Old Bethpage Village’s annual Memorial Day celebration offers a look at Long Island’s past, culminating in a commemoration of Decoration Day, as it was observed in the early years of this holiday.
The Village’s endearing resident sheep are a main attraction, 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 23-25. The popular sheep shearing demonstrations feature a farmer skillfully applying a set of hand shears to remove fleece from the Village’s own flock of sheep. The craft of wool-spinning will also be demonstrated, and children have the opportunity to 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.
While the sheep are always popular with visitors, the weekend festivities include a wide range of other activities. There’s plenty to interest and entertain young and old in this low-key setting.
Afternoon entertainment includes 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 also be on hand to perform each day at 2 and 3:15 p.m.
Other activities include 19th-century “base ball” games at the Hewlett Base Ball Grounds through out the weekend, 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. In addition, on Monday, at 2 p.m., the Village’s Civil War “veterans” will 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.
Old Bethpage Village celebrates Memorial Day, May 23-25, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission: $10 adults, $7 seniors (60+) and children 4-14. The Village is located at Round Swamp Rd., in Old Bethpage.
(516) 572-8400.
A Presidential Holiday
President Theodore Roosevelt’s home at Sagamore Hill in Oyster Bay commemorates the holiday weekend in patriotic presidential style.
Visitors can tour the home, its grounds and nature trails all weekend long and enjoy lively concerts on the estate’s porch, Saturday and Sunday, at 2 p.m. The North Point Brass Quintet performs patriotic music Saturday, with traditional Irish music on Sunday, presented by Jessica Semins Fiddle and Band.
On Memorial Day afternoon, the 26th president makes an appearance, portrayed by actor James Foote. Foote has spent more than two decades as President Roosevelt, whose presence is always enthusiastically greeted by visitors.
