Photos provided
STUDENTS GALLOP INTO SUMMER
Painted Bar Stables and Osmote Wine will collaborate on an event to celebrate the end of the school year and get kids outside, interacting with animals.
End of School Pony Rides will take place from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, June 28 at Osmote Wine in Burdett—a scenic property overlooking Seneca Lake. This event will be open to children of all ages, although those too young to balance on the ponies will spend the time meeting, sitting on, and taking photos with the animals instead of riding.
At least one full-size horse will also be onsite for older children and adults to ride. Rides will take place in a temporary ropefence arena on the grass, and there will be live music and a food truck.
“While the little ones are off enjoying activities like horseback riding and live music, parents can kick back with a nice glass of wine and take in the beautiful lake view. It’s a win-win—everyone gets to have a great time in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere,” says Osmote owner and head winemaker Ben Riccardi.
Erika Eckstrom, owner of Painted Bar Stables, is excited to use the horses to help kids develop a connection with the natural beauty of the vineyards and an active, outdoors environment.
Rides start at $15, and packages will likely be available for multiple rides. osmotewine.com/events/event-threezdcmp
YOUNG STARS SHINE
For the past ten years, OFC Creations Theatre Center has been offering summer theater camps for local kids as young as four years old.
This summer, camps will take place at two locations: the OFC campus in Brighton and at Kodak Center in Rochester. Campers will perform a total of twenty-two musicals/plays during the season—everything from The Frog and the Princess for ages four to seven in July to The Wedding Singer for ages thirteen to eighteen in July and August.
“Theatre is so important for development at any age. Being onstage and portraying another character allows you to escape reality for a moment and discover more about yourself,” says Kaitlyn Baldwin, marketing manager at OFC. “It brings the community together and makes our next generation stronger.”
Kids also build important skills like public speaking, confidence, and teamwork, she adds.
Parents can take advantage of before and after-care opportunities for campers between eight and eighteen years old who need to be dropped off early or stay late, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Activities will include arts and crafts, watching movies, and playing games. ofccreations.com
DINOSAURS ROAR INTO TOWN
Kids are often be reminded of their size and limitations within their environments, which could be why so many are fascinated by dinosaurs— majestic, powerful, and immense creatures that easily inspire awe.
Dinosaur World Live will bring the wonder and power of a long-ago era to the Kodak Center stage on April 23 at 6 p.m. with a family-friendly, interactive show. The audience will follow brave explorers through the Jurassic period as they encounter incredibly lifelike dinosaurs— brought to the stage using skilled puppetry—like the Tyrannosaurus Rex, Triceratops, Giraffatitan, Microraptor, and Segnosaurus.
The show is recommended for kids at least three years old, and there will be a chance to meet the explorers and dinosaurs after the show. kodakcenter.com/events/2024/dinosaur-world-live
OGRE THE MOON
Everyone’s favorite green ogre will visit the West Herr Auditorium Theatre on May 11 and 12 with Shrek the Musical, the Tony Award–winning adaptation of the popular film franchise.
The musical introduces the ogre, at peace in his quiet swamp, as his home is suddenly overrun with exiled fairytale creatures. Upset with the interruption and persuaded to assist them in regaining their homes, Shrek embarks on a journey with a chatty donkey to find Lord Farquaad, responsible for the exile, and demand their removal. The musical incorporates elements of the first Shrek film, as well as Shrek 2, Shrek Forever After and William Steig’s 1990 book Shrek! rbtl.org/events/shrek
