Port Washington offers many Entertaining Summer Activities

This past summer, the Port Washington area hosted some fun, entertaining events, all of which were very successful and enjoyed by many members of the community.  While there were various exciting activities, the most notable events of the summer included Port Outdoors, Sands Point Movie Night, and the Manhasset Bay Kayak Run. 

On Aug. 24, Sands Point Movie Night was held at the Sands Point Preserve, in what was a “drive-in” style outdoor screening.  The classic film The Godfather was shown, and organizers chose this movie because it was the 50th anniversary of its premiere, with some of the scenes actually being filmed at the Preserve.  The movie was shown on a 40-foot screen.  The original goal of this event was to bring a fun and engaging experience to the Preserve, and this was certainly achieved.  Over 150 people attended.  “I watched the drive-in movie at the Sands Point Preserve and I loved it because The Godfather is my favorite movie.  I also love drive-in movies, so it was a really great experience,” said sophomore Jackson Angel.

Port Outdoors has been held every month on a Thursday from May to September, and the event’s original purpose was to make sure people had a safe and fun way to eat at the various restaurants located on Main Street during the COVID pandemic.  The entire street was shut down, and restaurants would set up tables outside.  

Since the pandemic limited people’s abilities to participate in activities outside their homes, many community members found great joy in Port Outdoors.  Different bands and performers were invited to play while people ate dinner.  This event was such a success that it continued post-peak pandemic, and is still occurring this September.  Port Outdoors has been able to happen due to the support of the Port Washington Chamber of Commerce, the Business Improvement District, Residents Forward, the Port Washington Police Department, Landmark on Main Street, and the Town of North Hempstead.

“I went to Port Outdoors, and it was a really great experience.  There was lots of great entertainment and delicious food,” said sophomore Ryan Baxter.

Lastly, the Manhasset Bay Kayak Run was held on July 23.  This event was a five-mile kayak course, which took kayakers on a tour around Manhasset Bay while simultaneously raising money for local charities.  Over 60 kayakers participated in the run and helped raise over $7,000.  At the end of the event, a raffle was held for a free, brand-new kayak.  The event was the 17th annual run, and kayakers of all ages were encouraged to participate.  Safety boats were present, should an emergency have occurred, but everyone was able to enjoy their time without any accidents.  This event received generous contributions from Atlantic Outfitters, the Town of North Hempstead  Department of Parks and Recreation, the Bay Constables, and town dock employees.

In addition to these events, local residents enjoyed boating in Manhasset Bay and Long Island sound, spending their days tanning, swimming, fishing, and tubing.