The fourth annual Bay Day is promising to be one of the best events yet. Held on the shores of Beekman Beach in Oyster Bay, the event, set for Sunday, June 6, has been expanded to include a regatta in the Harbor and evening clam bake fundraiser and silent auction.

Organized by the nonprofit The Waterfront Center, Bay Day is Oyster Bay's only event dedicated to celebrating maritime traditions, water sports as well as community education. Bay Day will offer free kayak and sailing lessons, the wacky Anything That Floats Race, a learn how to fish program, a U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety Expo, a marine flea market, Sand Olympics, and sails aboard the historic 40-foot oyster sloop, Christeen.

Bay Day would not be possible without the volunteers who are instrumental in organizing the event. This year, sisters Jaime and Erin Van Dyke of Oyster Bay, are serving as co-chairs of Bay Day. Not only have they grown up in a "water oriented" family (Erin had her first powerboat at age 12 and Jaime bought a sailboat a few years ago), the young women are involved in a variety of community organizations and foundations geared toward helping their neighbors, and their enthusiasm shines through.

"The volunteers are the people who make Bay Day such a big success each year," said Jaime Van Dyke. "We have one of the most beautiful harbors in the world and we want people to utilize the natural resources that are available to them. Bay Day brings people to the waterfront - whether it's being out on a boat, fishing or strolling on the beach."

"Some people may have lived in the Oyster Bay area their entire lives and have never seen a regatta," said Erin Van Dyke. "There is a big disconnect between downtown Oyster Bay and the waterfront. Bay Day connects people to the shores of Long Island Sound and helps educate them about the beauty available to them."

Although plans for Bay Day have been under way for months, the event still needs volunteers on the day of the event, said Jaime Van Dyke. No specialized skills are necessary, only the willingness to participate and have fun. Some tasks include: greeting people at the welcome center; directing people to events, making announcements and helping to set up and breakdown. If you have a few hours or the entire day free, why not get involved in Bay Day this year and volunteer. For more information, please call Volunteer Coordinator, Lynn Basnight, at The Waterfront Center at (516) 922-SAIL (7245).