Sandcastle contest winners Chris Riley, James Phelan, and Deanna Torino.
By Bradlee White
The Fourth of July celebrations may seem a blip in the rearview mirror but our last issue was released just before that celebratory weekend. Threatening weather the morning of Saturday, July 2 resulted in the rescheduling of the beach Sandcastle Building Contest to Sunday but the old favorite Bake Sale did go on successfully, opening at 8 a.m. and selling out well before 11 a.m. The early birds got the cakes. Sunday morning dawned cool and cloudy – perfect for the little ones in costumes and on wagon floats. There were handcrafted theme floats that won prizes: “Kamp Kismet,” “Good Vibes,” “Bulkhead Up,” “Yellow School Bus,” “Return of the Fox 2022, “Red, White Balloon,””Upside Down Kismet” and Best In Parade award winner “Kismet Mavericks,” with the entire family in flight suits by their replica of the movie plane. Prizes were awarded on the Bay Walk.
Then everyone moved to the Kismet Fire Department (KFD) barbecue tables and the many raffles.
Although Kismet was able to have the Parade last year, the last downtown celebration was three years ago. Linda and Jay Smith, just returning to Kismet for the season, won one of the KFD raffles while 11-year-old Olympia of Patchogue won the Kismet League for Animal Welfare bicycle.
The Sand Castle building contest drew 21 entrants in three categories for children and adults. Many sculptures were large and spread out on the beach. “Cat with Fish Bones,” “Pharaohs Tomb, “and “Captain America” were just a few of the creative entries. One of the winners was “The Octopus that Swallowed Kismet,” created by Chris Riley, James Phelan and Deanna Torino of “Bushwhacker.” The evening was capped off with a star performance downtown from the band Rich Mahogany.
The next days were relatively quiet as people relaxed on the beach, though last weekend foreshadowed the heat and humidity of August.
Fitness at the Firehouse has begun, still for only $15. Mats have been sanitized and Yoga with Steph Rogers is Mondays and Fridays at 11:30 a.m. Pilates with Derina Wilson is held Sundays at 9:30 a.m. Firehouse Bingo has begun on Wednesday nights at 7 p.m. with an asking donation of $10.
Upcoming August events include the Arthur Lem Memorial Fishing Tournament on August 16, for children 12 years and under. It’s the season for snappers and the bay is usually full of them at that time of year time. Kids and parents should sign up at 9:30 a.m. when parents will be asked to sign permission slips. Fishing will take place along the bayfront docks from 10 a.m. to noon. Entrants should bring their own poles, while bait will be supplied.
An exciting new event, Kismet Murder Mystery Night, sponsored by Kismet Fire Department Auxiliary, with a Roaring 20s theme, is scheduled for Aug. 19 at the Fire House community room. Anyone interested should message Kerry Cannava Turner or text 631-252-4209 by Aug. 5 to be assigned a role to play and a suggested costume. A fee of $20 (cash or Venmo to @Kerry-Turner-8) covers a buffet dinner; beverages are bring your own.
