New York Sportsmen’s Expo, Syracuse Pond Hockey Classic, ‘Forever Plaid’: 14 things to do this week in Central NY

It appears, at least at the time of this writing, that winter has finally arrived in Central New York.

While some may retreat for the warmth of the indoors, for many folks this week will be a great one to get outdoors and enjoy the brisk cold air.

The village of Homer in Cortland County sees the return of its Winterfest, which has been cancelled the previous three years because of Covid. Baldwinsville’s Big Chill has food and drink at Mercer Park and a chance to watch the bravest among us jump into the Seneca River. Beaver Lake Nature Center is hosting skiing and snowshoeing beneath the full moon this weekend and the annual Syracuse Pond Hockey Classic is all set for the skating rink of Clinton Square on Saturday.

If you want some time inside, there is a Billy Joel and Elton John tribute show at the Palace Theatre, a production of “Forever Plaid” in Baldwinsville, a special showing of “The Wizard of Oz” in Hamilton, with an appearance by a Dorothy impersonator, and the annual New York Sportsmen’s Expo at the New York State Fairgrounds.

Know of an event you would like to see on this list? Email us at least two weeks in advance at features@syracuse.com.

Monday

Eco-Friendly Art Exhibition

Visit the Baldwinsville Public Library in January to see an “Eco-Friendly Art Exhibition. Paper collage artist Pat Hale Wilson has created more than 30 “colorful and funky” works from recycled frames and discarded magazines. The free exhibit is open during library hours through January 31.

Where: 33 East Genesee Street, Baldwinsville

When: Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays until 5 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4.

How much: Free

Thursday

Open Moonlight Snowshoeing and Skiing

Take advantage of the full moon this weekend at Beaver Lake Nature Center. Trails will remain open until 8:30 p.m. for moonlit snowshoeing and skiing. Bring a friend and a flashlight for this special nighttime experience. Please call ahead at (315) 638-2519 for trail conditions. Snowshoes will be available for rental for $5/person.

Where: 8477 East Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville

When: Thursday through Sunday from 5 to 8:30 p.m.

How much: Free with park admission, $5/vehicle.

Scientifically Speaking: Mushrooms

Learn a little something about mushrooms on Thursday at the Liverpool Public Library. Thomas Horton, Emeritus Professor of Microbiology at SUNY ESF presents a fascinating program on Ethnomycology including interesting stories about their use, as food and medicine, or in crafts, stories, or rituals. It starts at 7 p.m. and is free.

Where: 310 Tulip Street, Liverpool

When: Thursday at 7 p.m.

How much: Free

Friday

New York Sportsman’s Expo

The Exposition Center of the New York State Fairgrounds hosts the annual New York Sportsman’s Expo this weekend. Outdoor enthusiasts, hunters, and anglers can see the latest in products, travel, and entertainment at the area’s largest outdoor expo. Visit www.newyorksportsmansexpo.com for more information.

Where: 581 State Fair Boulevard, Syracuse

When: Friday from noon to 7 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5.

How much: Adults (13-64) are $15. Seniors, military, police, and children ages 6-12 are $13. Children six and under are free.

“Forever Plaid”

The Baldwinsville Theatre Guild opens its 82nd season this weekend and next with a production of the “classic jukebox musical” “Forever Plaid.” Directed by Bob Brown, it tells the story of a “guy group” who specialize in barbershop quartet harmonies. They have a tragedy on the way to their first gig but are given a chance to perform in the afterlife. To purchase tickets, visit www.baldwinsvilletheatreguild.org.

Where: 64 Oswego Street, Baldwinsville

When: Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Sunday matinee at 3 p.m. Same schedule next weekend.

How much: $25 for adults. $22 for seniors and students.

Jazz on Demand

Ever want to tell a live band how and what to play? This is your chance. “Jazz on Demand” is a CNY Jazz combo which perform a unique, fun, and interactive show. The audience is empowered to participate by “echoing call-and-response figures,” and by “ordering” the trio to perform specific titles in styles and tempos chosen by shuffling flash cards. The concert is free. It is being held at the City Hall Commons Atrium in downtown Syracuse at 5:30 p.m. Friday.

Where: 201 East Washington Street, Syracuse

When: Friday at 5:30 p.m.

How much: Free

Mandala Viewing

The community is invited to the Liverpool Art Center from Friday through Monday for viewings of Tibetan Buddhist monks from the Gaden Shartse Monastery creating an intricate mandala. The sand mandala, which will take days to prepare, “explodes with variation and beauty,” and represents “the vision of a pure and harmonious universe.” They are believed “to bring healing and peace to those who witness it.” It will be open to the public every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. You can also book a private healing session during the weekend. Click here for more information.

Where: 101 Lake Drive, Liverpool

When: Friday-Monday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

How much: Donations are welcome.

Homer Winterfest

After being suspended the previous three years because of Covid, Homer Winterfest returns. The event in the Cortland County community was created and maintained by a group of dedicated volunteers. Running all weekend, events include bonfires, fireworks, ice and snow sculptures, human dog sled races, food, and much more. Most events are free. Visit www.homerwinterfest.org for a complete schedule.

Where: Village of Homer

When: Friday-Sunday

How much: Free to attend.

Saturday

Syracuse Pond Hockey Classic

The annual Syracuse Pond Hockey Classic is relocating to a new venue this year. Worries about the mild start of winter forced organizers to move the one-day hockey tournament to Clinton Square from Hiawatha Lake. Sixteen teams will compete on the Square’s skating rink starting at 10 a.m. with the championship match set for 7 p.m. The event is free to attend. There will be food and drink for sale. Go to https://syracusepondhockeyclassic.com/ for more details.

Where: Clinton Square, Syracuse

When: Tournament starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday. Championship match is at 7.

How much: Free to attend.

Baldwinsville Big Chill

Now in its 17th year, the Baldwinsville Big Chill is a winter celebration hosted by the Greater Baldwinsville Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club. Starting at noon in Mercer Park, the event begins with teams of people plunging into the icy Seneca River, competing to raise money and receive cash awards for their favorite charities. A heated tent houses the Best in Bowl competition, where local eateries serve samples of their food. For just $5 per person, you can sample food from area restaurants like Sal’s Pizza & Restaurant, Angry Garlic, San Miguel Mexican Bar & Grill and more. WT Brews will have a cash bar inside the tent.

Where: 3 North Street, Baldwinsville

When: Saturday from noon to 2 p.m.

How much: Free to attend.

Piano Men

Experience America’s premier Billy Joel and Elton John tribute artist on Saturday night at the Palace Theatre. “Benny and the Big Shot” has over 3,000 appearances worldwide performing the hits from these two legends in one amazing night, from “Piano Man,” “My Life,” “Benny and the Jets,” “Rocket Man” and more. Get your tickets now at www.ilovemoxieevents.com.

Where: 2384 James Street, Syracuse

When: Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

How much: Tickets start at $34.

Al Chez & The Brothers of Funk Big Band

Trumpet player Al Chez is taking the stage at Auburn High School on Saturday for a fundraising concert for the school’s music programs. He will be joined by his band, The Brothers of Funk Big Band. Chez has collaborated with Bon Jovi and Eric Clapton and was trumpeter with the CBS Orchestra on “The Late Show with David Letterman.” The concert starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase at https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/79180-

Where: 250 Lake Avenue, Auburn

When: Saturday at 7 p.m.

How much: $15, $5 for Auburn students, $10 for seniors/non-Auburn students.

Sunday

“The Wizard of Oz”

Celebrate the 85th anniversary of the legendary movie “The Wizard of Oz” at the historic Hamilton Theatre on Sunday. Before a special showing of the film at 2 p.m. you can meet special “Dorothy” impersonator, Elaine Horn, a nationally renowned Judy Garland impersonator. Her work includes events for Warner Brothers, movie releases with MGM, and working with the original cast of the 1939. She will meet fans and pose for photos in front of an Oz backdrop starting at 1 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased here. Another showing of the movie, without Dorothy, is scheduled at the theater on Wednesday at 7 p.m.

Where: 7 Lebanon Street, Hamilton

When: Sunday at 1 p.m.

How much: $10

“Mozart and Schumann”

The Cayuga Chamber Orchestra will hold its second Chamber Series Concert of the 2023-24 season, “Mozart and Schumann,” a program featuring gorgeous trios by CCO musicians and friends. The concert, on Sunday at 3 p.m. at Ithaca’s First Unitarian Church will showcase musicians, Sarah Chandler (clarinet), Kyle Armbrust (viola), Charis DiMaras (piano), John Lathwell (oboe), Taylor Smith (bassoon), Andrew Zhou (piano), Christina Bouey (violin), Rosie Elliott (cello), and Yoon Lee (piano). Visit CCOithaca.org for tickets.

Where: 306 North Aurora Street, Ithaca

When: Sunday at 3 p.m.

How much: $40 for adults, $13 for students.