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Freshman quarterback Noah Gregorek scrambles out of the pocket for Shoreham-Wading River. Photo by Bill Landon
Center Moriches football vs. Shoreham-Wading River 10/11/24. Photo by Bill Landon
Center Moriches football vs. Shoreham-Wading River 10/11/24. Photo by Bill Landon
Center Moriches football vs. Shoreham-Wading River 10/11/24. Photo by Bill Landon
Center Moriches football vs. Shoreham-Wading River 10/11/24. Photo by Bill Landon
Center Moriches football vs. Shoreham-Wading River 10/11/24. Photo by Bill Landon
Center Moriches football vs. Shoreham-Wading River 10/11/24. Photo by Bill Landon
Center Moriches football vs. Shoreham-Wading River 10/11/24. Photo by Bill Landon
Center Moriches football vs. Shoreham-Wading River 10/11/24. Photo by Bill Landon
Center Moriches football vs. Shoreham-Wading River 10/11/24. Photo by Bill Landon
Senior wide receiver Michael Casey makes the catch for the Wildcats. Photo by Bill Landon
Center Moriches football vs. Shoreham-Wading River 10/11/24. Photo by Bill Landon
Center Moriches football vs. Shoreham-Wading River 10/11/24. Photo by Bill Landon
Senior wide receiver Michael Casey looks up-field for the Wildcats. Photo by Bill Landon
Center Moriches football vs. Shoreham-Wading River 10/11/24. Photo by Bill Landon
Center Moriches football vs. Shoreham-Wading River 10/11/24. Photo by Bill Landon
Sophomore running-back Lucas Diamond bolts out of the backfield for the Wildcats. Photo by Bill Landon

By Bill Landon

It would be the foot of Dan Jurgens, the place-kicker for Center Moriches, that would decide the game when Shoreham-Wading River came calling, snatching victory from the Wildcats to win 17-14 Friday afternoon, Oct. 11.

Deadlocked at 14-14 from the middle of the third quarter, Shoreham-Wading River mounted a late-game surge only to be stopped 2 yards from the end zone where the Red Devils took over on downs. Center Moriches, with a ground-and-pound offensive running game, mounted an eight-minute drive moving the chains bleeding out the clock, and called time-out at the 19-yard line with two seconds left in regulation. Jurgens split the uprights for the 29-yard field goal for the Red Devils win as time expired.

The victory lifts Center Moriches to 3-2 in Division IV, while the Wildcats drop to 3-2.

— Photos by Bill Landon

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Scene from the expansion ceremony. Courtesy Paws of War
Scene from the expansion ceremony. Courtesy Paws of War
Scene from the expansion ceremony. Courtesy Paws of War
Scene from the expansion ceremony. Courtesy Paws of War
Scene from the expansion ceremony. Courtesy Paws of War
Scene from the expansion ceremony. Courtesy Paws of War

Paws of War has expanded its Nesconset headquarters with the opening of its Veteran Support Command Center, advancing its mission to support veterans and their service dogs. The new facility provides a safe haven for veterans and first responders dealing with PTSD, mental health crises, addiction and homelessness, offering the assistance and resources they need. Contractors who donated their time, labor, and materials for the construction attended the ribbon-cutting event.

The project was led by Bulovas Restorations with support from subcontractors Bri Co Electrical, Premier Flooring Solutions, East End Designs LLC, SOS Store On Site, Park Ave Building and Roofing Supplies LLC, Colucci Carting, and ADI Contracting LLC.

“When veterans and their companion animals are in crisis, every second counts. Many of our heroes suffer from addiction, mental health issues, and homelessness. In times of crisis, they won’t part with their pets and continue to struggle,” said Robert Misseri, co-founder of Paws of War.

“Our support center is a major step forward in helping veterans overcome challenges while keeping their pets safe and by their sides.”

Veterans and first responders with service or companion animals, some homeless or facing medical emergencies, need special attention to ensure they gain access to services. Often, having a service or companion dog limits access to housing and health care options. In many cases, these heroes refuse support because they won’t leave their pets behind.

For homeless veterans with emotional support or service animals, Paws of War provides short-term, temporary, or long-term homes. If an animal isn’t permitted in a shelter or the owner is experiencing difficult circumstances, Paws of War fosters the animal at their kennel, where trained experts care for the dogs until they are reunited with their owners.

The organization also adopts dogs if a veteran can no longer provide care or if the veteran passes away. Through partnerships with local agencies, veterans and first responders have access to programs that address their personal needs, including housing, substance abuse and addiction, mental and physical health services, as well as veterinary care and sheltering options for their service animals.

The new Command Center offers a welcoming environment for veterans to share experiences with others facing PTSD and mental health issues.

The 2,000-square-foot facility includes six offices, workstations, a therapy area and meeting rooms. The increased space and staff enable a quicker, more coordinated response to help more veterans and their animals.

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Scene from the Sweetbriar Spooktacular. Photo by Veronica Sayers
Scene from the Sweetbriar Spooktacular. Photo by Veronica Sayers
Scene from the Sweetbriar Spooktacular. Photo by Veronica Sayers
Scene from the Sweetbriar Spooktacular. Photo by Veronica Sayers
Scene from the Sweetbriar Spooktacular. Photo by Veronica Sayers

By Toni-Elena Gallo

Ghoulies, ghosties and other Halloween creepies spooked patrons for an evening of fun and excitement, at Sweetbriar Nature Center’s Oct. 12th Halloween Spooktacular. Guests to the Smithtown grounds enjoyed eerie animal presentations, a ghostly garden, creepy crafts, scary stories, a night walk as well as fall-favorite snacks!

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A scene from the 30th annual Long Island Fall Festival at Heckscher Park in Huntington. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli
A scene from the 30th annual Long Island Fall Festival at Heckscher Park in Huntington. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli
A scene from the 30th annual Long Island Fall Festival at Heckscher Park in Huntington. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli
A scene from the 30th annual Long Island Fall Festival at Heckscher Park in Huntington. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli
A scene from the 30th annual Long Island Fall Festival at Heckscher Park in Huntington. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli
A scene from the 30th annual Long Island Fall Festival at Heckscher Park in Huntington. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli
A scene from the 30th annual Long Island Fall Festival at Heckscher Park in Huntington. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli
A scene from the 30th annual Long Island Fall Festival at Heckscher Park in Huntington. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli
A scene from the 30th annual Long Island Fall Festival at Heckscher Park in Huntington. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli

By Jennifer Donatelli

It was a beautiful autumn weekend for families and friends attending the Long Island Fall Festival in Huntington last weekend. The four-day, free event took place at Heckscher Park during Columbus Day weekend from Oct. 12 to 14, kicking off the festivities with live music and a world-class carnival on Friday night.

The largest of its kind in the Northeast and now in its 30th year, the Long Island Fall Festival has become the premier event for family fun. Filled with excitement at every turn, the carnival featured thrilling rides, games and classic carnival food.

Hundreds of vendors lined Madison and Prime Streets, adjacent to Heckscher Park, as well as around the pond and inside the park grounds. The Local Craft Beer and Wine Tent showcased beverages sourced locally from Six Harbors Brewing Company in Huntington.

The annual event attracts tens of thousands of people from all over Long Island and the Tri-State area. It even boasts an international food court serving a wide variety of options from classic festival fare to global cuisines.

For those who love to shop, the festival’s marketplace featured more than 300 vendors selling everything from handmade crafts to baked goods, jewelry and unique gifts. For many vendors, it was their first foray at the festival.

Ivan Reiter, owner of The Barking Biscuit, which makes all-natural dog treats, personalized cookies, birthday cakes and wedding favors, said he heard many great things about the festival and decided to participate this year.

Mr. Reiter’s business started as a hobby during COVID when everyone was getting dogs and has since expanded. He explained, “We got our name out, started small, and went from a small tent at events to a trailer, and now we’re in a bus!”

One of the most sought-after vendors was Sugaring NYC, a franchise company that makes scrubs from brown sugar, lemon and water, creating an alternative to using hot wax for hair removal. Owner Carolina Costa shared that she even uses it on her hands to get rid of age spots.

“You can also use the scrubs in the shower or mix them in with your body wash for deep exfoliation in the comfort of your own home,” she explained.

Cathy O’Connor of Northport came with a friend to shop and sample some craft beers. She ended up purchasing scrubs, soap and jewelry from various vendors. Ms. O’Connor thinks the festival is “the best way to support local businesses, find one-of-a-kind treasures and spend the day with family and friends.”

For those who don’t like to cook, The Spice Cabinet sold hand-blended spices and herbs in ready-to-cook packets complete with ingredients and directions. The owner, who goes solely by Jean, explained that everything needed is in the bag.

“You just have to boil water. It’s great for people on the go who need a quick and easy meal or for college students who don’t have time to cook,” she said.

Highlights from the weekend included a Columbus Day parade, a meatball-eating contest and a magic show for children. Live performances on the Harry Chapin Rainbow Stage featured dance numbers by students from Laura’s Yoga and Fitness in Huntington and high schoolers from the Long Island School for the Arts in Syosset. Kids also enjoyed free art activities at the Heckscher Museum’s terrace.

In addition to on-street parking, visitors to the festival were allowed to park for free at the Huntington LIRR station and take a $2 round-trip shuttle bus to the park.

For more information or to get involved in next year’s Long Island Fall Festival as a volunteer or vendor, visit www.lifallfestival.com.

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The cast of 'A Kooky Spooky Halloween.' Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions Inc.
A scene from 'A Kooky Spooky Halloween.' Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.
The Petersons. Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.
A scene from 'A Kooky Spooky Halloween.' Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.
A scene from 'A Kooky Spooky Halloween.' Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.
A scene from 'A Kooky Spooky Halloween.' Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.
A scene from 'A Kooky Spooky Halloween.' Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.
The cast of 'A Kooky Spooky Halloween.' Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions Inc.
A scene from 'A Kooky Spooky Halloween.' Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.
The cast of 'A Kooky Spooky Halloween.' Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions Inc.

By Heidi Sutton

It’s kooky and it’s spooky and it’s hauntingly good. Now in it’s 7th year, A Kooky Spooky Halloween returns to Theatre Three in Port Jefferson to celebrate one of the most popular holidays of the year. 

Written by Jeffrey Sanzel and Steve McCoy, the adorable musical tells the story of Abner the Ghost (Steven Uihlein) who has just graduated from Haunting High School and is assigned to be a spooksperson at Ma Aberdeen’s Boarding House, (known for being the most haunted house in Harrison Corner USA and for having the best toast!) as its last ghost, Baron Von Yost, has recently retired. Abner is given a diploma and a medallion of invisibility and is sent on his way with two rules: never haunt before sunset and never, ever lose your medallion.

But Abner has a shocker of a secret — he’s afraid of the dark! When he confides in his best friend Lavinda the Witch (Cassidy Rose O’Brien) she gifts him a nightlight and promises to help him get settled in. With Lavinda’s help, what could possibly go wrong?

It’s Halloween and Abner arrives at the boarding house  just as Ma Aberdeen (Ginger Dalton) and her boarders the Petersons — Paul the periodontist (Liam Marsigliano), Penelope the p.r. professional (Katy Snair) and their daughter Pip (Sarita Alvarado) — and Kit Garret (Julia Albino), a girl who “just came from a small town to a big city with a suitcase in her hand and hope in her heart,” are stuffing goodie bags for trick-or-treaters in the kitchen.

In one of the funniest scenes in the show, Abner tries out a series of spells, making the group stuff the bags in double time, dance, do jumping jacks, sing, spin like a top, quack like a duck and stick to each other. Just as he is about to undo the last spell, fellow graduate ghost with a grudge Dora Pike (Josie McSwane) appears, steals his medallion of invisibility and nightlight and heads to the bottom of Black Ridge Gulch, the deepest, darkest gorge in the entire world (where it’s really, really dark). Now visible, Abner must convince the strangers who are still stuck to each other help him get his medallion back or it will “all fade to black.”

Director Colleen Britt has assembled a terrific cast to tell this hilarious story filled with singing and dancing, action and adventure and tons of Halloween jokes. Ginger Dalton as Ma who makes the toast is especially wonderful. “What kind of toast do you serve? Rye, whole wheat, sourdough, french?” she’s asked. “White. No butter, no jelly … and no jam!” she snaps. 

This year’s production has amped up the spookiness with floating ghosts, use of the trap door and more special effects, but don’t worry— it is not scary. The show also makes use of the screens on each end of the stage from the set of ‘Matilda The Musical’ to project images. A nice touch.

Costumes by Jason Allyn in shades of black, orange, purple and sparkly white for the ghosts are the icing on the haunted house cake. Don’t miss this one. You and your kids will have a spooktacular good time. Ghostly pumpkin souveniers will be sold during intermission and costumes are encouraged. Meet the cast in the lobby after the show for photos. 

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents A Kooky Spooky Halloween through Oct. 19. Children’s theater continues with Barnaby Saves Christmas from Nov. 23 to Dec. 28 and Hansel and Gretel from Jan. 25 to Feb. 8. All seats are $12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

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Hadley Torre battles for possession for the Patriots in a home game against Walt Whitman. Photo by Bill Landon
Ward Melville girl's field hockey vs. Walt Whitman on Oct. 7. Photo by Bill Landon
Ward Melville’s Madison Toth battles in the scrum. Photo by Bill Landon
Ward Melville girl's field hockey vs. Walt Whitman on Oct. 7. Photo by Bill Landon
Ward Melville girl's field hockey vs. Walt Whitman on Oct. 7. Photo by Bill Landon
Ward Melville senior forward Peyton Phillips scores. Photo by Bill Landon
Ward Melville girl's field hockey vs. Walt Whitman on Oct. 7. Photo by Bill Landon
Ward Melville girl's field hockey vs. Walt Whitman on Oct. 7. Photo by Bill Landon
Ward Melville girl's field hockey vs. Walt Whitman on Oct. 7. Photo by Bill Landon
Ward Melville girl's field hockey vs. Walt Whitman on Oct. 7. Photo by Bill Landon
Patriots senior defender Ava Folkman passes inside. Photo by Bill Landon
Ward Melville girl's field hockey vs. Walt Whitman on Oct. 7. Photo by Bill Landon

By Bill Landon

Ward Melville at 8-1 hosted Walt Whitman (6-4) in a Division 1 field hockey contest that was never in question. The Patriots spread the scoring around to five different players in the 5-0 shutout Monday night, Oct. 7.

Peyton Phillips and Madison Toth got the momentum going in the opening quarter before Maddie Larsen made it a three-goal lead. Jadyn Stoecker and Nura Qasaimeh rocked the box in the fourth in the 5-0 win.

Senior goalie Olivia Zummo had a quiet day in net.

With five games remaining before postseason play begins, the Patriots look to bolster their seeding atop the division leaderboard, rubbing shoulders with Sachem East and Northport.           

— Photos by Bill Landon 

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Reese Marcario fires at the box for the Wildcats. Photo by Bill Landon
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Reese Marcario fires at the box for the Wildcats. Photo by Bill Landon
Shoreham Wading River field hockey vs. Eastport-South Manor 10/7/24. Photo by Bill Landon
Shoreham Wading River field hockey vs. Eastport-South Manor 10/7/24. Photo by Bill Landon
Kaitlynn Monaghan pushes up the sideline for the Wildcats. Bill Landon
Shoreham-Wading River Madison Herr shoots. Photo by Bill Landon
Shoreham Wading River field hockey vs. Eastport-South Manor 10/7/24. Photo by Bill Landon
Loose ball. Photo by Bill Landon

By Bill Landon

The Shoreham-Wading River field hockey squad tore open their season with 10 consecutive wins but stumbled in a road game against Harborfields, losing to the Tornadoes 2-1, Sept. 30. 

The Wildcats wasted no time in clawing back to their winning ways with a home game against Eastport-South Manor (9-2) Monday night, Oct. 7. The Sharks struck first with two minutes remaining in the opening quarter but sophomore forward Madison Herr answered back 30 seconds later to make it a new game.

Senior midfielder Ellie Arena rocked the box with six minutes left in the first half off an assist by Marisa Cacciola for the Wildcats to take a 2-1 lead, a score that would make the final buzzer.

The win lifts the Wildcats to 11-1 in a three-way tie along with Miller Place and Bayport-Blue Point atop the Division II leaderboard. 

— Photos by Bill Landon

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AND THEY'RE OFF! Over 200 runners took part in this year's race through picturesque Stony Brook Village. Photo from Dan Kerr
Runners register in front of the Reboli Center. Photo from Dan Kerr
The crowd assembling in front of All Souls Church. Photo from Dan Kerr
The race was preceded by the National Anthem. Photo from Dan Kerr
Many runners came in costume. Photo from Dan Kerr
The Mario Brothers made an appearance at the race. Photo from Dan Kerr
Many runners came in costume and brought their dogs. Photo from Dan Kerr
Many runners came in costume and brought their dogs. Photo from Dan Kerr
Many runners came in costume. Photo from Dan Kerr
Mark McNulty and Dan Kerr
Felipe Garcia at the finish line. Photo from Dan Kerr
Margaret Kennedy with her award. Photo from Dan Kerr
Felipe Garcia and Margaret Kennedy with their awards
Hope Orcel with her medal. Photo from Dan Kerr

By Daniel Kerr

The sun shined brightly on the 200+ folks (not including the marching dogs) that gathered in front of Stanford White-designed All Souls Church in Stony Brook for the 16th Annual SOLES for All Souls 5K Race/2K Walk on Sunday, Oct. 6.

The large crowd included runners dressed as the Mario Brothers, Mr. & Mrs. Potato Head, “One and ½” bulldogs, butterflies, silver ballerinas, and three generations of skeletons.  Retired Suffolk County Police Sargeant Mark McNulty played the bagpipes to inspire the runners as they began their trek up Hollow Road, and the North Shore Rockers played throughout Registration at the Reboli Center.  Former Suffolk County Poet Laureate Richard Bronson led the annual march of the Live Poets Society, as Barbara Branca read the poems of Barbara Southard.

Suffolk County Legislator Steve Englebright and Brookhaven Town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich joined All Souls’ own Brave Trio to sing the National Anthem, and our elected representatives thanked the runners and walkers for participating in this very special annual event to celebrate the role of All Souls in the community and to raise funds to make the church and accessible to all.  The large amount of food collected as part of the All Souls “Lend a Hand, bring a Can” food outreach, was transported to St Gerard Majella’s food pantry in Terryville.

For the second consecutive year, Felipe Garcia from Brooklyn was the overall race winner with a time of 17:14 and Margaret Kennedy from Port Jefferson Station was the overall female winner with a time of 21:07. Race co-founder Mary Ellen Doris awarded gold, silver, and bronze medals at the Olympic-style ceremony to various age groups from 13 and under to 80 years and older. Six-year-old Hope Orcel from Stony Brook won the bronze for the female 13 and under group and eighty-five-year-old Rolf Sternglanz from Davie, Florida won the silver for the over 80 group of runners. 

All of the volunteers and sponsors thank the community of runners, walkers, residents and students for their outpouring of love and support.

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Smithtown East boy's volleyball vs. Commack 10/5/24. Photo by Bill Landon
Smithtown East boy's volleyball vs. Commack 10/5/24. Photo by Bill Landon
Smithtown East boy's volleyball vs. Commack 10/5/24. Photo by Bill Landon
Smithtown East boy's volleyball vs. Commack 10/5/24. Photo by Bill Landon
Smithtown East boy's volleyball vs. Commack 10/5/24. Photo by Bill Landon
Smithtown East boy's volleyball vs. Commack 10/5/24. Photo by Bill Landon
Smithtown East boy's volleyball vs. Commack 10/5/24. Photo by Bill Landon
Smithtown East boy's volleyball vs. Commack 10/5/24. Photo by Bill Landon
Smithtown East boy's volleyball vs. Commack 10/5/24. Photo by Bill Landon
Smithtown East boy's volleyball vs. Commack 10/5/24. Photo by Bill Landon
Smithtown East boy's volleyball vs. Commack 10/5/24. Photo by Bill Landon
Smithtown East boy's volleyball vs. Commack 10/5/24. Photo by Bill Landon
Smithtown East boy's volleyball vs. Commack 10/5/24. Photo by Bill Landon
Smithtown East boy's volleyball vs. Commack 10/5/24. Photo by Bill Landon
Smithtown East’s Brandon Devitt battles at the net in a home game against Commack. Photo by Bill Landon
Smithtown East boy's volleyball vs. Commack 10/5/24. Photo by Bill Landon
Smithtown East boy's volleyball vs. Commack 10/5/24. Photo by Bill Landon
Smithtown East boy's volleyball vs. Commack 10/5/24. Photo by Bill Landon
Smithtown East boy's volleyball vs. Commack 10/5/24. Photo by Bill Landon

By Bill Landon

It would take five sets to determine a winner when the Commack Cougars came calling on Smithtown East Saturday morning, Oct. 5, as both volleyball teams traded victories through four sets. The Bulls were able to corral the Cougars in the final set to win the match 22-25, 25-14, 23-25, 25-17, 15-9 in the Division I matchup. 

Outside hitter Brody Bernhardt led the way for the Bulls with 15 kills and teammate Michael Pennisi notched 11.

East hosted table-topping Ward Melville, Monday, Oct. 7, but went down in three sets.

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Items for sale at the 2024 Christmas in October craft fair in Smithtown. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli
Woodwork for sale at the 2024 Christmas in October craft fair in Smithtown. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli
Woodwork for sale at the 2024 Christmas in October craft fair in Smithtown. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli
Jim Smalls, owner of Small Scapes at the 2024 Christmas in October craft fair in Smithtown. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli
Jewelry for sale at the 2024 Christmas in October craft fair in Smithtown. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli
Hand-painted rocks for sale at the 2024 Christmas in October craft fair in Smithtown. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli

By Jennifer Donatelli

Depasquale Enterprises hosted its 3rd annual Christmas in October Village craft fair on the grounds of the Smithtown Historical Society on Saturday, Oct. 5.

The free event featured handmade items by local artisans. Over 100 vendors were in attendance, selling everything from artwork and photography to jewelry, home decor, wood crafts, and gourmet foods, each one with a story to tell.

Michael Depasquale of Depasquale Enterprises has been organizing this fair since its inception. He started his company over 40 years ago, with one event, and the business grew from there. His company now plans craft fairs, festivals and art shows all over Long Island.

“This is our third year planning the fair for the Smithtown Historical Society. After COVID, people were anxious for something to do, so we started this event with a small number of vendors and it just keeps going,” Mr. Depasquale said.

Discussing what makes this particular event special, he explained that he loves its vendors because they put so much passion into “what they do.”

“They are truly the heart and soul of our business. Customers are very supportive of us, and we [always encourage them] to shop locally,” he continued.

Working this popular fair means a great deal to its vendors for a number of reasons.

Mary Weisberg, owner of From the Heart, has been making and selling her copper jewelry for over 10 years at local craft fairs. She says she draws inspiration from her faith, and that all of her designs are anointed with “love, prayer and intention.”

“The biggest compliment I can get is people telling me how much they love my work,” Weisburg said.

Claudio DiPietri, one of the fair’s exuberant vendors, came from Astoria to be part of this special event.

DiPietri, who runs Wood Works by Claudio, was in the restaurant business for 40 years before he was diagnosed with cancer in 2019.  Having to undergo treatment, DiPietri was not able to go back to running his family’s business, which resulted in the closing of the restaurant.

“After spending so much time away from my family over the years, I wanted something that would keep me home with them, so I told my wife I was going to start working with wood,” he explained.

“And here I am five years later.”

One booth owner, Jim Smalls, lost his job after the COVID-19 pandemic, and was forced to reinvent himself to make a living. Smalls was the general manager of Sam Ash Music prior to the pandemic, but now spends his time painting and selling scenic landscape designs he creates from old tree stumps.

“I’ve never been happier,” Smalls said.

This fair’s quirky and festive feel is the reason it draws crowds from not only Smithtown, but all over the Island.

Mary Ellen Fonti of Port Jeff Station said she loves coming to the fair because “it is a true craft fair. They’re not selling store-bought knick knacks. They’re selling real, homemade items.”

Many attendees were avid crafters themselves. Maria of Farmingville shared that she enjoys making crafts and wanted to see what other crafters “were up to,” while friends Kathy Murdocco and Lydia Lehman were there simply to enjoy the “beautiful day” and the lively atmosphere.

For more information on upcoming events at The Smithtown Historical Society, visit their website at www.smithtownhistorical.org.

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