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.
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.
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.
“Parachutists” board the WWII Douglas C-47 Skytrain Troop Transporter at the American Airpower Museum, Farmingdale. D-Day reenactment flights will be held on June 12. (Photo courtesy of American Airpower Museum)
The American Airpower Museum in Farmingdale, Long Island, is gearing up for a return of its C-47 D-Day living history flight experience on June 12. You can sign up, grab your gear and done your WWII helmet and uniform and fly in the troop transport plane, reenacting the experience of paratroopers on that historic and fateful day.
The flights on Saturday, June 12, will also celebrate the start of summer and a return to normalcy, after the COVID-19 lockdowns and quarantines.
To accommodate demand, AAM has scheduled three flights between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Seats will be allocated on a first-come first-served basis. To book a flight, call (516) 531-3950, visit the Museum’s gift shop or call (631) 454-2039, Thursday – Sunday, 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (a great gift for Father’s Day!).
AAM’s Living History Flight Experience is a one-of-a-kind immersive educational program, where re-enactors take you up in an original WWII C-47 to get a sense of what our 101st and 82nd Airborne Division Paratroopers felt on their incredible 1,200-plane D-Day assault. This immersive flight experience includes: a mission briefing; a chance to wear authentic military field jackets, helmets and gear; the actual sights and sounds as the C-47’s engines fire up and you’re off into the blue; see and hear the crew operate their C-47 and paratroopers getting ready for battle; and you actually form up and hook your parachute to a static line.
This is a family-friendly experience for all ages. The program is about 1.5 hours long and each flight takes 25 minutes. A flight experience entitles you to bring along an additional person who can visit the Museum all day free of charge. The cost of the C-47 flight is $350 – which goes toward supporting AAM’s mission to honor veterans and U.S. aviation history by preserving the aircraft and their legacy for future generations.
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.
Ron Pokrasso, Who is Pulling My Chain, 2019 , “Solar Impressions” exhibit, Gold Coast Arts Center, Long Island.
The Gold Coast Arts Center in Great Neck, Long Island is inviting budding artists to learn the innovative technique of Solarplate printmaking in a workshop being offered Sunday, March 15, 1-3 pm.
For teens and adults who are interested in trying a new art technique, this workshop requires no previous experience.
During this three-hour workshop, participants will learn a variety of ways to create unique plates and prints. The key innovation in the printmaking technique is that nNo harsh chemicals or solvents are involved; all you need is light, water and a bit of imagination.
Participants will transfer images with the Solarplate process using a thin steel plate coated with a UV light sensitive photopolymer.
The Solarplate process is the same technique used in all works in the current exhibition on view, SOLAR IMPRESSIONS.
This exhibition is a result of nearly a three decade friendship of gallery curator and artist Jude Amsel with artist and master printmaker Dan Welden, who developed the Solarplate etching process in the 1970s. “He altered the art of etching… doing away with acids and solvents while keeping printmakers healthy by respecting the environment,” Amsel said.
The exhibition, Solar Impressions, brings together more than 40 artists, who together show how versatile and adaptable Solarplate is across media and art forms – from photography to drawing to painting. “Each of these artists represent an ongoing exploration of the Solarplate etching process.”
Gold Coast Arts Cinema Series, which is offered through the Gold Coast Arts Center, is presenting the Long Island premiere of “The Truth” on Wednesday, March 18, 2020, at 7:30 p.m. at the Great Neck Cinemas at the Squire, 115 Middle Neck Road, Great Neck, NY 11021.
In “The Truth,” legends of French cinema Catherine Deneuve and Juliette Binoche play a mother-daughter duo in this charming and wise tale of a family dynamic, which co-stars Ethan Hawke.
The film offers a relatable look at human relationships, featuring performances from its all-star cast. “The Truth,” tells the story of a stormy reunion between script-writer Lumir (Binoche) with her famous mother and actress, Fabienne (Deneuve), against the backdrop of Fabienne’s autobiographic book and her latest role in a Sci-Fi picture as a mother who never grows old.
Directed by masterful filmmaker Hirokazu Koreeda, “The Truth” was well received at Venice Film Festival and Toronto International Film Festival in 2019. According to Owen Gleiberman of Variety Magazine, “Catherine Deneuve gives a magnificent performance: grand, subtle, lacerating and fearless.”
Tickets for “The Truth” are $15 Adults/ Seniors and $10 for members when purchased in advance. All tickets at the door are $20. Tickets can be ordered online at www.goldcoastarts.org or by phone at 516-829-2570.
8th Annual Big Break Talent Competition
Also: there are still a few days left to submit to the 8th Annual Your Big Break talent competition, open to musicians ages 15 to 25.The deadline to email one MP3 song, one photo anda short bio to yourbigbreakny@gmail.com or to submit on Reverbnation HERE is Sunday, February 23.
The semi-finals take place Saturday, March 14 and Saturday, April 25th and the Finals take place Saturday, June 6. Artists must perform with a band, solo with acoustic guitar, or sing to backing music track. (https://goldcoastarts.org/your-big-break/)
Gold Coast Arts Center 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 under-served communities. These initiatives include artist residencies, after-school programs, school assemblies, teacher-training workshops, and parent-child workshops. 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.
Gold Coast Arts Center, 113 Middle Neck Rd., Great Neck, NY 11021, 516-829-2570, www.goldcoastarts.org.
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