About Town: Weekend Events In and Around Rye

Rye’s version of the equine Kentucky Derby– albeit human, two-legged style– to a Children’s Carnival, karaoke to a cappella, a thrift shop sale and charitable walks and dinners, there’s lots going on ‘round town this weekend.

The ’s 23rd Rye Derby isn’t just getting older, it’s getting better. It gets set to get off and running Sunday, May 1, with three different races at staggered starts starting at 10:30 a.m. 

Races range from the established five-mile run that attracts world-class runners competing for $1,000 in prize money to a new 5-K race and a one-mile family fun run/walk.

The Derby includes for the first time, the Y’s Healthy Kid’s Day Initiative. Runners and families will gather at the Y, 21 Locust Ave., for the program which includes active games, a jumping castle, live music, BBQ and more. Further information: 967-6363.

More Saturday Events

• Rye’s PREP (Parish Religious Education Program) will stage its 2nd annual Hope for Children Carnival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to raise funds to benefit injured children through the Global Medical Relief Fund.  Activities include rides, face painting, hair spraying, cupcake decorating and more on the Resurrection campus, 910 Boston Post Rd.
• The Resurrection Outreach Committee will also be collecting baby strollers in good working condition to donate to the mothers of the nearby Holy Rosary Parish throughout the weekend. Strollers may be left at the Parish Center. Information: 967-0142.
• The Thrift Shop at the , 882 Boston Post Rd., will stage a giant spring sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Items include jewelry, china, silver, lamps, frames, linens, houseware, toys, puzzles, books, collectibles and easy-to-transport furniture. Proceeds go to local non-profit groups that help women, children and the elderly. Information: 967-0842.
• The Child Abuse Prevention Center will sponsor a Taking Steps Walk-A-Thon at that includes a 5K Walk and a half-mile “Tot-Trot/Senior Stroll.” Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. and events begin around an hour later. Proceeds benefit the non-profit organization whose mission is to significantly reduce the incidence of child abuse and neglect. Information: 997-2642.
• Hailey’s Hope Foundation will stage its annual dinner reception fundraiser from 7 to 11 p.m. at . Proceeds will help fund programs that benefit neonatal intensive care unit families and neonatal research. Information: 584-8833.
• The Rye Y will stage a Middle School Karaoke Night from 7 - 9 p.m that will offer youngsters in grades six through 8 a chance to sing along with a professional Karaoke machine, watch a movie in the racquetball court theatre, jump on a bouncy castle, swim in the pool, make a teen night video and more. Information: 967-6363

Sunday Events

• Clairvoyant Valerie Stiehl will present a program called “Native American Spirituality, Healing and Culture” from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at , 260 Stuyvesant Ave. She will delve into Lakota Sioux traditions such as the sweat lodge, vision quest, sun dance, wopila healing and more. Information: 967-6080.
• The historic will present the Spizzwinks, one of Yale’s oldest  (1914) all male, a capella singing groups in a rite-of-spring fund-raising benefit honoring a number of Jay’s descendants who are Yalies, as were several of their close Rye friends, including James Fenimore Cooper and current Jay president Suzanne Clary. Information: 698-9275.

So there's lots going on 'round Rye for almost every taste this weekend. Have a happy!