Southampton - Southampton Village kicked off their first annual SeptemberFest on Saturday, September 24, 2011. SeptemberFest was started with the hope of reminding people that Southampton is not just a summer destination. The event brought out locals and attendees visiting to watch and participate in the various activities held throughout Southampton Village. Many of the stores in Southampton Village took advantage of the large crowds by having sales ranging anywhere from 20 percent to 50 percent off numerous items.

One of the finished products by Maniac Pumpkin Carvers. (Nicole Barylski)

At the Southampton Historical Museum, the ninth annual Harvest Day Fair was held where attendees could partake in a variety of family friendly activities. Harvest Day is a celebration of 19th century life with demonstrations including basket makers and bookmakers. Also at the Southampton Historical Museum guests could enjoy wagon rides, The Ninth Virginia Company C Militia who performed a drill and fire, Shinnecock dancers who performed traditional and contemporary Native American dancing, while a Long Island Livestock sheep sheering demonstration was held, and children enjoyed Long Island Livestock's petting zoo with sheep, llamas, alpacas and pigs. A group of artisan vendors were also on hand selling handcrafted items from all over Long Island.

Music could be hear throughout town including performances by Jim Turner at Golden Pear, Ahmed Ali at the Parrish Art Museum Grounds, Nick Kerzner at the Chamber of Commerce, and Charles Certain at the Parrish Art Museum Grounds.

The Parrish Art Museum Grounds was home to arts, food and music. Friends of the Rogers Memorial Library held a book sale with a variety of genres available. Many local vendors were available to purchase a variety of food including pies and bread from the Blue Duck Bakery, gourmet Greek desserts from Greek Sweets Inc., a variety of flavors of olive oils and vinegars from Arlotta, fluke, sea bass and ocean scallops from Catch of the Day Local Seafood with Olivia Rae, and fresh produce from Balsam Farms.

Part of the Long Island Livestock's petting zoo. (Nicole Barylski)

Also at the Parrish Art Museum Grounds attendees could watch performances by a Prelude String Ensemble and Jester Jim whose juggling and beatboxing performance delighted children. Children also enjoyed juggling, balloon art and face painting by Kathy. In front of Village Hall Maniac Pumpkin Carvers put on a show teaching viewers unique designs for pumpkin carving this Halloween and children were able to paint their own miniature pumpkins.

Agawam Park was the place to be for those who were hungry. While enjoying a performance by Leah Laurenti people could enjoy a variety of food and beverages from local vendors including the Golden Pear, Clam Man, Pure Cool Water and a chowder contest judging.

At the Southampton Cultural Center Steve Watson gave a jazz performance and people could view a juried art show. SeptemberFest finished with a live performance of John Steinbeck's "Of Mice and Men."

The Southampton SeptemberFest's first year was a great success and had something to offer everyone, who can't wait for next year's festivities.