S: Is for Something for Dad!

Fathers Day is this weekend. If you are looking for that perfect gift or that surprise that is sure to please, here are some suggestions:

The Renegade Craft Fair, in Williamsburg will have more than 200 vendors setting up booths in McCarren Park Pool, peddling their handmade wares. It began in Chicago in 2003, and it has swelled, attracting hundreds of far-flung vendors and thousands of shoppers who come for the marketplace. 20,000 stopped by last year to buy silk-screened T-shirts, enamel jewelry, patchwork handbags, funky baby clothes, dog pillows and small artworks. if you like shopping for handmade goods, or if you're just looking for one-of-a-kind gifts, then you'll want to stop by Brooklyn's fourth annual Renegade Craft Fair. This amazing (and huge) event brings together some of the country's most talented designers and crafters and is a handcrafted-goods shopping extravaganza. Prices run the gamet, and with vendors selling everything ranging from stationery, vintage necklaces, and handmade salt & pepper shakers to sweets from the Treats Truck, my guess is you should make out like a bandit. On Saturday and Sunday from 11-7 you can shop till you drop.

5 Days of Food, Films about Food, a beach and a DJ, make for a perfect culinary treat for that father into cuisine. This multi-sensory experience allows filmgoers to watch food films then sample the food portrayed in those films. Opening night brings Ben Daniel's This Is My Cheesesteak to the big screen with a cheesesteak party to match. Closing night of the festival features Craig Noble's sustainable food doc Tableland matched with a Vegan feast made from local ingredients. On Tuesday (Pizza Night) 3 short films will be screened in the tiny parking lot right next to the famous Grimaldi's Restaurant under the Brooklyn Bridge. Admission to all screenings is FREE. Food and drink will be available for purchase. There is Water Taxi service to the beach which is $5 each way. To join the festivities go to Water Taxi Beach at sundown.

At Central Park several events are taking place. On Saturday how about canoeing? Admission is on a first come-first served. All equipment will be provided. Ages eight and up will have you and your child feeling like the settlers.

On Sunday at 11 am take your father fishing! Equipment will be provided. The
location: Dana Discovery Center, Central Park (110th Street & Lennox Avenue). Then from 2:00-4:00 PM the 2008 session of this popular concert series that features the best in local emerging and established Latin, Jazz, World, and Gospel artists presents LOS SONEROS DE ORIENTE. Known for their cuban samba this will have you dancing in the aisles.

SummerStage is an outdoor venue, located at Rumsey Playfield, on East 72nd Street off Fifth Avenue. Friday starts a series of free programs on a first come first serve basis. You can catch on Friday from 7-10 pm Mavis Staples and Stephanie McKay.
Saturday from 4-8 p.m. Vampire Weekend and Kid Sister and on Father's Day Victor Manuelle and Special Guests.

So for all my readers this should give you a heads up and these are only some of the F.A.C.T.S.