Around the Town

One of the most unique aspects of our township is its rich nautical heritage. I would like to take this opportunity to invite all residents of the Town of Hempstead to celebrate this legacy at Family Festival by the Sea 2002 which will be held Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 21-22. This will be a weekend of fun.

The weekend will feature a street-fair atmosphere with the beauty of a seaside setting. There will be dozens of vendors displaying jewelry, nautical memorabilia and art. In addition, some of the town's most popular restaurants will be preparing seafood delights. This is one of the most popular features of the festival.

The Titanic inflatable slide, pony rides, a petting zoo, puppeteers and other age-appropriate activities will be available to entertain the children. There will also be an active trout pond where everyone will have the opportunity to hook a real fish. In addition, there will be sand sculpting competitions, a New York Islanders interactive skills contest, a surf casting competition, kayak and karate exhibits, a biathlon competition and much more.

Adults and children alike will enjoy the performances of a variety of live bands. Featured will be big band favorites, calypso, reggae, a musical revue and more.

This wonderful event continues to get better each year. I would like to extend special thanks to the Department of Parks and Recreation. They always put forth a special effort to make this event spectacular. I would also like to thank the sponsor of this year's event, Petro Heating Oil and Services.

The Family Festival by the Sea, which is now in its 22nd year, is being held at Lido Beach Town Park, located at 630 Lido Boulevard in Lido Beach. The festival will be open from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Admission and parking are free both days.

Families will want to spend the entire day. Once you see how wonderful this event is, you won't want to leave. I encourage all residents of the Town of Hempstead to come down to Lido Beach and enjoy the Family Festival by the Sea.

For further information, call Lido Beach Town Park at 516-431-6650 or check our website: www.townofhempstead.org for daily updates.