Ahoy, Matey! Fun-Filled Pirate & Mermaid Event Funds Programs For Kids

GREENPORT, NY — Mermaids and pirates a'plenty were onhand Saturday as a beloved tradition returned to Greenport during the Maritime Festival.

The "Pirate & Mermaid Breakfast" included not just mouthwatering fare but gift bags, face painters, live mermaids, and more.

The breakfast was hosted and donated by Front Street Station to benefit the Paul Drum Life Experience Project, a 501(c)(3) that "affords all children the opportunity to participate in a vast and diverse array of activities and workshops designed to open their worlds and expand their horizons," according to the organization's website. "The desired result is a broader field of interests, piqued curiosity in something outside of one's own realm of everyday experiences, and an enthusiasm for learning."

This year, Paul Drum was honored as he was named "Senator for the Day," with a proclamation from New York State Senator Anthony Palumbo.

The Paul Drum Life Experience Project, which takes place each summer, offers free classes for children ages 7 to 12, meeting once a week for eight weeks during July and August. At each weekly session a new theme of interest is presented and led by an expert in that particular field. Topics include organic gardening, forensic science, animal husbandry or rescue, journalism techniques, and more.

Last month, for example, the Paul Drum Life Experience Project gave back to the community, presenting the annual "Southold Police Kids' Funfest."

Members of the police department joined together for a morning of fun; children who attended were able to check out the mobile command center, highway vehicles, ATVs, and marine patrol vessels, as well as fingerprinting, trying on official regulation police gear, and demonstrations by motorcycle and bicycle officers.

The program grows with donations from the community, sponsors, and "fun-raisers" such as the "Pirate and Mermaid" breakfast, which is the largest fundraising event of the year, Sharon Sailor, Paul's mother, and owner of the eatery, said.

Reflecting on this year's event, Sailor said. "We are finally back to ‘normal’. The Paul Drum Breakfast was a rousing success!"

Moving the event to Saturday — the breakfast is typically held on a Sunday — presented its challenges, Sailor said.

"Staffing is a problem we are all facing, so we are now closed every Sunday. As we learn the landscape of all the events that occur on Saturdays during the Maritime Festival, we are sure we will be able to integrate and make sure that young and not-so-young get to enjoy every and all events."

Sailor also had a heartfelt "thank you" for all those that volunteered behind the scenes and the day of the event, to have everything go seamlessly.

She also thanked "all that attended, those that were there in spirit, and all have supported us over the years and who appreciate the love of, and dedication to, the community we have come to call home — not only as business owners but as humble servants."

Next up, Sailor said, is the annual Gingerbread Contest held in December.

Sailor also thanked all who have taken time out of their schedules "to 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 has also said, in the past: " I am so proud of Paul and his enthusiasm for making a difference, for the program, and for getting the most out of each day."

At the last event before the pandemic in 2019, Paul was honorary owner for the day of WLNG, 92.1 FM, a Sag Harbor-based radio station. The award was another honor for Paul, who was named Suffolk County Legislator for a day in 2018, dubbed New York State Assemblyman for the Day in 2017; Greenport Mayor for the Day in 2014, Police Chief for the Day in 2015 — Town Supervisor Scott Russell also designated a Paul Drum Day in Southold that year — and Suffolk County Executive for the Day in 2016.