Dan's Papers - August 1, 2008

'Round about now, adults start to feel a little event-ed out. But this is no time to rest on your laurels or deny your non-stop kids one or two (or 10 or 12) more outrageously fun, top-rate summer events. There are three great events coming up this week - all with a horse and bull theme, revving the kids up for the Hampton Classic, no doubt.

The first is the mama of all children's events - the 19th Annual Wild Wild West Carnival at Diamond Ranch in Watermill, this Sunday, August 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This is a kid's dream - the Richie Rich party of the season with pony rides, a rock climbing wall, obstacle course, giant slides, face painting, water balloon toss, tug o' war; plus great food. When we took our son when he was three, he stood in awe before a chocolate fountain (for slathering marshmallows) for about 10 minutes. He was meticulously clean when we arrived, covered in chocolate when we left. There was also a huge arts & crafts tent, and he got made up and photographed on his very own "Wanted" poster. For adults, there's also a silent auction, raffle and much more.

This is no low budget event, but much of it is tax deductible, and it's one of the best family fundraisers where you can have a great time and support a great "children for children" cause. All proceeds benefit the Children's Evaluation and Rehabilitation Center (CERC), part of Albert Einstein's National Women's Division. CERC is one of the largest and most renowned centers providing comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment services for children who suffer from serious developmental disorders. Adult tickets in advance are $175, ($110 tax deductible) children, $100 in advance ($40 tax deductible). Go ahead, drop the dime if you can, for family fun and to help children - and you might just rub elbows with Christie Brinkley.

On Wednesday August 6, CMEE in Bridgehampton presents the Hudson Vagabond Puppets performing Ferdinand the Bull. It's the story of a bull that won't fight, told as a narrated ballet with a larger-than-life bull, masked dancers and specialized mechanical figures. The show is at 6:30, preceded by a bring-your-own picnic at 6. Tickets are $15/members; $17/nonmbers; $20/door.

Finally, on Friday, August 8, Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center, presents The Wiz of the West. It's the classic Wizard of Oz story morphed into a wacky Western adventure, with singing coyotes, Ma and Pa Munch and Terrifying Tarantulas - all performed by 60 kids in PAC's educational program. Tickets are $15.00.