'Pirate & Mermaid' Breakfast Back In Greenport After Pandemic

GREENPORT, NY — A beloved tradition returns to Greenport this year as the Paul Drum "Pirate & Mermaid Breakfast" unfolds.

This year's event will be held on Saturday, September 24 from 10 a.m. until noon and includes breakfast, gift bags, face painters, live mermaids, and more.

As always, the breakfast will be 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 will be named "Senator for the Day," with a proclamation from New York State Senator Anthony Palumbo.

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.

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, said.

The popular event draws crowds to Front Street Station each year, where young and old enjoy pirates, mermaids, food, fun, face painting, balloons, goodie bags, sea shanties, photos, a treasure chest full of loot and delicious fare.

Sailor 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 added: "I am humbled by the community support, at how quickly the PDLEP has grown, at the number of children who attend the classes. 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."

The breakfast, she said, "is a merriment-filled event for all ages, where your donation goes right back to the community and merriment and happiness abound for a few hours."

Tickets cost $20 and are available at Front Street Station, located at 212 Front Street in Greenport, in advance or on the day of the event. Tickets can also be purchased at the Paul Drum Life Experience Project website.