Tulips blooming are a sure sign of spring, but it seems the season came a little too early this year for Albany’s Tulip Fest.

And since a blooming tulip only lasts about three weeks, there’s little left for the celebrations this weekend.

Compare that to last year when Washington Park was in full bloom and visitors could get the full effect.

This year Jessica Morgan, the city's gardener, has been busy cutting out stems to make the arrangements a little more presentable without flowers.

Morgan says everything was done exactly the same way as previous years. She planted the same amount of tulips of different variety. The only variable was the weather.

Tulip bulbs are also planted in the fall. Morgan says they take a long winter nap and they particularly like the deep freeze. That didn't happen this year either which also affected the flowers.

The American Red Cross Northeastern New York Region (ARCNENY) will offer Babysitter’s Training to provide kids between 11 and 15 knowledge and skills they need to care for young children.

According to a statement, the course teaches kids how to care for infants and children, how to handle emergency situations, recognize safety and hygiene issues and communicate with parents.

"Spring and summer are the perfect times to take our Babysitter's Training, we are scheduling several dates between now and the fall," said Caroline Boardman, Communications Director for ARCNENY in a statement. "This course not only provides kids with an opportunity to become responsible caregivers, but more importantly, it prepares them to be good leaders, role models and budding entrepreneurs."

All training courses will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and include a lunch break. Students should dress in comfortable clothing and bring a pen or pencil and a lunch.

The Blue Friday New York Fallen Officer Memorial Ride will take place on Saturday, May 5 and will cover many areas in the Capital Region.

The ride will go over 94 miles and will kick off from Spizie’s Harley-Davidson on Central Avenue in Colonie at 11:30 a.m. The riders will then go to Herba Motors on Route 30 in Amsterdam, followed by Adirondack Harley-Davidson on Route 29 in Amsterdam.

Registration will be available at all three locations and will begin at 9 a.m. The ride will travel through Albany, Schenectady, Montgomery, Fulton and Saratoga counties and will end at the Bethlehem Town Park on Route 32 in Bethlehem at 2 p.m.

Donations for the ride will be $25/driver and $15/rider and will include a lunch at the Bethlehem Town Park. Anyone can attend the lunch for a $10 donation and live music will be provided by Kevin and Katie McKrell and others.