Al Ludlam has written a letter to the editor about the Oyster Festival. It brings up, once again, drinking at the Oyster Festival, the sale of beer at the festival by regular alcohol vendors and the Oktoberfest run by the Masons.

A young woman in our family visited the Oyster Festival and had a wonderful time. Her take on the Matinecock Lodge was, "It was all on their own property and was hidden from view. It was a good idea."

She also walked through the craft area, ate raw oysters, fried oysters, visited with friends, had raw clams and the shrimp salad sold by the Boys & Girls Club.

The constant talk about the Oyster Festival reminds us of a quote, probably from the Readers Digest, years ago.

Someone moved into a new area and asked a resident "What is the town like?" The resident asked a question in return. "What was your old town like?"

"It was very unfriendly. People didn't talk to you on the streets."

The resident said, "You'll find people like that here."

Another new resident asked the same question, and answered his query with: "There were just lovely people in my old town. Everyone was very friendly and helpful."

The resident said, "You'll find people just like that here."

It's a big festival. You will find just what you want at the Oyster Festival.

Walter Karppi visited the waterfront and took great pictures of the boats. Dagmar Karppi bought more LIPA bulbs to save electricity and got some interesting stories to share with readers. Lynne Karppi had a great time in the sun craft shopping and eating. We bought three car raffle tickets to get in on the excitement.

We all had a great time at the festival.

And, just to give you something to think about. The Oyster Festival is a great idea. We believe by now, it is an institution. We are lucky to have the Oyster Bay Chamber of Commerce running it. The whole reason for not wanting the Masons to get a temporary license was to put a line in the sand. It could be worse. They are trying to keep the festival within bounds.

The decision on not having a beer sponsor was to limit the sale of beer, by not adding the non-profits to the existing mix in the village.

This year there was an added feature to the festival. The Providence was welcomed in style with a tie-in with the history of the village vis-a-vis the Townsend family ship captains of Raynham Hall Museum. The boat added an educational spin to the festival as it worked with the Center for Marine Education and Recreation.

Next year, it can be even better. It only takes a few good ideas. Positive ideas, not negative ideas.

- DFK