By Heidi Anders

Recreation Supervisor

The Town of Van Buren Parks and Recreation Department is bringing its “Amazing Race” back for a third round.

Based on the Emmy Award-winning globetrotting series of the same name, Van Buren’s Amazing Race will pit up to 15 four-person teams against each other for a massive scavenger hunt. Teams will be asked to solve clues, perform challenges and tour the Baldwinsville area as they compete for prizes.

Team members must be 12 or older to participate, but adult teams may have a participant as young as 8 to help compete. One person from each team must have a cell phone capable of sending pictures back to the park. At one stop we will need to receive the picture in order to give you the next clue!

The all-day event begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, at Van Buren Park. The cost is $60 per four-person team.

Boater safety course 

Van Buren Parks and Rec will host a three-day boater safety course. The course features instructors from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and satisfies every state’s safety requirements for pleasure boating.

The class will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays, Oct. 4, 11 and 18, at the Van Buren Town Hall, 7575 Van Buren Road.

Upon completion of the class, certificates will be available without a waiting period or having to mail anything. Registration costs $35.

Halloween Fun-Fest

The Town of Van Buren Halloween Fun-Fest will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, at Van Buren Park. The event has been planned to offer a safe and fun for kids. The day will feature carnival type games, a bounce house, refreshments, pumpkin decorating, food trucks and more.  We will also have Knockerball and relay races running for adults. 

Dog obedience classes

If your pup could stand to learn a few tricks — like sit and stay — check out our basic dog obedience classes and manners classes.

Dogs must be at least 4 months old, and handlers must be at least 14 years old. You must present proof of rabies, DHL and parvo vaccines at the first class. Bring a six-foot leash (no flexi leads or choke collars allowed) and soft, chewy treats to reward your furry friend.

Classes will run Mondays from Sept. 25 to Nov. 6 at the Van Buren Park lodge. The beginner class is $50 per dog/handler and a more advanced class is $55.

To register for these programs, contact the Van Buren parks and rec department at (315) 638-4727 or [email protected]. The Van Buren parks and recreation department is located at Van Buren Central Park, 7350 Canton St., Baldwinsville. The office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information about current and upcoming programs, visit townofvanburen.com/parks-and-recreation or like “Town of Van Buren” on Facebook.