Over the years the Oyster Festival has had many sponsors. Tom Reardon, this year's festival chairman remembered several of them. He has been active with the festival each of its 19 years and is looking forward to year 20. He remembered some of the first sponsors of the festival. "There was Marine Midland Bank that sponsored the bike race for many years. They are now known as HSBC Bank. Carlsburg Beer used the festival to announce that it was opening a warehouse locally, in Hicksville. (That was when the festival sold alcoholic beverages.) Over the years communications organizations used the festival to sign up people for long distance service. Every year sponsorship of the festival is very important as it helps us pay for the infrastructure that makes the event possible. Things such as buses to bring people from the Syosset LIRR station to the heart of the festival. We also have to pay for the cleanup during and after the festival.

"It's a win-win situation. They highlight their services while helping us run the festival smoothly. This year's sponsorship of the Oyster Festival 2003 is growing while many remain loyal over the years including Anton Newspapers.

"Of course we must congratulate and thank our main sponsors this year, Newsday, North Fork Bank, North Shore University Hospital Syosset, The Waterfront Center, Fleet Bank, LIPA and State Bank of Long Island. Without their support there would be no 20th Anniversary Oyster Festival to celebrate," said Mr. Reardon.

Sponsors that are new to the Oyster Festival include:

• The New York Marine Trades Association bringing in the "Water Works Wonders" tour a 72 foot semi that converts into a "mini-marina" explaining the benefits of boating, fishing and aquatic stewardship.

• The Tropicana Resort & Casino from Atlantic City will be entertaining patrons with some glitz, glamour and games.

• Soft Tubs are unique portable hot tubs that will be on display and maybe you can end up bringing one home with you.

• Tree Health Management is a terrific group who will inform us about protecting our trees, our property and the environment.

• Juicy Fruit Gum/Wrigley's will be around to let us try some of their newest flavors.

• Morgan Stanley and David Lerner Associates will both be on hand to help us all make the best financial arrangements we can.

• P.S. Honda of Manhasset will be there raffling off one of four different Hondas.

Some old favorites include:

• The New York State Lottery is back with everyone's favorite, TV personality, Yolanda Vega, for some fun drawings. Hey you never know!

• Perfect Places is back with your chance to win a great vacation.

"We are happy to have local companies with us again, including Marshall Chiropractic Associates of Oyster Bay. They have been with us for many years, and will be on hand adjusting our backs and offering information. Gutter Helmet is owned by local businessperson Peter Clement and his company has everything you need to keep from cleaning your gutters ever again. They have been with the Oyster Festival for three years," said Mr. Reardon.

For information to sponsor the festival please call Len Rothberg at 516-935-4944.