The WaterFront Center will host its ninth annual free Bay Day event on Sunday, June 7, at Beekman Beach in Oyster Bay between 11 a. m. and 4 p.m. “The WaterFront Center is pleased to offer Bay Day as a fun way to further connect people to the environment and to the wonderful waterfront resources that exist in their community” said Gaye Verdi, executive director of the WaterFront Center.
A day at the beach, live music, tall ships, sails on the Christeen and smaller boats, kayak trials, the Blessing of the Fleet and Anything That Floats Race, henna tattoos, photo booth, crabcakes—all this and more spell Bay Day! “And, it is all free,” adds Ms. Verdi.
Bay Day will feature four free sails, on a first-come, first-served sign-up basis; aboard the historic oyster sloop Christeen (each sail can accommodate 25 passengers). Tickets will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis at the Pier beginning at 10:30 a.m.
Our good friends from the tall ship Unicorn, a regular Oyster Bay visiting ship, have agreed to give special dock side tours of their beautiful vessel. Numerous not-for-profits will help kids and adults learn about the environment and local history through brief hands-on activities. And a group of hard-working volunteers will demonstrate kayak skills and offer free trial “paddles” off Beekman Beach.
The WaterFront Center will offer a free sneak “sail” preview to students 8 years and older who feel they are seriously interested in enrolling in a Learn to Sail course. Tickets are limited and will be given on a first-come, first-served sign-up basis starting at 10:30 a.m. at the WaterFront Center tent. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult on a one to one ratio.
At 12:30 p.m. the Oyster Bay Power Squadron will conduct its annual Blessing of the Fleet. View a colorful parade of local watercraft as they motor by the end of the Western Waterfront Pier for this annual tradition.
Then at 3 p.m. head to the beach to participate or watch the always-popular Anything That Floats Race. Don’t miss this wacky, fun race which challenges participants to create an outrageous floating device made of nontraditional materials. Racers may enter up to the 3 p.m. start of the race, so crank up your creativity and come out and race.
Food will be available for purchase from the “Crabman” who specializes in crab cakes but also serves more traditional festival food. Participants are encouraged to bring lawn/beach chairs and blankets. To receive more information about Bay Day or to register for the Anything That Floats Race, please contact the WaterFront Center at 922-SAIL (7245).
The WaterFront Center is a not-for-profit organization located in Oyster Bay and dedicated to teaching people about the marine environment and to promoting the safe, enjoyable use of marine resources. The WaterFront Center’s website outlines all of its program offerings including numerous summer camp opportunities – www.thewaterfrontcenter.org.
