Fishing adventures at Hempstead Lake State Park

Family Fun

Gone Fishing
Introduce the kids to the sport of fresh water fishing at I FISH NY’s annual family fishing clinic at Rockville Centre’s Hempstead Lake State Park. For those beginning anglers, free loaner fishing rods and bait are available for use. The event will start with education stations, including fish identification, regulations and angler ethics, and aquatic ecology. It’s followed by open family fishing. The New York State fishing license requirement for anglers 16 and older has been suspended for this event, so parents can enjoy fishing with their children.
Saturday, Aug. 7, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $6; free with Empire Passport. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. MacDonald Pond, Hempstead Lake State Park, Rockville Centre. (631) 444-0283.

Exploring Nature

Bug Safari
Bring the kids to Old Westbury Gardens for a safari of sorts. Hunt elusive grasshoppers, butterflies, predatory insects and other creepy, crawly creatures found throughout Old Westbury Gardens’ colorful grounds. Be sure to bring a butterfly net and collecting jars for this adventure among the gardens. It’s a chance to get up-close and personal with the many insects who share our world.
Saturday, Aug. 7, 11 a.m. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. (516) 333-0048 or www.oldwestburygardens.org.

Summer Sounds

Salute To Veterans Spectacular
The USO’s Liberty Bells and the band Upper Cut headline Nassau County’s annual Salute To Veterans night. The Liberty Bells offer up a musical mix that incorporates Big Band standards, contemporary hits and patriotic favorites. Uppercut, “The Ultimate Horn Band,” mixes funk, rock and R&B. The program begins with a ceremony honoring veterans, dedicated this year to families of veterans who served in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Saturday, Aug. 7, 6:45 p.m. ceremony; 7:30 p.m. concert. Bring seating. Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, Eisenhower Park, East Meadow. (516) 572-0200 or 572-0223.