66.0°,
Overcast and Breezy Memorial Day weekend at Old Bethpage Village Restoration
Celebrating the old fashioned way
For those who are not interested in fighting the crowds at Jones Beach this weekend, another option is to step back in time at an old-fashioned holiday outing. Old Bethpage Village Restoration’s annual Memorial Day celebration offers a look at the region’s past, culminating with the village’s commemoration of Decoration Day on Monday, as it was observed in the early years of this holiday.
The village’s endearing resident sheep get top billing, with a range of related activities such as sheep-shearing, wool-spinning and weaving, to involve visitors of all ages over the three days, May 29-31. At the popular sheep-shearing demonstrations, a farmer skillfully applies a set of hand shears to remove fleece from the village’s flock of sheep. The craft of wool-spinning is demonstrated, and the kids can help with the preparation of wool just before it is spun into yarn, known as “wool carding.” The event takes place at Powell Farm, a 19th century barn originally located in Syosset.
The weekend’s festivities include many activities besides visiting with the sheep. There’s plenty to interest and entertain everyone in this low-key setting.
Afternoon entertainment features the Old Bethpage Village Dancers performing 19th-century contra-dances (and wearing attire of the time), accompanied by fiddle and dulcimer. The Old Bethpage Village Brass Band will perform each day with spirited selections of traditional music.
Baseball fans can watch 19th-century “base ball” games at the Hewlett Base Ball Grounds throughout the weekend. There are also horse-drawn carriage demonstrations by the Paumanok Driving Club and a display of classic Model “A” Fords by members of the Model A Ford Club. Then, on May 31, at 2 p.m., the Village’s Civil War “veterans” commemorate Decoration Day as it was first observed in the early 1870s, complete with a parade, a solemn patriotic program, and ceremonies at the village cemetery honoring the fallen.
A Presidential Holiday
President Theodore Roosevelt’s home at Sagamore Hill in Oyster Bay celebrates the holiday weekend in patriotic presidential style, Saturday through Monday, May 29-31.
Visitors can visit the home, grounds and nature trails all weekend long and enjoy lively concerts on the estate’s porch, Saturday and Sunday. Jessica Semins and her ensemble perform traditional Irish and American tunes on Sunday, at 1 p.m. The North Point Brass Quintet presents patriotic music on Memorial Day afternoon, also at 1 p.m.
The 26th president, as portrayed by actor James Foote, is known to make an appearance on Memorial Day. His presence is always enthusiastically greeted by visitors.
Visit Sagamore Hill at 12 Sagamore Hill Rd., Oyster Bay. (516) 922-4788.
