The first Fall Family Festival took place  at the North Hempstead Beach Park on Oct. 2, 2021.  It was scheduled from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., but the families talked, played, and enjoyed food for more than an hour longer.  The Fall Festival featured activities such as arts and crafts, pumpkin decorating, bouncy slides and more. The festival was open to the public and general admission was free for all.

The event included demonstrations by Master Jeon’s U.S. Taekwondo School and princess and superhero meet-and-greets.  Kids were entertained by these activities while adults could enjoy food and drink from Port Washington businesses.  One of the focuses of the afternoon was the performance by Tim Kubart’s Emmy-nominated and Grammy-winning band, Postmodern Jukebox. 

“The town is proud to host this festival for residents to enjoy a beautiful autumn day on the beach,” said Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Judi Bosworth in a press release.

Master Jeon helped kids learn basic Taekwondo moves and exercise on the warm and sunny day.  Guests were then able to purchase refreshments before sitting down to enjoy the concert.  Tim Kubart and the band lived up to expectations, creating an atmosphere that led to dancing, laughter, and smiles.  Kids were enamored with the characters taking pictures, talking with them, and even playing games with them. 

“I had so much fun on the bouncy slide, riding the speeding train all over, and petting the animals in the petting zoo,” said Port Washington resident and third grader Jonah Garcia.

Another hit was the trackless train that children were able to ride.  Kids spent hours riding the train, over and over again.Then they could participate in group games such as tag and race one another.  Finally, many visitors enjoyed the petting zoo and interacted with sheep and other animals.

“This will be a unique and fun event for the entire family, with arts & crafts, delicious treats and music by the water,” said Bosworth.

Another festival that took place this year in Port was Autumn Fest.  Autumn Fest is an annual festival that is run by the Sands Point Preserve.  It usually features pony rides, a petting zoo, and hay rides.  Due to COVID-19, these particular activities were not offered this year.  However, the festival was still put on by the Sands Point Preserve Conservancy and was held on the Great Lawn.  It occurred on Oct. 17, 2021 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.  Visitors could buy pumpkins, honey, take part in guided nature walks, and more during the festival.  It also featured a live raptor performance by Volunteers for Wildlife and an aerial performance of woodland animals.  Kids could also enjoy pumpkin painting, a performance by the Eastbound Freight Bluegrass Band, and the woodland animal halloween display.  

“I loved designing and painting my pumpkin with bright and happy colors,” said freshman Maria Palermo. 

Festival attendees were able to carve, paint, and even color pumpkins with markers while working together with parents and friends. The challenges proposed at the festival was to see who could create the scariest, most intimidating pumpkin.

The two festivals were a ton of fun for local residents and provided them with a bright spot this fall.