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Babylon Bay Fest brings together sun, fun and community
"It's wonderful", said Jerry Leo, who attended this year's event and last year's as well with her husband Dominick of Babylon. "I wouldn't miss it for the world." The event was held Wednesday, July 25. For new Babylonians Noreen and Kort Panzer of Wyandanch Avenue, the Bay Fest offered their first introduction to the Village beach and pool. Accompanied by their two children, Kylie and Kort, and by their parents, they sat and ate dinner and enjoyed the view. "It's absolutely beautiful," said Noreen. This is the third year that the Bay Fest, sponsored by the BabylonV illage Arts Council and the Babylon Rotary Club, has been held. In that short time, it has expanded and become a very popular mid-summer break where families can gather and enjoy the water and the company of their families, their neighbors and their friends, said organizers.
"I love the contests and the free stuff," said John Visgauss who attended the event with twin brother Matthew. "And the food is great," added Matthew as the two doused a large portion of French fries with some ketchup. Organizers estimated that approximately 1,000 people attended. "The response of the community has been remarkable," said Rose Norman, one of the organizers. "People seem to be looking for a family oriented event in the middle of the week that is local, fun and not too expensive. We were happy to give them that."
Another change this year was that the tee shirts were sponsored and given away without charge. The design was created by local artist Lona Sullivan. "This event also gives us a chance to promote our local artists and many of them were there displaying their work," said Norman, who added that the organizers were appreciative of the Village for its support and for the support of Suffolk County Police.
The event is not a major fundraiser, but whatever revenue is raised is put into programming and other events for the Rotary and Arts Council. "Scott Lockwood of the Babylon Rotary suggested three years ago that we hold a community event celebrating the beautiful Bay and delicious seafood we have and we said at the time we would give it a try. We never thought it would be so successful, so fast," said Norman.
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