The Beat

New Solar Array to Advance Governor Hochul’s Goal to Transition State Park to 100 Percent Renewable Energy by 2030

New Warming Hut Provides Place for Visitors to Take a Break While Hiking, Picnicking or a Day of Winter Sports in the Park

Indian Ladder Trail is Open to the Public for Earth Day, the Earliest Opening on Record

To celebrate Earth Day, Governor Kathy Hochul today highlighted the dedication of John Boyd Thacher State Park in Albany County as a National Natural Landmark and announced $3.9 million in improvements to bolster the park’s environmental stewardship and recreational facilities. The park will construct a new $2.5 million solar array that will provide carbon-free sustainable power to Parks. The park also broke ground on a new $1.4 million warming hut to serve year-round visitors to the Hop Field picnic area and trailhead.

Spring into Fun at Destiny USA Event April 25th, 12PM - 2PM in the Canyon

Syracuse, NY (April 18, 2024) – Destiny USA invites families to kick off their Spring Break with an unforgettable event: "Spring into Fun at Destiny USA". On Thursday, April 25th, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, families are invited to join us in the Canyon for an afternoon packed with excitement featuring a magical performance from Syracuse's premier magician Wade Live.

Auburn, NY (April 18, 2024) – Schweinfurth Art Center has opened registration for its eight half-day sessions of Summer Art Camp, which run in July and August.

Camps are scheduled for morning or afternoon and are organized by age group. Each week has a different topic and instructor. Camps usually fill quickly, so people are encouraged to sign up early on our website, https://schweinfurthartcenter.org/youth-classes/…

Scheduled for Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 2:00 pm

Utica, N.Y. -- May 2024 marks the 160th anniversary of the Battle of the Wilderness. The casualties were high with almost half of the enlisted men and officers becoming casualties. The 146th New York Volunteers from Oneida County had several soldiers among the injured and captured. This program by Michael Fisher will share the personal stories of these men and emphasize the terrible consequences of this deadly Civil War battle.

May 11 & 25

Presented by Staatsburgh State Historic Site

Staatsburg, N.Y.  (4/17/24) — At the turn of the century, the hamlet of Staatsburg was a thriving hub of businesses and manufacturing, fueled by local landed estates and the modernizing nation. Staatsburgh State Historic Site will offer free guided walking tours of the hamlet of Staatsburg in May.

Scheduled for Saturday, May 11, 2024, 1:00 – 3:00  pm

Utica, N.Y. - Oneida County History Center is bringing back its popular sip & paint for Mother’s Day weekend. Participants will paint a landscape featuring the picturesque and historic Verona Beach lighthouse from Oneida Lake. Tickets are $45 for non-members and $35 for History Center members and include all art materials, one beverage ticket, and light snacks.

With special guest Antoine Tamestit

A Benefit Concert for Spa Little Theater on August 25

Saratoga Springs, NY (April 18, 2024) – Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) announces that it will present Beethoven For Three featuring Emanuel Ax, Leonidas Kavakos, and Yo-Yo Ma with special guest Antoine Tamestit on August 25 at 3 p.m. in the 500-seat Spa Little Theater. Proceeds from the performance will go toward establishing a programming fund for the Theater, SPAC’s year-round performance home.