Stepping Out

Stepping back in time

Old Bethpage Village salutes 'Decoration Day'

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Family Fun

An old-fashioned Memorial Day
Old Bethpage Village Restoration’s annual Memorial Day weekend activities offer a look at the region’s past, culminating with the village’s salute to Decoration Day, on Sunday, as it was observed in the holiday’s early years. Entertainment includes brass band concerts, craft demonstrations and storytelling. The Village’s Civil War “veterans” commemorate Decoration Day as it was first observed in the early 1870s, complete with a parade, a solemn patriotic program, and ceremonies to honor departed veterans.
Saturday and Sunday, May 28-29; 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. $10, $7 seniors and children 5-12. Old Bethpage Village Restoration, Round Swamp Rd., Old Bethpage. (516) 572-8400.

Raid New York
In addition to Jones Beach, there’s also action in the skies during the holiday weekend at Eisenhower Park. The park’s Kite Field once again serves as a landing area for a U.S. Navy “Leap Frogs” parachute team and Marine Corps helicopter squadron, on Saturday, as part of the region’s Fleet Week 2016 activities. The program begins with the San Diego, Calif.-based Leap Frogs who parachute into the park showcasing the skills of the Naval Special Warfare Team. Then a combined team of members from the U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team and Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron conduct a mine countermeasures demonstration. Then, at noon, U.S. Marines CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopters and AH-1W Cobras, perform an area sweep and transport a Marine raid force to the landing zone for an assault demonstration, after which the helicopters will land.
Saturday, May 28, 10 a.m. Kite Field, Eisenhower Park, East Meadow. (516) 572-0200.

Spring Adventures

Early Bird Walk
Catch a glimpse of some of the many feathered friends in the region during a morning stroll with an experienced naturalist through Muttontown Preserve’s fields and trails. The focus is on the spring migration of birds in the woods and meadows, with an expert on hand to discuss bird migration patterns.
Sunday, May 29, 9-11:30 a.m. Enrollment is limited and pre-registration is required. Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars. $5 fee. Muttowntown Preserve, Muttontown Lane, East Norwich. (516) 571-8500.