Bay Shore NY
9-09-2026 6:55pm

The Bradstock Festival

SKYLARK'S ARTICLE OF THE WEEK

There are music festivals and then there are music festivals. Bradstock is one of those festivals that stands out as a whimsical, fantastical, and exhilarating musical experience. You won't want to miss it next year.

I've been living back on Long Island for 14 years and this is the first time I've attended Bradstock. It's one of the best kept secrets around. 

A Little History Lesson and the Early Years (1994-1996)

Bradstock began in 1994 as a small, volunteer‑run Labor Day music and food event in the backyard of Bayport resident, Brad Ringhouse, and has since grown into a multi‑day festival with a strong focus on music, the arts, environmental awareness, and charitable giving. The event was such a success and was eventually named "Bradstock.” Enthusiasm led to a second festival the following year, which added two new elements: a focus on environmental issues and a commitment to raise funds for local organizations.

Expansion and Community Impact (1996–1999)

Bradstock III and IV were held at Meadowcroft in Bayport, featuring artists, environmental booths, and a growing lineup of musicians. The festivals not only entertained but also generated profits and canned food donations for local causes.

In 1998, organizers sought a new venue for Bradstock V, moving to the Flowerfield Fairgrounds in St. James. While the events were successful, higher costs and financial challenges meant Bradstock V ran in the red and Bradstock VI barely broke even, ending charitable donations for that year.

Later Developments and Legacy

The festival’s history is marked by its evolution from a backyard gathering to a community‑wide event with a strong charitable mission. Over its more than two‑decade run, Bradstock has donated over $550,000, including $350,000 to Camp‑Pa‑Qua‑Tuck, and has supported numerous local organizations such as the Long Island Maritime Museum, Friends of Connetquot River State Park, and Island Harvest.

Today, Bradstock continues to blend music, arts, environmental, and philanthropy, maintaining its roots in community spirit and volunteerism. 

This was my first time attending this amazing festival. It is currently held on the grounds of Camp‑Pa‑Qua‑Tuck. Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck – dedicated to the benefit of special needs individuals of Long Island and beyond – stands today, not from the efforts of one organization, but rather as a culmination of a tremendous wave of effort from many Rotary Clubs throughout District 7255.

Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck, The Moriches Rotary Health Camp, Inc., maintains a more than 70-year track record for making the dreams of individuals with disabilities a reality. Each year, they invite thousands of campers to enjoy a session of summer fun at our 37-acre site on the shores of Kaler’s Pond in Center Moriches.

At Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck, campers experience the joys of boating, arts and crafts, music, adaptive sports and games, swimming, campfires and more. In a supportive environment, their counselors encourage campers to reach outside their comfort zones and join with their fellow campers in activities designed to enhance their lives. This special place is now the home of Bradstock. 

Bradstock is a unique experience that is held over two days on Labor Day weekend every year. What started out in someone's backyard has now grown into a music festival that attracts free spirits who come together to share love, community, and giving back. It felt like a hippie gathering. But instead of radical ideals, this festival was filled with the sentiment that love and happiness is all we really need.

For more information, check out www.bradstock.org and www.camppaquatuck.com.

Peace and Love, 

Skylark

At 60 and Beyond, a festival like Bradstock brings us back to a day when our hearts were free.

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SKYLARK'S PICK OF THE WEEK

My pick of the week is the San Gennaro Feast of the Hamptons. This is an annual two-day festival that is held this weekend on September 12th and 13th. Check it out at www.sangennarofeastofthehamptons.com or call 631-594-8481.

SKYLARK'S HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK

The highlight of the week was attending Bradstock. I loved looking around the crowd at the beautiful outfits on women, the children frolicking while blowing bubbles, the families that came together, and the bands that performed. This was some of the best jam music around Long Island. Everything about this festival was pure joy. I have never been at an event where so many people were smiling and happy to be part of something so great. 

SKYLARK'S INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"When the world is running down, you make the best of what's still around." - The Police

SKYLARK'S PRAYER OF THE WEEK

SKYLARK'S ITALIAN PHRASE OF THE WEEK

English: When the world is running down, you make the best of what's still around.

Italian: Quando il mondo sta andando in rovina, tu fai del tuo meglio con ciò che è ancora intorno.

SKYLARK'S INTERIOR DECORATING TIP OF THE WEEK

Let's step outside for my "exterior" tip of the week. It's just about that time to start planting for next year. Gardens are an ever-evolving thing. They are never the same. Day to day and year to year, gardens change, like we do, and can surprise you in the most wonderful ways. Don't be afraid to plant a variety of flowers in your garden. Next spring, perennials and a touch of annuals can thrive together. Go ahead. Plant away.

SKYLARK'S QUESTION OF THE WEEK

What are some of your favorite flowers?

Please put your answer in the Comment section under this article. I'd love to hear from you.

SKYLARK'S SONG OF THE WEEK - WHEN THE WORLD IS RUNNING DOWN, YOU MAKE THE BEST OF WHAT'S STILL AROUND by THE POLICE

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Turn on my VCR
Same one I've had for years
James Brown on the T.A.M.I. Show
Same tape I've had for years
I sit in my old car
Same one I've had for years
Old battery's running down
It ran for years and years
Turn on the radio, the static hurts my ears
Tell me, where would I go?
I ain't been out in years
Turn on the stereo
It's played for years and years
An Otis Redding song, it's all I own
When the world is running down
You make the best of what's still around
When the world is running down
You make the best of what's still around
Plug in my MCI
To exercise my brain
Make records on my own
Can't go out in the rain
Pick up the telephone
I've listened here for years
No one to talk to me
I've listened here for years
When the world is running down
You make the best of what's still around
When the world is running down
You make the best of what's still around (whoa!)
When I feel lonely here
Don't waste my time with tears
I run Deep Throat again
It ran for years and years
Don't like the food I eat
The cans are running out
Same food for years and years
I hate the food I eat
When the world is running down
You make the best of what's still around
When the world is running down
You make the best of what's still around
When the world is running down
You make the best of what's still around
When the world is running down
You make the best of what's still around (whoa!)

MY BRAND - SKYLARK LIVE

I created my brand, Skylark Live, when I turned 60 years old and noticed a profound shift in this age. I wanted to talk about it and share what I was experiencing with the hope of helping other women as well. My brand consists of a weekly newsletter and a monthly vlog designed to motivate and inspire women over 60 to thrive in mature ageing through knowledge and self-awareness. I am open to conducting in-person conversations called The Skylark Sessions. These can be held in someone’s home or at a local library or senior center. To be continued.

Skylark Live Weekly Newsletter - My weekly newsletter, 60 and Beyond with Skylark - Living Life Inside and Outside the Home, features articles about human interest, nature, general observations, inspiration, goals, motivation, places I've been to, and ideas I want to explore. I'm open to ideas of what to write about, so let me know. I represent Bay Shore and towns beyond. There is also a calendar of events. I throw in Italian words, too, because I love the language and all things Italian. Bella Italia! As a paid subscriber, you will receive my newsletter each week in your email. That gives you a head's up. You can also advertise your business or event on my newsletter. Just click this link to subscribe: For updates, subscribe to our free newsletter! You can also become a paying subscriber.

Skylark Live Monthly Vlog - My first Monday-of-the month vlog is a recap of the articles I've written in my newsletter throughout the previous month. Then, I introduce a unique topic for the current month's vlog. You can find some of my vlogs on my YouTube channel. I also post them on my social media platforms. Just click my YouTube channel link below to subscribe: www.youtube.com/@christineskylark

$UPPORT ME:

Patreon - www.patreon.com/SkylarkLive

Substack - https://substack.com/@christinelarkin1?

Personal Shopper for Interior Decorating Accessories - www.skylarklive.org

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Thank you for your love and support! Grazie per il vostro amore e sostegno!

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