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🐝 Fireworks + Parades

🐝 Fireworks + Parades

Bug Light Milestone, PBMC's Women's Health Expansion, The Bookstore Comeback

Thomas Loncar
June 30, 2026

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Good Morning, North Fork! Some days are made for checking things off a list. Others are made for ignoring the list entirely. Which one is today for you?

In today’s North Fork Buzz:

Bug Light Milestone
PBMC's Women's Health Expansion
The Bookstore Comeback

Ready, Set, Go!

The Lowdown

Bug Light Milestone 🚢

The East End Seaport Museum and Marine Foundation marked a major milestone last week, celebrating the completion of Phase One of the historic Bug Light restoration project.

Aboard the Peconic Star VI, supporters, donors, and community members cruised out into Gardiners Bay to toast the progress, cut a ribbon, and raised Bug Light branded champagne tumblers to the lighthouse's future.

The first phase focused on stabilizing the structure's surroundings, including rebuilding the rock revetment, adding a new perimeter walkway, and installing new pilings, a dock, and access ramps.

Next up: Phase Two, which will tackle urgent structural repairs to protect the lighthouse itself, followed by a full restoration that includes exhibit space, educational programming, and a long term maintenance fund.

Get the full story 👉 Northforker

PBMC's Women's Health Expansion 🏥

Peconic Bay Medical Center recently celebrated the completion of the first phase of infrastructure work for the Emilie Roy Corey Center for Women and Infants, a new facility that will expand maternity, neonatal, and women's healthcare services across the East End.

Hospital leaders, donors, and community members gathered at Strong's Water Club to mark the milestone and look ahead to the center's expected opening in the second half of 2027.

Once complete, the facility will be the first dedicated center for women and infants in Eastern Suffolk County. Plans include labor and delivery services, breast health care, urogynecology, teleneonatology, private patient rooms, dedicated operating rooms, and the future development of a Level II NICU.

Get the full story 👉 Greater Long Island

The Bookstore Comeback 📚

For years, independent bookstores were supposedly headed for extinction. Turns out, reports of their demise were a little premature.

Across the North Fork and Shelter Island, five independent bookshops are proving there's still plenty of life left in browsing shelves, chatting with booksellers, and stumbling upon an unexpected great read.

These shops offer something online retailers can't: recommendations from real people, conversations in the aisles, and a sense of community.

As for what's flying off shelves this summer: Beach reads, romantasy novels, thrillers by female authors, local interest books, and a growing number of self-published surprise hits.

Get the full story 👉 North Fork Sun

Teens Taking on Environmental Challenges 🌱

While most students are spending summer break at the beach, a group of local teens is spending theirs helping protect it.

The Youth Environmental Taskforce Initiative, better known as YETI, is a student led group bringing together middle and high school students who want to tackle environmental challenges right here on the North Fork.

Since launching just a few months ago, YETI members have been restoring trails, cleaning up local preserves, collecting oyster shells for reef restoration projects, and even writing environmental articles aimed at educating the community. ($)

Get the full story 👉 Suffolk Times

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Happenings: Upcoming Events

🌅 Sunset Cruise Set sail aboard the Peconic Star and watch the sun dip over Peconic Bay on Friday, July 10 while sipping wines from Bedell Cellars. Local oysters, cheese, and charcuterie round out the evening. More Info

🪦 Old Burying Ground Tour History is hiding in plain sight at the grounds of the First Presbyterian Church. Hosted by the Southold Library on Friday, July 10, this guided stroll explores the oldest English burying ground in New York State. More Info

🏓 Pickleball Tournament A little friendly competition and a meaningful cause come together at Tasker Park on Saturday, July 11. Hosted by the Southold American Legion, this pickleball tournament honors the legacy of Brendan Kelly while raising support for the American Legion and Walk to Valor. More Info

🎪 Mattituck Street Fair Browse rows of arts and crafts vendors, grab a bite from local food trucks, and enjoy live music throughout the day on Saturday, July 11 at the 48th Annual Mattituck Street Fair. More Info

⚔️ Living History Encampment Step back to the Revolutionary War era during this special celebration hosted by the Southold Historical Museum on Saturday, July 11. The Living History Encampment brings America’s founding days to life with re-enactors and demonstrations. Fittingly timed for the nation’s 250th birthday. More Info

🌊 Beach Cleanup Hosted by the Southold Library on Sunday, July 12, this beach cleanup at Iron Pier Beach in Jamesport explores how litter impacts local marine life while helping keep our shoreline a little cleaner. More Info

🎶 Summer Singing Camp Future stars take the spotlight at the North Fork Arts Center from July 13–17. Led by music educator Erika Tuthill Cabral, this weeklong camp helps students ages 9–14 build confidence, make new friends, and develop their vocal skills through pop hits, Broadway favorites, classic standards, and beloved Disney songs. More Info

🇬🇷 The Greek Table A taste of the Mediterranean arrives at Flavor Fork on Tuesday, July 14, with a hands on cooking class inspired by the simple pleasures of the Greek table. Learn how ingredients like lemon, olive oil, and fresh herbs can transform everyday dishes. More Info

🍄 Mattituck Mushroom Tour There's more to a mushroom than what ends up on the plate. During this Southold Library outing on Wednesday, July 15, farmer-owners Agathe Snow and Anthony Holbrooke will lead a tour of Mattituck Mushroom, sharing the organic and sustainable growing methods behind their prized fungi. More Info

^{_{Nothing in this section is sponsored. They’re just fun things you need to know. We’ll always let you know when something is sponsored}}

Fireworks + Parades

This Saturday is the 4th of July, and we’ve got your guide to all the local fireworks, parades, and patriotic fun. Here’s where to catch the action:

🎆 Thursday, July 2- Catch the fireworks show at Greenport Fire Department’s Annual Carnival at Moore’s Lane Polo Grounds.

🎉 Saturday, July 4- The Annual Southold Village Merchants' July 4th Parade kicks off at Noon on Main Road, marching proudly from Boisseau Avenue to the American Legion.

🎉 Saturday, July 4- New Suffolk’s Annual Parade, kicks off at 10 AM at the corner of Tuthill Road and New Suffolk Road.

🚤 Saturday, July 4- The Peconic Bay Sailing Association invites boaters to join their Annual Boat Parade.

🎆 Saturday, July 4- Catch round 2 of the fireworks show at Greenport Fire Department’s Annual Carnival at Moore’s Lane Polo Grounds.

🎉 Sunday, July 5- Heritage Day a beloved Orient tradition returns with a parade down Village Lane, patriotic music, and a community reading of the Declaration of Independence.

🎆 Friday, July 10- The Orient Harbor Fireworks return for a spectacular summer night show over the water.

🎆 Saturday, July 11- Celebrate in style at Peconic Bay Vineyards’ 5th Annual Fireworks Show. Reserve a table or fire pit for dinner and drinks, or go casual, park your car, bring a picnic, and claim your spot on the grass.

🎆 Saturday, July 11- Don’t miss the magic of Shelter Island’s fireworks show on at Crescent Beach.

^{_{Nothing in this section is sponsored. They’re just fun things you need to know. We’ll always let you know when something is sponsored}}

Live Music + Fun Breakdown

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Tom Loncar- Publisher
Nicole Loncar- Editor + Partnerships