Helped by some beautiful weather, North Hempstead’s annual beach front bash concluded another summer-long season of festivals and concerts. More than 1,000 people attended the ninth annual FamilyFest on Sept. 15 at North Hempstead Beach Park.
Festival-goers were treated to musical performances featuring four different acts. Denzil Botus brought revelers to their feet with his brand of jazz and calypso-infused tunes. Bach to Rock offered contemporary hits with tunes such as Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep.” Minute by Minute paid homage to Michael McDonald and showcased other classic rock anthems. Closing out the festival, Mack and Soul played selections of Motown hits and 60s classics.
Tables and booths set up along the boardwalk provided plenty of entertainment for the entire family. This year’s array of activities included a petting zoo, face painting, hair braiding, kite flying, kayaking, arts and crafts, a photo booth, the New York Knicks Groove Truck and more.
Erik’s Reptile Edventures and the Port Washington Fire Department’s interactive displays captivated children and delivered a hands on learning experience.
New to the festival this year was a partnership between the town and St. Francis Hospital, which filmed a video clip that will be entered into the national “Pink Glove Dance” competition. The video clip featured town and county officials outfitted in pink gloves while they danced to the Bruno Mars hit “Treasure.” More information on this competition is available at www.pinkglovedance.com. The first-prize winner of this dance contest will win a $25,000 donation to the charity of the winner’s choice that supports breast cancer treatment.
FamilyFest was made possible through a partnership between the town of North Hempstead, the town’s Business and Tourism Development Corporation and the Department of Parks and Recreation.
