Town brings reptile program to Bellmore

Aiden Tracy, 9, was all smiles during a recent visit to Newbridge Road Park – even though a Madagascar hissing cockroach was crawling around on his head.

Tracy was one of dozens of youngster who were able to get up-close-and-personal with reptiles, amphibians and insects at one of three variety shows that made up the Town of Hempstead’s Children’s Summer Festival.

Throughout July and into early August, town officials arranged for three performers to visit parks across the area for special activities for children. One of these free programs, “Erik’s Reptile Edventure,” was hosted at Newbridge on July 30.

The Children’s Summer Festival featured three different programs, which were conducted 31 times in areas like Bellmore, Seaford, Franklin Square, Elmont, Oceanside, Baldwin, East Meadow and the Five Towns.

The programs were:

• “Singing at the Beach” with Darlene Graham: an interactive, sing-a-long show at with youngsters were invited on stage to play beach bucket drums, wear funny sunglasses, do a summer dance and show off their swimming strokes. 
• “The Magic and Comedy of Jim McClenahan:” a show that featured the comedy, magic tricks and music of Jim McClenahan
• “Erik’s Reptile Edventure:” a program designed to educate youngsters about the importance of science and nature.