Get ready for love. The Oyster Bay-East Norwich Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for the third annual Valentine’s Fair in Oyster Bay on Saturday, Feb. 8 and Sunday, Feb. 9. As the place where the first documented Valentine’s Day card was sent, it is a natural. Captain Simcoe sent the first romantic Valentine’s Day card to Sally Townsend, opening up the door to today’s celebrations.
The weekend will be filled with activities for everyone. The Chamber, along with Raynham Hall, the Chocolate Lady and several local shops, have organized the two-day celebration which boasts fun children’s events, crafts, classical music, great food and special chocolate offerings, boutique shopping, a Chocolate Fair and Family Valentine’s Day.
The program also includes special events at Christ Church. Saturday there will be classical music provided by Voci da Camera as well as chocolate and other Valentine’s fare in a comfortable setting featuring classic outdoor furniture from Dodds & Eder. Sunday will include the showing of Chocolat. The admission to this romantic feature film is only $5 per person and delicious hot chocolate and other treats will be available at the “concession stand.” Lee Perrotta, Oyster Bay’s own Chocolate Lady and New York State Chocolatier of the Year award winner, will be there to share insight into the tasty aspects of the film.
“You can celebrate Valentine’s Day anywhere, but it lacks the authenticity unless you’re here,” said Raynham Hall Executive Director Harriet Gerard Clark.
Current Chamber President Dottie Simons added: “There’s something for everyone. Along with the Valentine’s Fair, we are celebrating what we’ve been calling Family Valentine’s Day on Sunday. It’s a day where families and friends can get together with grandparents, children, friends…and even pets. Valentine’s is about love and should not be restricted to couples.”
The culmination to the Valentine’s celebration, of course, is the Valentine Evening Gala benefit for Raynham Hall Museum on Friday, Feb. 14. Come celebrate Valentine’s Evening at the Raynham Hall Museum event honoring Patricia P. Sands and the Oyster Bay Main Street Association, Feb. 14 from 6:30 to 11:30 p.m. at the Piping Rock Club. Dinner, music and auctions for a fee: basic tickets are $250; $200 for junior members, 35 and under.
The invitations add a dress code: red shoes and festive attire. Does that mean dance until you drop? Please call 516-922-6808 for reservations.
All events will be posted to the OBEN chamber web site at visitoysterbay.com. Local merchants who still want to participate can contact the Chamber at obenchamber@gmail.com. The Historic Oyster Bay-East Norwich Chamber of Commerce, advocates for the success and advancement of local businesses by establishing business connections, generating exposure through networking and advertising opportunities, and developing new resources by sharing the knowledge base of more than 150 local companies.
