Local families in search of some old-fashioned summer fun will need to look no further than their own hometown next week, when the Farmingdale Village Pops annual children's concert returns to the Village Green.

Building on last year's debut of the children's concert, Village Pops organizers are gearing up for the second annual edition, to be held Wednesday, Aug. 2.

"We tried the children's concert last year and it was very successful," said Brad DeMilo, director of the Village Pops community band. "We'd like to make it an annual part of what we do."

The free event is expected to feature a pots-and-pans parade, which was a hit last year, face painting by Torchie the Clown, free balloons, and a retired Walt Disney cartoonist.

The pots and pans parade is an opportunity for the youngsters to express some creativity, and perhaps, some silliness. Children in attendance will be invited to march around drumming to the beat of the band music, or "to their own beat," as they see fit, noted DeMilo. They will be led around by Torchie the Clown. The cartoonist will also be in action during the musical performance, creating authentic drawings throughout the evening. A guest soloist from Northside School, student Corey Reiser, will also be in the spotlight.

The Village Pops concerts are a warm-weather tradition in the village, and are held on Wednesday nights throughout July and August. Usually musical genres presented range from Big Band, classic music of the great masters - such as Beethoven, Brahms and Bach, Broadway show medleys, to the music of other popular artists, such as Sinatra. The children's concert is a unique part of the series, in that the musical selection appeals specifically to kids. This year's event is expected to include such popular movie soundtracks as the Little Mermaid and Hercules. The Mickey Mouse March is also anticipated.

DeMilo noted that many members of the community are contributing time and services to help give the Pops concerts a neighborly feel. For example, ice cream is being donated by local school and civic organizations and businesses, and raffle tickets for the cool treats are being coordinated by volunteers Helen Tyrrell and Frances Pagnotta. In addition, the village historians also coordinate a series of lectures on Farmingdale history, which are presented by various volunteers each evening. The concerts also receive support from the Village of Farmingdale.

Following the children's concert, two more performances remain this summer: one on Aug. 9, and the last on Aug. 16. DeMilo encouraged local residents to attend, and enjoy some free music in the company of neighbors. "I think Farmingdale is a very unique place, and the Village Green is serving not only as a memorial to the people who served in the armed forces, but also as a gathering place," he said. "This is a way of mingling with people from all parts of Farmingdale." He added, "Just come, and have a good time in downtown Farmingdale."

All village pops concerts, including next week's event for children, begin at 7:30 p.m., and usually last about an hour-and-a-half. Residents are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs. In the case of rain, the concerts are held in the auditorium of Howitt Middle School.