Kids

UNDER THE MOONLIGHT: Catch a free outdoor screening of E.T. The Extraterrestrial at Heritage Park in Mt. Sinai on Sept. 20.
PROGRAMS

The Great Noisy Outdoors

Sunken Meadow State Park, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park presents a Tiny Tots program, The Great Noisy Outdoors, on Sept. 19 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Enjoy short walks, story time, animal visitors, and crafts. For children ages 3 to 5. $4 per child. Reservations taken on www.eventbrite.com.

First Steps in Nature

Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown continues its First Steps in Nature series for ages 2 to 4 on Sept. 20 at 9:30 a.m. with hands-on exciting activities, crafts, stories and much more. Children will gain a greater appreciation of nature and wildlife while having fun. $20 per child. To register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org. 631-979-6344

Reclaim the Lost Master Bolt 

Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St., Setauket invites families with children up to Grade 6 to Reclaim the Lost Master Bolt on Sept. 21 from 2 to 4 p.m. Get ready for the launch of Percy Jackson and the Olympians: Wrath of the Triple Goddess! Spend some time at Camp Half-Blood and relive some of the memorable moments Percy and the gang have faces in earlier books. No registration required. Questions? Email [email protected]

Exploring Native Plants 

As part of its Learn & Create events, the Long Island Explorium, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson presents Exploring Native Plants on Sept. 22 and 29 from 1:30 to 2:15 p.m. Using leaves from the on-site native plant garden, you’ll create unique leaf rubbings and learn all about the crucial role native plants play in sustaining ecosystems, conserving water, and supporting wildlife. $5 per person plus admission fee of $6 children, $8 adults. 631-331-3277

Story & Craft with Nana Carol

The Next Chapter bookstore, 204 New York Ave., Huntington hosts a Story and Craft event with Nana Carol on Sept. 23 at 10:30 a.m. Free. No registration required. Appropriate for ages 0-4. 631-482-5008

Apple Workshop

Save the date! Benner’s Farm, 56 Gnarled Hollow Road, East Setauket presents an Apple Workshop for ages 4 to 8 on Oct. 5 from 10 a.m. to noon. Children will learn about Johnny Appleseed, will create a variety of apple goodies to take home and more. $40 per child. To register, call 631-689-8172.

THEATER

‘Rapunzel’

Up next at the John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport is Rapunzel: A Tangled Fairytale from Sept. 28 to Oct. 27. Rapunzel’s sixteenth birthday has come, meaning that she’ll be able to see the outside world for the first time, just as her “mother” promised. Scared to let her go, though, the witch reneges. Lucky for Rapunzel a young Prince happens across her tower. Before the Prince and Rapunzel have their inevitable “happily ever after,” though, they’re going to have to face the wrath of the witch and a few other hilarious obstacles. All seats are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit engemantheater.com.

‘Kooky Spooky Halloween’

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson continues its children’s theatre season with A Kooky Spooky Halloween from Oct. 5 to 19 with a sensory sensitive performance on Oct. 6 at 11 a.m. Recently graduated spirit Abner Perkins is assigned to the Aberdeen Boarding House — known for its spectral sightings and terrific toast. Here, Abner finds himself cast into a company of its wacky residents. When his secret is revealed, he is forced to leave his haunted home and set-off on a quest with his newly found friends.  Hilarious hijinks and a message of cooperation highlight this delightful musical for the entire family. All seats are $12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

FILM

‘E.T. The Extra Terrestrial’

Heritage Park, 633 Mount Sinai-Coram Road, Mount Sinai continues its Movies in the Moonlight series with a screening of E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial on Sept. 20; and Hocus Pocus on Oct. 18. Movies begin at dusk 8:30 p.m. Bring seating. Presented by the North Shore Youth Council and Suffolk County Legislator Chad Lennon. 631-403-4846

Photo courtesy of The Shoppes at East Wind

Calling All Creative Minds!

Get ready for a spooktacular fall with The Shoppes at East Wind’s 7th Annual Scarecrow Contest! Unleash your creativity and craft a one-of-a-kind scarecrow to join the festive display this October. This free contest is open to everyone – individuals, families, groups, and even professionals! Local businesses can also get involved through sponsorship opportunities. Compete for the coveted first, second, and third-place prizes for the most impressive scarecrow creation. The deadline to register your scarecrow is Friday, September 20th.

Photo courtesy of The Shoppes at East Wind

From Saturday, September 28th through October 26th, shoppers at The Shoppes at East Wind will have the chance to vote for their favorite scarecrow. Ballots will be available at the shops and must be returned by October 26th to be counted. Winners will be announced on the same day.

All participating scarecrows will be on display throughout October, culminating in a grand showcase at The Shoppes at East Wind’s Safe Trick or Treat Halloween event on October 31st.

Registration is required to participate. Pick up a registration form at any shop at The Shoppes at East Wind, download one online, or enter directly on their website. Completed forms can be dropped off at The Shoppes at East Wind (5720 Route 25A, Wading River, NY 11792 addressed to ATTN: THE SHOPPES.

Don’t miss out on this exciting fall tradition!

For more information on the Scarecrow Contest or The Shoppes at East Wind, please call 631.846.2370 or email [email protected].

https://eastwindlongisland.com/shoppes/scarecrow-contest/

Marking five years as one of Long Island’s biggest and brightest family-friendly Halloween event, The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze is making a return to Old Bethpage Village Restoration, Long Island’s historic 19th-century village, to treat guests of all ages to the most magical Halloween experience yet. 

Presented by Catholic Health, Blaze: Long Island will wow visitors with new sites along the pumpkin trail including a Day of the Dead jack o’lantern tribute, a working Ferris wheel that takes Pumpkin Pals for a twirl, and an elaborate Celebration Arch, which is not only a tribute to Blaze: Long Island’s anniversary, but is the perfect backdrop for celebrating special visitor occasions. 

This remarkable artistic production, masterminded by Historic Hudson Valley and its renowned creative director Michael Natiello—featured on HGTV, The Today Show, and other national broadcasts—celebrates Long Island’s rich heritage through an impressive display of illuminated jack o’lanterns and intricate pumpkin sculptures. 

With over 7,000 jack o’lanterns carved by local artisans, the larger-than-life themed exhibits span a half-mile loop, enhanced with synchronized lighting and an original soundtrack, offering an immersive experience for all visitors.

This year visitors can look forward to:

Long Island Hall of Fame — Celebrate local Long Island icons with intricate pumpkin sculptures of Billy Joel, Joan Jett, Sue Bird, Dr. J, and making their debut this fall, Jerry Seinfeld and Natalie Portman.

Pumpkin Lighthouse — a replica of the Montauk Point Lighthouse featuring a blazing beacon of illuminated pumpkins.

Tribute to First Responders — An awe-inspiring display featuring carved jack o’lanterns depicting a firefighter heroically putting out a flame, honoring the bravery and dedication of our local heroes.

Lady Liberty — A glowing rendition of the Statue of Liberty that features 114 individually carved pumpkins, complete with torch ablaze—an iconic symbol of freedom, inspiration, and hope.

The Pumpkin Circus — A jack o’lantern carnival will come to life with acrobats, clowns, and a sideshow featuring a contortionist, strong man, Montauk mermaid, sword swallower, and a snake charmer. 

Custom Pumpkin Orders — New for 2024 guests can surprise a special someone with a custom-carved pumpkin displayed at the new Celebration Arch. Reservations are limited and must be made seven days in advance.

This year also includes live, nightly pumpkin carving by Blaze’s expert team of pumpkin carving artisans, the Blaze Boo-tique featuring seasonal gifts and fun merchandise, and Café Blaze, an on-site café featuring fall treats like cider donuts and pumpkin beer.

 Historic Hudson Valley, which develops and produces the event in partnership with Nassau County, is a not-for-profit education organization that owns and operates National Historic Landmarks in New York’s Sleepy Hollow region. Proceeds from ticket purchases support the preservation of Old Bethpage Village Restoration and the educational programming of Historic Hudson Valley. 

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze runs from Friday, October 4 through Sunday, November 3, with adult tickets starting at $32. In honor of its fifth anniversary, Blaze: Long Island is offering a flat rate admission of $10 for children ages 3-17, while the littlest guests, ages 2 and under, are free. With limited capacity, entry is available only through advance online purchase of timed tickets or FLEX anytime tickets; no tickets are sold at the venue. The event takes place rain or shine. For tickets and event dates, visit www.pumpkinblaze.org.

The Brookhaven Country Fair returns Sept. 21 and 22. Photo from TOB

New for 2024… Medieval Gathering, Demonstrations, Re-enactments and more!

Mark your calendars! The Town of Brookhaven’s Country Fair returns to the historic Longwood Estate located on Longwood Road and Smith Road in Ridge on Sept. 21 and 22 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Enjoy traditional crafts, vendors, colonial cooking, Revolutionary War and Civil War re-enactments, music by the Ed Travers Band, a medieval gathering, vintage apron show, house museum tours, and children’s activities.

Admission is $5 per person. Children under 12 are free and will receive a “Passport to the Past.” Parking is free with a complimentary shuttle from the Longwood Junior High School. Leashed and well-behaved pets are welcomed. Longwood Estate is located at the corner of Longwood Road and Smith Road in Ridge. Held rain or shine. For more information, call 631-924-1820.

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The Longwood Estate was passed down through the generations dating back prior to 1817.  In 1973, developer Wilbur Breslin and Herbert Carmel purchased the property for commercial and industrial development. Brookhaven Town officials and area residents strongly opposed the plan and in 1974, Breslin and Carmel donated the manor house and 35 acres of land to the Town of Brookhaven. During its two-hundred-year history, the house knew fallow periods and a notable 60-year Golden Age of love, family, and bustling activity. The estate now is the host to various activities for the residents to enjoy. For more information about the Longwood Estate, visit www.brookhavenny.gov. 

By Rita J. Egan

Hundreds visited Long Beach in Nissequogue on Saturday, Sept. 7, to satisfy their curiosity about Stony Brook Harbor and the waterway’s inhabitants.

The villages of Head of the Harbor and Nissequogue, along with The Friends of Stony Brook Harbor, partnered to host Harbor Day at the Long Beach boat launch with Stony Brook Harbor as its background. Last year, the event returned after a 15-year hiatus.

Nissequogue Mayor Richard Smith presented Peter Scully, Suffolk’s former deputy county executive, with The Friends of Stony Brook Harbor Lifetime Achievement Award. “There is no better candidate,” Smith said.

The mayor congratulated Scully, who resides in Stony Brook and grew up in St. James, on his longtime commitment to improving the health of local waterways, including his work with nitrogen remediation during his tenure with the county.

Upon accepting the award, Scully, dubbed Suffolk’s “water czar” when he was deputy county executive, said he didn’t consider himself a water champion but someone who had been in the right place at the right time on many occasions “working with a lot of outstanding elected officials.”

Environmentalist John Turner, of Setauket and the Four Harbors Audubon Society, accepted the Dr. Larry Swanson Environmental Award from Head of the Harbor Mayor Michael Utvesky. 

“Name any endangered part of nature on Long Island, and John L. Turner will be there to help preserve it,” Utevsky said.

Turner said he was honored to accept the same recognition as the 2023 recipient, Suffolk County Legislator Steven Englebright (D-Setauket), and the award that bears Swanson’s name.

“I knew Larry and had a great deal of respect for him,” Turner said. 

In addition to the awards ceremony, attendees enjoyed various activities including live music, a talk by historian Vivian Nicholson-Mueller about harbor life in the 1860s and a dunk tank. Representatives from Four Harbors Audubon Society, Sweetbriar Nature Center, Turtle Rescue of the Hamptons and more were on hand with educational activities and to answer questions about Stony Brook Harbor and its aquatic animals.

With eager smiles and backpacks in tow, students of the Rocky Point school district kicked off the school year on Sept. 4, ready to meet new teachers and reconnect with old friends.

At Frank J. Carasiti Elementary School, cheerful sidewalk chalk messages of positivity and kindness set the tone, as students were welcomed back to classes.

The district’s first week unfolded smoothly, as students, faculty and staff, across the district’s four buildings, seamlessly transitioned from summer fun to the inaugural days of September.

— Photos courtesy of Rocky Point School District

Lightning Warriors Facebook

Lightning Warriors, a not-for-profit youth triathlon team, will be hosting its 5th annual Mini Maniac Youth Triathlon on Sunday, September 15 at 6:30 a.m. at Smith Point Beach in Shirley.

This year’s Mini Maniac event will be geared toward triathletes of all levels between the ages of 7 and 17. While all racers will be participating in a youth triathlon, races will be divided into three separate age groups with swimming, biking and running distances varying accordingly. Younger athletes are also encouraged to register to participate in the Splash & Dash event, which is a 50-meter swim and a quarter-mile run for athletes between the ages of 5 and 7.

“I am excited to see the smiles and accomplishments as each athlete crosses the finish line and for those first-timers being called a triathlete,” says Lightning Warriors Head Coach Noah Lam.

Favor bags will also be distributed to each racer, as well as medals for all finishers, awards for the top male and female finishers and post-race refreshments.

Participating in youth triathlons helps build positive physical activity habits in children. According to Lam, “Every child should be able to swim, bike and run as those are lifetime skills… We’ve also seen that physical activity can provide immense benefits for mental health, more self-esteem, a sharper focus on achieving goals and a better ability to connect with other kids.”

Athletes’ individual skills will also be enhanced by being a part of a team in a healthy competitive and supportive space. “You get to find new ways to overcome adversity in a safe environment,” Lam states. “These skills will thus motivate them to exude confidence and conquer their goals, both inside and outside of racing.”

The Mini Maniac event is the largest sanctioned kids triathlon on Long Island with 168 participants in 2023, and an expected attendance of 200 racers this year, including 100 first-time registrants. To register for Mini Maniac, visit www.runsignup.com/minimaniac. Registration ends on September 14, 2024 at 1 p.m.  EDT.

About Lightning Warriors

Lightning Warriors is a Long Island-based not-for-profit triathlon team focused on making the sport of triathlon available to all young athletes. Lightning Warriors’ goal is to unlock each member’s potential as athletes and as leaders, encouraging athletes to excel in all levels of life. For more information, visit www.lightningwarriors.org.

Image courtesy of TVHS

Three Village Historical Society continues its lecture series at the Setauket Neighborhood House, 95 Main St., Setauket with a presentation titled Freedomland U.S.A.: The Definitive History​ with speaker Mike Virgintino on Monday, Sept. 16 at 7 p.m.

Located in New York City, Freedomland U.S.A. was celebrated as the “Disneyland of the East.” While it survived only five seasons (1960-1964), to this day the park generates fond memories among baby boomers who enjoyed its American history-themed attractions.

Freedomland was conceived and built by C.V. Wood and his Marco Engineering Company. Known to many as Woody, he was Disneyland’s first employee and he brought Walt Disney’s imagination to life by leading the team that built that park. He then created Marco Engineering to build theme parks and other venues across the country. Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington and the community of Lake Havasu, Arizona, continue to prosper. The northeast Bronx marshland that featured Freedomland U.S.A. eventually became a housing development and a shopping center.

Unknown to Woody and the general public that adored Freedomland during the early 1960s, landowner William Zeckendorf, Sr., local politicians, city planners and construction unions considered the park a “placeholder” until property variances permitted significant development on the marshland. The variances provided the green light for the construction of the largest cooperative housing community in the world. A shopping center was added about a decade later and an indoor mall was constructed on the remaining undeveloped land during 2012.

“Co-op City was on New York City’s blueprints before the first shovel of dirt was turned to build the park,” said Virgintino. “Freedomland U.S.A. was doomed to fail before the first guest entered the park. As everyone was hailing this great achievement in The Bronx on its opening day, Woody already was concentrating on his Texas park and other projects. Other people, including William Zeckendorf, Sr., operated Freedomland U.S.A. and they kept it afloat, or ran it into the ground, depending on one’s perspective. The park survived until the land variances could be applied to the property. Then, Freedomland U.S.A. was declared a bankrupt and the
land was cleared for development.”

The lecture is free to the public, pre-registration encouraged by visiting www.tvhs.org. For more information, call 631-751-3730.

By Kimberly Phyfe

Three Village Historical Society launched its first annual Culper Spy 5K on Sunday, Sept. 8. It’s the first annual because there are already plans in the works to bring this wonderful community event back next year.

Margo Arceri of Tri-Spy Tours is the brainchild behind Culper Spy Day, which just celebrated its tenth year. As she stated in her welcome address, “It takes a village, sometimes three!” She remarked that “this community has truly embraced the Culper Spy Ring story that reaches all ages. I look forward to Culper Spy Weekend next September with the 5K becoming a huge part of the celebration of our rich history.”

The festivities began on the TVHS lawn with a stretch and warm up from Real Deal Fitness with bagels and coffee donated by David Prestia of Bagel Express.

As families gathered, 17 children participated in a fun run to Ridgeway Avenue and return. Back at the starting line on North Country Road, 309 racers got ready to run through the Old Setauket Historic District. The route headed north past the Setauket Neighborhood House where volunteers stationed a water stop, through Frank Melville Park, across Main Street by Patriots Rock, around Caroline Church and back to the historical society headquarters.

These sites were once farmlands, battlefields and home to Revolutionary War heroes which made the run “powerful and emotional — you really feel the deep sense of pride in our history when you’re out there,” one runner commented.

As head of the Three Village Dads Foundation, David Tracy posted that 3V Dads were “honored to be the finish line sponsor of the inaugural Culper Spy 5K hosted by the Three Village Historical Society. What a great turnout, beautiful day and awesome route. Looking forward to next year’s event!”

Mari Irizarry, director of TVHS said, “We are beyond thrilled by the incredible energy and overwhelming support we saw throughout the Three Village community for our inaugural 5K race. All proceeds from the run support The Dominick Crawford Barn Education and History Center.”

Irizarry added, “This event was made possible through the remarkable efforts of Sean Grossman, who approached us with this idea at just 14 years old. Sean, now 15, brought together a dedicated committee, secured the expertise of the Strong Island Running Club and led every meeting with maturity and focus. We are incredibly proud of Sean and his commitment to both our organization and the community.”

Strong Island Running Club had a giant finish line to welcome back and celebrate the racers, also capture their times and images. The most senior competitor, Rolf Sternglanz won a medal at 85 years old for completing the course in 44 minutes, 35 seconds.

The top-placed runners were:

Male

1.   Blake Weaver       17:10

2.   Felipe Garcia        17:30

3.   Lucas Sweeney     18:16

Female

 6.  Jane Radke             19:49

 8.  Anjali Narayan       20:32

10. Margaret Kennedy  21:29

A full list of all placed runners and sponsors can be found at www.tvhs.org or click here.

The Wading River Shoreham Chamber of Commerce has announced that it will host an inaugural Fall Festival on Sunday, September 29, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at The Shoppes at East Wind, 5768 Route 25, Wading River. This highly anticipated event, sponsored by East Wind, promises a day full of family-friendly fun and local celebration, rain or shine.

Set against the picturesque backdrop of The Shoppes at East Wind, this exciting festival will feature a variety of activities for all ages. Attendees can groove to the lively tunes of SouthBound, a popular local country band, and join in energetic line dancing sessions. For those with an appetite, a selection of mouth-watering food trucks will be on hand, offering a variety of delicious options to satisfy any craving.

Shoppers can explore a diverse array of vendors showcasing distinctive products, from handcrafted goods to artisanal treats. Kids will have a blast bouncing around in the bounce house, ride the carousel ($) and engaging in a range of interactive crafts and activities designed to spark creativity and fun.

“This Fall Festival is a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate the season,” said Phil King, a representative of the Wading River Shoreham Chamber of Commerce. “We’re excited to offer a day packed with entertainment, delicious food, and opportunities to support local businesses. It’s going to be a memorable event for families and friends alike.”

Event Details:

  • Date: Sunday, September 29th, 2024
  • Time: 11 AM – 5 PM (Rain or Shine)
  • Location: The Shoppes at East Wind, 5768 Route 25A, Wading River, NY
  • Admission: Free

Whether you’re looking to relax, have fun, or support local vendors, the Fall Festival has something for everyone. Mark your calendars and join them for a day of community spirit and celebration!

For more information, visit https://www.wadingrivershorehamchamber.com/

About the Wading River Shoreham Chamber of Commerce:
The Wading River Shoreham Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to fostering a vibrant business community and enhancing the cultural well-being of our communities. Through events, advocacy, and community engagement, the Chamber works to support local businesses and enrich the local experience.