Long Island Wine Country is hosting their first annual Long Island Locals Week, offering exclusive deals for Long Island residents at dozens of participating wineries across the region. LIWC’s Locals Week is the first of a year-long series of events to celebrate the 50th anniversary of winemaking on Long Island – from intimate “10-mile” wine dinners with renowned chefs to grand celebrations.(Photo: Discover Long Island)
RIVERHEAD, NY — Long Island Wine Country (LIWC), a dynamic community of the region’s 57 district wine producers, will host their first annual Long Island Locals Week, offering exclusive deals for Long Island residents at dozens of participating wineries across the region. Locals Week starts Friday, March 24 and runs through Sunday, April 2, 2023, offering deals from two-for-one flights to complementary tours and tastings with the owner of the oldest winery in the region. LIWC’s Locals Week is the first of a year-long series of events to celebrate the 50th anniversary of winemaking on Long Island – from intimate “10-mile” wine dinners with renowned chefs to grand celebrations.
“2023 marks the 50th Anniversary of Long Island Wine Country. With our Golden Anniversary on the horizon, we are excited to celebrate first and foremost with our home community,” said Melissa Rockwell, Board Member at Long Island Wine Country & Direct to Consumer Sales Manager at Sparkling Pointe.
“Long Island Wine Country is a treasure to our region and a key driver of Long Island’s $6.3 billion annual tourism economy,” said Discover Long Island President and CEO, Kristen Reynolds, CDME. “As we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of wine making on Long Island, Discover Long Island is excited to partner with Long Island Wine Country on an array of events and activities that highlight the evolution and sophistication of our many award-winning producing vineyards that all Long Islanders can be proud of.”
Long Island Wine Country is proud to extend a special invitation to fellow Long Islanders to visit and experience the multitude of world-class wineries in their own backyard, with offers and experiences that are only available to them. Attendees are asked to show their driver’s license or proof of residency to enjoy access to select offerings at a wide host of Long Island wineries, including VIP experiences, complimentary tastings, discounts, winery tours and more. Visit www.liwines.com/liwc-locals/ for a complete list of participating wineries and the exclusive offerings at each.
Since 1973, Long Island wine growers have been dedicated to producing wines of the highest quality, providing environmental & community stewardship, and preserving this magical place that is our home. LIWC’s mission is to inspire, sustain, and promote Long Island wine.
“Everyone should have the chance to experience their community to the fullest. That is why we have created Long Island Locals: to encourage our neighbors to explore all that their home wine country has to offer. We look forward to welcoming back many of our loyal guests, meeting new ones, and giving them the special attention they deserve. We are so grateful for hometown support!” Rockwell said.
For more information on Long Island Wine Country, visit www.liwines.com.
To be the first in the know about special upcoming wine country events and more, sign up for Discover Long Island’s bi-weekly Insider’s newsletter here.
By Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com
To describe the new film “iMordecai” as being about an 80-something year old man confronting the intimidating new technology of the i-phone is to miss what it is really about: it is about resiliency, survival, life and living and relationships, which manages to be uplifting and even comic, despite dealing with such weighty issues as the Holocaust and Alzheimer’s. The making of the film by a first-time filmmaker, Marvin Samel, who has written a superb screenplay and as director elicits Oscar-worthy performances from Judd Hirsch, Carol Kane and Sean Astin, is itself worthy of a film.
iMordecai is heartwarming movie based on the director’s own life features Oscar-worthy performances from Emmy-winning actor Judd Hirsch as Mordecai Samels and Academy Award-nominated actress Carol Kane (Hester Street) as his wife, Fela, Holocaust survivors living in a Miami condo. When Mordecai takes the leap of getting an iPhone, the device opens him up to novel experiences and adventures, rekindling in him the youth he lost. It is an uplifting movie that manages comedy even when confronting such weighty issues as the Holocaust, survival, and the onset of Alzheimer’s.
What is most commendable is how the first-time film director-screenwriter Marvin Samel manages to create characters you care about, a plot that moves along at good pace, keeping you interested in the resolution, and seemingly outrageous situations without becoming cliché – and the answer is, because it is all so based in truth – even the ring that Sean Astin, who plays Marvin, wears is the same ring as the one Marvin is wearing when he comes to the Gold Coast International Film Festival for a Q&A after the screening, the first in the New York region.
Samel reflects how he was born in Brooklyn, to Mordecai and Fela Samel, not only immigrants, but Holocaust Survivors. His childhood, he says, was filled with the colorful and oftentimes comedic conflicts (actually, between Mordecai calling his son a screw-up and Marvin calling his father a jinx, the conflicts are more than comedic). In 1995, fueled by his passion for premium cigars, Marvin founded Drew Estate as a kiosk in the World Trade Center Mall, which grew to become one of the world’s largest premium cigar companies. But the movie focuses on 2014, when his company was hanging by a thread and he was trying to negotiate a sale.
After the sale of his company, he founded FeMor Productions, and at the same time, learned his mother had Alzheimer’s. In order to cope with his mother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis, Marvin began compiling the colorful stories of his family’s past. He began to see the stories as a film, and after his frustration writing the screenplay, collaborated with seasoned screenplay writer Rudy Gaines.
Marvin currently resides in Boca Raton, FL with his wife, Netta, and his twin daughters, Talia and Ariella.
What is real and what is fictionalized? The surprise answer is some of the most outrageous comic situations were real. The fictionalized elements work so successfully in moving story along, weaving the various story-lines together, keeping you interested – especially because you care about the characters – in how it will resolve.
But how did the neophyte first-time filmmaker even begin to get such glitterati to do his film?
Samel, who currently resides in Boca Raton, FL with his wife, Netta, and his twin daughters, Talia and Ariella, came to the Gold Coast International Film Festival’s New York region premiere of “iMordecai” to participate in a Q&A about making the film with Festival Director Caroline Sarnoff. Here are notes from the conversation.
How in the world did you get the idea to be filmmaker?
I was a cigarmaker – I started a kiosk in World Trade Center mall, I had a factory in Nicaragua, grew my business to becoming one of largest cigar companies in world – my father mortgaged his home, 1995, not when he was 85 years old –when we were in big trouble just starting and I almost lost my business and they almost lost their home. But he wasn’t as magnanimous as in the movie; he was really pissed.
I sold the company in 2014 – my wife was pregnant during the sale and gave birth to our twin daughters in 2015. It should have been the happiest time, but a month later, my mother was officially diagnosed with Alzheimers. For the year leading up to diagnosis, my pregnant wife on bed rest with twins, me running around trying to sell business, I would stop by and say, Dad, something is wrong with mom. “What ya talking about, she’s brick made from stone.” Her diagnosis sent me into depression.
I had no intention of making film. I was a lover of film – great acting, writing – I loved going to movies. I lived in Manhattan, went to Astor Place theater, art houses, to see film. I never had any intention of making a movie.
How do you go from that to get Judd Hirsch, Carol Kaine, fantastic actors- were they huge cigar fans?
When I started writing stories – my father as a plumber and a painter – I took a step back, forget about them being my parents, my family, and realized there was a cinematic feel to these characters.
Samel says how he studied other movies – Good Will Hunting, Almost Famous.
I analyzed how many characters- started trying to write myself. This shit is hard – I had no idea what I was doing. I got stuck – sequencing, scenes, how many acts, what to keep/not. After a long search, met Rudy Gaines, a well known Hollywood ghost writer- has Oscar nominated script he wrote (not allowed to say which ones). He worked his ass off with me – we did this together- I gave him the writing credit.
So then, I had a script, like a million others. A long time passed, a mutual friend introduced to Dahlia Heyman, Italian award winner for best screen play – who agreed to be producer; she brought Alan Bain, Executive Producer.
They brought in a top casting director who set up a meeting with Judd Hirsch at Nick’s Pizza at 91st and 1st (I paid $20 to get the back room). Pepperoni pie and a couple of drinks later he said, “So who’s directing.” “I am.” “You? What have you directed?”
I had never been on a film set but I know these characters. He wasn’t sure.
I said, “Judd are you in or out?” He said “Let me think.”
I said [in a scene reminiscent of the movie dialogue] “Sorry Judd, this is a one-time offer.” I am not brave or tough, but my mother didn’t have much time. I didn’t care it was Judd Hirsch – he could have been God. I said, “Give me an answer now, I’ve got to keep moving”. Finally, he shook my hand, then said, “Who are you thinking for Fela?” I said, Carol Kaine. “I love it.”
He called Carol by the time he was out the door. That was it, I had a movie to make. We shot the film four months later, but unfortunately my mom passed a month after our meeting.
My mother died three months before filming. I tried everything in my power to get it done first, but as first-time filmmaker, everything takes awhile.
Samel described the conversation he had with his father when he told him he was writing a movie about him.
“Who the hell will watch movie about an old Jew. You will lose your money, you’re still turning money into shit.” [Another line that is used in the movie dialogue.]
Even when we were filming he didn’t understand – the plumber and painter scene. We filmed in 3 locations. My dad showed up to the location where Judd was at a comedy store. My dad doesn’t understand there’s another half. I got into creative difference with Judd – as all actors-directors do – we’re in a little argument. In the back of the set, I hear my father, ‘Oh Marvin’s fucking the thing up.’ In front of cast and crew! Everyone started laughing. Meta I told dad he can’t say that on the set. He was on the set every single day.
How much real vs fiction? Is the leaking car real?
That was real. My dad’s car was broken into so he put plastic in place of the window so nobody would break in. So when he moved to Florida – monsoons would fill the car with water. So he pulled out the carpet, and cut a hole with a plug to let out the water. Funny stories- but they weren’t funny when they happened.
[Apparently the scene of his father using a power drill in his condo bathroom was true.]
What stories didn’t make into the film? How much on cutting room floor?
I could fill a series with stories.
A pipe breaks. Throughout the night he’s fixing the broken pipe –he’s 86. He went downstairs and broke into the utility room – this is a 300-aparment building – andshut off main water line. The sun is coming up on Sunday morning – no water. So the next morning everyone says where’s the water? My father goes down, turns the water back on. The entire place erupted in cheers, Mordecai! He’s still doing this. Now 86. [A version of this is in the movie.]
There are other real elements in the movie – Marvin’s twin daughters, now 7 ½ years old now, have a fleeting cameo when they were four; the cigar company characters “were my frenemies –– all real cigar makers in the world today.”
But a key character, the young woman who gives Mordecai lessons on the i-phone and then unlocks his interest in trying new things and drives the plot – is actually a composite. But Marvin says, the premise has its basis in fact -his father did takei-phone lessons that Apple offered – but so many that the company changed its policy on account of Mordecai.
It’s a love letter to my family, to the cigar industry, to Miami – and to New York.
Even though the film is shot in Miami, it has a New York sensibility –the characters are all New Yorkers, via Poland, Siberia, Israel. My formative years were spent in New York – I dropped a number of Easter eggs- the mural they paint – I thought about what Mordecai would paint – he knows the Twin Towers – that was my love letter to New York –to paint the towers, what we all have in common.
In fact, he says, it was 9/11 that was the impetus for Mordecai getting an i-phone to begin with.
Samel has been making the film-festival circuit – it was the audience award winner at the Miami Jewish Film Festival.
My father came to the Miami Jewish film festival – outdoors, 700 people with COVID. He got a standing ovation. Last week, he came to Woodstock Film Festival. There were no hotels, so we were Airbnb roommates for the first time since I was 17 years old (when I left to attend Oneonta state).It was great, but a lot – I’m exhausted after 3 days with Mordecai.
How do you plan going forward with film?
I’m on the festival circuit now – traveling – was in Arizona, Prescott Arizona film festival –my opening line there, ‘Hello gentiles.’ We won best director and audience award. On to 8 more festivals.
Long range: February 4 will be the theatrical premiere in 50 theaters in south Florida – individual theater premieres – like concert tour – where me and a cast member will appear at each theater’s first screening. If we do well in south Florida and have all the 55 and over communities behind us , we will be on to New York. We hope to be out in 2023.
Gold Coast International Film Festival
The Gold Coast International Film and Arts Fest taking place through October 25 also features:
• THE LOST KING, Oscar nominee Sally Hawkins stars in this heartwarming, inspirational true story of amateur historian Philippa Langley’s quest to find the long-lost remains of Richard III from Oscar nominee Stephen Frears. Official Selection of the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival.
• KARAOKE, nominated for 14 Israeli Ophir Awards (the Israeli equivalent of the Academy Awards). A bittersweet drama/comedy about a middle-class suburban couple in their 60s who are drawn to their new neighbor, a charismatic bachelor who has karaoke evenings at his apartment.
• LOVE, CHARLIE, a fascinating documentary about culinary bad-boy/superstar Charlie Trotter who had it all: an eponymous restaurant, worshipful global respect for his revolutionary innovations, books, film cameos, fame, wealth. Was hyper-driven self-destruction inevitable? (Monday 10/24 at 7:00pm, Manhasset Cinemas);
• FAREWELL MR. HAFFMAN, Legendary French actor Daniel Auteuil stars as the owner and gifted jeweler of a humble shop in Paris in this gripping film, a cinematic adaptation of an award-winning play. This period drama of life in Vichy France in 1941 is a transfixing humanist portrait of survival and resistance, as well as the tragic consequences of complicity and collaboration.
• HARD SHELL, SOFT SHELL, a dramedy about love, class, and finding oneself that tells the story of a handsome 20-something oyster farmer who plunges into depression after a botched proposal to his actress girlfriend. To win her back, he turns to his old friends for advice. Filmed on location in the beautiful southern port city of Sète, France.
• THE JUSTICE OF BUNNY KING, Essie Davis and Thomasin McKenzie (Jojo Rabbit) star in this compassionate drama about a mother suffering at the hands of a system stacked against her as she attempts to win her kids back from foster care.
The festival is also presenting a special advance screening of the highly anticipated new film My Policeman, starring Harry Styles. While not a Festival film eligible for awards, this highly anticipated screening is being presented before the film arrives in theaters. The star-studded cast of My Policeman was recently presented with the 2022 Toronto International Film FestivalTIFF TRIBUTE AWARD FOR PERFORMANCE.
The 2022 GCIFF also features a selection of over 40 short films presented free to the public.
In early 2023, the festival will present the Burton Moss Hollywood Golden Era Award to Hollywood legend William Holden at an event that will feature film screenings and interviews with friends and family of Mr. Holden, including his companion Stefanie Powers who will accept the award on his behalf. Information regarding this year’s films and events, and tickets is available at www.goldcoastfilmfestival.org and www.goldcoastarts.org.
Gold Coast Arts is an independent 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization serving the Long Island and greater New York community for over 25 years, dedicated to promoting and supporting the arts through education, exhibition, performance and outreach. Since its founding in 1995, more than100,000 people of all ages and backgrounds have taken advantage of its wide selection of classes in many different media and forms from art to dance, live performances including Comedy Festival, musical programs and year-round film festivals; workshops, and art exhibits.
Gold Coast Arts Center, 113 Middle Neck Road, Great Neck, NY 11021 (entrance from the Maple Avenue parking lot), 516-829-2570, www.goldcoastarts.org.
LONG ISLAND, NY —The 2022 Gold Coast International Film Festival, taking place on October 10-25, will once again bring the best in new and independent films and special events to audiences throughout the region at venues throughout the north shore. Over the past two years, thousands have logged on to Gold Coast’s virtual films and filmmaker Q&As and attended their year-round film screenings at the Manhasset Cinemas. This October, Gold Coast is thrilled to welcome audiences for a full slate of the type of award-winning feature length and short films that audiences have come to expect, and will add several special events for audiences of all ages. Festivities include screenings of new independent, documentary and foreign films at Manhasset Cinemas; award-winning short films screened free for the public at area libraries; the Long Island Comedy Festival presented live at the Gold Coast Arts Center; and an interactive family festival to celebrate art and film, among other special events.
This year’s not-to-miss films include:
• iMORDECAI, Judd Hirsch stars as a Holocaust survivor who must now face the realities of the modern world. When confronted with an unfamiliar object, an iPhone, will Mordecai be able to fit into a world that has changed so much around him? Also starring Carol Kane and Sean Astin. Winner of the Audience Award at the Miami Jewish Film Festival. INCLUDES POST-SCREENING Q&A WITH DIRECTOR MARVIN SAMEL. (Wednesday 10/12 at 7:00pm, Manhasset Cinemas);
• THE LOST KING, Oscar nominee Sally Hawkins stars in this heartwarming, inspirational true story of amateur historian Philippa Langley’s quest to find the long-lost remains of Richard III from Oscar nominee Stephen Frears. Official Selection of the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival (Tuesday 10/18 at 8:00pm, Manhasset Cinemas);
• KARAOKE, nominated for 14 Israeli Ophir Awards (the Israeli equivalent of the Academy Awards). A bittersweet drama/comedy about a middle-class suburban couple in their 60s who are drawn to their new neighbor, a charismatic bachelor who has karaoke evenings at his apartment. (Wednesday 10/19 at 7:00pm, Manhasset Cinemas);
• LOVE, CHARLIE, a fascinating documentary about culinary bad-boy/superstar Charlie Trotter who had it all: an eponymous restaurant, worshipful global respect for his revolutionary innovations, books, film cameos, fame, wealth. Was hyper-driven self-destruction inevitable? (Monday 10/24 at 7:00pm, Manhasset Cinemas);
• FAREWELL MR. HAFFMAN, Legendary French actor Daniel Auteuil stars as the owner and gifted jeweler of a humble shop in Paris in this gripping film, a cinematic adaptation of an award-winning play. This period drama of life in Vichy France in 1941 is a transfixing humanist portrait of survival and resistance, as well as the tragic consequences of complicity and collaboration. (Tuesday 10/25 at 7:00pm, Manhasset Cinemas);
• HARD SHELL, SOFT SHELL, a dramedy about love, class, and finding oneself that tells the story of a handsome 20-something oyster farmer who plunges into depression after a botched proposal to his actress girlfriend. To win her back, he turns to his old friends for advice. Filmed on location in the beautiful southern port city of Sète, France. (Thursday 10/13 at 7:00pm, Manhasset Cinemas);
• THE JUSTICE OF BUNNY KING, Essie Davis and Thomasin McKenzie (Jojo Rabbit) star in this compassionate drama about a mother suffering at the hands of a system stacked against her as she attempts to win her kids back from foster care. (Monday 10/11 at 7:00pm, Manhasset Cinemas).
The 2022 GCIFF will also feature a fantastic selection of over 40 short films presented free to the public at the Great Neck Library and Port Washington Public Library. Great Shorts 1 will be screened on Friday 10/14 at 7pm at the Port Washington Public Library (followed by a brief discussion with festival Director Caroline Sorokoff) and Tuesday 10/25 at 1pm at the Great Neck Library. Great Shorts 2 will be screened on Saturday 10/22 at 1:30pm at the Great Neck Library (followed by a Q&A with curator Alexandra Gil and select short filmmakers) and Monday 10/24 at 1:00pm at the Port Washington Public Library. Gold Coast’s short film programs have always been some of Festival’s most popular events.
Additional special events to look out for this year include:
• LONG ISLAND COMEDY FESTIVAL, live at the Gold Coast Arts Center, featuring performances by Paul Anthony, Art Schill and John Ziegler (Saturday 10/15 at 8:00pm, Gold Coast Arts Center).
• ART EXPLOSION! FAMILY FESTIVAL, including family-friendly SHORT FILMS; Book talk & signing with award-winning children’s book author ROXIE MUNRO; GLASS PAINTING & ZENTANGLE workshops; hands-on art activities with THE BLUE BUS PROJECT; Live GRAFFITTI demo by world-famous artist ZIMAD. (Sunday 10/16 at 1:00pm, Gold Coast Arts Center. $20 per child includes all film and art activities.
• ENCANTO SING-ALONG! A free event at the Port Washington Public Library on Monday 10/10 at 2pm.
Gold Coast is also excited to present a special Advance Screening of the highly anticipated new film My Policeman, starring Harry Styles. While not a Festival film eligible for awards, this highly anticipated screening is being presented before the film arrives in theaters. The star-studded cast of My Policeman was recently presented with the 2022 Toronto International Film FestivalTIFF TRIBUTE AWARD FOR PERFORMANCE.
All Festival screenings and events are presented with the support of Founding Festival sponsor the Town of North Hempstead. Additional 2022 sponsors include Nassau County Industrial Development Agency; A.L. Sarroff Fund; TD Charitable Foundation; Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP; The Katz Institute for Women’s Health at Northwell Health; Neiman Marcus; The Bristal Assisted Living; Liman Video Rental; WLIW21; Altice; the Great Neck BID, Destination: Great Neck and many local businesses.
In early 2023, the festival will present the Burton Moss Hollywood Golden Era Award to Hollywood legend William Holden at an event that will feature film screenings and interviews with friends and family of Mr. Holden, including his companion Stefanie Powers who will accept the award on his behalf. In 2017, the Gold Coast International Film Festival introduced the first Burton Moss Hollywood Golden Era Award, named after a man who has represented and befriended some of the greatest stars in Hollywood. The creation of this award, itself a genuine original work of art created by an internationally known sculptor, Edwina Sandys (granddaughter of Winston Churchill); preserves the legacy of the Golden Age of Hollywood and shines a spotlight on the stars who made it so great.
Over the past 10 years, Gold Coast’s Festival and year-round film screening series has premiered close to 1,000 feature length and short films from over 30 countries, many of which have gone on to receive the film industry’s highest awards, including 2020’s Minari, and 2019’s The Two Popes, starring Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce, Marriage Story, starring Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver, and Clemency, starring Alfre Woodard.
One of the hallmarks of Gold Coast’s film programs are filmmaker and special guest Q&As. Some of their most unforgettable moments include an audience of several hundred film lovers singing happy birthday to Bruce Dern as he accepted the GCIFF 2011 Legend Award; hearing Baz Luhrmann discuss his extraordinary filmmaking process in a live introduction to the sold-out premiere of The Great Gatsby; and listening to Hugh Grant joke about his favorite diner meals while filming in Nassau County.
Since 2011, the Gold Coast International Film Festival has brought the latest Hollywood hits and Indie favorites to standing room only audiences throughout the fabled Gold Coast of Long Island. Add A-list celebrities and unforgettable events to the mix, and it’s easy to see why the Gold Coast International Film Festival has become the “go to” festival for film buffs and the public. The Gold Coast International Film Festival is produced by the not-forprofit Gold Coast Arts Center.
Previous honorees and special guests of the festival and the Gold Coast Arts Center include film industry VIPs Francis Ford Coppola, Hugh Grant, Baz Luhrmann, Brian Dennehy, Paul Sorvino, Ed Burns, Bruce Dern, Isabella Rossellini, Lou Diamond Phillips, Morgan Spurlock, Eli Wallach, Gabriel Byrne, Jacques Pepin, Bill Plympton, Phil Donahue, Phylicia Rashad, Joan Allen, Jay McInerney and Michael Cuesta, as well as composer Morton Gould, artists James Rosenquist, Oleg Cassini, Edwina Sandys and Bob Gruen, comedian Susie Essman, Broadway stars Kelli O’Hara, Melissa Errico and Savion Glover, and 4-time Oscar winner for production and costume design Catherine Martin.
Gold Coast Arts is a 501(c)(3) multi-arts organization dedicated to promoting the arts through education, exhibition, performance, and outreach. For a quarter-century, it has brought the arts to tens of thousands of people throughout the Long Island region. Among the Center’s offerings are its School for the Arts, which holds year-round classes in visual and performing arts for students of all ages and abilities; a free public art gallery; a concert and lecture series; film screenings and discussions; the annual Gold Coast International Film Festival; and initiatives that focus on senior citizens and underserved communities. These initiatives include artist residencies, afterschool programs, school assemblies, teacher-training workshops, and parent-child workshops. The Gold Coast Arts Center’s programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature. The Gold Coast Arts Center is an affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts “Partners in Education” program and the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.
The Magic of Lights returns to Jones Beach, Long Island, November 19 through January 2, 2022 (courtesy of The Magic of Lights)
Early bird pricing has already opened for Magic of Lights, a family-friendly, drive-through holiday lights festival. The 2.5-mile drive-through experience of dazzling, sparkling, and twinkling series of magical light displays is taking place in two New York City-area locations: PNC Long Island’s Jones Beach State Park and Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ, from Friday, November 19 through Sunday, January 2.
Magic of Lights features themed light displays using the latest LED technology and digital animations. It is highlighted by the Illuminating Mega Trees consisting of 120-feet of dancing, lights synchronized to holiday music. Other dazzling festive light displays include Winter Wonderland, The Night Before Christmas, Candyland, Toyland, Sports Row, 12 Days of Christmas, and the notorious Enhancing Tunnel of Lights. In addition, new to this year’s exhibit are the Prehistoric Christmas and Snow Flurry Tunnel.
Magic of Lights is open Sunday through Thursday from 5 p.m. (dusk) until 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. (dusk) until 11 p.m. (Magic of Lights will be closed on Friday, December 31). For dates, times, and ticket availability, visit magicoflights.com.
Admission is $25 in advance or $35 at the gate on weekdays and $30 in advance or $40 at the gate on weekends through November. Price is based per car and will change in December. Special pricing is available for limousines and buses. Group ticket rates are available. Tickets are available through TicketMaster.com.
Visitors can save $3 on weekday admission when they bring at least two non-perishable food items benefiting Long Island and New Jersey food banks. Other charity nights will be announced in the coming weeks. Last year Magic of Lights’ philanthropy made a meaningful impact in local communities by donating more than $150,000 in cash to local organizations in addition to collecting non-perishable food items, toys, books, coats and more for those who need it most. At Jones Beach, A portion of every entry ticket will support Mothers Against Drunk Driving and the Foundation for Long Island State Parks Inc.
The Magic of Lights uses the latest CAD technology and is hand-crafted at the Magic of Lights warehouse in Medina, OH,. The displays combine for more than 10 miles of LED lighting across all presentations, in the trees, and on the buildings. There are 10 different colors of LED bulbs used. The highest scene is 32-feet tall, and the longest is several hundred feet long. The steel displays are designed, bent, cut, and welded into about 800 frames combined in different configurations to create each show’s giant winter holiday scenes.
The Magic of Lights is produced in partnership between Live Nation and FunGuys Events. In Long Island, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is a co-producer and the event is presented by New York Community Bank.
Nassau County Executive Laura Curran at the 2020 Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze Long Island. The event returns Sept. 22-Nov. 7 for those with pre-purchased timed tickets.
Nassau County, Long Island, NY – The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze®, a highlight of the Halloween festival season, is returning to Old Bethpage Village Restoration (OBVR) on Long Island for a second time, after a successful launch last year. The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze® Long Island will run for 36 selected nights from September 22 through November 7. Timed tickets, which must be purchased in advance, are now on sale at www.pumpkinblaze.org.
A small team of local artists hand-carved more than 7,000 jack o’lanterns and created elaborate pumpkin sculptures at this walk-through experience on the grounds of the 19th-century village. New displays this year include an 80-foot circus train–a nod to the 146-year run of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus at the nearby Nassau Coliseum, a sea monster and many new creative creatures from under the ocean.
The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze® is also returning for its 17th year to its original location in the Hudson Valley at Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson. That location will be open 59 nights from September 17 through November 21 and will feature new displays such as an immersive river walk-through experience and a New York City streetscape.
The health and safety of our visitors is the highest priority. At both locations, the experience is outdoors and touch-free, and capacity has been reduced to ensure social distancing. Visitors who are not vaccinated are required to wear masks at all times. Masks are not required for vaccinated visitors while on the grounds, but will be required when entering buildings, such as restrooms.
“We’re thrilled to bring back this extraordinary experience for the second consecutive year and provide a safe and spooky way to celebrate the Halloween season right here in Nassau County,”said Nassau County Executive Laura Curran. “The County’s Old Bethpage Village provides a perfect backdrop for this spectacular event which is expected to attract thousands and give our local economy a boost. Whether you’re a local or visitor, encouraging all to check out this unique event and explore one of our vibrant downtowns. Thank you to Historic Hudson Valley for working with the County to host your iconic event once again.”
“We were thrilled to partner with Nassau County to bring The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze® to Old Bethpage Village Restoration. After a successful run in 2020, when were we able to safely entertain thousands of visitors and help support the local economy, we are delighted to partner again to make this second year even more exciting. We’ve added more nights and more displays and can’t wait to welcome visitors through the pumpkin arch,” said Historic Hudson Valley’s VP of Communications and Commerce, Rob Schweitzer.
Blaze: Hudson Valley’s Founding Sponsor is Entergy; Presenting Sponsor is Westchester Medical Center; and Contributing Sponsors are J.P. Morgan Chase and Edge-on-Hudson. Blaze: Long Island’s Exclusive Financial Services Sponsor is JPMorgan; Contributing Sponsor is National Grid.
All events are held rain or shine. Proceeds support Historic Hudson Valley, the Tarrytown-based private, non-profit educational organization, and Old Bethpage Village Restoration.
The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze Long Island features illuminated, individually hand-carved jack o’ lanterns in more than two dozen elaborate displays professionally lit throughout the landscape of Old Bethpage Village Restoration in various themed areas.
Favorite installations appear along with site-specific displays including a sea monster and sea creatures, as well as a lighthouse, in a nod to the location’s proximity to the ocean.
Creative Director Michael Natiello leads a small team of local artists who carve all the jack o’lanterns. The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze Shop offers a selection Blaze-specific merchandise including T-shirts and hats.
Blaze: Long Island has limited capacity and all admissions are by advance purchase timed ticket. To further reduce staff/visitor touchpoints, no tickets are sold on site even if not sold out.
Blaze: Long Island dates are September 22-26; 29-October 3; October 6-11; 20-24; 27-31; November 3-7. Online tickets start at $32 for adults and $24 for children 3-17 and are free for children 2 and under.
Old Bethpage Village Restoration is a living history museum owned and operated by Nassau County that provides guests the opportunity to step back in time to the island’s agrarian past. The Village consists of homes, barns and other buildings dating back to 1765. Costumed interpreters describe life as it was in the 19th century and historic trade smiths demonstrate various trades.
Also on the grounds of Old Bethpage Village Restoration is a Co-Op Farm and farmers market, which brings organic and local food to Long Islanders and the Museum of American Armor which is home to armored vehicles dedicated to remembering our servicemen and women who have fought bravely for our country.
Old Bethpage Village Restoration is also the home of the Long Island Fair.
Old Bethpage Village Restoration is at 1303 Round Swamp Road in Old Bethpage.
More information about The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze is available at pumpkinblaze.org.
Register by October 7 for the 6th Annual Cycle NY Long Island Ride, taking place Sunday, October 10 to benefit the NY Bicycling Coalition (NYBC.net).
The ride begins at The Stony Brookside Bed and Bike Inn, with 25-mile and 50-mile route options. Both routes boast scenic water views and the area’s beautiful mostly lightly traveled back roads. The longer route option includes some more challenging hills.
The Stony Brookside Bed and Ride Inn will provide a place to launch the ride and return for refueling with food, rehydrating with local brews and beverages, enjoying the camaraderie of fellow cyclists (with COVID safety precautions).
The Stony Brookside bills itself as Long Island’s first bed & bike inn. It is set in the historic Three Village area, which dates back to the 17th century. Located about 90 minutes from New York City, you can enjoy the beaches, wineries, museums, nature reserves, shops and restaurants that are in the Three Village area or venture out for an all day tour to the North Fork or the Hamptons, all are within easy access by bicycle from The Stony Brookside Bed & Bike Inn.
There are a limited number of participant positions that are still available until Thursday, October 7th when registration will be closed; registration is limited to 150. There are no last minute registrations or walk-ups. Register NOW.
American Airpower Museum, Long Island’s only flying military aviation museum, will host its Warbirds, Wings and Wheels Show on Labor Day Weekend, Saturday, September 4 and Sunday, September 5, from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Hangar 3, 1230 New Highway, Farmingdale, New York. Come to the Museum’s two day spectacular celebrating the history of aviation and automobiles! Get up close and personal with vintage Biplanes, Model A and T Fords, plus the Museum’s fleet of World War II aircraft. There will be flights available on vintage aircraft, contests, and raffles.
On Saturday, vintage Biplanes from the Bayport Aerodrome Society will land on the tarmac and taxi up to park on AAM’s ramp at Hangar 3. On display with the Biplanes will be vintage cars from the Model A Ford Club of Long Island (Model A and T Fords, plus others). The Museum’s sponsor, Cockpit USA, will donate one flight jacket to the winner of the best car and one flight jacket for the winner of the best airplane contests.
Be there Sunday as the Museum’s WWII squadron fires up their mighty engines and lifts off to perform exciting flight maneuvers over Republic Airport. Aerial demonstrations will feature several flybys by AAM’s vintage military aircraft that played pivotal roles in America’s WWII victories.
An added attraction on both Saturday and Sunday: AAM’s 1939 Red Waco UPF-7 Biplane and North American AT-6D Texans will be available to give living history flight experiences, weather permitting. Admission: $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and veterans, $10 for children 5 to 12. Don’t miss this one!
Located on the landmarked former site of Republic Aviation at Republic Airport, Farmingdale, NY, the American Airpower Museum, Long Island’s only flying military aviation museum, maintains a collection of aviation artifacts and an array of aircraft spanning the many years of the aircraft factory’s history. The Museum is a 501 (c) (3) Nonprofit Educational Foundation, chartered by the New York State Board of Regents.
Bethpage, NY –Bethpage Federal Credit Union and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation announced the final lineup for the 2021 Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach. This year’s show, which is sold out, will take place Memorial Day Weekend, Saturday, May 29, 2021 and Sunday, May 30, 2021 10 AM – 3 PM.
Those who were unable to purchase passes to attend the sold out show at Jones Beach, or who would like to view from the comfort of their own home, will be able to view the show through a livestream of the event available at WABC-TV https://abc7ny.com/, as well as on WABC’s Connected TV Appson Amazon Fire TV,Android TV,Apple TV, and Roku. The livestream will air Saturday, May 29, 2021 with a rain day of Sunday, May 30, 2021.
The final lineup for the show includes show headliners the United States Air Force Thunderbirds returning to the Bethpage Air Show for their 8th appearance; the United States Army Golden Knights Parachute Team performing in their 15th Bethpage Air Show; the United States Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II, the first aircraft to be designed for close air support of ground forces; and the U.S. Coast Guard Search & Rescue Demonstration.
Civilian performers at this year’s Bethpage Air Show include the world-famous GEICO Skytypers and their flight squadron of six vintage WWII aircraft, the American Airpower Museum Warbirds, Long Island’s own David Windmiller, the Bayport Aerodrome Society, the SUNY Farmingdale State College Flying Rams who will fly seven of their 22 college-owned aircraft in a fly-by piloted by their top academic professional pilot performers, and Mike Goulian, North America’s most decorated aerobatic pilot.
An air show first, livestream viewers will be treated to a special inside look at performances. The GEICO Skytypers, the A-10 Thunderbolt, David Windmiller and Michael Goulian will have cameras on board their planes to provide viewers with an in-cockpit perspective, live, during the show.
“We are very pleased to be able to bring back a beloved Memorial Day weekend tradition,” said Linda Armyn, Senior Vice President, Bethpage Federal Credit Union. “Not only does the weekend help honor our country’s military, but hundreds of thousands of Long Islanders and visitors have made the show their official kick-off to summer.”
For those who plan to view the show from the water, “The Coast Guard and partner agencies will be enforcing a No Entry Zone for boaters off of Jones Beach State Park during the air show to ensure the safety and security of the event. The No Entry Zone will be marked with orange colored buoys.” If there is an emergency on the water, the Coast Guard can be reached on VHF channel 16 or dial 911. For safe boating information visit: www.uscgboating.org”
Known to many as the Greatest Show on Long Island, the Bethpage Air Show was canceled last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Show organizers instead held the first Bethpage Virtual Air Show which enabled fans to experience performances straight from the pilots’ cockpits.
The Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach is one of the largest and most respected air shows in the country. During the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds’ most recent headlining appearance in 2019, over 366,000 attended the Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach.
“We are thrilled to welcome back the Bethpage Air Show and show headliners, the United States Air Force Thunderbirds,” said George Gorman, Director, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historical Preservation. “We encourage those who were unable to buy parking passes, to view the livestreamed show online. It’s going to be a spectacular!”
The Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach is sponsored by Bethpage Federal Credit Union, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Newsday, WABC-TV Channel 7, Northrop Grumman, Natural Heritage Trust, Connoisseur Media Long Island, Catholic Health, and PSEG Long Island. The show can be heard in its entirety on WHLI 1100 AM.
For up-to-date information about this year’s show, visit www.bethpageairshow.com or https://www.facebook.com/BethpageAirShow/, or contact the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Regional Office, Recreation Department at 631/321-3510.
Farmingdale, Long Island – Memorial Day Weekend is when we honor our fallen Veterans, the sacrifices made by active duty military and those retired from service. In observance of Memorial Day Weekend, American Airpower Museum (AAM) continues their historic participation in the Jones Beach Air Show, flying their fabled “Arsenal of Democracy” warbirds over Jones Beach on Saturday, May 29th and Sunday, May 30th. AAM’s fleet of iconic and meticulously restored military aircraft will include a B-25 Mitchell Bomber, Douglas C-47 Skytrain troop transporter, Grumman TBM Avenger Torpedo Bomber, Curtiss P-40 Flying Tiger, P-51D Mustang Fighter, AT-6 Texan Warbird and AT28D5 Nomad Vietnam Era Fighter.
On May 29th and May 30th, Hangar 3 opens at 10:00 a.m. Arrive there early, park your car, sign in and enjoy the exhibits. During the morning, you’ll be called outside to watch our pilots start their engines, taxi and lift off, performing exciting flybys with Republic Air Traffic Control permission, before leaving to join the Jones Beach Air Show. Have lunch and later on watch as our aircraft return from Jones Beach in the afternoon, touch down and taxi back to Hangar 3. Flight experiences also available each day on AAM’s AT-6 Texan and Waco Biplane!
AAM also welcomes three visiting U.S. Navy EF/A-18 Super Hornets from May 27th through May 30th. The Hornets are supersonic combat jets, designed as both fighters and attack aircraft. Exclusive to AAM, Hornets are not in the Jones Beach Air Show and will be on AAM’s ramp all four days. Be there early a.m. as the Hornets touch down at Republic on Thursday, May 27th. Hornets are scheduled to depart on May 31st or June 1st. AAM’s WWII aircraft will also have practice fly days Thursday and Friday in the a.m. and p.m.
According to AAM founder Jeff Clyman, the goal for this four-day salute is two-fold: “To honor the men and women of the ‘Greatest Generation’ who built, maintained and piloted the iconic warbirds of yesteryear in a bold defense of freedom during World War II, as well as active duty military, national guard and reservists who continue this mission and command the skies in advanced supersonic jet aircraft to our present day.”
Since everyone can’t be at Jones Beach on Saturday and Sunday, Jeff Clyman decided to stage this four-day salute so folks on the beach, as well as those closer to home, can enjoy AAM’s warbirds. So, if you want to avoid the Wantagh Parkway crawl to Jones Beach, you can park instead for FREE in AAM’s lot and along New Highway! Bring the family, hang out with us all day, and watch exciting warbirds in action each day!
One other note: The Air Show features a U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II, “The Warthog,” flying over Jones Beach. AAM has its very own A-10, our nation’s premier close air support attack aircraft and it’s on display outside Hangar 3, with staff ready to answer your questions about its special features and armaments.
Admission for adults is $15, seniors & veterans $10 and children 5-12 $8. Tickets and pre-registration is not required and admission is on a first-come-first-serve basis. The Museum can now operate at 100% capacity, in accordance with New York’s May 19th lifting of pandemic capacity limits. However, there is still a need for social distancing and guests must wear face masks plus have temperatures taken at the door. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on all four days, plus AAM is open Monday, May 31st, Memorial Day.
Sales of Event Parking Passes for the 2021 Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach, Long Island are on sale as of Monday, April 19 at 9 a.m. Event Parking Passes will be required for all three shows beginning with Friday’s practice show on May 28, 2021 and culminating with the final show on Sunday, May 30. The $10 per vehicle Event Parking Passes can be obtained from State Parks’ website. Additionally, 1,800 passes will be distributed to Long Island’s three health care networks to be provided to their frontline health care workers involved in the pandemic response.
“The return of the Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach is one of the latest examples of our work to re-open by putting common-sense measures in place to keep New Yorkers safe,” Governor Cuomo said. “We are especially pleased that this year we will be able to recognize the selfless and courageous health care heroes who have sacrificed so much over the past year in order to keep their fellow New Yorkers safe. Thanks to their dedication and perseverance, New York has been able to not only beat back the virus, but begin our return to normalcy as well.”
To purchase an Event Parking Pass, visit the State Parks’ website here. There is a limit of one pass per transaction. Bethpage Federal Credit Union, along with New York State Parks and WABC are working together to bring a livestream of the air show on Saturday, May 29, 2021 with a rain day of Sunday, May 30, 2021. This is an exciting and important addition to bring the air show to anyone who cannot attend the event at Jones Beach. It will be available here and on WABC-TV’s Connected TV Apps on Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, and Roku.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Jones Beach will be limited to 50% capacity and only Special Event Parking Pass holders will be admitted to the parking fields. Public transportation/ buses will be running however, no other buses will be authorized. Taxis, Lyft, Uber, ride-sharing, or individual drop-offs will not be permitted. An Event Parking Pass will be required per vehicle, not per person; every vehicle will need a pass. Upon purchase, there is no additional event fee or ticket required. Empire passports cannot be used for the purchase of this pass and cannot be used for entry into the parking fields during this special event.
It is critical that at the time of purchase, a valid email address is provided. Pass holders will receive a confirmation email followed by a second email, which will include the QR code needed for entry, within a week prior to the event. The QR code will only scan for a one-time use at the designated parking field. The pass holder will be assigned a half hour time interval for arrival; example 8:00AM-8:30AM. It is recommended that the QR be downloaded prior to arrival.
All attendees must remain on the beachfront; sitting or standing on the boardwalk will not be permitted. Social distancing guidelines will be adhered to. Masks/face coverings are required when visitors cannot maintain a 6-foot distance. When on the beach, parkgoers must maintain a 10-foot distance between blankets. Additional information regarding the show can be found here.
“State Parks is excited to host the return of the Air Show, and we ask all the fans to be cognizant of the new procedures designed to keep people safe,” State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said. “With their cooperation and the hard work of sponsors, partners, performers and staff, we can all look forward to a successful and carry on this tradition that brings so many families and friends together.”
CEO of Bethpage Federal Credit Union Wayne Grosse said, “We are really excited to add the livestream to this year’s air show. With limited in person attendance, the livestream will show off Long Island and the air show to the rest of the country.”
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which are visited by 78 million people annually. A recent study found that New York State Parks generates $5 billion in park and visitor spending, which supports nearly 54,000 jobs and over $2.8 billion in additional state GDP. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit www.parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer mobile app or call 518-474-0456. Also, connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
GoingPlacesNearAndFar's Blog 