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Tammy Severino is the President of RPC Development, a business and development consulting firm for local businesses and not-for-profit organizations. She has more than 20 years of experience in writing, from business writing to journalism to creative writing. In her spare time, this fashionista follows and writes about fashion, travel, and other lifestyle topics. |
| Long Island is a veritable playground of festivals and fairs. Nearly every weekend from May through October, you can find events with music, crafts, artisans, rides, yummy foods and more. Throughout the season, over 30 town-wide fairs, often produced by local Chambers of Commerce, are held, offering local businesses an opportunity to put their best feet forward. Such is the case of the Bellmore, Mineola and Smithtown Street Fairs. Some run for one day; others for a weekend. Check chamber websites for details on fairs in your area. Head east to the 61st Mattituck Strawberry Festival (June 18-21) to sample all things strawberry. The Heckscher Festival, held at Heckscher State Park (June 20-21), offers games and activities to please the whole family. July brings us across the south shore from the Great South Bay Music Festival in Patchogue (July 17th) to the Hamptons Food & Wine Festival (July 25-26th). August bring Haunt Faire, a tribute to all things scary (August 1-2nd) while North Fork Craft Beer Festival in Calverton will entice craft beer lovers (August 8th). The following day the LI Potato Festival sets up at Calverton Links, featuring a farmers’ market and a tribute to LI’s history. From August 7-9th the 26th Annual Sayville Summerfest is underway, a family fun festival featuring the region’s boating roots. That same weekend, Sag Harbor’s American Music Festival takes place, featuring live performances with Americana flair. The end of the month brings us to Suffolk Community College for the LI Shakespeare Festival (August 28-29th). As September arrives, so does the 69th Annual Shinnecock Pow Wow Native American Indian Festival (4-7th), Westhampton Festival of the Arts (September 5-6th), and 4th Annual Long Beach International Film Festival (September 24th). Three of the biggest festivals take place toward the end of the ‘season’ and draw tremendous crowds. The Greenport Maritime Festival (September 25-27th), produced by the East End Seaport Museum & Marine Foundation, offers music, movies, tall ships, great food, and more. It is everything you think of in a nautically themed event. The Huntington Fall Festival (October 9-12th), fills Heckscher Park with rides, games, food, music and vendors as far as the eye can see. Oyster Bay’s Oyster Festival (October 17-18th), the largest waterfront festival on the east coast, offers family activities, seafood and shopping, all while raising funds for local charities. Whatever your interests, LI’s festivals and fairs have it. Go to one; go to many…try them out and have a great time! |
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20 lucky winners will win $500 each in prizes totaling $10,000. 