The annual event celebrates the region’s agricultural heritage with homemaking and farm and garden competitions, a street fair full of vendors, live music in several spots throughout the fair, tractors, hit and miss engine displays and carnival rides.

Cassidy Corwin won the decorated pumpkin contest overall at this year’s country fair, and Lauren Anasky, Carol Delvecchio and D. Zeidler won first, second and third in the adult category. See more of the fun below.

Photos by Daniel Franc

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This year featured both a kid’s garden tractor pull and an adult full size tractor pull — with the kids pulling over 2,200 pounds! — a truck show with the Long Island chapter of the American Truck Historical Society, demonstrations in the antique sawmill, blacksmithing shop and of the cable shovel, the big engine barn with antique engines puffing away, the kids tractor train, vendors, food at the snack shack and LIAPA merchandise in the shed.

The Long Island Antique Power Association is an all-volunteer organization looking to “preserve the past for the future.” They hold events throughout the year, such as last weekend’s summer show, that feature displays of the impressive collection of historical engines, machinery and — of course — tractors.

Upcoming events at the Sound Ave. property include a truck pull at 6 p.m. on July 27 and a kid’s junior pulling league garden tractor pull on July 28 at 10 a.m. They will also be open and having tractor pulls in conjunction with the Country Fair at Hallockville Farm Museum September 28 and 29 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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Greater Jamesport Civic Association Sixth Annual Independence Day Commemoration

The festivities begin at 10 a.m. by the gazebo at the corner of Main Road and South Jamesport Avenue in Jamesport and include a presentation of the U.S. flag by the color guard of the Riverhead VFW Post 2476; a performance of patriotic songs by the Jamesport Meeting House Chorus; guest speakers Chief Master Sgt. Edward Rittberg, Command Chief of the New York Air National Guard 106th Rescue Wing at Francis S. Gabreski Airport in Westhampton Beach; Riverhead Town historian Georgette Case; and Greater Jamesport Civic Association president Laura Jens-Smith. The event is free, open to the public and rain or shine.

32nd annual New Suffolk Fourth of July Parade

Hosted by the New Suffolk Civic Association, this parade kicks off at 11 a.m. Antique cars, small boats on trailers, bicycles, wagons, strollers and floats of all kinds will line up at the corner of Tuthill and New Suffolk roads, then wind their way to First Street. The parade ends at New Suffolk Beach, where there will be the annual reading of the Declaration of Independence and a brief presentation.

Southold Village Merchants Fourth of July Parade

At noon, this parade will march along Main Road from Boisseau Avenue to the Southold American Legion.

‘Americana at the Village Green’ concert

The Rites of Spring Music Festival presents “Americana at the Village Green” featuring the Mudflats String Band at the Cutchogue Village Green from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The Mudflats comprise two fiddles, banjo, mandolin, guitar, upright bass and drums, creating foot-stomping original music filled with vocal harmonies. Tickets are $30 for Rites of Spring members; $40 for nonmembers; and free for attendees younger than 25.

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The celebration began at Clinton Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church on Third Street for a blessing, a sing-a-long to “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” ceremonial reading of General Order No. 3 and a moving speech given by Rev. Natalie Wimberly.

The parade filled Greenport Village with marchers and cyclists from community organizations including C.A.S.T., Greenport Fire Department, Coming to the Table, the Friends of Floyd Memorial Library, the First Universalist Church of Southold, Church of the Holy Trinity and Church of the Redeemer, North Fork Women, the Oysterponds Historical Society and GEMO at Orient Yacht Club, among others.

After the parade, the group gathered in celebration at Mitchell Park where officials spoke.

Greenport Mayor Kevin Stuessi said, “Today is all about community coming together, being at the table together. I thank Rev. Natalie and everybody at A.M.E. Zion for everything they’ve done for our community.” He noted to ongoing applause that the church is celebrating its centennial this year.

Town Councilman Greg Doroski followed noting that, “Celebrations like this are important because it breathes life into these ideas [unalienable rights of life liberty and the pursuit of happiness].”

“Words have power. Images have meaning. The children are watching and listening,” said Anne Smith Town Councilwoman representing Town Supervisor Al Krupski, as she addressed the group gathered in Mitchell Park after the parade. “They need us to nurture the seeds of hope planted today and in all the things we do together.”

Candace Hall, Greenport Village clerk, took to the mic to shout out her home town, Greenport, for showing up and out as well as the organization Coming to the Table and the Southold Anti-Bias Task Force for pulling the event together and Clinton Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church for being “a special place within the community.”

She quoted civil rights leader Fannie Lou Haimer, “Nobody’s free until we are all free,” and left the group with the challenge to share the conversation and what was learned with their networks and communities.

“It’s your responsibility as somebody who is here sharing the celebration to have challenging conversations with your friends and family. If you push through, that is where the change happens,” she encouraged. “We all have reach within ourselves.”

Performances during the celebration included Jus B Cuz, the North Fork Academy of Dance and other community groups. Greenport High School sophomore Faith Welch read a guest column she wrote for The Suffolk Times. It echoed the sentiment of religious officials from other local congregations, who spoke about acknowledging history on the North Fork and the contributions to it by African Americans and using the holiday as an opportunity to continue to move toward equity for all.

Pastor Milton D. Vann of Jefferson Temple Church of God in Christ in Cutchogue said, “Freedom still has some growing to do.”

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Ms. Lauber said that the board took the issue very seriously, and the process focused on hearing from its membership, whose demographics, she said, reflect those of the broader community. Ellen Birenbaum, board member and head of the governance committee that oversaw the possible name-change, began by emailing its 194 members an article she wrote to inform them about Mr. Audubon’s history. 

“We then sent two notices asking members for their comments,” Ms. Lauber said in a telephone interview before the announcement. “We want to thank everyone who submitted their thoughts,” which she described as “considerate, thoughtful and respectful.” 

After sifting through the comments, Ms. Birenbaum and board members tallied the responses and found that at least two-thirds of the members wished to keep the name. The board itself then voted, choosing to follow the wishes of the majority its members.

That decision also follows the national organization’s position. In a statement published in March 2023, the board of directors of the National Audubon Society announced its decision to retain the name of the organization.

“Based on the critical threats to birds that NAS must urgently address and the need to remain a non-partisan force for conservation,” the statement read, “the Board determined that retaining the name would enable NAS to direct key resources and focus towards enacting the organization’s mission.” 

That same spring, the New York City chapter — NYC Audubon — announced its intention to drop “Audubon” and adopt the name NYC Bird Alliance. That change becomes official this month. 

According to NYC Bird Alliance, chapters in 22 states and the District of Columbia have chosen to change names, with many also swapping “Audubon Society” for “Bird Alliance.”

NYC Bird Alliance went even a step further by outlining the name change process on its website for any other chapters considering a switch.

“We embarked on a collaborative and robust process to select a new name that encapsulates who we are and what we do,” the website states, “and that is inclusive and welcoming to all New Yorkers.”

In lieu of a name change, the national organization is addressing diversity concerns by committing $25 million to expanding Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (EDIB) initiatives over the next five years. In 2023, the group appointed Lisette Martinez as chief EDIB officer.

Ms. Lauber said the North Fork Audubon Society is following suit through community outreach and by updating the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion statement on its website. She said much of their signage is written in English and Spanish, as are available bird guides, and that even as recently as Memorial Day weekend, a Spanish-speaking board member reached out to families fishing at Orient Beach State Park. 

Susan Bell, chair of the National Audubon Society’s Board of Directors, said in a statement, “The name has come to represent so much more than the work of one person, but a broader love of birds and nature, and a non-partisan approach to conservation. We must reckon with the racist legacy of John James Audubon and embody our EDIB values in all that we do. In doing so, we will ensure that Audubon stands for an inclusive future in which we unite diverse coalitions to protect birds and the places they need.” 

Ms. Lauber followed similar thinking, saying the group wants to remain focused on its mission: connecting people with nature. 

“Birds don’t have a voice of their own,” she said, “so we want to be their voice.” 

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At 12 years old, he’s already an accomplished driver, having been behind the wheel since the age of 5. His mother, Adriana Barry, said he also drives an ’87 Mac Steelnose in the truck pulls and races with the Bandoleros at the Riverhead Raceway.

“Tractors are nice because it takes more work, less skill,” Michael said. “You have to win in the garage before you show up.”

Coming in second on his 1985 John Deere 318 — technically his step-sister Dakota’s — was 7-year-old Jason Yeager of Aquebogue. Dad Brad Yeager said his son has been driving since he was 4 and “he loves his video games, but is definitely a tractor kid.” He said Jason’s been bugging him to drive their big tractor in an upcoming parade.

Photos by Daniel Franc

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After finishing his announcer duties, President of Long Island Antique Power Association, Ed Yeager, said this is the second year of the junior pulling league. The league plans to run kids tractor pulls once a month with dates set for July 28, Aug. 10 and Sept. 22. Mr. Yeager said the big event for the kids is in August, which takes place at night under the lights, where he lines the kids up with their tractors and announces them all individually before they line up for the pull.

The next LIAPA event is a truck pull set for 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 28.

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World Migratory Bird Day — which falls on Saturday, May 11, this year — arrives amid the seasonal migration, drawing attention to the flights of the various visitors ­— and their plights. “Birds are declining and that’s a fact,” said MaryLaura Lamont, a naturalist at the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. “Birds have it extremely difficult now to find enough food and protection for themselves and their babies. Their migratory pathways that were once pristine are now lost to development.”

This time of year, Ms. Lamont said she expects to see many kinds of neotropical birds migrating to northern breeding grounds. They include many species of warblers, vireos, grosbeaks, tanagers and thrush. 

“Rose-breasted grosbeaks are stunning,” she said. “So are scarlet tanagers. Even the little warblers are showstoppers in their breeding plumages, like black-throated green warblers, magnolia warblers, yellow warblers and American redstarts, to name just a few.” To help identify the many species of warblers in the area, Ms. Lamont said to note their tails, wing bars and eye rings.

Many of the visiting birds stay in the area for just one day and take off overnight if conditions are good. Should bad weather set in, Ms. Lamont explained, they may stay put for several days until better conditions enable them to continue northward.

World Migratory Bird Day is a global avian conservation and education campaign lead by several nonprofits. The theme this year is “protect insects, protect birds.”

“About 95% of birds feed their babies insects because insects are protein-rich, which allows the youngsters to develop properly,” Ms. Lamont said. “Insects are in severe decline, which means birds are in decline because they are losing their major food sources. 

“The way people can help is to plant native species of plants, which insects seek out for their food,” Ms. Lamont said. “Don’t spray herbicides or pesticides. Insects need a good variety of plants to feed on, not monocultures of plants,” she added.

Aligned with the spring migration and regional efforts to help pollinators is the North Fork Audubon Society’s 10th annual Spring Native Plant Sale, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, May 18 and 19, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Roy Latham Nature Center at Inlet Pond County Park in Greenport.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service also suggests helping migrating birds and pollinators by turning off lights at night. 

“Make your home or other buildings safer for birds by taking steps to reduce or eliminate building collisions and keeping artificial lights off between dawn and dusk during fall and spring migration seasons,” the federal agency’s World Migratory Bird Day webpage states. “Artificial lighting can also drastically affect the behavior of insects and pollinators, reducing the ability of plants to produce fruit and reproduce.”

Another way to support birds is to learn about them through educational outreach programs at area parks. Ms. Lamont is leading a bird walk at Hallock State Park Preserve in Riverhead Saturday, May 18, from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The 3-mile trail walk will feature many migratory birds, most of which spend their winters in South or Central America but nest further north. Ms. Lamont noted to bring binoculars, tick repellent and $8 for parking.

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Hallockville Museum Farm executive director Heather Johnson put a call out to, “all history buffs, farm fans and community service-oriented folks,” with a press release inviting them to learn about volunteering at the historic North Fork homestead during its Volunteer Recruitment Open House Saturday, April 27, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Volunteers are what make Hallockville “tick,” Ms. Johnson said, adding that many hands make light work. “Among the opportunities to help are gardening, organizing and staffing special events, maintaining the buildings, grounds and historical collections, giving tours and more,” the release said. “We encourage interested folks to sign up in advance by emailing asstdirector@hallockville.org or by phoning Hallockville at 631-298-5292.” She said walk-ins are welcome as well.

“Hallockville is a nonprofit organization with an important mission — connecting people with Long Island’s agricultural heritage and helping them to understand how that is relevant today,” Ms. Johnson said in the release. “The North Fork wineries and orchards, farm stands and its farm-to-table dining scene are all rooted in the area’s family farm heritage. We think it’s very important to bring that message forward now and for future generations.”

The percentage of the U.S. population that volunteers on an average day has declined by 28% during the past decade, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Area organizations that depend on volunteers are feeling the decline.

“From what I understand, many nonprofit and organizations are struggling to attract and retain volunteers,” said Mark MacNish, executive director of the Cutchogue-New Suffolk Historical Council. He added that as a volunteer for the Mattituck-Laurel Historical Society, he can attest that group has also dealt with similar challenges.

Last weekend, Mr. MacNish and the Historical Council held a volunteer recruitment workshop in the community room at Cutchogue New Suffolk Library. Mr. MacNish said last year’s workshop yielded six new volunteers. This year, he said, “doing the same amount of promotion, no one showed up.” But even though he thinks it is getting progressively difficult to attract volunteers, he remains hopeful. “I did have two people contact me to let me know they are interested in volunteering,” Mr. MacNish said. “I hope they pan out.” Interested parties who couldn’t make the workshop can email cutchoguehistory@gmail.com.

The Cutchogue-New Suffolk Historical Council “maintains the Cutchogue Village Green and Old Burying Ground as a living memorial to the original founders and all residents of Cutchogue and New Suffolk,” according to its website. Volunteer opportunities include everything from giving tours of historic buildings as trained docents to working the gift shop and setting up for special events held on the Village Green.

Some organizations are reaching out to the community this week with volunteer appreciation initiatives. The New York Marine Rescue Center in Riverhead took to social media with #VolunteerAppreciationWeek to celebrate the national commemoration. Posts highlight notable participants, such as Rescue Team volunteer Ashley, who has clocked over 2,500 hours working for the organization. 

As the primary responders for sick or injured seals, sea turtles, dolphins, porpoises and other marine mammals, and the only such rehabilitation center in New York State, a strong volunteer base is key. Orientations are held monthly and the application and schedule is available at nymarinerescue.org.

“Through these extraordinary acts of service, volunteers also have the opportunity to engage with new communities and try new things,” President Joe Biden wrote in an April 19 proclamation marking National Volunteer Week, “building professional networks and friendships, learning skills and finding a sense of purpose.”

National volunteer commemorations originally started in Canada as a way to thank community members who stepped up on the home front during World War II. In 1974, the United States implemented National Volunteer Week, and in 1991, President George H.W. Bush declared April National Volunteer Month, an official celebration.

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• Saturday, April 20, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.: Metal for Tesla at Tesla Science Center at Wardenclyffe, 5 Randall Road, Shoreham

As part of its efforts to contribute to the preservation of the planet and develop Wardenclyffe into a global science hub, the Tesla Science Center is collecting scrap metal on site in Shoreham. Any item made of at least 75% metal, including vehicles, car parts, car batteries, appliances and electronics (no TVs or computer monitors), metal furniture, shelving and pipes can be dropped off for recycling.

• Saturday, April 20, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Earth Day Beach Cleanup, Truman’s Beach, Main Road, Orient

Peconic Land Trust, Surfrider Foundation’s Eastern Long Island chapter and Orient-East Marion Park District have partnered to host beach cleanups to remove debris from Cove, Dam Pond and Truman’s beaches “to help ensure a healthy marine environment for wildlife and humans alike,” according event announcements. Organizers ask that participants bring water and work gloves but other supplies will be provided, Area students can also earn community service hours. The event is free but registration is required by calling 631-283-3195. 

• Sunday, April 21, 10 a.m.: Earth Day Cleanup in Moore’s Woods, 170 Moores Lane, Greenport

Volunteers should meet at the trailhead by the miniature train station to participate in the village’s trail cleanup. Participants should bring gloves, tick protection and tools to pick up trash along the trails. Information is available by email: ldougherty@greenportvillage.org. A rain date is scheduled for April 28. 

• Sunday, April 28, 9 a.m. to noon: SWR 2024 Earth Day Cleanup, The Shoppes at East Wind, 5768 Route 25A, Wading River

Hosted by the Wading River Shoreham Chamber of Commerce, volunteers will convene at the Shoppes to pick up free gloves and trash bags. This event is rain or shine. Register at wadingrivershorehamchamber.com.

• Sunday, April 28, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.: Earth Day Cleanup, Riverhead Town Hall, 4 West Second St., Riverhead

Sponsored by the Riverhead Anti-Litter Committee, volunteers can meet at Town Hall to pick up bags and gloves. Community service credits are available for students. Email deborahjwetzel@gmail.com to register.

• Sunday, April 28, 10 a.m.: 2024 North Fork Environmental Council Earth Day 5K, Indian Island County Park, 105 Cross River Drive, Riverhead. 

Registration begins at 9 a.m. and the race and walk start at 10. Entry is $30 per person or $70 for a family of four and $15 for participants 16 and under. Proceeds will be used to fund the council’s annual scholarships and educational programs. Register at nfec1.org.

Earth Day can also be celebrated any day. According to the Turtleback Conservation Center website, beachgoers can perform self-guided marine debris cleanups anytime. “Head to a beach with a repurposed bag or a bucket and scan the wracklines [high tide lines] for potentially harmful plastics to wildlife like fishing line, marine rope, plastics, bags, balloons, balloon strings, etc.” The center’s website warns to be sure to stay away from designated nesting shorebird areas.

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Several area parks and other local organizations are hosting events to celebrate the rare viewing opportunity, which won’t happen again in our area until 2044.

The New York State Department of Parks is hosting a free event at Hallock State Park Preserve in Riverhead from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. George Lomaga, a retired professor of Astronomy and Geology at Suffolk County Community College, will have viewing equipment on hand, including a telescope fitted with a protective solar lens, according to the park’s website. Park staff will offer insights and interactive activities on the phenomenon’s effect on area wildlife. Registered guests will also receive a free pair of eclipse viewing glasses.

The Custer Institute and Observatory in Southold is also hosting a viewing from 2:30 to 4 p.m. the ticketed event includes a glimpse through their state-of-the-art telescopes and a pair of certified safe viewing glasses. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for children under 16 and $5 for observatory members. There is limited space and registration is strongly encouraged.

Proper eye protection is important during a solar eclipse — regular sunglasses are not sufficient. “The most important step to ensure New Yorkers enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime event is to protect your eyes,” New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said in a press release. “ISO certified eclipse glasses will shield your eyes from serious and possibly permanent damage, which can occur by looking at the eclipse with regular sunglasses or without any eye protection.”

Steve Bellavia, research, education and outreach coordinator at Custer Institute notes that Monday is also a good time to spot the comet 12P Pons-Brooks, which he said might be visible to the naked eye during the eclipse since it will be just 24 degrees east of the sun and approaching its perihelion — when its orbit is closest to the center of our solar system.

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