You know what that means?

Come Sunday mothers everywhere are going to be expecting a little appreciation for the things they've given up for you. ... such as their professions. Promotions. Their youth. Their looks. A fine head of hair without a single strand of silver ... sanity.

There's no pressure ... but a card would be nice.

Go ahead, tell her you don't observe holidays concocted by greeting card makers ... see what Santa brings you next Christmas. Or try telling her that she made her choice and that you didn't asked to be born. Of course, I'd steer clear of the green bean casserole next Thanksgiving if you do that, though.

Now I know there are some of you planning to spend some quality time with Mom ... maybe even make her a card with your own two hands and a box of crayon ... you know, since the economy is in the dumper and, really, what plain-jane greeting card was ever worth $6?

Moms always appreciate the thought ... (Even if everyone else is thinking the same thing.)

So with that in mind, why not follow thousands of other upstaters and drag Mom to Washington Park for the Annual Tulip Festival? No matter when you have free time, they'll be something happening in the park between Washington and Madion Avenues May 8 through 10.

Festivities include: The Street Scrubbing and Luncheon at noon on Friday; and music in the Park from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. •
The Royal Tulip Ball at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday. •
and Venders hawking food, music and tons of stuff to keep the kids from driving you crazy from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday. •

Note to moms: make the kids celebrate your stellar contributions to their lives a day early and hit Third Eye Blind at the Main Stage on Saturday at 4 p.m. You'll be there with thousands of other moms who are also hollering, but it's probably still -- even with the "multi-genre" acts slated for Sunday -- your best bet.

Check out the full schedule HERE

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ALSO THIS WEEKEND

KNOCK YOUR MOM OUT ... not literally ... although you might let her watch someone knock someone else's mom out if you take her to the the roller derby on Saturday. The Hellions of Troy take on The Utica Rollergirls at 6 p.m. at the Frear Park Ice Rink, Frear Ave., Troy.

The Hellions bill themselves as "a rolling juggernaut of tough-as-nails athleticism, brutal competition and white-knuckled excitement." Women’s roller derby, for those who have never seen it is a full contact, aggressive, competitive sport played on traditional quad skates. Basically a catfight on wheels.

Of course that doesn't mean these ladies are heartless: for each bout, the Hellions will give a portion of ticket sales to a local charity. A portion of Saturday's take will go to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Tickets for each bout will be $10 in advance, $12 at the door, $3 for kids under 12.

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OH LOOK! Camping is now available on weekends at Cherry Plain State Park. For reservations, visit www.reserveamerica.com and for more information call 279-1155. But if you plan to take MOM camping this weekend, I give her permission to serve you pasty oatmeal for breakfast every day next week. Just saying.

NOT I'M ANTI-OUTDOORS OR ANYTHING ... The Rensselaer Plateau Alliance will present an educational and information walk in the woods along the Plateus Hudson River Watersheds from 9:30 .am. to noon on Saturday at Pineridge Cross Country Ski Area, 1462 Plank Road in Petersburgh. Call 283-3652 or visit rensselaerplateau.org for more information.

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ELSEWHERE

I'll have a little more wine to go with that cheese ... at the Rip Van Winkle Wine and Cheese Festival that is. The event takes place from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday at Beattie-Powers Mansion in Catskill. Lex Grey's Cabaret will provide the music, and a host of local wineries and cheese mongers with provide the unlimited tastings to gnosh. $20 will get you in, and will benefit village parks.

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UPCOMING

Better Bennington Corporation's MAYFEST 2009 will be the largest ever. More than 140 arts and crafts vendors, a huge variety of foods including international delicacies and traditional favorites will be available in the food court; live music; family entertainment; children’s activities including face painting and petting zoo; and community information booths will fill Main Street from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 23 in downtown Bennington, Vt. Mayfest is also the kick off for Moose Fest 2009. The herd will be on Main Street just in time to greet all the visitors to Mayfest! Come rain or shine, but leave Fido at home.