Annual Southold Police Kids' Fun Fest Postponed In Greenport Due To Wednesday's Weather

GREENPORT, NY — Wednesday's heaving rain and flooding have prompted the postponement of the annual Kids Fun Fest, originally scheduled for Greenport.

"The annual Kids Fun Fest has been postponed due to the forecasted weather conditions," Southold Town Police said. "A new date will be announced soon. We look forward to seeing everyone on the new date."

Earlier, organizer Sharon Sailor said she'd spoken to Southold Town Police Chief Steve Grattan and with an eye toward safety, the event would be rescheduled.

Lifetime bonds between children and police are forged each year at the annual "Southold Police Kids' Fun Fest," held at Mitchell Park in Greenport.

The event, which provides fun for adults and kids alike, is presented by the Paul Drum Life Experience Project, and, according to Paul Drum's mother, Sharon Sailor, was organized to build positive rapport between the Southold Police Departments and kids.

"It's letting them know to not to be afraid," she said. "In the back of their minds the interaction plants the seed early they have somewhere to turn if they are in trouble."

The goal, she added, is "bringing the community together, rather than dividing us."

All the Paul Drum Life Experience programs, which are offered free for children ages 7 to 12, are designed to enlighten and enrich young minds, she said.

"This event does the same for all people. Positivity and change start to domino with the smallest spark! This event is our spark," Sailor said.

In past years, Sailor has thanked the entire Southold Town Police Department, as well as their K-9 partners, and also, the Riverhead and Southampton Police Departments,, who also provided their K-9 partners "to execute a fascinating demonstration. I also want to thank Arlene Klein — my right hand— and our board members, the parents, kids, and residents that turned out to make our events a smashing success."

It's not the first time Paul has worked together with the Southold Police Department: In 2015, he was named Police Chief for the Day.

The Paul Drum Life Experience Project, according to the organization's website, "affords children the opportunity to participate in a vast and diverse array of activities and workshops designed to open their worlds and expand their horizons," with an eye toward broadening fields of interest, piquing curiosity, and sparking an enthusiasm for learning.

"It all started with a young man's enthusiasm. Paul Drum was seeking a way to give back to the generous community who unconditionally accepted and supported him," the site explained.

Today, the free program is designed for children meeting during the summer months. At each weekly session a new theme of interest is presented and led by an expert in that particular field. Varied topics may include signing for hearing children, robotics, touring an electric power plant, shark study, and more.

Still ahead this year are free programs including "Scales and Tails," a turtle and reptile program, "Seahorses & Eelgrass," and "Nick the Ballonatic," with balloon animals and games.

The program grows with money provided by donations from the global community, generous sponsors, and "fun-raisers" including the "Pirates and Mermaids" breakfast held at Front Street Station.

Sailor thanked all who "support us, and especially Paul and his program. He sends an important message to the disabled community that no matter what your station or handicap one can always find a way to be involved and give back."

Sailor, who shares a deep bond of love with her son, reflects on her pride in her son's accomplishments: "Paul has given more back to the community than many with no 'handicaps' at all. He is passionate about being able to develop something that will leave a legacy, while at the same time, bettering where he lives."