April has arrived in Lake Huntington, bringing that long-awaited stretch of warmer days and the steady hum of spring in full swing. After a slow start to the season, it feels like everything is waking up at once, just in time to enjoy all that this beautiful time of year has to offer.

Here are some events happening in our community and beyond:

Save the date: The Lake Huntington Presbyterian Church will host a penny social on Saturday, May 2. Doors open at 11:30 a.m., with calling beginning at 12:30 p.m. Enjoy hot dogs, chips and soda available for purchase, along with many great prizes and raffles. It’s sure to be a fun event for all!

The next meeting for Cochecton Celebrates America’s 250th Anniversary will be held on Sunday, April 12 at 2 p.m. in the lower level of the Cochecton Town Hall. All are welcome to attend. Save the date for another special event on Sunday, May 3 at 1 p.m., when the Town of Cochecton will open its 1976 time capsule. This exciting event will also take place in the lower level of the Cochecton Town Hall, and all are welcome and encouraged to attend.

“Fox lands at the Nest” on Saturday, April 18, as the Arts Nest presents Operation: Jonathan—an evening of personal storytelling with Jonathan Charles Fox and That Dog Named Gidget, for one night only. “I’ve talked about broken dreams in the past,” Fox says, “and broken promises, broken spirits, broken hearts and even some broken dishes. But stories about broken bones? I don’t think I’ve shared any of those before. I have more than a few and I’ve got the scars to prove it!” Known for his strong rapport with audiences, Fox is looking forward to his first appearance at the Arts Nest, noting, “It’s an intimate room and I like that. Think of it as a conversation amongst friends—one in which I do most of the talking.” Praised as offering “a master class in charming an audience” and knowing how to work a room, Fox brings humor and warmth even to life’s more difficult moments, offering laughter behind the tears (Lori Schneider, Aisle Seat). 

“Insightful, witty, and unmistakably Jonathan—an evening not to be missed,” adds Tom Candella of Curtain Call, WJFF Radio Catskill. Seating is limited for this special performance. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door and can be purchased at www.myrivertickets.com. Showtime is 7 p.m. at the Arts Nest, 6692 State Route 52, Lake Huntington, NY.

River Rep Theatre will present its third annual Gala Benefit on Saturday, April 11 at 6 p.m. at the Delaware Valley Opera Center, located at 6692 Rte. 52 in Lake Huntington. Benefiting River Rep’s 2026 season, the evening will showcase the River Rep ensemble, members of River Rep Jr. and an impressive lineup of local and visiting artists. Guests can enjoy a dynamic program of musical performances and scenes from the upcoming season, including the world premiere of the AI-inspired dark comedy Tomorrow Today, encore performances of The Neverending Story, and Eugene Ionesco’s classic Rhinoceros, among others. The event will feature performances by Arthur Aulisi, Alden Bratland, Thomas Cambridge, Matt Carpenter, Jessica Davis-Irons, Andrew Kitson, Giuliana DiCostanzo, Luna Ditacchio, Kazzrie Jaxen, Lexee McEntee, Susan Mendoza, Christopher Parsons, Christopher Peditto, Iliana Pena, Cooper Quinn, Shane Rennison, Oliver Schumacher, Charles Schroeder, Nick Sherman, Margie Stokley, Malcolm Strother, Greg Triggs, Crystal Tweed, Laura Velez and Waverly Van Aalsburg, under the direction of Arthur Aulisi, Jessica Davis-Irons and Christopher Peditto. Attendees will also enjoy a full buffet featuring cuisine from top Sullivan Catskills restaurants and chefs, along with a cash bar available throughout the evening. A silent auction, launching online in early April and continuing beyond gala night, will offer a variety of art, goods, and services from local artists and businesses. Seating is limited, and early reservations are encouraged. Tickets are $50 in advance and $65 at the door. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit riverrep.org.

If you have a local business that would like to be spotlighted in an upcoming column, please get in touch! Please email jenn@jennpowelldesigns.com with any news, events, and happenings. You can also find me online at https://rustic-road.com/