By Karen Bloom
October, especially, is chock full of festivals that celebrate the best of the season. You don’t have to go far this weekend to find some fall fun, in addition to the pumpkin picking.
Rock Hall Country Fair
Travel back to the Revolutionary days at Lawrence’s Rock Hall Museum. Enjoy some good old fashioned family fun at the Town of Hempstead’s annual country fair, Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 18-19, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
The sights and sounds of a colonial era working farm are re-enacted on the storied grounds of historic Rock Hall Museum. There’s much to interest all ages: a country band, harvest market, craft vendors, scarecrow making, performances by magicians, minstrels and jugglers. And, of course, it wouldn’t be a fall festival without the aforementioned pumpkin patch. Demonstrations and hands-on displays of 18th Century cooking, games, music, and craft making are held throughout the weekend. There will also be regularly scheduled tours of the museum, cellar exhibits, cold storage area and wine cellar. The fair is highlighted by a variety of children’s activities including a colonial craft workshop games and contests. The Rock Hall farm is a favorite with visitors, who can visit with sheep, goats, donkeys, chickens, ducks and bunnies. Don’t miss the special sheep shearing demonstrations on Saturday at 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m.
Rock Hall Museum, 199 Broadway, Lawrence. (516) 239-1157.
Masks And More
Native American masks are featured at Garvies Point Museum and Preserve’s fall celebration on Saturday, Oct. 18, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Native-American activities and crafts are the focus of the daylong program. Highlights include an exhibit of Iroquois “false faces” with accompanying explanations about the significance of the masks and how they are made, as well as readings of scary stories at the museum’s wigwam. Kids can participate in several hands-on activities, such as mask-making, face-painting with natural pigments, and corn-grinding with mortar and pestle.
The exhibit of masks and other Native-American artifacts will remain on display through the Halloween weekend (Nov. 2). Cost; $3, $2 children 5-12.
Garvies Point Museum and Preserve, 50 Barry Dr., Glen Cove. (516) 572-0200.
Gone Fishin'
Junior anglers will enjoy the Fall Fishing and Children’s Festival, presented by I Fish NY, on Saturday, Oct. 18, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The annual event at Hempstead Lake State Park in Rockville Centre offers a variety of fishing and non-fishing activities for the family.
“The Fall Fishing and Children’s Festival is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and learn something about the great sport of freshwater fishing,” New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Regional Director Peter A. Scully said. “The festival combines the opportunity to fish with a variety of children’s activities to provide a rewarding family experience.”
No fishing license is required for this event. However, fishing licenses will be on sale for those who wish to fish during the rest of the season. The day begins at 10 a.m., featuring fly-fishing instruction, casting practice, fish cleaning services, loaner rods, and free bait. Additionally, a display area will be set up by I FISH NY, Trout Unlimited, DEC’s Environmental Education staff, as well as other fishing and environmental organizations.
Other activities include an inflatable slide, pumpkin decorating, a magic show, pony rides, and face painting. Kids will enjoy the casting contest where participants can catch a pumpkin or “hook” a prize. Also, visit the hand-carved Antique Carousel, which will be open for rides that day The Antique Carousel was constructed in 1916 by M.C. Illions, considered the “Grandfather” of the Coney Island Carousel.
In addition, over 1,000 trout will be stocked prior to the event. Cost: $5 for those 12 and over; $6 parking fee.
MacDonald and South Ponds at Hempstead Lake State Park, Rockville Centre.
(631) 444-0283 or mjn36@cornell.edu.
