C RY D E R
P O I N T
18 SEPTEMBEROOuutt & A Abboouutt BY JILL DAVIS
Labor Day marks the end of summer <sigh>, but at least there’s a long
weekend involved.
Did you know (and do you care) that there remains some controversy as
to who originated the Labor Day holiday? One guy was named McGuire and
another was named Maguire…which one was it?
Peter J. McGuire was an active labor organizer and the general secretary of
the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and a co-founder of the American
Federation of Labor. He was believed to be the first to suggest a day
be dedicated to American workers and their accomplishments. Matthew
Maguire, however, was secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York in
1882, and many believed that he proposed the holiday in that year.
Since it is widely accepted that the first Labor Day was celebrated in New
York City on September 5, 1882 and started by the Central Labor Union, I
think Mr. Maguire wins. Regardless, Labor Day quickly became popular, and
on June 28, 1894, the U.S. Congress voted it a national holiday.
Even though the summer of 2017 is now a mere memory, there are fun
things happening in September to keep us cheered up. Read on.
Dance Lessons:
Salsa & Foxtrot
Beginning Thursday,
September 7, 7pm and 8:15pm
Temple Beth Sholom
171-39 Northern Blvd., Flushing
dancelessonsbylenny.com
He’s back! Cryder Point’s very own
Lenny Seasonwein returns to the dance
floor to teach all of us klutzes a thing or
two about the art of ballroom dancing.
First up is the Salsa at 7pm, which Lenny
says is “the most popular partner dance
in the world today.” (I believe him.) Lessons
in the classic Foxtrot kick off at
8:15, which Lenny claims is not hard to
do. (I don’t believe him.) Lessons cost
$15 per person/per session.
Long Island Food & Music Festival
Saturday September 16, 3pm-8pm
Tilles Center
720 Northern Blvd., Brookville
516-299-3100
tillescenter.org
This free festival features a battle of the bands that are
competing to open for Blue Öyster Cult and Jefferson
Starship when they headline at Tilles in November. There
will be food and beverage vendors to keep festival goers
energized, but you will have to bring your own ear plugs
if you want to play it safe.
37th Annual Antique
Motorcycle Show
Sunday, September 17,
11:00 am–4:00 pm
Queens County
Farm Museum
73-50 Little Neck Parkway,
Floral Park
718-347-3276
queensfarm.org
This is an annual biker’s delight
which showcases various
makes and models of old,
out-of-production motorcycles.
Music, farmhouse tours, hayrides,
and food are also available to keep those who prefer four-wheeled vehicles entertained.
Admission is $7 per person for non-farm members and is free for members.
18 CRYDER POINT COURIER | SEPTEMBER 2017 | WWW.QUEENSCOURIER.COM
Family Fun Day
Saturday, September 23,
12pm-4pm
Francis Lewis Park
3rd Avenue &
147th Street, Whitestone
The 109th Precinct is holding
its Fourth Annual Family Fun
Day which will include pony
rides, inflatables and a pumpkin
patch. There’ll also be
free food, music, games and
giveaways and a chance to
mingle with some of our local
officers. So even if you’re in a
hurry to get there, it’s probably
advisable to stay within
the speed limit.
35th Annual Queens County Fair
Saturday & Sunday, September 23 & 24, 11am–6pm
Queens County Farm Museum
73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park
718-347-3276
queensfarm.org
This is one of Queens Farm’s most popular annual events. The fair includes blue
ribbon competitions in produce, home crafts, arts and crafts, and livestock (yes, livestock.
Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in Queens anymore). There are also pie-eating
and corn-husking contests, pig races, hayrides, carnival rides, midway games, and
children's entertainment. Music will feature an Irish band on Saturday and a German
band on Sunday, and there will be craft and food vendors at the farm all day, both
days. Admission is $10 per adult and $5 per child age 12 and under; free for farm
members.
Paul Anka in Concert
Saturday, September 26, 8pm
Westbury Theatre
960 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury
thetheatreatwestbury.com
516-247-5200
Did you know that Paul Anka recorded his
first song when he was just 14 years old? The
precocious young man became a sensation
in the 50s and 60s with hits such as “Diana”
and “Put Your Head On MY Shoulder.” He’s
also been a prolific songwriter, composing
the theme song to the old Johnny Carson
Show, Tom Jones’ big hit, “She’s a Lady,” and
Frank Sinatra’s classic, “My Way.” Now 76, Paul is still touring and will be at Westbury
for this one-night-only concert. Tickets are hard to come by and start at about $170.
That’s a lot of puppy love!