On Sunday, July 8 under a picture perfect blue sky, plenty of sunshine and gentle breezes, residents of Farmingdale gathered to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Village Hall-Fire House Building and the 25th Anniversary of the Village Pops. The afternoon began with open house at Village Hall where the public was invited to visit the Court Room and view the recently installed historic pictures of Farmingdale dating back to 1904 and tour the Fire House and view pictures and memorabilia which were on display.

During the afternoon, through the efforts and masterful cooking skills of the members of the Farmingdale Fire Department and generous donations from Kent Seelig of Farmingdale Meat Market and Michael Demato, hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad, soda and water were offered to all. Thanks to Heather and Butch Starkie, there was plenty of popcorn and Mister Softee donated ice cream cups, pops and cones which were enjoyed by kids and grown ups alike.

Many folks enjoyed the cool setting of sitting near the newly refurbished fountain, a project that was spearheaded by the Women's Club of Farmingdale and funded by generous donations from the Women's Club and the Fire Department. Clowns made animal balloons, members of the Art Honor Society of Farmingdale High School painted faces, and Uncle Sam performed magic and juggling tricks all to the delight of the children and young at heart.

A commemorative brochure containing the history of Village Hall, the Fire House and Village Pops including many historic pictures and the musical program was distributed to the audience. In late afternoon, with the beat of a drum the Village Pops brought the audience's attention to the gazebo. Trustee Patricia Christiansen, Chairperson of the Anniversary Committee, welcomed everyone and introduced the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts who, together with Blanche Oakes and Mayor George Graf, marched along the brick walkway of Village Green from the gazebo to the flag pole at the Veterans' Memorials. Oakes presented a new American flag from her family to the village, which was accepted by the mayor and raised up the flagpole by members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. After the presentation of the colors, the audience joined in the Pledge of Allegiance and Star Spangled Banner.

Mayor Graf opened this portion of the celebration with the introduction of elected officials in attendance including Senator Kemp Hannon, Nassau County Legislator Dave Mejias, Supervisor John Venditto, Councilwoman Rose Marie Walker, Councilmen Anthony Macagnone and Joseph Muscarella and Receiver of Taxes, James Stefanich from the Town of Oyster Bay, Family Court Judge Richard Lawrence, Joseph Belesi representing Assemblyman Joseph Saladino and members of the current Village Board and Justice Salvatore Nicosia. All joined in welcoming back former Mayors Joseph Trudden and Willis Carman and Trustees Theodore Dorfmeister, Vincent Sotis and Mildred DeMarco, who traveled from her home in North Carolina just to be part of the anniversary celebration. He welcomed local clergy and members of the Farmingdale School Board. Mayor Graf introduced Brad DeMilo, conductor of the Village Pops for the past 25 years and Gene McCoy, director of the Farmingdale Festival Chorus. The maestro raised his baton and the music began. The program for the afternoon consisted of the same musical numbers performed by the band at its first concert in 1983 as well as songs sung by the Farmingdale Festival Chorus.

During intermission, Mayor Graf, on behalf of the village, accepted citations from Councilman Macagnone, Legislator Mejias and Joe Belesi, who was representing Assemblyman Saladino and presented proclamations from the village to Brad DeMilo for conducting the Pops and Karen Lisk who has been a member of the band for its entire 25-year history. The Mayor thanked all who were responsible for the activities of the day including Fire Department Chiefs Scherer, Ryan and Tortoso; Commissioners Dillon, O'Brien, Schweitzer, Carpenter and Romeo and members of the Farmingdale Fire Department, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, VFW, members of the band, members of the Festival Chorus and the Anniversary Committee: Benjamin and Nancy Giminaro, William and Mildred Johnston, Brad DeMilo, Larry Jorgensen, Frances Rotondo, Maria Richer, Carol Budinoff, Michael O'Brien, Kenneth Romeo, Kenneth Tortoso, Nick and Cheryl Parisi and Trustees Starkie and Christiansen. He also extended thanks to those who worked so diligently in the refurbishing of Village Green including Trustee Starkie, Farmingdale Women's Club, Farmingdale Fire Department and the Village Beautification Committee. Before the musical program resumed, everyone joined in giving a round of applause to members of the audience who have been residents of the village for 75 years.

At the conclusion of the concert, all enjoyed dessert and coffee in the Court Room of Village Hall. Trustee Christiansen thanked everyone for attending and joining together to celebrate these important anniversaries, which are so much a part of the rich history of our village.