Kids

Make a work of art out of recycled materials at Emma Clark Library's Crafternoon on March 15.
PROGRAMS

First Steps Into Nature 

Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown presents First Steps Into Nature for children ages 2 to 4 on March 14, 21 and 28 at 9:30 a.m. Little ones will learn about nature through hands on interaction, music, crafts, stories, play and more. $20 per child. To register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org. 631-979-6344

Growing Up Wild

Town of Brookhaven continues its Spring nature programs with Growing Up Wild at Cedar Beach Nature Center, 244 Harbor Beach Road, Mt. Sinai on March 15 at 10 a.m. and again at 2 p.m. Children ages 3 to 6 along with a parent/caregiver will explore nature through stories and activities. Free but registration required by emailing [email protected].

Wildlife Wonders

Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown presents Wildlife Wonders: Clever Creatures for ages 2 to 4 on March 15 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Sweetbriar’s experienced educators help open up the wonders of the natural world for children, through hands-on activities, live animals, crafts, and much more. $20 per child. To register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org. 631-979-6344

St. Patrick’s Day Scavenger Hunt

Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor presents a St. Patrick’s Day Scavenger Hunt on March 15, 16 and 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Complete a scavenger hunt by exploring the Hatchery and solving the riddles. Admission is $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 ages 3 to 12. 516-692-6768

Little Artists Workshop 

Walt Whitman Birthplace, 246 Old Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station presents a Little Artists Workshop on March 15 at 11:30 a.m. Artist Robert Stenzel will guide young creators in exporing the magic of geometry in art. Using treats and toothpicks, children will build their own Buckminster Fuller-inspired structures from decahedrons to domes! For children in Pre-K through 4th grade. Cost is $20, $15 for members. To register, visit www.waltwhitman.org

Luck O’ The Dolphins Workshop

Join the Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor for a Luck O’ The Dolphins Workshop on March 15 at noon and again at 2 p.m. Discover the heartwarming story of Fungie, a wild dolphin who became the lucky mascot of a small village in Ireland. Design a lucky dolphin shrink-art keychain charm. No registration required. Admission fee plus $10 per participant.

Crafternoon at the LIbrary

Children ages 3 to 12 are invited to drop by Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St., Setauket for a Crafternoon on March 15 between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Create a work of art using recycled materials. Open to all. No registration required. Questions? Email [email protected].

Sunday Funday: Ssssensational Ssssnakes

Slither on over to Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown to see a selection of several ssssensational serpents on March 16 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Participants will meet several snakes and learn about their unique adaptations through games and other participatory activities. Create a cool snake craft to take home. Best for families with children ages 3 to 10. Fee is $15 per child, $5 for adults. Register at www.sweetbriarnc.org.

Storytime Under the Stars

Suffolk County Vanderbilt Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport continues its  Storytime Under the Stars series on March 16 at 6 p.m. A live narrator at the front of the theater will bring selected picture books to life, with pages projected onto the Planetarium dome so families can enjoy the illustrations and follow along. All children are invited to wear their comfiest pajamas and bring their favorite stuffed animal. Admission is $8 per person, $6 members. Register at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Story & Craft with Nana Carol

The Next Chapter bookstore, 204 New York Ave., Huntington hosts a Story and Craft event with Nana Carol on March 17 at 10:30 a.m. Free. No registration required. Appropriate for ages 0-4. 631-482-5008

Spring Rock Painting

Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St., Setauket presents a Spring Rock Painting workshop on March 18 for children ages 3 to 12 with a grown-up. Stop in anytime between 4:30 and 6 p.m. to decorate rocks to jazz up your garden this spring. No registration required. Bring a friend! Questions? Email [email protected].

Stormy Weather

As part of its Pollywog Adventures series, Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor presents Stormy Weather on March 19 at 11 a.m. Children ages 2 to 5 will enjoy an activity, craft, story and feeding the hungry trout. $20 fee includes admission for the day for one child and one adult. Pre-registration required at www.cshfishhatchery.org. 516-692-6768

Celebrate Spring!

Celebrate the Spring Equinox with the Huntington-Oyster Bay Audubon Society at Cold Spring Harbor Library, 95 Harbor Road, Cold Spring Harbor on March 19 from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Come learn about what our local birds and other native animals do in springtime. Make a fun craft and go for a walk in the woods, weather permitting. For ages 5 to 10 with a caregiver. Free but registration is a must by calling Tess at 631-896-2872.

Growing Green

Sunken Meadow State Park, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park presents a Tiny Tots program, Growing Green, on March 20 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Children ages 3 to 5 will enjoy short walks, story time, animal visitors, and crafts with a parent/caregiver. $4 per child. Reservations taken on www.eventbrite.com.

THEATER

‘Dorothy’s Adventures in Oz’

Catch a performance of ‘Dorothy’s Adventures in Oz’ at Theatre Three this weekend. Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc

Theatre Three, 423 Main St., Port Jefferson presents Dorothy’s Adventures in Oz from Feb. 19 to March 29. Join them for an unforgettable trip down the Yellow Brick Road as Dorothy Gale is whisked away by a tornado to that magical land that lies just Over the Rainbow. Follow Dorothy and her friends the Scarecrow, the Tinman, and the Lion ­as they encounter challenges and celebrate friendship. All seats are $12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com. 

‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid The Musical’

Up next at the John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport is Diary of  a Wimpy Kid The Musical from March 22 to April 27. Read the books? Watched the movies? Now experience the musical! Middle school, ugh. It’s the worst. But Greg is determined not to be at the bottom of the popularity chart. He’ll leave that to his weird neighbor, Fregley. Or maybe Greg’s best friend, Rowley Jefferson. But it’s not going to be Greg…no way. All seats are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com

Send your calendar events to [email protected]

 

‘A Heckscher Morning' by Charleen Turner of Huntington

The Town of Huntington Councilwoman Theresa Mari, in partnership with the Children with Special Needs Committee, has announced the first annual All Abilities Expo, a community-driven event designed to celebrate inclusivity and provide essential resources for individuals of all ages and abilities, at Heckscher Park, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington on Saturday, May 31 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Businesses, service providers, and organizations dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities and special needs to participate as vendors in this meaningful event.

The All Abilities Expo will showcase a diverse range of local businesses and organizations offering adaptive equipment, therapeutic activities, medical and legal resources, social and educational support, and much more. Our goal is to create an engaging, welcoming environment where families, caregivers, educators, and individuals can connect with valuable resources tailored to their unique needs.

Why Participate?

  • Directly engage with the special needs community
  • Showcase your products, services, and expertise
  • Network with professionals, caregivers, and educators
  • Support inclusivity and help foster a more accessible community

Vendors who are committed to making a difference are encouraged to join them in this initiative. Vendor admission is FREE, but space is limited, so interested participants are urged to secure their spot as soon as possible.

For more information or to reserve a booth, please contact: Michelle Wright at [email protected]
631- 351-3173

Other vendor opportunities on the North Shore:

Benner’s Farm, 56 Gnarled Hollow Road, East Setauket seeks vendors for its popular  Easter Egg Hunts on April 19 and April 20. Fee is $55 for one day, $90 for two days for a 10’ by 10’ spot. For more information, call 631-689-8172 or email [email protected].

Three Village Historical Society, 93 North Country Road, Setauket seeks full-season, seasonal, pop-up and food truck vendors for its 11th annual Three Village Farmers & Artisans Market on Fridays from May 2 to Oct. 24. Hours are 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. from May to September, and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. in October. For an application and more information, visit www.tvhs.org or call 631-751-3730. 

Port Jefferson Historical Society seeks Antique Dealers for the Antiques and Garden Weekend at the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101A East Broadway, Port Jefferson on May 3 and May 4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit portjeffhistorical.org or email [email protected]. 

Polish American Independent Ladies of Port Jefferson Auxiliary will hold their annual Spring Vendor & Craft Fair at the Polish Hall, 35 Jayne Blvd., Port Jefferson Station on May 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Vendor fee is $50 for inside tables, $35 for outside tables. To reserve your space, visit https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/2025-spring-craft-and-vendor-fair or call Jennifer at 516-383-3456.

 

Emma Clark Library. Photo by Heidi Sutton

Emma Clark Library in Setauket recently announced the winners of the 11th annual Helen Stein Shack Picture Book Contest:

First Prize (Grades seven – nine category):

“Benny and the Lost Balloon” by Yen Lo 

(eight grader at Murphy Junior High School)

First Prize (Grades 10 – 12 category):

“What’s a Friend?” by Joyce Lee 

(10th grader at Ward Melville High School)

Second Prize (Grades seven – nine category):

“Dinky” by Athie Kim 

(eighth grader at Murphy Junior High School)

Second Prize (Grades 10 – 12 category): 

“Kittie and Fish” by Elizabeth Wright 

(10th grader at Ward Melville High School)

Each of the winning entries has their own unique artwork and storylines geared towards young children. “Benny and the Lost Balloon” by Yen Lo includes sweet illustrations with expressive facial features to tell this story. When Benny loses his favorite toy, he realizes that friendship and connection with others is more important – and more fun – than material objects. In “What’s a Friend?” by Joyce Lee, a kitten is trying to figure out what a friend truly is and realizes that they do know in the end! The questions are emphasized with charming illustrations. With colorful, bold cartoons and simple but effective text for a child, “Dinky” by Athie Kim allows the young reader to follow Dinky the Duck through her day.”Kitty and Fish” by Elizabeth Wright uses whimsical drawings with a lot of motion to tell the story of a new friendship between a cat and fish, the fun they have together, and how they resolve a problem involving ice cream!

Contest winners will be celebrated at a private awards ceremony on Monday, April 7 at 7 p.m.  Each first prize award recipient will receive a $400 scholarship, and each second prize award recipient will receive a $100 scholarship. The newly bound books – made into hardcover by the Library – will have the honor of being added to the Library’s Local Focus Collection, and winners will also receive copies of their books to cherish in their own home libraries. Desserts will be served at the reception, generously donated by The Bite Size Bake Shop. Past ceremonies have had Library Board members, teachers and top school district administrators from Three Village, as well as elected officials from New York State, Suffolk County, and the Town of Brookhaven, all in attendance to honor the winners.

The Helen Stein Shack Book Contest called for teens in grades 7 through 12 who live in the Three Village Central School District to create a children’s picture book.  Each entry could be the work of a single author/illustrator or a collaborative effort of an author and an illustrator.  The contest was divided into two grade categories, grades 7 through 9 and grades 10 through 12, with one first prize winner and one second prize winner selected from each group.

This award is given in memory of Helen Stein Shack by her family.  As a teacher, Mrs. Shack was committed to the education of children, and she especially loved literature written for them.  She was a frequent visitor to Emma Clark Library where, even in retirement, she kept current with the latest children’s books.  The Library is grateful to the children of the late Mrs. Shack who have established a substantial endowment with the Library to cover the cost of the prizes.

Emma S. Clark Memorial Library, located at 120 Main Street in Setauket and online at www.emmaclark.org, provides public library service to all residents of the Three Village Central School District.

 

A scene from last year's Miller Place-Rocky Point St. Patrick's Day Parade. Photo by Greg Catalano/TBR News Media

By Heidi Sutton

Whether or not your ancestors hail from the Emerald Isle, everyone is guaranteed to enjoy a family-friendly (and dog-friendly) St. Patrick’s Day parade. While Kings Park held its parade last week, there are still plenty of celebrations to attend on the North Shore. And don’t forget to wear shamrock green!

Center Moriches

Center Moriches’ 21st annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade will take place in Center Moriches on Sunday, March 16 at 2 p.m. The parade begins on Lake Avenue and ends at Railroad Avenue. This year’s Grand Marshal is Mark Danowski. For more information, visit www.moricheschamber.org. 

Farmingdale

Farmingdale presents its 11th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday, March 16 at 2 p.m. The parade steps off at Northside Elementary School and proceeds down Main Street to the Village Green. This year’s Grand Marshal is Cheryl Parisi. Call 516-286-7800 for more information.

Huntington

The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) invites the community to its 91st annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Huntington on Sunday, March 9 at 2 p.m. Grand Marshal New York State Assemblyman Keith P. Brown will lead the procession down New York Avenue to Main Street before ending at The Church of St. Patrick. Long Island’s oldest and largest, the parade will feature dozens of pipe bands. For more information, visit www.huntingtonhibernian.com.

Miller Place-Rocky Point

The Friends of St. Patrick will host the  73rd annual  Miller Place-Rocky Point St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday, March 16 at 1 p.m. sharp. The 2.8-mile parade starts at Harrison Avenue and Route 25A in Miller Place and then finishes at Broadway in Rocky Point. This year’s Co-Grand Marshals will be John and Raymond O’Sullivan. For further information, visit www.thefriendsofstpatrick.com or call 631-473-5100.

Ronkonkoma

The 35th annual Ronkonkoma St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be held on Sunday, March 23 at 2 p.m. Grand Marshal Dan Moloney will lead the parade from Amvets Post 48, 660 Hawkins Ave. at School Street, south down Hawkins Ave. ending at Thorne Street. Call 631-304-6303 or visit www.ronkonkomaparade.org.

St. James

St. James Chamber of Commerce presents the 41st annual St. James St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 15 at 1 p.m. The parade will step off along Lake Avenue from Woodlawn Avenue to the viewing stand in front of the gazebo ending just before St James Elementary School, rain or shine. Featuring scouts, dance troupes, pipe bands, school bands, floats, fire trucks and more. The grand marshal will be Robert J. Murphy. Rain date is March 22. 631-584-8510

By Rita J. Egan

Spring-like weather provided a “great day for the Irish” in Kings Park on Saturday, March 1.

A few thousand people lined up along the hamlet’s main thoroughfares to cheer on participants in the 15th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Grand Marshal Susan Benjes led the procession and was joined by Scouts, fire department members, elected officials, Irish step dancers and more. Parade participants marched up Lou Avenue and Pulaski Road and continued on Main Street before turning north on Church Street and stopping at William T. Rogers Middle School.

Many spectators, who in the past would visit Main Street Pub for a drink during the parade, stopped by nearby tents to donate to the establishment this year. A few days before the parade, the fire left the bar and Euro Barber Shop with extensive fire, heat and smoke damage. Main Street Pub owner Scott McKinnon and his employees were on hand Saturday to thank those who donated by handing out refreshments.

The Suffolk County Farm will host a St. Patrick's Day Scavenger Hunt on March 8. METRO photo
PROGRAMS

Thankful Thursdays

Suffolk County Vanderbilt Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport continues its Thankful Thursdays series with a free family-friendly planetarium show on March 6 at 7 p.m. After the show, they will open the observatory to the public and an astronomy educator will invite you to look through a telescope at the night sky (weather permitting). Recommended for ages 8 and up. For complimentary tickets, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

First Steps Into Nature 

Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown presents First Steps Into Nature: Fun with Feathers for children ages 2 to 4 on March 7 at 9:30 a.m. Sweetbriar’s experienced educators help open up the wonders of the natural world for children through hands-on activities, live animals, crafts, and more. $20 per child. To register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org. 631-979-6344

Skate into STEM

Ready for a thrilling night on the ice? Enjoy a STEM takeover at the Rinx, Port Jefferson Village Center, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson with the Long Island Explorium’s Skate into STEM: Celebrating 20 Years of Innovation event on March 7 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. featuring a night of ice skating, pizza, drinks and interactive experiments in celebration of science, technology, engineering and math. $35 per person. To register, please visit www.longislandexplorium.org.

St. Patrick’s Day Scavenger Hunt

Suffolk County Farm, 350 Yaphank Road Yaphank will hold its annual St. Patrick’s Day Scavenger Hunt on March 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Leprechaun’s are back and they’ve hidden their gold all across the farm! $15 for ages 3 and up (ages 2 and under are free) includes a scavenger hunt, wagon rides, photo ops and farm animals! Registration is required for both children and adults. Rain Date is March 15. For more information, call 631-852-4600. Tickets can be purchased using the link: https://www.eventcreate.com/e/stpats25

Guided Beach Walk

Town of Brookhaven kicks off its Spring Nature Programs for 2025 with a See by the Sound guided beach walk at West Meadow Beach in Stony Brook on March 8 at 10 a.m. and at the Cedar Beach Nature Center in Mount Sinai at 2 p.m. Come explore shells, gulls and other treasures on the shore. Free but registration required by emailing [email protected].

‘Leprechaun Dancing Feet’

Kids Painting Workshop

The Atelier at Flowerfield, 2 Flowerfield, Suite 6 & 9, St. James presents an in-studio, one day kids workshop on Saturday, March 8 from 10 a.m. to noon. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day early and learn how to paint this “Dancing Leprechaun Feet” painting step by step with Miss Linda. $55 per child includes an 11″ by 14″ canvas and all art supplies. To register, visit theatelieratflowerfield.org. For more information, please call 631-250-9009.

Scrap the Winter Blues Away

Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, 581 W. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown presents a family program, Scrap the Winter Blues Away, on March 8 from 10:30 a.m. to noon.  Make a nature inspired scrapbook keepsake! Supplies will be provided. Bring pictures and any other special items to add to your pages. $4 per person. Registration required at www.eventbrite.com.

Superheroes of the Sky

Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown presents Superheroes of the Sky on March 8 from 11 a.m. to noon. Take a walking tour with Jim while he feeds the Center’s birds of prey and learn about their incredible adaptations that help them survive in the wild. You’ll be seeing a bald eagle, turkey Vultures, owls, hawks and many more. Fee is $10 adults, $5 children. To register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org.

12 

My Grown-Up and Me

Temple Beth El, 660 Park Ave., Huntington  presents My Grown Up & Me, a program for ages 18 months to 4 years, on March 9 from 9:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Children and a parent or caregiver will enjoy a craft, snacks and storytime. $20 per child. For more info or to RSVP, email: [email protected]. 631-425-5835

Women in Science!

In honor of Womens History Month, Nissequogue River State Park, 799 St. Johnland Road, Kings Park presents a family program, Women in Science!, on March 9 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Learn about the women who made our scientific advancements possible. Fee is $4 per person. Reservations taken at www.eventbrite.com.

Happy Birthday Girl Scouts!

In honor of the Girl Scouts anniversary, all Girl Scouts wearing their uniform with an accompanying adult will receive a free Hatchery Tour at the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor on March 9 at 11 a.m. or 2 p.m. with paid admission. 516-692-6768

Story & Craft with Nana Carol

The Next Chapter bookstore, 204 New York Ave., Huntington hosts a Story and Craft event with Nana Carol on March 10 at 10:30 a.m. Free. No registration required. Appropriate for ages 0-4. 631-482-5008

Life Cycles

As part of its Pollywog Adventures series, Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor presents Life Cycles on March 12 at 11 a.m. Children ages 2 to 5 will enjoy an activity, craft, story and feeding the hungry trout. $20 fee includes admission for the day for one child and one adult. Pre-registration required at www.cshfishhatchery.org. 516-692-6768

Homeschool Hangout

Join Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St., Setauket for a Homeschool Hangout, a get-together designed for homeschooled children ages 5 to 12 on March 12 from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy casual hangout time before diving into creative group crafts, experiments and activities including bracelet making and building leprechaun traps Questions? Email [email protected].

THEATER

‘Dorothy’s Adventures in Oz’

Theatre Three, 423 Main St., Port Jefferson presents Dorothy’s Adventures in Oz from Feb. 19 to March 29. Join them for an unforgettable trip down the Yellow Brick Road as Dorothy Gale is whisked away by a tornado to that magical land that lies just Over the Rainbow. Follow Dorothy and her friends the Scarecrow, the Tinman, and the Lion ­as they encounter challenges and celebrate friendship. All seats are $12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com. 

‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid The Musical’

Up next at the John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport is Diary of  a Wimpy Kid The Musical from March 22 to April 27. Read the books? Watched the movies? Now experience the musical! Middle school, ugh. It’s the worst. But Greg is determined not to be at the bottom of the popularity chart. He’ll leave that to his weird neighbor, Fregley. Or maybe Greg’s best friend, Rowley Jefferson. But it’s not going to be Greg…no way. All seats are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

FILM

Catch a screening of ‘Harry and the Hendersons’ at the Cinema Arts Centre on March 9.

‘Harry and the Hendersons’

As part of its Cinema for Kids series, the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington presents Harry and the Hendersons on March 9 at noon. Everything changes with a crash for the Hendersons when they meet a real-life Bigfoot named Harry after a car accident. When the authorities set out to capture him, the household comes together in a race against the clock to return the loving Sasquatch to his natural habitat. Tickets are $13 adults, $5 kids. www.cinemaartscentre.org

Send your calendar events to [email protected]

 

'Leprechaun Dancing Feet'

The Atelier at Flowerfield, 2 Flowerfield, Suite 6 & 9, St. James presents an in-studio, one day kids workshop on Saturday, March 8 from 10 a.m. to noon

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day early and learn how to paint this “Dancing Leprechaun Feet” painting step by step with Miss Linda.

$55 per child includes an 11″ by 14″ canvas and all art supplies.

To register, visit theatelieratflowerfield.org or click below. For more information, please call 631-250-9009.

By Julianne Mosher 

Theatre Three’s latest children’s show has a lot of brains, heart and courage, but you certainly won’t want to go home. 

An original musical adapted from the stories of L. Frank Baum by Jeffrey Sanzel and Douglas J. Quattrock, Dorothy’s Adventures in Oz is a fun-filled tale of the timeless classic that will have families in the audience smiling from ear to ear. 

As the show opens, we meet Dorothy Gale (Cassidy Rose O’Brien), chief editor of her high school newspaper, the Baum Bugle. She brings her dog Toto (Tasha Poyfair) around, much to her teachers’ dismay, and unintentionally hurts her best friend, Judy Gumm’s (Sophia Del Carmen) feelings when she cuts her story from the latest edition. 

We meet her teachers, Mr. Green (Jason Furnari), the nasty Miss Ravine (Louisa Bikowski) and the sweet Miss Morgan (Julia Albino), along with her principal, Mr. Henry (Liam Marsigliano), who all warn Dorothy to get inside before a big storm comes by.

A tornado hits and when Dorothy awakes, her newspaper stand has fallen upon a witch wearing ruby red slippers. She’s greeted by Glinda (Albino), the Good Witch of the North, along with the people of Munchkinland (Del Carmen, Marsigliano and Furnari) who declare her a hero for killing the Wicked Witch of the East. Glinda tells Dorothy to take the ruby slippers because they hold magical powers and the evil Wicked Witch of the West (Bikowski) wants them for herself.

Dorothy just wants to go home and in order to do that she must see the great and powerful Wizard of Oz in Emerald City. All she has to do is follow the yellow brick road which leads her down a trailway of surprises and adventure. 

On the first stop she meets the loveable Scarecrow (Katy Snair) who wants to ask the Wizard for a brain. The duo head further down the road and run into the stiff, yet emotional, Tinman (Steven Uihlein) who is looking for a heart. After some trials and tribulations, thanks to the evil witch watching their every move from her lair, they meet the soft Lion (Sean Amato) who wants courage (and to stop being such a scaredy cat!).

Do the four new friends make it to the Emerald City and does the Wizard make all their wishes come true? That’s for you to find out. 

Directed by Sanzel with musical direction from Quattrock, Dorothy’s Adventures in Oz features wonderful original songs and fantastic choreography from Sari Feldman. While the set is small, the theater does a great job of letting your imagination run free, along with the help of a trap door on stage where someone may or may not melt into.

But what truly stands out, alongside the professionalism, talent and commitment to character from the amazing cast, are the costumes designed by Jason Allyn. From Dorothy’s signature blue and white gingham dress; the scarecrow, tinman and lion’s costumes; all the way to the gowns of the elite Emerald City citizens, the outfits are stunning. 

So, buy your tickets now or the Wicked Witch will get you, my pretty, and your little dog, too! And don’t forget to stop by the lobby on your way out for a group photo with the cast.

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents Dorothy’s Adventures in Oz through March 29 with a sensory friendly performance on March 2 at 11 a.m. Children’s theater continues with The Adventures of Peter Rabbit from April 16 to May 10; and Snow White and the The Seven Dwarfs from May 29 to June 21. All seats are $12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

Photo courtesy of Family Pet Shows

Suffolk County Community College, 1001 Crooked Hill Road, Brentwood presents the Long Island Pet Expo on March 1 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and March 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with fur flying entertainment, dog sporting competitions and educational programs designed for the whole family.

The event returns to Suffolk County Community College Grant Campus in the Suffolk Federal Credit Union Arena and features many special attractions, pet adoptions and outstanding shopping for pet lovers and their pets.

“The Long Island area is passionate about animals and pets of all kinds,” said show co-producer Karen Garetano of Family Pet Shows, which runs several similar events in the northeast.

Photo courtesy of Family Pet Shows

The 100+ special exhibits always feature some of the hottest new products coming out often before they hit the retail shelves. Pets on leashes are always welcome, and several area rescue groups with adoptable pets will be on hand.

Popular performers and presenters include Gail Mirabella and the Dynamo Dogs, Diana Frohman and her Beautiful Dancing Dogs, Schutzhund Demonstration by Maximum K9 Service, Zenos Dog Run Lure Course, Rainforest Reptiles Shows, TICA Championship Cat Shows, Rabbit Hopping, Parties by Parrots and more!

“We always have fun at these events, but we also are strong supporters of responsible pet ownership and humane values when it comes to all issues involving animals and pets,” said Garetano. “We partner with several community organizations, shelters, veterinarians and other animal lovers educate and inform when it comes to best practices for training, feeding and all aspects of pet care.”

Community and rescue organizations will be participating in the show where attendees can learn about pet adoptions as well as responsible ownership and care.

The event is expected to draw over 10,000 attendees over the weekend. Adult admission is $20, Kids 4-11 are $6, and those three years old and under are always free.  For discount tickets and additional information, visit www.familypetshows.com.

Children can learn about Animals in Winter at the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery on March 5. Pixabay photo
PROGRAMS

First Steps Into Nature 

Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown presents First Steps Into Nature: Fun with Feathers for children ages 2 to 4 on Feb. 28 at 9:30 a.m. Sweetbriar’s experienced educators help open up the wonders of the natural world for children through hands-on activities, live animals, crafts, and more. $20 per child. To register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org. 631-979-6344

February Break at the Hatchery

Celebrate World Wildlife Day at the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor on March 2 and March 3 with a snake craft and a Fact vs. Fiction game from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Animal Encounters on March 2 at 12:15 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Free with admission of $7 adults, $6 seniors and $5 children ages 3 to 12. www.cshfishhatchery.org. 516-692-6768

Story & Craft with Nana Carol

The Next Chapter bookstore, 204 New York Ave., Huntington hosts a Story and Craft event with Nana Carol on March 3 at 10:30 a.m. Free. No registration required. Appropriate for ages 0-4. 631-482-5008

Animals in Winter

As part of its Pollywog Adventures series, Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor presents Animals in Winter on March 5 at 11 a.m. Children ages 2 to 5 will enjoy an activity, craft, story and feeding the hungry trout. $20 fee includes admission for the day for one child and one adult. Pre-registration required at www.cshfishhatchery.org. 516-692-6768

Ways of Water

Sunken Meadow State Park, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park presents a Tiny Tots program, Ways of Water, on March 6 at 10:30 a.m. Children ages 3 to 5 with a parent/caregiver will enjoy short walks, story time, animal visitors, and crafts. $4 per child. Reservations taken on www.eventbrite.com.

Skate into STEM

Enjoy a STEM takeover at the Rinx, Port Jefferson Village Center, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson with the Long Island Explorium’s Skate into STEM: Celebrating 20 Years of Innovation event on March 7 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. featuring night of ice skating, pizza, and drinks in celebration of science, technology, engineering and math. $35 per person. To register, visit www.longislandexplorium.org.

FILM
A scene from ‘The Secret Garden’

‘The Secret Garden’

As part of its Cinema for Kids series, the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington presents The Secret Garden on March 2 at noon. Sweet, beautifully told story based on the classic story about a lonely orphan girl who goes to live with her uncle in a forbidding British manor house. There she finds friendship and happiness when she discovers a wonderous, deserted, secret garden that is brought back to life in her magical hands. Tickets are $13 adults, $5 kids. www.cinemaartscentre.org.

THEATER

‘Dorothy’s Adventures in Oz’

Theatre Three, 423 Main St., Port Jefferson presents Dorothy’s Adventures in Oz from Feb. 19 to March 29 with a sensory friendly performance on March 2 at 11 a.m. Join them for an unforgettable trip down the Yellow Brick Road as Dorothy Gale is whisked away by a tornado to that magical land that lies just Over the Rainbow. Follow Dorothy and her friends the Scarecrow, the Tinman, and the Lion ­as they encounter challenges and celebrate friendship. All seats are $12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com. 

‘Frozen Jr’

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport kicks off the new year with a production of Frozen Jr. from Jan. 25 to March 2. When faced with danger, princesses Anna and Elsa discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. This enchanting musical features all of the memorable songs from the hit Disney film and will thaw even the coldest heart! All seats are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.