Farmingdale's Five Corners Park Almost Done; Other Events Coming

FARMINGDALE, NY — Spring has sprung! With warmer weather on the horizon, activities and dining outside in Farmingdale Village are about to pick up. There are several activities, including Easter festivities, slated for Farmingdale, according to Mayor Ralph Ekstrand.

The Five Corners Park renovation is nearly done, according to Ekstrand. Signage, lighting, and two trees are due to be added.

"The park re-opened just in time for Spring!" Ekstrand said. "Thank you Trustee Cheryl Parisi for spearheading this project - the park looks fabulous as the gateway to Main Street from Melville Road!"

The fountains at the pocket park near Northside Elementary School will be turned on soon, and new plantings will be placed throughout the village in May, according to Esktrand.

Farmingdale Village Events

The eighth annual St. Patrick's Day Parade was held on March 13. Ekstrand thanked Joe Fortuna, owner of The Nutty Irishman, for planning the parade. He also thanked those who participated and helped with the logistics. Paul Defendini, superintendent of the Farmingdale School District, served as grand marshal.

Youth Open Mic Night on March 18 was a success, Ekstrand said. He thanked John Capobianco and Vicki Gruber, co-chairs of the Cultural Arts Committee, and to Chuck and Vinny, who hosted the event, as well as those who participated and attended.

The next youth open mic night, open to people 21 years and younger, is set for Friday, April 22, at 7 p.m. To sign up, you may email openmicfarmingdale@gmail.com, or sign up at the event on a first-come, first-served basis.

The annual Easter Egg Hunt and Meet the Easter Bunny event returns to the Village Green on April 9. The egg hunt is scheduled for 11 a.m. sharp for children 11 years old and younger. Participants were asked to arrive early and bring Easter baskets, friends, and family, with weather permitting. The event is free to attend and was planned by the Farmingdale Cultural Arts Committee.

Merchant Updates

People were suggested to make early reservations for Easter brunch, lunch and dinner throughout the Village.

The Dark Horse Tavern planned a "Meet the Easter Bunny" brunch for April 16, with family fun activities on the docket from 10 a.m. to noon.

Palmer's American Grille, on Conklin Street, offers fun dinner shows, such as Murder Mystery, Psychic nights, Paint Nights, and more.

A catering space at The James Room — a collaboration of 317 Main Street and The Nutty Irishman — is coming soon.

"Congratulations to Lithology Brewing Company for winning a silver medal for the Flagship A-Frame Pilsner at the 2022 New York State Craft Beer Festival," Ekstrand said.

Library News

Debbie Podolski, director of the Farmingdale Public Library and village historian, is set to retire from her role at the library at the end of March. Podolski has been the director at the library for 20 years.

"On behalf of the Board of Trustees and myself, we thank Debbie for her wonderful contributions during her tenure - and wish her the best in her retirement," Ekstrand wrote. "Congratulations to the new Library Director, Christa Lucarelli."

A "Main Street Then & Now" exhibit started on Saturday at the library.

The village recently distributed free COVID-19 test Kits.

"Thank you to the Farmingdale School District for providing tests to the Village for distribution in the community!" Ekstrand said.