Community

Flanders: Antique autos coming to the Big Duck, decorate a pumpkin for the Riverhead Country Fair

Happy October, friends and neighbors! I can’t say I’m happy about it because I’m a summer type of person but fall does have its advantages. For example, this weekend I made a pot of chili, a tray of stuffed cabbage and a roasted chicken. It’s hard to cook like that during the summer because I’d rather be outside in the sun and it’s just too hot to cook in the house. If I can’t live in a tropical climate year round and be outside in my bathing suit I might as well do something else I love. My kids don’t mind too much either. In fact, they even thanked me for cooking inside and not grilling. Ah, the little things in life.

The Friends of the Big Duck are hosting its third annual Autumn Antique Auto Show at the Big Duck Ranch on Sunday, Oct. 9, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (rain date: Oct. 16). Classic cars and trucks 25 years and older will be proudly displayed by their owners on the grounds of the 37 1/2-acre park. One highlight of this year’s show is the original James Bond OO7 Underwater Lotus Esprit from the 1977 movie “The Spy Who Loved Me.” Festivities will include raffles and an opportunity to vote for the People’s Choice Awards, which will be given to the most popular show entries at the end of the day. There will also be oldies music by Vinnie V. Vehicle owners may enter their vehicle in the show for only $20. Admission for spectators is $5; children are free when accompanied by an adult. For an application to show your classic car or truck, visit bigduck.org. There are also a limited number of non-food vendor spots available, which cost $40 each. For information, contact event chair Neil Young at 631-284-3737 or [email protected].

Hey, kids (and kids at heart), the annual pumpkin- and vegetable-decorating/carving contest at the Riverhead Country Fair wants your entry! Bring it to the south end of the East End Arts property at 133 East Main St. on Sunday, Oct. 9, between 7 and 9 a.m. The fair is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. One entry per person, ages 4 to adult, will be accepted. For contest rules or more information, call 722-3873, email [email protected], or visit riverheadcountryfair.com.

School has been in session for about a month now and I’m still seeing very impatient drivers behind the buses. I’ve even noticed a few running the lights. This is extremely dangerous and illegal. Please be patient! Slow down and show some consideration for the students.

Thanks for reading this week and thanks to all who emailed me with news to share. Have a wonderful weekend. Enjoy the fall activities around the community, don’t forget to put your cell phones down and don’t text while driving. No phone call is as important as the task at hand. If you must take/make a call, please pull over to do so. See you around the neighborhood.