Best Bets: Carp kites, pirate festival, War of 1812 revisited
1. Oh, go fly a fish. But first, head to Buffalo’s waterfront, where the folks from Explore & More children’s museum will show you how to make fish wind socks, just like carp kites from Japan! Smaller hands will make snowflakes and pretend it’s Christmas in July. The fun runs from 1 to 4 p. m. Friday on the central wharf at Erie Canal Harbor. Free! Call 655-5131 for more information.
2. Hey matey! Pirates play all weekend in Olcott’s Krull Park during the annual Pirate Festival. Wear a costume and prepare your water balloons! This outdoor event is sponsored by the Olcott Fire Company. The festival runs 6 p. m. to midnight Friday, noon to midnight Saturday and noon to 6 p. m. Sunday. Find Krull Park on Route 18. Call 778-8531 for more info.
3. Nothing like an encampment to stir the senses. The War of 1812 hits Youngstown’s Old Fort Niagara on Saturday and Sunday for living history demonstrations from the 19th century. Bring a flashlight Saturday to experience the drama of an evening battle. Doors open at 9 a. m. Saturday. No admission after 7:30 p. m. Battle starts at 8. Admission: adults $10, children ages 6 to 12 $6. Visit https://oldfortniagara.org for more information or call 745-7611.
4. Das Haus rocks! Visit an original 1843 log cabin used as a heritage museum by Historical Society of North German Settlements in Western New York. Discover the migration history of Prussian Lutherans. Open 2 to 4 p. m. Sundays at 2549 Niagara Road, Wheatfield.
