Fall adventures

It’s the time of year to savor being outdoors in the crisp autumn air, as the leaves begin to change color. The weekends are chock full of festivals that celebrate the best of the season. You don’t have to go far this weekend to find something to enjoy, besides the pumpkin picking.

Gone Fishing
Junior anglers can try out their skills with rod and reel at the Fall Fishing and Children’s Festival, presented by I Fish NY, on Saturday, Oct. 17, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The annual event at Hempstead Lake State Park in Rockville Centre, offers a variety of fishing and non-fishing activities for the family.
“The Fall Fishing and Children's Festival is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and learn something about the great sport of freshwater fishing,” New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Regional Director Peter A. Scully said. “The festival combines the opportunity to fish with a variety of children’s activities to

provide a rewarding family experience."
The high concentration of stocked trout offers a great opportunity to introduce families to the sport of freshwater fishing. The day begins at 10 a.m., featuring fly-fishing instruction, casting practice, fish cleaning services, loaner rods, and free bait.



Additionally, a display area will be set up by I FISH NY, Trout Unlimited and DEC’s Environmental Education staff, as well as other fishing and environmental organizations.
Other activities include, pumpkin decorating, a magic show, pony rides, and face painting.
Cost: $5 for those 12 and over; $6 parking fee. MacDonald and South Ponds at Hempstead Lake State Park, Rockville Centre. (631) 444-0283.
Military Honors
The nation's military heritage comes alive at Old Bethpage Village Restoration this weekend, when the village presents its “Salute to the American Fighting Soldier.” The event, held Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 17-18, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., pays homage to American soldiers throughout the course of the nation’s history.
It includes a historical encampment dedicated to the American G.I., demonstrations of the life and times of the common American soldier, and displays and camps spanning American military history.
Among the troops represented are the 3rd New York (Revolutionary War), 119th New York Infantry and Jackson’s Flying Artillery (Civil War), 71st New York Infantry (Spanish-American War), and the U.S. 3rd Infantry and 101st Airborne (World War II). In addition, there will be re-enactors from the War of 1812, the Mexican-American War and World War I, as well as active service personnel stationed on Long Island.
Cost: $12 adult, $8 seniors and children 4-14. Old Bethpage Village Restoration, Round Swamp Rd. (one mile south of LIE exit 48), Old Bethpage. (516) 572-8400.

Art Explorations
Nassau County Museum of Art’s 145 acres provide an enjoyable setting for a fall outing.



Try visiting on “Family Sunday,” for an afternoon of art activities. While there, check out the many marked nature trails through the woods, perfect for family hikes or independent exploration. The museum offers a 1 p.m. docent-led family walk-through of its current exhibit “Norman Rockwell,” with supervised art activities for the whole family, beginning at 1:30 p.m. Special family guides of the main exhibition are available in the galleries.
The event is free with museum admission. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr. (off Northern Blvd.), Roslyn Harbor.
(516) 484-9337 or www.nassaumuseum.org.