The Town of Hempstead's Department of Parks and Recreation is busy making plans to present the 19th Annual Festival By The Sea to be held this year on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 25 and 26 at Town Park, Lido Beach. Please mark these dates on your calendar and prepare for a fabulous weekend of fun.

In Hempstead Town, we are proud of our nautical heritage. In tribute to this heritage, our festival gets bigger and better each year, with performances and demonstrations that are all unique to the many treasures the sea has to offer.

Of course, the most popular attraction is always the many samplings of sumptuous seafood provided for sale by local merchants. Also available for purchase are nautical crafts and memorabilia.

During the weekend event, Town Park at Lido Beach is transformed into a street festival type atmosphere, with activities taking place at every area of the park. There are always plenty of games, great entertainment, demonstrations by the town's award-winning lifeguards, and, of course, gentle ocean breezes to help make your visit a real treat. Be sure to refer to your Fall Parks and Recreation Brochure for a complete line up of the festival's events. The brochure and schedule will be arriving at your home just after Labor Day.

As always, admission and parking are free. The gates open each day at 11 a.m. Come prepared to spend the whole day enjoying the many treasures and pleasures afforded us as residents of a nautical community.

The staff of the Department of Parks and Recreation, under the direction of Commissioner Nicholas Famiglietti, works hard each year to bring you a spectacular event. They are deserving of our thanks for their commitment to the continued success of the annual festival.

On behalf of all the members of the Hempstead Town Board, I would like to extend an invitation to all of our residents to attend and enjoy this premier two-day event. You will not want to miss this nautical showcase which is yours just by attending.

Town Park at Lido Beach is located on the south side of Lido Boulevard, approximately one mile west of the Loop Parkway. For more information, call the Department of Parks and Recreation at 292-9000.