On tap for the weekend: Cows, trout, and messing about in boats

Here's a smattering of our favorite upcoming events for the weekend. For more ideas of stuff to do around the Catskills, check out our event calendar.

Meredith Dairy FestAlpacas at last year's dairy festMore than just Holsteins: Alpacas at last year's Meredith Dairy Fest

Never heard of cow-plop bingo? You don't know what you're missing. Make amends for that sad fact by tromping through the mud at this once-a-year celebration of all things bovine to place your bet on where Bessie will feel the urge. Or amuse yourself by petting a baby duck, whuffling at a local alpaca, or scarfing down lemonade, cotton candy, and other fairground delicacies. 10am to 5pm, Saturday, June 12 and Sunday, June 13. home.earthlink.net/~dairyfest

Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary June Jamboree

If the idea of celebrating the eternal bondage of the dairy cow gives you the fantods, you might be from Woodstock. In any case, this is probably the hoedown for you. Party all weekend long with the lucky ducks, cows, pigs, goats, turkeys and chickens of the Farm Animal Sanctuary -- not to mention Arm of the Sea Puppet Theater, live bands, art, a bouncy tent, and plenty of low-on-the-food-chain eats by the Regal Vegan. 11am to 5pm, Saturday, June 12 and Sunday, June 13. www.woodstocksanctuary.org

Kingston Kayak Festival

401 years ago, Henry Hudson braved ice, storms, mapless wilderness and a mutinous crew to sail his ship up the river that now bears his name. The least you can do is try not to tip your kayak over, landlubber. (And if you haven't got a kayak, the local kayaketeers at Kenco Outfitters will kindly provide you with one.) $10. 10am to 4pm, Saturday, June 12. Kingston Point Park. www.kingstonkayakfestival.info

The Trout Parade 

Much, much more than just fans of Sullivan County's favorite fish marching down the street, the 7th annual Trout Parade has become an all-day celebration featuring musical performances, marching bands, and giant trout puppets. For a glimpse of the ridiculous behavior the parade is known for, watch this YouTube video covering last year's parade. Saturday, June 12. Fair from 11am to 3pm; parade kicks off at 1pm. www.troutparade.com