Well its snowing lightly this afternoon and we  have had a bit of snow this past week.  Winter has come early to Long Island.  But tonight the winter wonderland comes to Long Island - the offical Winter Wonderland Holiday Light Show in Bayport NY.  It is at Camp Edy in Bayport NY.

The event features a 3-D light show with a mile long trail in the woods.  There are themed attractions, holiday lighting, and a gift shop.  There is a $12 fee per car to enter.  The event runs daily from 5 PM to 9 PM.  The event starts tonight and ends on December 23rd.

A wonderful treat is in store tonight– the lighting of a 35-ft tall Japanese Umbrella Pine on Long Island.  The event is in Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park in Oyster Bay NY.  It takes place from 5:30 PM to 8 PM.

There is free admission but hot cider is $1 per cup.  At the tree lighting Santa will be making an appearence along with Christmas carolers.

A Hanukkah Menorah Lighting takes place onight at 7:30 PM on the grounds at the Temple B’nai Israel  in Elmont NY.  The community is invited.

Come to festival to show your support for a fundraising benefit on Fire Island on Sunday August 12th.  This is the 1st Annual Fire Island 5K Run and Benefit. The race bgins at 10:30 and due to an overwhelming response the race is now at full capacity.  There will be  a post race festival & BBQ at Ocean Bay Park immediately following the run.  There will be live music and a DJ,  food and beverages, and a raffle.  This is a good event for the whole family.  All proceeds go to the American Brain Tumor Association.

The story behind this special event was covered in  a recent Newsday article: Fire Island race benefits brain tumor research (Aug 5, 2007). John and Anthony DiGangi organized this run and festival to honor their mother Rose who is coping with a malignant brain tumor (glioblastoma).  All funds raised will go to the American Brain Tumor Association with the hope of researching this type of brain tumor. The organizers encourage people to come out, enjoy the day and donate to an important cause.  Unique raffle prizes like an opportunity tojoin the Mets photographer at batting practiceand at a Mets Game will appeal to many People on Long Island.

Complete information is available on The Last Mile Race Management Company website. They are managing the race and event.

The Paumanauke Pow-Wow is a celebration of people, gathered in honor of Native American culture. Rated the “Best Hobbyist Pow Wow in the Nation” by “The Spike”, this August festival offers the public an opportunity to be immersed in Native American culture, sample Native food, costumes, arts, crafts, song and dance. A major portion of the proceeds provide Native American Scholarship awards.

This special event takes placeat Tanner Park in Babylon.  More ifnormation and directions are available on the Bablyon Citizens Councilon the Arts website.

The festival begins on Saturday at 10 AM.  The grand entry is at 12:30 PM and 7 PM with closing at 10 PM.  The festival re-opens Sunday at 10 AM and ends at 5 PM.  The grand entry on Sunday is at noon.

Starting today, Friday August 10, 2007 and running through Sunday, August 12, 2007,  the Metro NY Ballon & Music Festival provides a wide ranging and wonderful family entertainment experience.  Of course, the hot air ballons and music are a major attraction but you’ll also find carnival and cirucus entertainers, a custom car and motorcycle show and a fireworks display. 

The headlining music events include Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, Head Automotica, and Senses Fail.

The carnival midway  offers rides and games for all ages.  The Garcia Bros. circus provides a bilingual show with 4 to 5 Big Top shows daily.  Universl Custom Car, Inc. has csutom vintage HotRods on hand along with current cars and motorcyles that represent the latest design trends in custom autos and vehicles.  The Grucci Fireworks provide a national class program of fireworks.

Each day has a different schedule of events so check the offical website of the Metro NY Ballon Fest to get all the details.  The ballon rides are scheduled at specific times so be sure to check those times if you want to paticipate in this activity. In addition to the main events you and your family can enjoy stunt shows, a monster truck rally, and an arts and crafts show.