By Karen Bloom
There's the 19th century version of a fall fair at Old Bethpage Village Restoration (featured in last week's Stepping Out), and the not-to-be-missed extravaganza at Huntington's Heckscher Park.A fall tradition, the Festival, presented by the Huntington Chamber of Commerce, has grown over the past 10 years from a local event into tri-state attraction. Over 250,000 visitors are expected to participate during the Festival's four-day run, Oct. 10-13. It has become such a popular event that the Long Island Rail Road will be running a special "excursion plan" to transport visitors from Manhattan to Huntington."The Long Island Fall Festival has grown to be the region's largest and most varied community festival," said Chamber of Commerce CEO Dennis Sneden. "And because this is our 10th year, we've pulled out all the stops to make this our best festival yet. From the carnival to magic shows to pie-eating contests, the Long Island Fall Festival is the place to be this weekend."During the course of the weekend, visitors can enjoy over 200 entertainment acts, three stages with live music, hundreds of arts and crafts vendors, international food courts, carnival rides, an equine fair with miniature horses and thoroughbred jumping horses, Newsday's audio-visual presentation of "Long Island, Our Story," and a wine-tasting. It's all free (with certain exceptions) on the 25 acres of Heckscher Park and surrounding streets."This is a true family event," said Festival Executive Director Kim Hint. "We view it as a regional festival showcasing Long Island, from business to entertainment." As in the past, the Festival brings back a familiar slate of popular attractions and introduces new acts. Highlights include:The Festival Magic/Illusion Show with Magician Steve Rodman and the illusion team of Larry Maples and "Raven." Rodman, "the comedian with the magic touch," creates routines, using members of the audience that leave viewers mesmerized and howling with laughter. Performed free on Friday night, 7:30 p.m., on the Rainbow Chapin Stage. Admission is charged for Saturday and Sunday shows.Washington Mutual's Supersonic Art Roadshow with Michael Israel. The "master of the airbrush," Israel uses his hands, brushes and martial arts moves-choreographed with music-to transform a larger than life rotating canvas into a 3-D art creation. Performed Saturday at 1, 2:30 and 4 p.m. on the Rainbow Chapin Stage.Americana Concert. A special free performance by The Last Hombres, featuring drumming legend Levon Helm, formerly of The Band. This group blends the sound of The New Riders, The Grateful Dead and Bob Dylan into a celebration of "American roots music."In addition, four performance stages will present continuous music throughout the weekend. Among them, the Long Island Sound Stage will feature the area's most prominent bands and the Youth Community Soundstage will showcase promising young local talent.Much more than just music and entertainment, the festival is chock full of activities for young and old, plus shopping, with over 300 arts and crafts vendors represented, and a wide range of food, offered by local restaurants. Some of the popular attractions to check out are:
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Farmers Market. A perennial favorite, this area features fresh produce, homemade jams, baked breads, roasted corn, autumn plants, and much more-all supplied by Long Island farms, bakeries and nurseries. Children can paint pumpkins then enter a painted pumpkin contest and fish for apples.
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Festival Fishing Hole. Hosted by the New York State Department of Environmental Control, children can reel in a live catch from Heckscher Pond at this popular attraction. Rods and bait are supplied on site and all fish are returned immediately to the pond after being caught. Saturday only, 11 a.m-6 p.m.
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Equine Exhibition and Show. Miniature horses will be on display and 20 stables will participate in demonstrations of dressage, jumping and reining. Riding will also be available. Sunday only, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
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Wine Tasting Tent. Sample fine wines from the North Fork's Martha Clara Vineyards and seven wine distributors. Saturday and Sunday, 1-5 p.m.
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Octoberfest Beer Tasting. Sponsored by Manhattan Beer Distributors, beers will be offered for tasting at Huntington Fire Department. Enjoy a helping of German food too! Saturday and Sunday, 1-5 p.m.
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Carnival. Enjoy 15 rides and midway games. Purchase a wristband or buy tickets individually. Friday, 6-10 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Monday, 11-5 p.m.
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Family Film. Enjoy a big-screen showing of Lilo and Stitch at the Rainbow Chapin Stage. Bring chairs. Sunday only, 7:30 p.m.Festivalgoers also have an opportunity to learn about Long Island's many community groups. Regional service organizations, along with local cultural, historic and religious agencies take part as well. In the park and on surrounding streets, groups have organized booths and will be distributing information about their services. "Our goal is to put a smile on everyone's face," said Sneden, "and to give our visitors and residents a taste of the best Long Island has to offer."
The 10th Annual Long Island Fall Festival
Oct. 10 (evening only)-13; 6-10 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday (carnival and food courts only). Route 25A and Heckscher Park, Huntington. Visitors are encouraged to park at Huntington LIRR and use shuttle bus service. Special handicapped reserved parking is available at Cinema Arts building with shuttle service. (631) 351-1910 or www.lifallfestival.com.
