Send-off summer LI-style at waterside family festivals this weekend
Cherish the last weekend of summer — can’t believe it’s here — by hopping onto thrilling midway rides, playing carnival games, taking in some tasty international fare and cool, live entertainment, and just having FUN at the Long Island Family Fun Festival, held at Tanner Park in Copiague, Sept. 14-16.
Overlooking the Great South Bay and back for its 11th year, the Family Fun Festival will entertain you for sure, with free music performances on the festival’s two stages – all weekend long. On Friday night, don’t miss the opening act Schroeder’s Ghost, a six-piece rock and blues band; and on Sunday, shows will include local fave and “America’s Got Talent” star Sal “The Voice” Valentinetti and classic rock band Electric Jam. The full line-up is on the festival’s Facebook page: facebook.com/LIFamilyFestival.
Saturday and Sunday: Get your shop on, if you’re a shopper at heart like me, at the Oceanview Craft and Gift Show, a showcase of specialty items like jewelry, clothing, paintings and antiques, set up from 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; and/or get in on the Pet Expo in the Park and Pizza-Eating Contest.
Speaking of food, come here hungry for there are international delights, including Spanish, Greek and Italian specialties, along with typical carnival fare. Find me on the funnel cake line! New this year, the Seafood and Lobster Pavilion presented by restaurant KATCH at Tanner Park.
If you want to stretch out your festival time, I’ve got a great Quick Pick for you: the Family-Fun Waterfront Festival. The Town of Oyster Bay is hosting this waterfront festival at TOBAY Beach Marina, Ocean Parkway, Massapequa, on Sept. 15, from noon-4 p.m. This free fest features kids’ activities, face-painting, snapper fishing, police boat demos, marine and outdoor exhibits, and live music. You can also look forward to a large, fish-shaped cake.
We all have to let go of summer, but we can do so in the most “familyfunfestival” kind of way!
Long Island Family Festival
Schedule of events/shuttle bus information: lifamilyfestival.com
Family-Fun Waterfront Festival
516- 797-4121. oysterbaytown.com.