The Oyster Festival has become an international event, attested to by the many visitors that come each year. Japanese Television came to video tape the festival and brought along a reporter, Akiko Imai, who took part in the Oyster Eating Contest. That contest was won by Mike Chodkowski of Hicksville. The Oyster Shucking Contest was won by Robert Chiappone of East Meadow and the car raffle was won by Gail Maryea of Nesconsett. FULL STORY

The Center for Marine Education and Recreation of Oyster Bay took part in this year's welcoming of the Sloop Providence. They hosted a dinner party Wednesday, Oct. 11, at The Homestead for the captain and crew as well as members of the Oyster Bay Chamber of Commerce's Oyster Festival Committee members. The ship was brought to town by the chamber for this year's Oyster Festival, as a tie-in with the 337-year history of the town founded in 1653. The original Providence fought in the Revolutionary War and was sunk by her crew rather than have it captured by the British. FULL STORY

Although a lot of people were named winners of the President's Cup, no one took an award home. It will stay in a place of honor at the Boys & Girls Club of Oyster Bay-East Norwich. Each year the names of the winners of the tournament are engraved on silver plaques that adorn the sides of the trophy base. When there is need of room, the oldest plaque is redone in a smaller size and placed on the base of the trophy. FULL STORY

Any runners from Oyster Bay, East Norwich, Bayville and surrounding communities who are looking for a great new running experience are invited to come to Bethpage State Park on Sunday, Oct. 29, for the inaugural Run for Their Lives 8 Kilometer Cross Country Run. It promises to be an exhilarating morning of running through the beautiful (and runner friendly!) cross country trails that abound in the park. The starting gun for the 8K will go off at the Polo Fields in the park at precisely 9 a.m. FULL STORY