Spotlight on Long Island: Festivals Galore
The patriotic fervor of July 4th may have passed for this year, but Long Island’s festival scene is just warming up with a host of diverse celebrations on the horizon. From savory treats to toe-tapping beats, this weekend’s festivities will serve up the three components of American enjoyment: food, music, and fun. Offering a global culinary adventure alongside local favorites like sour pickles, these events are paired with diverse music and activities for the young and the young-at-heart.
July 11-14. Hamptons Greek Festival
Get your Greek on! Opa! The traditions continue at The Hamptons Greek Festival located at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Hamptons in Southampton . Experience authentic Greek food from souvlaki to kebobs to gyros and Greek pastries like baklava and galaktoboureko. Traditional Greek dancing performed by the talented Hellenic Dancers will get your fingers snapping and arms up in the air in preparation for dancing to the live Greek music. An outdoor marketplace supporting local vendors will be part of the event. A carnival section featuring rides and games will amuse family members of all ages. www.dormitionhamptons.org
July 12-14. Taste the World
The Famous Food Festival is back this year and you are invited to “Taste the World” during this culinary adventure. With food and beverages inspired from all around the globe, over 100 vendors will be in attendance to serve you an array of different ethnic delights. From July 12th to July 14th, Tanger Outlets in Deer Park will host this epicurean event which also features live music all day, rock climbing, miniature golf, bumper cars, and a children’s section with kiddie rides, facepainting, and Henna tattoos. Bring the family and your appetite. www.famousfoodfestival.com
July 13. Sound and Skate Festival
The Greenport Skate Park’s purpose is to serve as a recreational hub for boards, scooters, skates, and BMX. The not-for-profit organization, Greenport Skate Park Inc., is committed to keeping this park structurally safe and a welcoming environment for anyone who wants to get on board by hosting fundraising events throughout the year. The Sound & Skate Festival is one of these events. Taking place at the skate park on July 13th, this day-long gathering will feature live music, food vendors, artisan vendors, artists, fun for the kids, skateboarding lessons, and skating contests. Roll on over from 11:00 to 6:00 for this fun-filled, family-friendly event. www.greenportskatepark.org
July 13-14. Pickle Festival
Don’t get yourself in a pickle over this! Sweet or sour? Dill or bread and butter? Pickle on a stick? There are plenty of pickle selections to choose from at the Waterdrinker Farm Pickle Festival in Manorville on July 13 and July 14 from 10:00 to 5:00. Pickle-inspired games, pickle food trucks with more than just offerings of pickles, and live music set on acres and acres of land with sunflower fields as the backdrop, create the perfect fun-filled family or friends’ day. Meet the cutest barnyard animals. Children can bounce away on the jump pads or play in the kids’ areas which offer a variety of activities. After you are done “pickling”, enjoy the beauty of sunflowers as you wander through the fields to capture a Kodak moment that you will treasure forever. www.water-drinker.com
Andrea Peponakis
Andrea Peponakis is a retired foreign language teacher who then became a local newspaper journalist and local radio show host. Born and raised in Astoria, Queens and on Long Island, Andrea is now focusing on writing children’s books. The motivation to become an author was inspired by her three grandchildren. Her book, Grandma, Grandma, Tell Me More: My Family Loves Me, was featured at this year’s London Book Festival and at The LA Times Book Fair. Andrea currently resides on Long Island near her children and grandchildren. Her days are spent creating everlasting memories with her grandchildren and writing.
