The WaterFront Center will host its 6th annual free Bay Day event on Sunday, June 4 at Beekman Beach in Oyster Bay. "New this year, and made possible with support from Marge and Fritz Coudert, Bay Day will offer a wonderful musical stage," said Gaye Verdi, executive director of The WaterFront Center. Grammy-award winning singer songwriter, Tom Chapin, will perform at noon and 2 p.m. The New York Times has recognized Chapin as, "one of the great personalities in contemporary folk music."

The day's musical stage will open at 11 a.m. with traditional sea shanties sung by the musical group STOUT. Also appearing at 1 p.m. will be Buddy Merriam and Back Roads-one of the region's top traditional bluegrass acts. "Performances will be held under a tent and some seating will be available, but participants are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and beach blankets," explained Ms. Verdi.

As always, Bay Day will offer much more than music. Children 12 years old and younger may win numerous prizes by participating in "Walk-Around Bay Day," which offers opportunities to learn about the natural environment through brief hands-on activities. Numerous not for profits will be on hand to help kids and adults learn about the environment. "Walk-Around" prizes include toys and games that help children gain an appreciation for the environment.

Bay Day will also feature free sails, on a first-come-first-serve sign-up basis, aboard the historic oyster sloop Christeen. Sails will depart at 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Long Island Paddlers, Eastern Mountain Sports will demonstrate kayak skills and offer free trial "paddles." A sailing regatta will take place, and the tall ship, Lettie G. Howard will be available for viewing at the town pier.

At 1 p.m., Oyster Bay Power and Sail Squadron will hold the annual Blessing of the Fleet. The local US Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla will offer a variety of safe boating displays and arranged for a visit from Coastie the Safety Boat. Coastie is an animated robotic cartoon character in appearance. He talks, plays music and interacts with children. Coastie teaches rules about what to do and not to do in a water emergency situation.

Blimpie Subs and Salads will have a variety of food items available for purchase. Event goers may park throughout the downtown Oyster Bay area and pick up a ride to the WaterFront Center on a free trolley. Volunteer driven golf carts will once again help ferry people up and down West End Avenue.

"The WaterFront Center is pleased to offer Bay Day as a fun way to further connect people to the environment and to the wonderful waterfront resources that exist in their community" said Gaye Verdi, executive director of the WaterFront Center. The WaterFront Center is a not for profit organization located in Oyster Bay and dedicated to teaching people about the marine environment and to promoting the safe, enjoyable use of marine resources.

To receive more information about Bay Day, please contact the WaterFront Center at 922-7245.