There are just under three weeks left until the 2024-25 school year begins, so that means it’s time to start squeezing in some extra fun! Fortunately, there are two events coming up in Highland Falls just for you.

The first is Friday, August 23, when the second annual Town of Highlands Recreation Department Kids’ Day will take place at Roe Park. It’s from 4-8 p.m. and is free. There will be, Recreation Director Aaron Falk said, field games like kickball, football and soccer; basketball games; the pool will be open and there will also be a water slide and slip’n slide set up. There will be live music, corn hole games, food, an EMS Touch-A-Truck event and more.

Falk is looking for volunteers to help with or participate in the event. To sign on, email him at afalk@highlands-ny.gov or call him at 845-863-7465. “Mark your calendars and come celebrate our kids,” he said.

Then, the following Saturday, August 31, Town Councilman Tyrone King and members of the Buffalo Soldiers Association will host a Back to School Block Party from 2 - 6 p.m. on Muller Avenue, in the area in front of St. John’s AME Zion Church.

“This is just another effort from our concerned residents to do something special for our youth as they prepare to go back to school in September,” King said, noting it will be held “the same weekend in which we celebrate the legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers Association of West Point 63rd Annual Wreath Laying ceremony”.

There will be free hamburgers, hotdogs and school supplies for school children.

To get involved with this event, contact King at 845-305-0111.