Transforming the streets of Bellport Village into a festival, Bellport Day returns on Saturday, July 26, with first-time happenings as well as established traditions.
The free event will be held from 10 to 4 p.m. at South Country and Station roads, with live music and performances, the Bellport Fire Department Craft Fair, circus acts, pony rides, diverse cuisine from food trucks and local eateries, plus much more, according to the Bellport Inn.
New this year is the “Rock and Race” remote-controlled car track as well as Rotary District 7255’s silent auction with prizes like an Oyster Party for 10 and the chance to raise funds for scholarships, local food pantries, Polio Plus and Camp Paquatuck in Center Moriches.
A tradition that’s been a part of Bellport Day since its inception around 2004 is the performances by dancers of all ages (including tiny tots) enrolled in Patchogue’s Stage Door School of Dance, one of Long Island’s oldest studios. This year the show starts at noon at the bandshell near the firehouse.
The studio’s connection to Bellport is at least 50 years strong, dating back to when original owners Diane and James Giattino opened their studio there in a church basement, Director of Marketing and Enrollment Sophia Alicia said. “Bellport already has had such a special place in their heart. It’s still where they live as well as their daughter Mary Giattino.” The younger Giattino is a Broadway veteran and international choreographer who took over the studio in 2012 when her parents retired.
In line with Giattino’s goal to continue “giving back to the community,” Bellport Day meets the mark, Alicia said, while also letting the community “know more about Stage Door School of Dance and the talent we have at our studio.”
The diversity of the Patchogue area and its surroundings is reflected in the dancers who will perform hip-hop, jazz and tap for the crowd.
“It’s a good blend of everyone we invite to come and do Bellport Day,” Alicia said, from the Elite Company and Select Program with some “really fun moves” to 2-year-old classes to recreational dancers. “We have dancers of all different backgrounds and all walks of life, specifically based on where we are located right in the middle of East Patchogue…and it’s really interesting to see when they come together what magic they create and how they can articulate this artistry.”
For Alicia, the highlight of Bellport Day is not only watching the dancers perform but “also seeing the community come together to support other businesses and vendors…. That’s what makes Bellport so incredible, so amazing, how everyone supports each other. It’s a wonderful community. That’s why we continue to go and support them.”
Another Bellport Day highlight is the fifth annual Plein Air Art Exhibit and Sale by the South Bay Art Association. Founded in 1956, this nonprofit will focus on plein air, which is art created in an outdoor environment.
Additionally, the Rotary’s Silent Auction will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. located in a tent on Village Main Street in front of MVP Automotive Service Center, according to the nonprofit’s website. The auction offers a variety of prizes, including original art by John DiNaro, a Long Island weekend getaway and unique collectibles.
For more information on the auction visit the Rotary website.
