October in Sag Harbor is a peaceful time for the community. The summer season is over, the tourists have fled and the small-town charm is restored. Halloween weekend, in particular, is when Sag Harbor’s longtime traditions bring all ages of the community together. The Ragamuffin Parade marches down Main Street with a sea of costumed children, adults and even pets. Store windows proudly display the orange pumpkin cutouts signifying their participation in the annual Pumpkin Trail. The weekend never fails to bring an overwhelming sense of pride for our hometown.
As a new addition to the community, The Church team is eager to participate in the Halloween weekend fun and is offering spooky-themed programming for all ages.
The weekend kicks off on Friday, October 28, with a Children’s Spooky Story Hour from 3 to 4 p.m. Kids of all ages are welcome to attend an hour filled with Halloween themed books, festive treats, and hot apple cider. Coinciding with the reading, actors will perform the storyline — making this event appropriate for children of all reading levels, languages, learning abilities and those who may be hard of hearing. Tickets are $15.
On Saturday, October 29, from 6 to 10 p.m., come dance the night away at The Church’s fall fundraiser Monster Smash (21+ over). The evening will begin on the ground floor where guests can escape the chilled autumn air and be met with cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres. At 7 p.m. guests will be invited upstairs where they’ll be greeted with a beautiful harvest inspired grazing table. With a suggested theme of artworks and artists, we hope to see the dance floor filled with Andy Warhols, Mona Lisas, Freda Kahlos, Girl with Pearl Earrings, and maybe even a Bob Ross. Tickets are $250.
On Sunday morning October 30, at 10 a.m., join The Church Co-Founder April Gornik for a walking tour of Oakland Cemetery. Founded in 1840, the cemetery is the permanent resting place of over 4,000 people, including more 18th and 19th century sea captains than in any other Long Island cemetery. Many of The Church’s very own Sag Harbor “saints” are buried there — including Nelson Algren, George Balanchine, James Fenimore Cooper, Spalding Gray, James Salter among others. A rain date for the tour is Saturday, November 5. Tickets are $15.
On Halloween from 5:30 to 7 p.m., following the Pumpkin Trail, The Church invites everyone to enter the Community Costume Contest. Judges will declare first, second, and third place winners for three different categories: children (12 and under), adults/teens and pets. For the adults/teens, first place will receive a one-year membership at The Church, second and third place will receive a $100 and $50 certificate, respectively, to any upcoming events at The Church. First, second, and third place in the children’s contest will receive toys from the Sag Harbor Variety Store. For pets, winners will receive treats. The panel of judges will include The Church team along with Lisa Field, owner of the Variety Store, and other members of the Sag Harbor community. The contest is free to attend. Registration to enter the contest is $5 (ages 12 and under) and $10 for adults.
The Church is at 48 Madison Street, Sag Harbor. For more information, visit thechurchsagharbor.org.
Staff Writer on Oct 9, 2022