Suffolk Celebrates America 250 While Promoting the Blue Economy
By Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine
Suffolk County’s America 250 Committee, aptly named ‘Suffolk250’, recently welcomed 30,000 people to scenic Port Jefferson during the county’s second annual Oyster Jamboree.
This second jamboree was coined the “Oyster Jamboree & Frolic” in homage to the 18th century frolics that would have taken during the revolutionary period. By combining a preexisting event with America250, our county was able to leverage a built-in audience and New York State ‘America 250’ funding to make something truly special.
The yearly collaboration primarily benefits the Long Island Oyster Growers Association, whose membership sells locally grown shellfish at the Jamboree. With the recent inclusion of Port Jefferson, the entirety of downtown Port Jefferson’s business benefited as well.
The private sector response was enormous. Northwell’s Mather Hospital opened its parking lot to accommodate additional attendees and North East Aviation Services donated a fly-over during the event. The Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce and Village even teamed up to close down Mainstreet and host a craft fair on the same day.
Port Jefferson’s Harborfront Park in Port Jefferson had 14 local seafood growers, a beer and wine garden, historic reenactors and informational tents from county departments and our local partners.
Attendees heard about the benefits of the Aquaculture Leasing Program of Suffolk County and the positive ecological impact of Oyster Growers. One Oyster or Clam filters 50 gallons of water per day.
Many town historians and historical societies had tents and shared their communities’ revolutionary ties.
While Long Island is most famously known for the lost battle of Long Island, fought in modern day Brooklyn, Suffolk County was home to the Culper Spy Ring that provided General Washington with vital information during the war.
Suffolk County residents are looking forward to more Suffolk 250 events which can be found Suffolk250.org.