Memorial Day weekend, honoring American service members lost in wars, kicks off Saturday with the 15th and final running of the 4-mile I Did the Grid road race in East Northport.
Named for Cpl. Christopher Scherer, who was killed in Iraq in 2007, the races follow a grid of streets near the Pulaski Road Elementary School. The first race goes off at 8 a.m. On Friday evening, Scouts, members of the Northport lacrosse team, parents, children and others planted hundreds of small flags in the field adjacent to the school in preparation for the face.
Town officials reminded residents Thursday to be careful on the water this weekend as motorized boats, kayaks, canoes and sailboats head out.
Members of the Suffolk County Police Marine bureau, Harbormaster Fred Uvena, bay constables and public officials gathered Thursday to emphasize the value of life jackets and flares on board a boat, taking a boating safety class, the need to watch out for others on the water, and to remain sober while boating.
“It’s vitally important people take boating safety seriously,” Town Supervisor Ed Smyth said. He also said kayakers and small boaters should not launch from north-facing beaches in afternoon to avoid getting swept off shore.
“Making sure you have what you need onboard and that don’t have too many people on your boat,” to remain safe, Town Councilwoman Joan Cergol said.
On Sunday, the Town of Huntington will commemorate the holiday with a service at noon. The Northport High School will perform, and officials will lay wreaths at the monuments in front of Town Hall. The public is invited to attend.
On Monday, several parades and services are scheduled around town. See our calendar for details.
