Monday, January 1, at 11:00 a.m.: “First Day” Snowshoe Walk at Thacher Park. Ring in the New Year with a winter walk in the park. We’ll leave from the Visitor Center and walk for about an hour, taking in views from the escarpment along the way. Dress in layers and wear warm winter boots. Bring your own snowshoes or rent a pair at the park. Register and reserve snowshoes by calling 518-872-0800. In case of extreme weather, call the park office at 518-872-1237 to confirm conditions.
Saturday, December 30, at 2:00 p.m.: Hike to Historic Knox School #5 at Thacher Nature Center. Ever wonder what it was like to attend school in the early 1900’s? Take a walk back in time to visit a historic one-room schoolhouse. Learn about life in a rural school, who was in attendance, and how the teacher managed to teach all grade levels in one room! Afterwards, warm up around the campfire and enjoy hot cocoa and toasted marshmallows. Walk is less than one-half mile in length. Program is appropriate for adults and children. Please call 518-872-0800 to register.
Holiday Party. Helderberg Brewery, food from Kuhar Family Farm. 5 to 9 p.m. Music and kids’ activities. 100 Pond Hill Road, Rensselaerville. (518)797-5100.
Celebrate the service of departing Berne supervisor Kevin Crosier, town board members Joe Golden and Jim Cooke, and past board member Wayne Emory. Berne Town Hall, 1656 Helderberg Trail from 9 a.m. until noon.
Duanesburg Historical Society will meet at 7 p.m. at Bishop Scully Hall, Delanson. The audience participation program “What’s in Your Attic?” will feature storied items of family and personal interest followed by an annual Christmas party.
Schoharie Valley Hayshakers will hold a mainstream level western square dance at the Middleburgh High School cafeteria from 7:30 until 10 p.m. (518)827-4894.
Glimmerglass Festival will present Rachel Portman’s opera, The Little Prince, on December 19 and 20 at 7 p.m. in the Cooperstown High School auditorium.
The Thacher Park Visitor Center will be hosting a Holiday Open House on Saturday, Dec. 16, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm. Come and enjoy the beautiful views, listen to live holiday music from noon – 2 pm, and relax by a cozy fire! Shop for holiday gifts in the Visitor Center Gift Nook. Enjoy free hot beverages, cookies, and other holiday treats. Kids are welcomed to make a holiday craft. In case of inclement weather conditions, please call the Visitor Center at 518-872-1237 to confirm the event.
Hike to High Point at Thacher Park, Saturday, Dec. 16, at 10:00 a.m. Join us for a hike to the escarpment on the Fred Schroeder Memorial Trail. We’ll walk through forests and fields and stop at the cliff to take in the views. The 3-mile loop trail is mostly level with a couple of moderately steep slopes. Call 518-872-0800 to register.
