April-fresh fun, no fooling
April not only marks the opening of many Orange County tourism attractions, it’s also the time of year when the www.OrangeTourism.org online events calendar is showered with fresh fun events. Hunt for treasure, or sell some, at the area’s fastest growing Antique Fair and Flea Market. Opening for the season April 2 at the Orange County Fairgrounds in Middletown, this market occurs every weekend through November. For more information call 282-4055 or visit www.ocfleamarkets.com. Find even more gems at the shops of nearby Sugar Loaf Art and Craft Village where you can browse before enjoying some Dinner Theatre at Sugar Loaf’s Lycian Pavilion. During the first two weekends of April, “Gunmetal Blues” a musical mystery will be presented on Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoon. For more information call 469-2287 or visit www.lyciancentre.com. Locovores will appreciate the Field to Fork Gourmet Dinner taking place in the “Black Dirt” growing region. Chef Heather Kurosz prepares a “farm table” dinner at the Rogowski Farm in Pine Island on Friday, April 8. For reservations call 258-4574 or visit www.rogowskifarm.com. From field to wine cellar, gourmets can also enjoy a romantic farm-fresh, locally-sourced feast at Brotherhood Winery’s Candlelight Cuisine on Friday, April 29. Watch Executive Chef Shawn and dine in the ambiance of the country’s largest underground wine cellars. Call 496-3661 or visit www.brotherhood-winery.com. In Goshen visitors experience state-of-the-art exhibits at the Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame seven days a week. On Saturday morning, April 9, children ages 3-12 will have tons of fun at Egg-stra Special Standardbred Horses, a craft workshop followed by a museum mini-tour, games, and a ride on the 3-D simulator. Call 294-6330 or visit www.harnessmuseum.com. The following Saturday, April 16, kids of all ages will enjoy a back-to-nature ramble during the Native American Botanical Hike at the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum’s Outdoor Discovery Center in Cornwall. Call 534-45506 or visit www.hhnaturemuseum.org. For a truly out-of this-world experience, join in the fun at the very first UFO Festival on April 30. The Village of Pine Bush will celebrate its history of unusual sightings with a fun-filled day for the entire family. Discover some local and worldwide UFO lore and play a game of alien hide-and-seek. All day festivities include a themed-costume parade, speakers, music, and children’s activities. Call 744-3960 or visit www.ufopinebushfestival.com. More fantasy and family fun can be found the same day at Palaia Vineyard’s Renaissance-themed Spring Festival. Come in costume and find out what the future has in store for you with tarot readings. Celebrate the season with music, dancing, vendors and a maypole dance. Don’t forget to taste the wine. Call 458-8726 or visit www.bridscloset.com. For more information visit www.OrangeTourism.org, call 615-3860 or e-mail tourism@orangecountygov.com.