LOCAL

Dog walk-a-thons, alien invasions: Three ways to celebrate fall this weekend

H. Rose Schneider
Observer-Dispatch

Whether it's walking a dog for a cause, searching a crashed "UFO" or enjoying food, vendors and music in downtown Utica, there's something for you to do this weekend.

Here are three ways to kick off the fall season in the Mohawk Valley:

Wiggle Waggle Walk-a-thon

The Anita's Steven Swans Humane Society will hold their 30th annual Wiggle Waggle Walk-a-thon Saturday afternoon, which raises funds for the Utica-based animal shelter. Those who'd like to pre-register can visit the humane society from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday at 5664 Horatio St..

  • When: noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24
  • Where: Kirkland Town Park, 3314 Post St., Clinton
  • To attend: $25 to walk your dog, $50 to receive a shirt, bandanna, pet-bag dispenser and a digital photo of you and your dog
Handshake.City's Downtown GetDown will include a helicopter landing from Mercy Flight.

Handshake.City Downtown GetDown

Handshake.City will host their 6th annual Downtown GetDown Saturday at the park on Whitesboro Street and in Bagg's Square. The event kicks off at 9 a.m. with a free yoga class in the park and will feature food, craft beer, vendors, musicians and other entertainment such as Touch-a-Truck and a helicopter landing.

  • When: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24
  • Where: Handshake.City, 26 Whitesboro St., Utica
  • To attend: Free to attend

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Aliens are Back at Wagner Farms

Aliens are expected to land their spaceship Saturday night at Wagner Farms in Rome and flee onto the farm's trails for Aliens are Back night.

Patrons meet the aliens by taking a wagon ride from the farm's events center down to the trails, farm owner Ron Wagner said. He noted it will not be a gory or scary event.

"It's a family-friendly meet and greet with the aliens," he said.

The food tent will be open all night with a full menu, as well as the farm stand, Wagner said. The farm's corn maze is also expected to be lit up to explore Saturday night.

  • When: 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24
  • Where: Wagner Farms Events Center, 5895 Old Oneida Road, Rome
  • To attend: $10 a person

H. Rose Schneider covers public safety, breaking and trending news for the Observer-Dispatch in Utica. Email Rose at hschneider@gannett.com.