Another weekend, another huge list of fun things for you to do.  And that’s not even counting whatever Superbowl festivities you have planned.

By the way, for those of you who managed to feel my thirst yesterday, J had such a raging ear infection that the doctor gave us two different prescriptions, an unprecedented tactic in her seven years of treating my children.  I’m wearing my Mother of the Year sash right this minute.

Later on Friday, February 5^th

• At 2 pm and 7 pm, the Family Players of Northeastern New York are performing “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” at the Colonie Community Center.  It’s $15/adult, $12/students, seniors, and educators.  There’s actually a clip on their website, if you’re trying to determine whether the play’s your cup of tea.  For information, call 377-3955.
• It’s First Friday in Albany from 5-9 pm.
• It’s also First Friday in Ballston Spa (what a coincidence!) from 6-9 pm.

All Weekend, Friday to Sunday

• This weekend is Saratoga’s Winterfest/Chowderfest. Most events are on Saturday.  For example, at Prestwick Chase, they’ll have sleigh rides, face painting, and ice sculptures from 12-3 pm. A clown will be twisting balloons near the Ben & Jerry’s, as if you need another reason to visit. Click the Chowderfest link for more information. Alas, it looks like the Friday Candlelight Ski & Snowshoe at Saratoga Spa State Park has been cancelled.
• Capital Area Productions be showing the musical 13 at Rensselaer High School.

Saturday, February 6th

• It’s the 25^th annual Winter Fest at Grafton Lakes State Park. If you’re motivated, the festivities kick off at 5 am with an ice-fishing tournament. There’s a Polar Plunge at 1 pm. Man, these folks really know how to embrace winter on a level that I can only imagine.
• The annual Hoops for Hope cancer benefit, a free-throw contest for school-aged kids, will be from 10 am to 1 pm at Maple Avenue Middle School in Saratoga Springs.
• The Empire State Youth Orchestra has their Annual Playathon from 10:30 am to 6:30 pm at the Crossgates Mall. Hundreds of kids will be playing all kinds of music, and kids of all ages will get the opportunity to try out different musical instruments for themselves.
• There’s a Valentine’s Day Storytime at the Colonie Center Barnes & Noble at 11 am.
• There’s also a Valentine’s Day Storytime at the Mohawk Commons Barnes & Noble at 11 am.  Again, ya just gotta trust me without a link here.
• Glenville is celebrating their Winterfest at Indian Meadows Park from 1-3 pm.
• There’s a Russian Film Forum at WAMC’s The Linda.  There’s a variety of free family-oriented films in the afternoon.  There are short animated and live-action films from 1-2:30 pm, and then a full-length film called ”The Twelfth Summer” at 3 pm.  I put in a call to find out if these films are dubbed or subtitled, but I have not heard from them yet.
• There’s a Chinese New Year Extravaganza at Clifton Park-Halfmoon Library from 1:30-3:30 pm. Activities include crafts, food, and a performance by musicians who’ll be performing at the Egg later.
• There’s a Trash into Treasure program at 2 pm at the Albany Pine Bush. It’s $5/family. Registration is required.
• At 2 pm, the Family Players of Northeastern New York are performing “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”–see above for more details.
• Local author and 9th grader Kelsey O’Dell will be signing her book, Dear Diary, Am I Really 13?, at the Book House at Stuyvesant Plaza. Okay. . . I’m almost 40 and just got around to finally starting a freakin’ blog.  I think I need to go breathe into a paper bag now.  Or, better yet, does anyone have any potato chips?

Sunday, February 7th

• There’s a program on Optical Illusions at 1 pm at the Children’s Museum of Science and Technology for older children—8 and up. It’s $2 for non-members, and pre-registration is required.
• The Harlem Globetrotters are at the Times Union Center at 1 pm.
• There’s a Super Bowl Sunday Celebration from 2-4 pm at the Schenectady Jewish Community Center. It’s $10 for non-members and free for members. Events include art, ice cream sundaes, family swim, a movie for kids, face-painting, and an obstacle course.
• The downtown Schenectady Public Library has a Music for Fun ensemble at 2:30 pm.
• There’s a Family Dance with Paul Rosenberg of Homespun Community Dancing in Albany. It’s from 4-5:15 pm, with a suggested donation of $5/adult or $1/child.

Happy weekend, everybody!