🌱Heritage Country Fair Heads To Smithtown + Inspired Muralists Needed

Welcome back, Smithtown! I'm here in your inbox today to get you up to speed on everything you need to know about what's going on around town. In today's issue, you'll get updates on:

• Mural contest underway in St. James.
• A dramatic yet successful rescue at Lake Ronkonkoma.
• Heritage Country Fair comes to town in September and more!

But first, today's weather: Mostly cloudy, showers around. High: 74, Low: 67.

Here are the top four stories today in Smithtown:

1. Attention artists in the Smithtown township, St. James needs you to bring your talent and colors to the neighborhood! A mural contest is underway. For all who want to participate, the art event will be permanently displayed at a historic theater in St. James with the theme "The History of the Town of St. James." Sketches will be accepted through Sept. 1 and can be submitted to CelebrateStJames@gmail.com or mailed to 459 Lake Ave., St. James, NY 11780. (Smithtown Patch)
2. An intense, successful rescue took place at Lake Ronkonkoma. A 59-year-old-kayaker suffered a medical emergency but was pulled into safety by first responders. The help was brought up by an eyewitness who called 911 just in time. (Smithtown Matters)
3. The Smithtown Historical Society is hosting its Annual Heritage Country Fair in September! This unique event promises to fill the neighborhood with the magic of history, live music, and many other attractions that will undoubtedly enrich the community. Tickets are $5 per person and should be purchased in advance as it's one of the most popular events! Please, visit Smithtown.org/heritagefair or contact 631-265-6768 for details. (Smithtown Patch)
4. Labor Day is approaching, and as many Long Islanders plan to hit the roads, it's time to plan your road trip around the weather conditions, gas prices, expected traffic, and more! Patch journalist Jerry Barmash gives tips to all travelers out there. (Patch)

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Today in Smithtown:

Thursday, August 24

• Long Island Coffee & Coworking at Sweetwater Coffee. (10 a.m.)
  
• Lobsterfest at Flowerfield in St. James. (Noon)
• Thursday Movie of the Week — "A Good Person" at SmithLib. (1:30 p.m.)
• Ladies' Night at Prato 850 in Commack. (5 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Just a friendly reminder that the St. James Farmers Market is still at full speed! Come out to support local businesses on Saturday, Aug. 26, and to support over 40 vendors. Other activities include live music, face painting, and more! (Smithtown Gov.)
• Patch: "Former Suffolk County Police Chief James Burke was arrested Tuesday after soliciting a male undercover officer, Suffolk County Police Commissioner Rodney Harrison said at a press briefing Tuesday." (Patch)
• Sweetbriar Nature Center: "Just having lunch with some friends. Our Bluejays releases are making their rounds welcoming all new visitors. Within a few more days they will be completely independent, finding the food they need in the natural world." (Sweetbriar Nature Center via Facebook)
• Smithtown Kickers Soccer Club: "Congratulations to our U10 Smithtown Phoenix for coming in second place in their division at the Long Island Classic this weekend! Great work, girls!" (Smithtown Kickers Soccer Club via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• The North Shore Injury Lawyer — (Visit website)
• Add your business here

Featured events:

• Community Drive-In Movie-DC League of SUPER PETS. (August 24)
• The WICC Surfside Hotel Greatest Bluefish Tournament on Earth. (August 26)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday off right! I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning with another update.

— Debora Whitehead

About me: Have a story idea? Please contact me! I would love to hear from you! Wife, mom, foodie, traveler, and nature lover.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Smithtown Patch newsletter? Contact me at Smithtown@Patch.com.