The most anticipated festival in the metro area will be taking place on Columbus Day weekend.   The 16th Annual Long Island Fall Festival, whose presenting sponsor is Verizon, will begin Friday evening, October 9th. Calling All Veterans for a Special “Thank You.” Friday evening will begin at 7:00 pm with the Opening Ceremony, featuring Chamber and Town Dignitaries, the Marine Corps Color Guard, and an open invitation to all U.S. Veterans to be honored with a "Thank You!" by Lexxi Saal, an 11 year old singer/songwriter. Her touching appearance will be followed by an exciting performance of the Broadhollow Theater’s Production of Disney’s High School Musical Concert at 7:45 p.m. 

This spectacular festival, held in Heckscher Park in Huntington, New York, will feature fun-filled festivities for the whole family with lots of special attractions, plenty of appetizing cuisine, a world-class carnival, hundreds of vendors, and three days of continuous live performances.  It is an event that should not be missed.  There is FREE parking at the Huntington Train Station with Shuttle Service to and from the Festival on Saturday and Sunday 11am to 5pm.  Admission to the Festival is also FREE.

The Long Island Fall Festival has become known as the largest event of its kind in the tri-state area.  It contains plenty of exciting highlights throughout the weekend including a special appearance on Saturday, October 10th by characters promoting WINTUK by Cirque du Soleil. Decked out in the wintry colors of WINTUK and stilt walking throughout the festival, the quartets of joyful ambassadors are a feast for the eyes.  There will be plenty to do at Home Depot’s Kids Workshops throughout the weekend, and everyone will have the ability to experience the latest and hottest technology during “CooCoo’s Amazing Race/Scavenger Hunt” – it will be an event you won’t want to miss!  For that special person who needs a rest, Verizon will once again be sponsoring the SoapNet tent with massages and manicures. And, for those interested in the latest sports games, come to the Beer and Wine Tent to meet your family and friends where your favorite games and sports will be televised continuously during the Festival.

Hours are Friday, October 9th, 6-10pm; Saturday, October 10 and Sunday October 11, 11am-6pm (carnival, music, food court will remain open until 10pm) and Monday (Columbus Day), October 12, 11am-5pm (carnival, in-park vendors and food court only).

Hosted by the Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce, the festival is the premier event for families on Long Island. “We are excited about this year’s 16th annual festival. We have added unique events and attractions that are sure to entertain everyone,” explained Larry Kushnick, Festival Chairman.  Sponsors include Verizon, Newsday, Blue Sky Amusements, Home Depot, Town of Huntington, John W. Engeman Theater, Mercedes Benz, David Lerner Associates, AXA Financial, Optimum, Bethpage Federal Credit Union, Alure Home Improvement, Cactus Salon, Astoria Federal Savings, NorthShore Financial Group, Nightingale PR, Community National Bank and HSBC.  Media Sponsors to include The Long Islander Newspapers, WMJC 94.3, WCBS FM 101.1, Nes12, Disney Radio, Party 105 and LaFiesta.

For information, call 631-423-6100 or www.lifallfestival.com.


About Long Island Fall Festival
The Long Island Fall Festival at Huntington has become the premiere event for family fun. Brought to you by the Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce, this festival is held annually in early October and attracts visitors from all over the Tri-state area to the 25 acres of Heckscher Park.  This community event highlights the best Huntington has to offer – from its civic-minded businesses, cultural institutions, service organizations, to restaurants and retailers. Truly a celebration of community spirit, the weekend-long event offers something for everyone. Attractions include: three stages of entertainment, a world-class carnival, hundreds of vendors, international food court as well as numerous activities designed especially for young children.

Underwritten completely through corporate sponsorships, admission to the public is FREE.

About Huntington
Nestled on the waterfront of Long Island’s North Shore, Huntington is a community with rich history, scenic beauty and an outstanding quality of life. Even the earliest English settlers saw the potential of Huntington’s rich beauty and on April 2, 1653, they purchased the area that today comprises the Town of Huntington from the Matinecock Indians.

Today, the Township of Huntington, with its beautiful beaches and waterways, intimate villages and thriving business community, is home to over 200,000 people. The Town of Huntington is comprised of nearly two dozen distinct communities, each with a style of its own. With a vast array of shopping, restaurants, galleries, museums and entertainment, Huntington has it all within 98 square miles.









FESTIVAL MUSICAL STAGES

There are three stages of entertainment throughout the Festival grounds. 

CHAPIN RAINBOW STAGE

The Chapin Rainbow Stage will feature plenty of exciting musical acts including:


Friday, October 9

Friday evening will begin at 7:20 pm with Lexxi Saal, 11year old singer/songwriter.

Highlight for the evening at 7:45 pm (to 8:30 pm) is Disney's "High School Musical – The Concert!" from Broadhollow Theatre Company. 

Additional Entertainment scheduled for the Chapin Rainbow Stage is as follows:

         
Saturday, October 10

11:00-11:50 am           Classical Interlude, with Victoria Segal, flautist,
Summer Penzi, 3 year old pianist, Christian Verfenstein, 10 year old pianist, and Les Deux, concert piano duo James Jee & Winnie Yang

12:00– 12:50 pm          The Bluebeats, reggae, ska, soul
  1:00– 1:50 pm            The Lonesome Moonlight String Band,
                                      swing, jazz, blues

  2:00-  2:50 pm            Howard Emerson, guitarist, singer/songwriter
  3:00-  3:50 pm            Last Charge of the Light Horse,
                                        alternative indie rock

  4:00– 4:50 pm            Laura Jean Binkley, folk, rock/acoustic
  6:00 – 6:45 pm           The Long Island Hornets, "modern" Rockabilly
  7:00 – 7:30 pm           Opening Act: Gee Davey, rock, pop,
                                          alternative

  7:40 – 9:00 pm           HEADLINER: Fear of Fred,
                                         alternative rock, pop, punk


Sunday, October 11

11:00–11:50 am          Vista Hill Band, adult contemporary          
12:00–12:50 pm          Zak Sobel, acoustic folk/folk rock
  1:00-   1:30 pm          Zach Zadek, pianist, singer, actor
  1:35–  1:50 pm          Jenna Rose Swerdlow, singer, dancer, actor
  4:40–  5:20 pm           Miles to Dayton, acoustic folk/rock
  6:10–  6:50 pm           Mary Fahl, ambient acoustic, rock
  7:00–  7:30 pm           Specie Circular, indie rock
  7:40–  9:00 pm           Almost Queen, rock, classic rock, glam
Complete bios and links to music at www.huntingtonarts.org. Additional information on acts located at www.lifallfestival.com.


CARNIVAL SOUND STAGE/ACOUSTIC STAGE
The  Carnival Sound Stage will be filled with local Long Island talent performing continuously throughout the weekend. 

Carnival Stage Schedule:

Friday, October 9, 2009
7:00 – to 9:30 PM:  Project Floyd

Saturday, October 10, 2009 
12:00 pm:  Old School
1:00 pm:  Anthony Raffa Band
2:00 pm: Scofflaws
3:00 pm: Johnny Q Band
4:00 pm:  Pickled Beets
7:00 to 9:30 pm: The Steve and Sandy Edwards Reviews

Sunday, October 11, 2009
12:00 pm: Harry Hep Cat
1:00 pm: Late Night Audio
2:00 pm: Michel Guido’s Allman Brother’s Tribute
4:00 pm: No Self-Control
7:00 pm to 9:00 pm: The Liverpool Shuffle

The Accoustical Sound Stage:
The acoustical sound stage is located at the intersection of Prime Ave. and Madison Street.

Saturday, October 10, 2009
1:00 to 5:00 pm: TW & The Hound Dogs
Sunday, October 11, 2009:
1:00 to 5:00 pm: Young Rebel Gombas


Sneak Peaks of What To Expect At This Fantastic Festival:

Plenty of Live Musical Entertainment including:

Broadhollow Theater Presents Disney’s High School Musical                               
FRIDAY EVENTING, 7:45 PM

 High School Musical is a true teenage love story and a huge hit with kids and tweens. The Broadhollow Theatre Company will perform all the wonderful music from High School Musical, the story of Troy and the gang of East High School going through their senior year, facing graduating and going their separate ways. Don't miss hearing all your favorite songs from this classic!


Pop Singer and Song Writer Mary Fahl
SUNDAY EVENING, 6:10 PM

 “Sounding like no other singer of her generation” (Allmusic.com), Mary Fahl is an expressive, emotional singer/songwriter who first achieved fame as lead singer and co-founder of the chamber-pop group October Project.  Fahl’s elegant, cinematic songs draw on classical and world music sources, American art song, as well as thinking man’s folk-pop.  She sings in an earthy, viscerally powerful contralto that Boston Globe critic Steve Morse calls "a voice for the gods that can transport listeners to other realms”.  Since her "October Project" days, Fahl has recorded solo albums for Sony Classical and V2 Records. She has written and performed songs for several major motion pictures, including the lead song (“Going Home”) for the Warner Bros. Civil War epic “Gods and Generals”
(JIM: PICTURE INCLUDED)




Summer Penzi, 4 yrs old, Classical Pianist
SATURDAY, 11AM

She started college at age 3, studying the Suzuki Piano Method (music training by ear).  Practicing 1 ½ hours every day she is quickly learning that practice makes perfect.  Having a mobile studio allows her to practice before gymnastics, tennis and playdates.  She says that the best part about playing the piano are performances like this, because she gets to dress up like a princess and go up on the big stage.
(JIM: 2 PICTURES INCLUDED)







Christian Verfenstein, Classical Pianist, “Got Talent?” Long Island 2009 Finalist, 11 years old
SATURDAY, 11AM
 
Having studied piano from James Jee for the past two years, Christian is now a student of Dr. Pirone Director of Lawrence Eisman Center for Preparatory Studies in Music at Queens College.  In May of this year he received 100 for NYSSMA.

Fear of Fred
SATURDAY, 7:40 PM

Do Not Be Afraid! Their music is fun and high-energy with attitude. Fear of Fred's songs have been featured on the NFL, Today, CBS Sports, Nickelodeon, MTV reality shows and over 200 US radio stations

(JIM: PICTURE INCLUDED)
Almost Queen                                                                                                                        SUNDAY, 7:40PM

Nationally touring Queen Tribute Band presents the most authentic Queen production since the original Queen. They will rock you!
(JIM: PICTURE INCLUDED)

Other Festival Highlights Include”

WINTUK by Cirque du Soleil
This year’s unique program will include a special appearance on Saturday, October 10th by characters promoting WINTUK by Cirque du Soleil.  Decked out in the wintry colors of WINTUK, the quartet of joyful ambassadors are a feast for the eyes as they stilt-walk, play and clown their way into the hearts of young and old alike. You might walk away with promotional items or even tickets to the show.  But you¹ll definitely walk away with a smile and great memories!!
 
(JIM: PICTURE INCLUDED)



Home Depot’s Kid’s Workshops
There will be plenty to do at Home Depot’s Kids Workshops throughout the weekend.  Kids Workshops is an award-winning FREE program.  The workshops are “how-to” clinics where children use their skills to crete great objects.

SoapNet Tent
There will be something for everyone and for that special person who needs a rest during the Festival, Verizon will once again be sponsoring the SoapNet tent with massages and manicures

Shop Until You Drop
Not all of the action is inside the park. Find your favorite treasures among the more than 300 vendors whose booths line Prime and Madison Avenues adjacent to Heckscher Park  Thousands of hand-crafted items will be on display for you to browse or purchase, presented by hundreds of local artists and craftsmen.


Pony Rides & Petting Zoo
Visit the Festival Pony Rides/Petting Zoo where your children will delight to ride a pony or feed, hug, and pet the goats, lambs, ducks and pigs.

A World-Class Carnival
Children of all ages will spin, swirl and sway on the exhilarating rides in this thrilling World-class carnival, presented by Blue Sky Amusements. Enjoy the rides, and try your luck at games of chance and skill in a full carnival midway.
Friday night 6-10PM and Monday 11AM-5PM
Saturday and Sunday 11AM-10PM
Pay One Price Wristband $23.00 or (Purchase tickets individually).  Please visit local merchants and check your local papers for a $3.00 off coupon for wristbands.

Food, Delicious Food!
Food will be in abundance at our two International Food Courts.  Smell the mouth-watering aromas radiating from the two huge Festival food courts. You’ll find all the Festival specialties – from roasted corn to funnel cakes – plus a tempting array of delectable dishes from various local restaurants and catering establishments.

CooCoo’s Amazing Race/Scavenger Hunt
Enter this “Amazing Race and Scavenger Hunt” with the latest and hottest technology to win plenty of prizes including a FREE MacBook Pro.  This is a great event you won’t want to miss all weekend long!  Registration at CooCoo’s tent behind the Chapin Stage.

BEER & WINE TENT with TELEVISED SPORTS
Stop by our Beer & Wine Tent to catch up with old friends and watch your favorite team on the Fios Hi Definition Fios Flat Screen TVs throughout the tent.  It will be a great time with hand rolled cigars, and plenty of raffle prizes.  Open every day and night throughout the Festival.

Safety Zone: Make the Right Moves:
October 10 & 11th from 11am to 5pm
Find out all about car, bike and road safety awareness.  Will include information from local, state and national organizations that offer numerous safety, prevention and educational programs to the public.

Safe Haven for Autistic Children
The administration and staff of West Hills Day Camp are sponsoring a site for autistic children to just “chill”.  They will provide a quiet area to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the Fall festival so families can further enjoy the day.


And there is Sooooo Much More:
•    Visit with Islanders’ Ice Girls at the Verizon booth inside the park
•    Sons of Italy Columbus Day Parade on Sunday, October 11th  down Main Street in Huntington (12:30 pm)
•    Meatball Eating Contest in front of the Carnival Stage following the Columbus Day Parade at 3:30 pm

Transportation
* Festival Shuttle service available from the Huntington Long
  Island Railroad Station.
* Free parking and $1 round trip.
* Buses are equipped for handicap service.
* There will be special handicap reserved parking at the Cinema
  Arts building on Park Avenue with transit Festival Shuttle
  available.

Directions
* LIE to exit 49N Route 110
* Take Route 110  6-1/2 miles to Main Street
* Turn Right
* Festival Ahead