The countdown to Oyster Festival XVII officially began on Friday, Aug. 11, as Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto bought the first ticket for the Oyster Festival Car Raffle from Oyster Fest Chair Scott Davis of Oyster Bay Dodge. FULL STORY

The spectators got almost as wet as the swimmers in this year's Red Cross Swim-A-Cross. Rain poured down on Centre Island Beach in Bayville during the 11th fund raiser on Aug. 11. Lifeguard Andrea Petruzzi of Bayville told the spectators to get off the beach but most only went back about 10 feet from the surf. Organizers had heard thunder and saw lightning coming from the east and they were concerned about the safety of the crowd standing in water-soaked sand. FULL STORY

After last year's TOBAY Triathlon, there were several complaints from people who hadn't been notified in advance of the event through the media. "I dropped the ball last year, and I certainly don't want a repeat this year," said Mike Polansky, president, Greater Long Island Running Club. Pictured are maps of the bike course and the run course. FULL STORY