Labor Day Activities in Your Backyard

Many people consider Labor Day weekend the last true summer weekend.  Not going away?  Here are some ways to make the most of it right here in Westchester.

Also check out the  Westchester Parks Department's website:

"Friday Night Live" in Hastings

Kick off Labor Day weekend by leaping straight into autumn.  September's "Friday Night Live" will get you ready to hit the pumpkin patches and jump in fall leaves with its harvest-themed program. First, the village's great restaurants and local vendors will be serving-up their specialties. Then, the evening will continue in the where Common Grounds presents Guy Davis. The concert begins at 8:30 p.m.

Visit www.rivertownsguide.com for more information on "Friday Night Live" and other Rivertowns events.  

Dobbs Ferry 5K Run

On Monday, September 6, A 5K run organized by the Village of Dobbs Ferry's Parks and Recreation Department will  commence from Mercy College at 9 a.m. Get your running shoes ready and stretch those calves.  Then, after the run, stop by any of the Rivertowns awesome restaurants for a bite to eat.  

Rockefeller State Preserve

Until September 12, the art gallery titled, "The Sweet–Voiced Bird Has Flown" is on display at the Rockefeller State Preserve. The gallery contains portraits of common birds that were created by members of the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators. The international group promotes art in the service of science and education. 

After viewing the exhibit, why not take a walk through the Preserve along the 20 miles of roads and paths that you can wander. Parking costs $6.

Green Corn Festival at Philipsburg Manor

The Green Corn Festival explores the history and culture of the area's Native American residents. Enjoy folk tales, song, and storytelling, and a participatory presentation of traditional Native American dance, plus open-hearth cooking demonstrations, games, live music, and hands-on craft activities for children.

Susan McLellan Plaisted will demonstrate Native American cooking and medicine making. Arthur Kermss returns with demonstrations of wampum-making and treenware (wooden bowls and utensils). Geordanes of Irvington will provide picnic food. Admission: $12; $10 for seniors; $6 for children 5-17. Free for members and children under 5. 914-631-3992.

The Greenburgh Nature Center

On Sunday, September 5, starting at 11:30 a.m. the Greenburgh Nature Center (located at 99 Dromore Rd. on the northern edge of Scarsdale) will be giving guided tours of its gardens and grounds. Visitors can learn all about the 33-acre preserve, and you can take your own tour with maps that are provided. The event is free. 

Stocking Up for a Cookout

Here in the Rivertowns, you have ample opportunities to plan an incredible cookout.  On Wednesday, visit Irvington's farmers market from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in from of the Main Street School.  On Friday morning, Dobbs Ferry's farmers market is a haven for fruits, vegetables, local wine and fresh baked goods. Then, on Saturday, visit Hastings market in front of the library to complete your grocery list for a scrumptious--and organically-grown, pesticide-free, minimal-carbon-footprint--feast.  

Westchester Parks Events

The 26th Annual Labor Day Antiques Fair in Somers

The antiques fair will take place on Monday, September 6, at Lasdon Park, Arboretum & Veterans Memorial. It will go from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The fair will be located on the main lawn, rain or shine. Adults $7; children under 13 years free. Call (914) 273-4667 for details. The Lasdon Park, Arboretum & Veterans Memorial is located on Route 35 in Somers, NY 10589.

Stairway to Heaven

On Saturday, September 4, Join the Westchester Amateur Astronomers in the Meadow parking lot at the Trailside Nature Museum for star gazing through telescopes. Cloud date: September 11. Stargazing takes place at 8 p.m. and there is no fee. The Trailside Nature Museum is located at the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation at Routes 35 & 121 South Cross River, NY  10518. For more information call: (914) 864-7322.

Tour of the Main House

Learn about the history of Lason Park and Arboretum while touring with the park horticulturist. The tour is on Sunday, September 5, and goes from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. There is no cost.  The Lasdon Park, Arboretum & Veterans Memorial is located on Route 35 in Somers, NY 10589. For additional information: (914) 864-7268.

For more parks events, click here.

If you have any events, please feel free to post them in our comments section. Have a safe, fun and delicious Labor Day weekend!