The Town of Hempstead's Department of Parks and Recreation is busy making plans to present the 20th Annual Festival By The Sea to be held this year on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 16 and 17 at Town Park, Lido Beach. Please mark these dates on your calendar and prepare for a fabulous weekend of fun.

In Hempstead Town, we are proud of our nautical heritage. In tribute to this heritage, our festival gets bigger and better each year, with performances and demonstrations that are all unique to the many treasures the sea has to offer.

Of course, the most popular attraction is always the many samplings of sumptuous seafood provided for sale by local merchants. Also available for purchase are nautical crafts and memorabilia.

During the weekend event, Town Park of Lido Beach is transformed into a "street festival" atmosphere, with activities taking place at every area of the park. There are always plenty of children's activities like the new "Titanic" Slide, a trout pond, and a sand sculpture workshop given by the Long Island Children's Museum. From rock 'n' roll to juggling acts, the weekend offers great entertainment for young and old. And there are always ocean breezes to help make your visit a real treat. Be sure to keep a watchful eye in your mailbox around Labor Day for our festival postcard and the Fall Parks and Recreation Brochure for a complete listing of the festival's many events.

Admission and parking are free and gates open each day at 11 a.m. Come prepared to spend the whole day enjoying the many treasures and pleasures afforded us as residents of a nautical community.

The staff of the Department of Parks and Recreation, under the leadership of Commissioner Nicholas Famiglietti, works hard each year to present a spectacular event. They are deserving of our thanks for their commitment to the continued success of our annual festival. Special thanks, too, must go to Petro Heating Oil and Services, and Circuit City for sponsoring the festival this year.

I would like to extend an invitation to all of our residents to attend and enjoy this premier two-day event. You will not want to miss this nautical showcase which is yours just by attending.

Town Park at Lido Beach is located on the south side of Lido Boulevard, approximately one mile west of the Loop Parkway. For more information, call Lido at 431-6650.