Happy Thanksgiving! Whether you plan to brave the crowds on Black Friday or stay inside the comfort of your home in a post-turkey coma, there are several great events this weekend to take advantage of if you have some time off and need to get out of the house.
1) If you’re feeling particularly brave, consider taking a “dip” into the St. Lawrence River during Saturday’s Pluck & Plunge festival in Cape Vincent to benefit a community Christmas party for the needy and the Cape Vincent Volunteer Fire Department. You can pick up sponsor sheets at Breakers Restaurant, 194 E. Broadway, or call the restaurant at 501-5050. Participants who raise the most money will have their choice of a pair of diamond earrings or a new television as a prize. There will also be a prize for the best-dressed “plunger.” The event starts at noon at the restaurant and onlookers will walk down to the river at 1 p.m. Following the “plunge,” the restaurant will host a variety of festivities, including karaoke and a horseshoe tournament. Actor Frank Shattuck, who appeared on “Boardwalk Empire” and “Law and Order: Criminal Intent,” will join the day’s events and be available for autographs and photo opportunities. The dinner for the needy will take place Dec. 23.
2) The New York State Zoo at Thompson Park is hosting Black (Bear) Friday, during which you can enjoy bear-themed activities and stories inside the discovery center from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; chat with the bear’s keeper, Melanie, at the bear exhibit from 12:30 to 3 p.m. to learn more about caring for the bear; and shop for discounted souvenirs in the gift shop. The program is free with zoo admission. Winter Wonderland Weekends also kick off this weekend at the zoo and run every weekend through Dec. 29. The event, which takes place Friday, Saturday and Sunday of each weekend from 5:30 to 8 p.m., lets you stroll the zoo and enjoy its holiday light decorations. Hot chocolate, coffee and other refreshments will be available at the Wildside Cafe. Tickets to that event are $3 for adults and $2 for children ages 3 to 12. Zoo members are free.
3) If you’re looking to take a day trip from the north country, the Wild Center in Tupper Lake is hosting Black & White Day Friday. The event includes a trunk show of local Adirondack artisans showcasing local photographers and painters, jewelry makers, knitters, leather goods and unique items from The Wild Supply Co., which can be gift wrapped for free. There will also be live music by Rustic Riders, crafts for children, seasonal treats and special activities surrounding the center’s pair of skunks, Night and Day. Admission is just $5 for adults and free for children ages 14 and younger. A full list of vendors at the event can be found here.
4) Another great indoor activity closer to home is a performance by hard rock and heavy metal band Halestorm on Saturday in McVean Gymnasium at Jefferson Community College at 7 p.m. Halestorm won its first Grammy Award in February in the Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance category for its song “Love Bites (So Do I)” from its 2012 album “The Strange Case Of…” The Pennsylvania-based band also released two other albums in 2012, “Hello It’s Mz Hyde” and “ReAniMate.” The band is composed of siblings Arejay and Lzzy Hale, Joe Hottinger and Josh Smith. Local band Lake Effect Mud will open the concert. Tickets are $35 for the general public and $20 for JCC students; call 786-2431 or visit www.sunyjefferson.edu.
5) The American Maple Museum on Main Street in Croghan is hosting a “Maple Friday” event on Friday and Saturday during which you can purchase maple-themed gifts and stocking stuffers, including sweatshirts and t-shirts, maple jewelry, candles, crafts and various other items on sale. The museum will be open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission to the museum is $10 for families with two adults and two or more children; $4 for adults; $1 for children ages 5 to 14; and free for children ages five and younger.
6) In Motion School of Dance will present the eighth annual performance of the holiday classic The Nutcracker on Saturday at 7 p.m. at the Dulles State Office Building in Watertown. Tickets are $12 for the general public and $6 for children. On Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the State Office Building, there will be a Holiday Craft Fair & Market to benefit the Watertown Urban Mission, featuring local vendors and crafters selling baked goods, farm goods, crafts, woodworking products, toys, home decorations and more. Admission is $2.
7) Also in Watertown, Immaculate Heart Central schools will be staging a Polar Express holiday show featuring Rhonda’s FooteWorks dancers and Stage Notes singers on Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m. at the high school, 1316 Ives St. The 2 p.m. show will be signed for the hearing impaired. The event benefits Daimon and Seeley Tuttle, 3 years and 8 months old, who suffer from Persistent Fetal Vascular Syndrome, and will also include a silent auction. Tickets are $6 for the general public and $5 for military personnel. Suggested attire is holiday pajamas. For advance tickets or to donate, email rfwdance@gmail.com.
8) If you’re interested in moving right into the spirit of the next holiday, there will be a holiday of lights kickoff in Canton on Friday at 6 p.m., including Santa, a tree lighting, caroling, sleigh wagon rides, holiday lights and hot chocolate and cookies at Canton Presbyterian Church.
9) The professional fire performance company Fire Magick will perform on Saturday at 4 p.m. at Arts on the Square, 52 Public Square, to raise money for a trip to India to perform at TechFest 2014. Monetary donations will be accepted and artwork or jewelry will be auctioned as well. Arts on the Square will also be participating in Small Business Saturday through an arts sale from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, during which you can pop balloons for chances to win 5, 10 or 15 percent off art. Visit the Arts Council’s Facebook page for more information. Find a list of all businesses participating in Small Business Saturday and other deals here.
10) Another shopping venue is the “All I Want for Christmas…” holiday craft fair at the Clayton Municipal Building on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event features face painting, activities for children, raffles and gift baskets, and benefits volunteer fireman Randy Bourcy, who is in need of a kidney transplant. Contact Kim Sherman at 777-1495 for more information.