The WaterFront Center will host the 8th annual Bay Day event on Sunday, June 1th, at Beekman Beach in Oyster Bay. The event is free and will run from noon until 5 p.m.

Two fantastic bands will fill the afternoon with lively and original music. Banda Eclipse, a 12 piece salsa band, and singer songwriter, Grayson Sanders and his band will each play two sets.

The WaterFront Center will provide several free sails aboard its historic oyster sloop Christeen. Each sail can accommodate 25 passengers. Tickets will be provided on a first come first serve basis at the Pier beginning at 11:30 a.m.

The Power Squadron's annual Blessing of the Fleet will take place at 12:30 p.m., free kayak trials with Eastern Mountain Sports and the Long Island Kayak Club will be available throughout the afternoon, and at 2 p.m. the infamous Anything That Floats Race will take place. "It's a wacky fun race between homemade boats that are made of anything not originally intended to float. It is always funny. Those on shore laugh till they cry. You Tube could not provide funnier footage," said WaterFront Center Executive Director Gaye Verdi.

The sloop Clearwater will be visiting and available for dock side tours. In the 1960's, activist folksinger Pete Seeger led a group of dedicated citizens to build the Clearwater--a full-size replica of the sloops that sailed the Hudson River in the 19th century. As a provider of onboard environmental education, it has become an internationally renowned symbol of environmental and social action. Its overall length is 106 feet, its beam 25 feet, and it stands 108 feet high.

"This year we are very excited to welcome the Long Island Divers Association," said Ms. Verdi. "The club, along with a historic diving group and Seascapes of Syosset, will help introduce visitors to the world of diving with opportunities to try equipment and even enter the water." In addition, a variety of other environmental and historical organizations will have activities for children including the Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary, the Whaling Museum, and more.

A special treat, in keeping with the event's environmental theme, will be the appearance of the new super high efficiency "2008 smart fortwo car" -- provided by Smart Center Roslyn.

Food will be available for purchase from the "Crabman" who specializes in crab cakes. Participants are encouraged to bring lawn/beach chairs and blankets. To receive more information about Bay Day or to register for the Anything That Floats Race, please contact the WaterFront Center at 922-SAIL (7245).

The WaterFront Center is a not for profit organization located in Oyster Bay and dedicated to teaching people about the marine environment and to promoting the safe, enjoyable use of marine resources. The WaterFront Center's website outlines all of its program offerings including numerous summer camp opportunities - www.thewaterfrontcenter.org.