POTSDAM –The Potsdam Public Museum and the Potsdam Chamber of Commerce are teaming up to offer a variety of events in celebration of the second Sandstone Festival from Sept. 16 to 19, with lectures, walking tours, and a celebration on Fall Island.

The museum is sponsoring a number of lectures and informative walks including:

• Thursday, Sept. 16: 2 p.m. walking tour of the historic district of downtown Potsdam with Village Historian Mimi Van Deusen, free and open to the public; 7 p.m. - "Building with Potsdam Red Sandstone," Presented by Sue Omohundro - sandstone historian and preservationist, and, John Bridges - historic preservation consultant

• Friday, Sept. 17: 10 a.m. walking tour of Potsdam Sandstone buildings with Sue Omohundro and John Bridges; 2 p.m. guided tour of the First Presbyterian Church, including an interior tour and history of the church; 3 p.m. walking tour of Old Main and Old Snell Hall with village historian, Mimi Van Deusen, accompanied by Clarkson University Engineer, Ian Hazen, who will speak on Clarkson University's plans for the downtown campus; 5-7 p.m. Jazz at Maxfield's, 50/50 raffle for historic preservation

• Saturday, Sept. 18: 10 a.m. walking tour of the Red Sandstone Trail in Hannawa Falls with geologist Jim Carl, PH.D. Meet at the trail head across from the Hannawa Falls Fire Station - please do not block fire lane. Donation of $5 for tour includes Dr. Carl's handout; noon to 4 p.m. Fall Island Celebration (see below); noon guided tour of the Clarkson Land Office building on Fall Island; 1 p.m. tour of Trinity Episcopal Church's Tiffany stained glass windows guided by historian Betsy Travis; 2 p.m. sandstone cutting demonstration with Heritage Stone Mason - John Bridges

• Sunday, Sept. 19: 2 p.m. walking tour of Bayside Cemetery. A history of the gate house and grounds will be included. Donations accepted. Meet at the gate house.

Many businesses will contribute to the celebration by offering special “sandstone” themed specials or hosting events.

Little Italy will offer $1 off their Sandstone Pizza Sandwich, St. Lawrence Chocolates will have milk & dark Sandstone chocolates on the sample tray, North Country Neighbors will give away a $25 gift certificate, and Julian’s Restaurant and Northern Interiors are providing coupons to participants of the walking tours.

On Friday, Maxfield’s will have a special Happy Hour with jazz music, a museum display, and 50/50 raffle from 5 to 7 p.m.

The Friends of the Potsdam Library will have a Book Sale Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. featuring a $3 bag sale on Sunday.

The Potsdam Farmer’s Market will be open and also provide some children’s games on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

In conjunction with the Potsdam Public Museum’s Sandstone Festival, the Potsdam Chamber of Commerce will host a celebration from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 18 in Fall Island Park.

There will be display booths from local organizations and groups including: Community Performance Series, Orchestra of Northern NY, SUNY Geology Department, and Friends of the Museum.

Local singer, Troy O’Brien will kick off the celebration.

Activities for children will be provided by the Potsdam Chamber and Building Blocks Day Care including art projects, face painting, bubbles, and more.

The Potsdam Public Library will have its Story Walk set up.

There will be a Teddy Bear Picnic hosted by ‘Em Bears starting at 2:30 p.m., so bring your favorite stuffed friend.

Taylor Hollis and Family will be demonstrating cup stacking and invite others to come learn.

Businesses on Fall Island will also take part by holding special sales and activities.

The Copy Shop will be open noon to 4 p.m. selling local postcards and t-shirts, Alchemistress Body Arts will have an open house from noon to 5 p.m. with specials, sales and a drawing for t-shirt prizes, Jernabi Coffee will have a special sandstone signature drink.

Due to the limited parking around Fall Island Park, the chamber asks the public to park in the public parking lot on Main Street and walk over the bridge and leave the closer parking for handicap accessibility.

For more information, contact the Potsdam Chamber at 274-9000 or the Potsdam Museum at 265-6910.