Spring Farm Festival displays its annual rural charms

BY DANIEL FEBRIZIO DESK@TBRNEWSMEDIA

Smithtown Historical Society hosted its annual Spring Farm Festival Saturday, May 13, to bring a touch of the countryside to the town.

Over the course of the afternoon, there were many different activities and displays to witness and interact with. Performers played live music for guests to enjoy. A blacksmith, Ron Grabowski, organized a forging demonstration and showed off some of his creations, such as a snake with detailed scales and a forked tongue.

The animals were the primary attraction. Ponies came right up to the fences so that people could pet them while they chewed on the grass. There was also a station for pony rides for younger children present. Recently shorn sheep stayed back, relaxing in the shade.

At the petting zoo, baby goats — known as kids — in an enclosure with their mother, were eager to interact with people, standing up against the sides of the enclosure. Other animals in the petting zoo included an alpaca, a rabbit and two ducks.

In the barn, the Spinning Study Group of Long Island set up a spinning and weaving display, demonstrating turning sheep’s wool and other materials into yarn and string.

There were many vendors in attendance. Local beekeepers from the Long Island Beekeepers Club were selling honey and beeswax candles while educating those interested in beekeeping. Other vendors included Long Island Speech & Myofunctional Therapy, Little Flower Children and Family Services of New York, Indigo Garden Arts, Backyard Art custom chainsaw carvings and Monika Botanika, who makes handmade artisan soaps.

It was a well-attended event, as families filtered in and out over the course of the sunny Saturday afternoon. With summer fast approaching, this event encouraged Smithtown residents and others to get out in nature and enjoy the warmer weather.

A salute to law enforcement

Dogwood Elementary School hosted its annual “Police Appreciation Day” on May 15 in which law enforcement officers who are parents, guardians and siblings of Dogwood students were thanked for their service and dedication.

“To our officers, you don’t get enough credit for all that you do,” Principal Renee Carpenter said. “This morning we celebrate you!”

The entire school honored those who have or are currently serving by waving flags, singing songs, reciting poems and presenting cards of appreciation and thanks. Dogwood leadership students even put together “patrol snack bags.”

“All of us at Dogwood would like you to know that we see you. We see how you put your uniform on and head out to work each day making sacrifices to serve others. We see you sacrifice time with your families to keep our communities a safe place for us,” Principal Carpenter continued. “You are so appreciated and we are so thankful for your service.”

Hittin’ the road in style

In conjunction with the ELA geodes program, students at Mt. Pleasant Elementary School in Smithtown are reading stories from happenings in the past.

To bring the book, “The First Car To Get That Far” to life, kindergarten teacher Mrs. Williams’ husband, recently visited Mt. Pleasant with his 1930 Ford Model A Roadster.

Students were so excited to see this beautiful classic up close, as was Principal Ierano.