recreation Department social media outlets and a thank you flyer will be placed in the 1,500 goodie bags.

Mayor Mike Cinquanti said the City’s traditional Trick or Treat on the MVGO Bridge, which annually packs the span with thousands of adults and children was not an option this year due to concerns about spiking a COVID-19 outbreak. “We also felt that a large number of parents would be hesitant having their children go door-to-door trick-or-treating and our residents would not be eager to hand out candy this year” explained the Mayor. “So we created this alternative event so that children could dress up in their costumes and get a bag full of treats safely, at one stop.”

For information on how to become a Treat Sponsor please visit the City of Amsterdam Tourism, Marketing & Recreation Department Facebook page or call Michele Pawlik at 518-841-4307.

Fall Foliage Report: September 23-29

Posted on September 22, 2020

Reporting station: Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site, Fort Hunter

Percent of trees predicted to have changed by the coming weekend: 10%

Brilliance: Dull

Predominating colors: Green with touches of dull yellows and oranges starting to emerge

Rating: Just beginning

The leaves are just beginning to change in Montgomery County. While green is still predominant, there are touches of yellow and orange starting to emerge.

This weekend looks to be shaping up to be a gorgeous one. If you haven’t already, visit one of the local Orchard’s in the County. Sandflat’s Orchard and Conbeer’s in Fonda are both great options to take the family out on a nice fall day. Get out and enjoy the crisp air and spectacular views!

On Saturday, the Amsterdam Farmer’s Market will be hosting their Fall Festival from 10am-4pm at the Sanford Stud Farm with PrimoMobile DJs, food, vendors, fall décor, cider donuts and cider, yoga classes at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. and the harvest princesses will be there between noon and 2:00 p.m. to take pictures with the children. Great family friendly event!

Explore our countryside, enjoy our events, and take in the autumn season!

Call for Travel Guides and Specialty Maps!

1.800.743.7337

The D&H Canal: 19th Century Engine of Prosperity program offered by Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site

Posted on September 22, 2020

The D&H Canal: 19th Century Engine of Prosperity program offered by Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site!

Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site will host Bill Merchant of the D&H Canal Museum on Thursday, September 24^th at 6:30pm for a special online program. The D&H Canal: 19th Century Engine of Prosperity tells the basic history of the Delaware and Hudson Canal and illustrates how many of the industries it fostered. Discover just how the canal that spanned from Pennsylvania to the Hudson River impacted the history of New York State.

Bill Merchant has been with the D&H Canal Historical Society for over eight years. He previously served as board president and is now employed as the Deputy Director for Collections, Historian and Curator. He also serves as president of the Delaware and Hudson Transportation Heritage Council, vice president of the Ulster County Historical Society, and on the board of the Century House Historical Society, where he serves as historian and collections committee chair.

This is a free event hosted via Webex and the link can be found on the Schoharie Crossing Facebook event listing or by visiting their NYS Parks webpage. Please note that the link online goes live ten minutes prior to the presentation.

This is part of a series of online programs Schoharie Crossing has been offering in 2020 during the COVID-19 crisis. The Erie Canal historic site will continue to provide programs through Webex as well as other online programs and social media. Look for more great programs in October to recognize NYS History Month.

The site grounds remain open for appropriate socially distant recreational use from sunrise to sunset daily. Please observe NYS Guidelines while visiting Schoharie Crossing. For information about these programs, please find us on Facebook or you can call or email the Visitor Center at (518) 829-7516, SchoharieCrossing@parks.ny.gov.

“Be a Tourist in Your Own Town” and #ExploreMoreMontgomery #Strongertogether

Posted on September 15, 2020

By Morgan McClary

Communication Specialist to Matt Ossenfort, Montgomery County Executive

Since March, many have resorted to long-overdue home projects, 1,000 piece puzzles that are inevitably missing pieces or binge watched the ninth season of that campy Netflix series they needed to catch up on.

There’s other options. You don’t need to travel far to get out of the house and enjoy an exciting daytrip. Montgomery County has 10 towns, 10 villages and a city filled with history, recreational opportunities and delicious restaurants waiting to be visited.

Why not “Be a Tourist in Your Own Town” and #ExploreMoreMontgomery ?

First Stop: Sand Flats Orchard 371 Martin Road Fonda, NY 12068. Sand Flats Orchard in Fonda is owned and operated by the Hoffman family. The agri-tourism destination has activities May through November. Hours are season dependent.

September was a great time to visit. The smell of hot cider donuts hits you as you walk into the building. Here, you can grab a basket and make your way out to the orchard to pick-your-own apples! Breakfast Take-Out or eat outside is available weekends in September and October. You can easily grab a bite before heading out to the orchard. Pick your own early apples such as McIntosh and Autumn Crisp are available.

When we headed out, the view of the fields was gorgeous and the little ones enjoyed being able to easily reach the apples of their choice.

Another great option—for those unable to pick their own—is that Sandflat’s has a country store with fresh apples, fudge and other goodies available for purchase. We were sure to bring home pumpkin butter and kettle corn to share with our families. There’s no guarantee it lasted through the car ride home.

After picking apples, we made our way to the pumpkin patch and corn maze. The pumpkins were beautiful and would make a great addition to any front porch. You can also take a hay ride for a chance to see amazing views of the Mohawk Valley. Sand Flats has mums and a variety of u-pick flowers. The u-pick flowers are still available, but winding down. We will have to come back in the summer months to pick flowers, blueberries and strawberries when they are in season! The farm has two greenhouses and a variety of vegetables. New this summer was Sunset in the Sunflowers, an opportunity to take photos in the sunflower patch after hours. Photographers could schedule photo sessions or participate in the Summer Photo Contest.

The Hoffman family was extremely inviting and eager to show us all of the fun activities the farm has to offer. They are in the works of expanding their amenities with a cider press and it seems like each year they think of new creative ways for the public to enjoy their orchard. No matter which season you decide to take your trip to Sand Flats, you are guaranteed to have fun with your family!

Consider being a Tourist in Your Own Town this weekend!

You can stay updated on what’s going on at Sand Flats by visiting them on Facebook @SandflatsOrchardandGreenhouse or on Instagram @sandflatsorchard

#ExploreMoreMontgomery #Strongertogether

Sand Flats Orchards Welcomes You!

Montgomery County Executive Matt Ossenfort with daughter Kaelee picking apples

Ian Ryczek picks a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch

New this summer- Sunsets in the flowers: Save the date for 2021 sunflowers next summer!

Sydney Szczepanik, Skylar Grybos, Makayla Brown at Sunset in the Sunflowers

Sydney Szczepanik at Sunset in the Sunflowers

Hit the Trail for the Canalway Challenge

Posted on September 4, 2020

Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor invites New Yorkers to take part in the Canalway Challenge this fall, tracing history and tracking miles along New York’s canals and Canalway Trail. Part fitness challenge, part journey of discovery, the Canalway Challenge is free and registration is open to people of all ages and abilities. Participants set their own mileage goal and walk, run, cycle or paddle to achieve it.

Nearly 1,000 individuals, teams, and organizations have signed up for the Canalway Challenge in 2020, pledging to walk, run, cycle, and paddle 126,000 miles to date.
New this fall, participants are encouraged to take up a quest to discover great food and beverages, historic sites, parks, and communities and discover what’s Hot on the Trail while completing the Canalway Challenge.

“Hot on the Trail adds a new element of discovery to the Canalway Challenge, while also supporting small businesses and attractions that have suffered from reduced visitation during the coronavirus pandemic,” said Bob Radliff, Executive Director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor.“It’s a win-win for both visitors and for small businesses and attractions that have reopened with safety protocols in place.”

From now through the end of October, Hot on the Trail participants are encouraged to visit sites in nine categories–including food and beverage, museums and historic sites, nature preserves, state and national parks, canal structures, and communities. Participants who list their favorites sites in each category by the end of October will be entered to win a $50 gift card to the New York State Canal Store.

“The Canalway Challenge is another of countless opportunities – both on and off the water – for recreation and fun along New York State’s historic canalway, and I join the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor in encouraging all New Yorkers to enjoy all that we have to offer,” said Brian U. Stratton, Director of the New York State Canal Corporation. “Governor Andrew Cuomo is committed to supporting the heritage and future of New York’s historic canal system, with initiatives that feature local activities that combine some of the best of New York State’s historical sights and natural resources with recreational activities that help to support local businesses during this exceptionally difficult time.”

For information and sign up, visit: CanalwayChallenge.org

ABOUT THE ERIE CANALWAY
Nearly 200 years after its construction, the Erie Canal remains an iconic symbol of American ingenuity and determination. The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor works to preserve the Nation’s extraordinary canal heritage, promote the Corridor as a world-class tourism destination, and foster vibrant communities connected by more than 500 miles of waterway. It achieves its mission in partnership with the National Park Service, New York State agencies, non-profit organizations, local residents, and more than 200 communities across the full expanse of upstate New York.
www.eriecanalway.org (opens in a new tab)

Heaven’s Ditch Author Program Online with Schoharie Crossing

Posted on August 27, 2020

Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site has been offering a virtual book club during the month of August that features Heaven’s Ditch: God, Gold, and Murder on the Erie Canal by author Jack Kelly. Each week the site has held “virtual” check ins and discussion about sections of the book. The author will be providing a program with a Q&A about the book that covers social, political, and religious transformations in America during the early years of the Erie Canal. You can join via Webex to watch and listen to Kelly speak about his process, research, the history, and more on September 2^nd at 6:30pm. The link is provided on the Schoharie Crossing Facebook page, their NYS Parks website, or by contacting the site.

Book club participants have submitted questions for the author and those viewing the program can use the chat function to ask for additional comments or any questions they have about the content of the book. Heaven’s Ditch by Jack Kelly illuminates the spiritual and political upheavals along the Erie Canal from its opening in 1825 through 1844. “Wage slave” Sam Patch became America’s first celebrity daredevil. William Miller envisioned the apocalypse. Farm boy Joseph Smith gave birth to Mormonism, a new and distinctly American religion. Along the way, the reader encounters America’s very first “crime of the century,” a treasure hunt, searing acts of violence, a visionary cross-dresser, and a panoply of fanatics, mystics, and hoaxers. A page-turning narrative, Heaven’s Ditch offers an excitingly fresh look at a heady, foundational moment in American history.

This is part of a series of online programs Schoharie Crossing has been offering in 2020 during the COVID-19 crisis. The Erie Canal historic site will continue to provide programs through Webex as well as other online programs and social media. Look for programs in October to recognize NYS History Month. More information is always available through event links on the Schoharie Crossing Facebook page or NYS Parks website.

Erie Canalway Photo Contest – Call for Entries

Posted on August 12, 2020

Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor is calling for entries for its 15^th annual Erie Canalway Photo Contest. Images should convey the unique character of New York’s canals and canal communities. Entries must be postmarked by August 28, 2020. Winning photos will be featured in the 2021 Erie Canalway calendar.

Images will be judged in four contest categories: On the Water, Along the Trail, Canal Communities, and Classic Canal. Judges will select first, second, and third place winning images in each category, as well as 12 honorable mentions.

Submitted images must be taken within the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, which spans 524 miles across the full expanse of upstate New York. It encompasses the Erie, Cayuga-Seneca, Oswego, and Champlain canals, Cayuga and Seneca Lakes, as well as more than 230 canal communities.

Download official contest rules and an entry form at https://eriecanalway.org/get-involved/photo-contest

ATTACHED: 2019 Photo Contest winner, The Max Jacob on the Erie Canal by Frank Forte

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Category: General News