Happy Bellport Day

Bellport residents recently had reason to celebrate, with the revival of a favorite outdoor festival: Bellport Day. South Country Road was shut to vehicles from the four corners down to the fire department and eventgoers got to walk freely on the street, shopping, dining, enjoying music and having an overall good time celebrating the community. The event is put on each year by the Bellport Chamber of Commerce.

“It feels so good to see everyone in town. It makes me feel like we’re back to being alive again. It brought back a sense of normalcy, a sense of community,” said John Hannon, president of the Bellport Chamber of Commerce.

Hannon said the event was made possible with the help of the village’s police and fire departments, as well as the cooperation of the mayor and village board. He especially thanked the chamber of commerce team.

“It was a joint effort,” he said.

Bellport Village businesses took part in the day’s festivities, bringing tables outside to sell items under the sun. Realtor Nick Sekela, of New Home with Nick, worked with neighbor Casa di Palma to present a spinning wheel of raffle prizes, including gift certificates to local businesses, tickets to shows at Gateway Playhouse, and pints of Casa di Palma’s gelato ice cream. The months of the year were written on the colors of the wheel and if the dial landed on the participant’s birth month, they won a prize.

Residents and fans of Bellport got to shop some of their favorite Bellport stores at the event. Cleo Davis, who lives in Bellport for the summer, purchased a bouquet of flowers, searching for the ones that looked “the wildest.”

Lori Grady, of East Patchogue, came to the event with her children, who attend South Country Schools. Grady said attending the outdoor event is a sign that things are going back to normal.

“It’s nice to have normalcy gain. It’s nice to see kids without masks playing and saying ‘hi’ to each other. It’s refreshing,” said Grady.

The Bellport Fire Department also participated in the day’s festivities, hosting a craft fair and barbecue in its parking lot. Hot dogs and hamburgers were $2; soda was $1; chips were $1.

Across from Bellport Fire Department, bands played music all day, adding to the ambiance of the event.