The annual Veterans Day Parade is taking place in Albany this Saturday, but there are other Veterans Day events you’ll want to check out as well. Also going on this weekend: a festival for kids, two fairs with crafts and local items, two wine tastings, and a major opportunity to volunteer for the holiday season is starting on Saturday.
Celebrate Veterans Day
Veterans Day is this Saturday, with the official observance on Friday. This year, consider taking time to pay respects to those who have served by attending a parade, ceremony, or event. Here are a couple going on in the area:
Saturday, November 11
Head to Central Avenue on Saturday morning for the 62nd annual Veterans Day Parade. The Co-Grand Marshals for this year’s parade are the co-founders of the Tri-County Council of Vietnam Era Veterans, Jack Clancy and Jimmy Brown. The organization is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year.
Saturday, November 11 to Sunday, November 12
The USS Slater that is moored on the Hudson River is the last Destroyer Escort that is still afloat in this country today. There will be a ceremony honoring Veterans Day followed by tours of the ship, so take this opportunity to check out one of the most exciting historical attractions in the area.
Read more about the USS Slater and other local historical spots >>
See more Veterans Day events and information >>
Festivals & Fairs
Science Festival of the Capital Region
through Sunday, November 12
If you’re looking to keep the kids entertained this week the Science Festival of the Capital Region is going on now through Sunday at the Museum of Innovation and Science (miSci) in Schenectady. Tickets are $10.50 for adults, $9 for seniors, and $7.50 for kids ages 3 to 12. This six-day celebration consists of hands-on activities, workshops, shows, robots, live animals, and much more.
Saturday, November 11
Get a head start on your Christmas shopping by checking out the Christmas Fair at the Bethany Reformed Church in Albany. There will be books, quilts, crafts, plants, baked goods, and more. There’s also a Homemade Soup and Sandwich Luncheon.
Saturday, November 11
Another church is hosting a craft fair – the New Covenant Presbyterian Church, also right in Albany is having their Craft Fair & Community Day this weekend. You can check out handmade crafts, arts, food, jewelry, and clothing from local artists and crafters.
Volunteer for Thanksgiving
Concerned for the Hungry Thanksgiving Food Drive
Saturday, November 11 through Monday, November 20
It’s not too early to start thinking about giving back to the local community for the holidays. The annual Concerned for the Hungry Thanksgiving Food Drive that takes place in Schenectady is starting this Saturday. Check out the schedule of volunteer events and then mark your calendar for what you’d like to participate in. There’s no registration or signing up – just show up!
Wine Tastings
Wine Tasting at All Star Wine & Spirits
Sunday, November 12
Check out a free wine tasting at All Star Wine & Spirits in the Latham Farms shopping center. They’ll be pouring between 30 and 50 different wines of many styles from all over the world.
New York State Tasting at Exit 9 Wine & Liquor
Friday, November 10
Sample wines from just New York State at Exit 9 Wine & Liquor in Clifton Park. Get ideas for wine pairings with meals and start getting stocked up for the holidays.
