The Fifth Annual PortFest on Saturday, May 14, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Schreiber, is a community-wide arts and music festival organized by HEARTS (Help Enrich the Arts of Port Washington). Admission is free. Damon Gersh, founder of HEARTS, started PortFest because he believes in the importance of arts in schools. HEARTS will be awarding nearly $55,000 for arts programs in Port schools. A $15,000 grant from the Peter & Jeri Dejana Family Foundation will contribute to the 2016 grant program, as well as to PortFest, the annual fundraiser for HEARTS. Go to www.pwportfest.org for information about volunteering, donating and advertising.
Among other events, Olga Berest’s flashmob will happen some time during the course of the day. Berest, pictured above with dancers, has “dance-ins” inside the Berest Dance Center Tent all day.
“The intention is to show the scope of dance, and the joy it brings,” said Berest. “There will be informal showings of all ages of dancers as well as an invitation to families and children to join in dancing, stories and games.”
At 2 p.m., Berest will hold an interactive dance party on Stage 1 and out in the field. Children will be given hoops, scarves and instruments.
“At a surprise moment during the party, the music will stop and the music of the flashmob, ‘Thriller,’ will begin,” said Berest. “The dance is ultra easy even if you have never seen it,” said Berest. “Just follow those that know it and dance along.”
Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Judi Bosworth said, “We are thrilled to partner with HEARTS once again for PortFest as we work toward the goal of supporting arts education throughout Port Washington and the Town of North Hempstead. By providing arts programming for our youth we can ensure that art and culture will be a distinct part of our communities for generations to come.”
Also at PortFest:
Arts and Crafts School Booths: Schreiber booth: tattoos, face painting; Weber booth: tie dye, wearable art; Sousa booth: candle-making; Salem booth: bulletin board design; Daly booth: yarn wrapped container; Guggenheim booth: make your own flip flops; Manorhaven booth: light-up paper lanterns.
Bikes for the World: Bikes for the World will be on hand all day to collect used bikes. Bikes for the World is an organization that collects bikes to be distributed in countries where they are an important part of daily life. For information about Bikes for the World, contact Kenny Marx at kennymarxbikes@gmail.com.
Community Organization Exhibits: The Art Guild, Child’s World Nursery, Community Chest, The Ed. Foundation, Landmark on Main, Plant a Row, Port Summer Show, Port Crisis Relief Team, Port Play Troupe, Port Washington Police District, Port Public Library, Residents For a More Beautiful Port Washington, Sands Point Preserve.
