LOCAL EVENTS ON SATURDAY

Chemistry Magic Show

POTSDAM: Clarkson University Professor Jim Peploski will present the popular “Dr. Jim’s Chemistry Magic Show,” to the community, students, parents and alumni, 3-4 p.m. Room 360 of Clarkson’s Science Center, targeted to children and great fun for all ages, will benefit the Potsdam Holiday Fund; Each family or individual attending is asked to bring one new, unwrapped toy or gift to donate to the fund, which provides new toys, clothing, boots and food to families and senior citizens in need in Potsdam, Madrid, Hopkinton, Nicholville, Brasher Falls, Chase Mills, Fort Jackson, West Stockholm and Winthrop; monetary contributions are also welcome in lieu of a purchased gift; Peploski's “Miracles, Magic and Mayhem” show will feature 10 to 15 demonstrations, including a free sample of ice cream made by using liquid nitrogen.

Tastes & Talents show

MASSENA: 4th Annual Tastes & Talents of the North Country, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., St. Lawrence Centre Mall, in the former Bon-Ton store, 6100 St. Lawrence Centre; offers holiday shoppers a venue to purchase unique handcrafted and homemade gifts from vendors from all over New York State and beyond; $5 admission, 12 and under free; www. slcchamber.org; 315-386-4000.

Kris Kringle

MASSENA: Ole Kris Kringle, (a.k.a. Santa Claus), sponsored by the Potsdam Kiwanis Club, noon-6 p.m., Massena Mall; entertaining children with Christmas stories of “The Original Christmas Candy Cane,” “How Many Reindeer Magically Pulls Santa’s Sleigh On Christmas Eve?”, “What Makes Rudolph’s Nose Glow So Bright?”, “The Christmas Spider,” “The Christmas Pickle;” info: 315-265-3917, ask for Kris Kringle.

Author reading

CANTON: Author reading, 11 a.m., children’s room of the Canton Free Library; children’s book author Susan Marquart will read from her book “The Gift;” book available for sale locally at the Brewer Bookstore, TAUNY and the Tree of Life Bookstore, and at Amazon.com.

Gift wrapping, craft fair

LISBON: Gift wrapping, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Lisbon School, proceeds benefit Class of 2019 Senior Trip, $1 standard size, $2 oversized; craft fair 9 a.m.-3 p.m., concessions.

Holiday tasting

POTSDAM: Holiday tasting event, T-N-R Wines and Liquors, SeaComm Plaza, 1-4 p.m.

History coffee hour

OGDENSBURG: Ogdensburg History Coffee Hour, 10 a.m., Ogdensburg Public Library; local photographer and Elizabeth Baxter Award winner Betty Steele will join participants to share iconic photographs of Ogdensburg; Julie Madlin, city historian, will share information about the new stops on the “Strolling Down State Street Tour;” free public program; part three of a series; made possible through the generosity of the Friends of the Ogdensburg Public Library, and the Northern New York Community Foundation; jmmadlin@gmail.com.

Santa in town

OGDENSBURG: Santa Claus in town, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., 3 Seasons Whimsical Finds, 19 County Route 28; no reservations needed; photo op.

Book signing

CANTON: Talk and book signing with writer, actor, storyteller and workshop leader Fran Yardley, 1-3 p.m., TAUNY Center, Main Street; author of “Finding True North: A History of One Small Corner of the Adirondacks.

Open auditions

CANTON: Grasse River Players holding open auditions for Winterfest production of comedy classic “The Man Who Came to Dinner,” 5 p.m., Canton Free Library; approximately 20 people will be cast; men and women of all ages needed; performances will be the weekend of Feb. 15 and 16; actors will be asked to read excerpts from the show; wcripts will be provided; grpcanton@gmail.com.

Santa photo op

OGDENSBURG: Free photo with Santa, 1-3 p.m., Seaway YFC Impact Center, 31 David St.; each child also receives candy cane; hot chocolate, cookies and snacks; sponsored by SOFA (Stronger Ogdensburg for All); poclarke@hotmail.com, 315-344-1268.