At some point, probably because of the school calendar, Labor Day weekend was designated the final weekend of summer.
It makes for an awfully confusing couple weeks as it’s actually still very much summer, but people are trying to make fall happen.
This is especially true on the North Fork , where the pumpkins hit the farm stands right after Labor Day and we have no idea what month we’re in, let alone the season.
About a month ago I was at Krupski Farms in Peconic for a story that will appear in next month’s issue of northforker magazine and was surprised to learn they already had pumpkins. Not that you’d ever see them on display that early. They make sure to grow the early varieties across the street as to not cause a riot at the farm stand.
Last week, when we posted a photo of pumpkins to Instagram, more than half the commenters told us it was “too early” for that.
That’s probably in large part due to the traffic that’s headed our way, but also has to do with the thought of summer’s inevitable end.
Did I get out on the water enough? Will I get another beach day in? These are all very real concerns this time of year on the North Fork.
That’s why this weekend — the actual last week of summer — is one we need to make the most out of.
It’s expected to be sunny and in the mid-70s. I can’t express strongly enough how important it is to get out to that favorite beach or winery. Take your kids to the park. Eat a meal outside.
The fall is a wonderful time of year on the North Fork, but let’s not rush it. Here are four weekend event picks to end your summer with some fun.
• The North Fork Foodie Tour is my top choice. With 19 stops at various farm stands and more on Sunday, it’s a great way to see how your food is produced and gain an education on what’s really happening behind the scenes on the North Fork.
• If it’s beer you crave, Long Ireland is hosting its annual Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day Party from 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday. So dress like you’re from Southie and head to Riverhead.
• Afterward, spill on down to Grangebel Park for the Art in the Park exhibit, Riverhead BID is hosting. I’m really looking forward to checking out the light show installation from 7 to 10 p.m. (Note: Sorry, in my newsletter this morning, I failed to mention Riverhead BID, but to give credit where credit is due, I have updated this.)
• On both Saturday and Sunday, Garden of Eve Organic Farm & Market in Riverhead is hosting its annual Garlic Festival — the only of its kind on Long Island.
Grant Parpan is the content director for Times Review Media Group, overseeing a number of things, including content planning for northforker.com and magazine, the posts and videos we create for advertisers, and the company’s digital platforms. Have an idea for a story? Email him at [email protected].
