Long Island Traditions will present “Working the Waters: Maritime Culture of Long Island” in collaboration with the NY Marine Trades Association “Tobay Boat Show” in Massapequa, New York on September 26 through September 28, 2014. “Working the Waters: Maritime Culture of Long Island” will present to the public first-hand accounts about the contemporary and historic traditions of commercial and recreational fishermen, the factors affecting these traditions and their future on Long Island in the wake of Superstorm Sandy and the decline of the bays.
The program is the culminating event of ongoing documentation by Long Island Traditions folklorist and executive director Nancy Solomon. Since 1987 Solomon has been documenting the culture and traditions of Long Island maritime tradition bearers, ranging from decoy carvers and driftwood painters to trap builders, boat model makers and net menders.
Working with the NY Marine Trades Council as part of its annual Tobay Boat Show, “Working the Waters” brings together these long held traditions of workers and residents along the shore lines. Highlights of the event include decorative decoy carvers Ken Budny, George Rigby and Red Oster, fishermen Chuck Tekula, John Remsen, Tony Sougstad, Fred Menges, Bill Fetzer and Flo Sharkey, boat model builder Chris Hale and maritime artist Herb Jurist. Marine trade workers, boat builders and retired or former clammers will be part of the activities, along with children’s fishing lessons taught by a master recreational fisherman.
Boat Show and Festival admission is $10 (seniors $8, children 12 and under are free) and will take place at Tobay Beach on Ocean Parkway in Massapequa. The Tobay Boat Show event hours are Friday, September 26th from 12 to 6 pm, and Saturday and Sunday September 27th and 28th from 10 am to 6 pm.
For more information call Long Island Traditions at (516) 767-8803 or the NY Marine Trades Association at (631) 691-7050 or visit www.longislandtraditions.org or www.nyboatshows.com/Tobay/.
The program is funded in part by the New York State Council on the Arts.
Photos: Above, Joey Scavone; and below, John Remsen (provided).
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