Celebrating Independence Day on horseback

There were no thundering pyrotechnics Monday at Sagamore Hill. And that seemed just fine with the thousands of people who spent their Independence Day at Theodore Roosevelt's Cove Neck home.

"It's a gentle place," said Ghyll Simoneschi, of Hicksville, as she sat near the home's red, white and blue bunting-draped porch.

"You're close to history," added her husband, Vito.

For like-minded families -- those seeking a backward-looking afternoon -- the National Historic Site's 83-acre grounds presented options. A top hat-clad storyteller held court under a beech tree, children competed in sack races and tug-of-war, and renowned Roosevelt interpreter James Foote appeared.

But the "anchor event," as staff put it, was the Rough Riders Calvary demonstration. Nassau-Suffolk Horsemen's Association re-enactors rode in formation and wielded sabers on the enemy -- in this case, heads of cabbage on a post.

"I get to play with all the toys my mother wouldn't let me as a kid," joked Bill Uhlinger, the horsemen's association president emeritus. "I've got a horse, a pistol and a saber."

Park rangers say the annual free event draws roughly 2,500 people, but midday, there appeared to be many more. Cars backed up a mile down Cove Neck Road trying to park.

By then, Jim and Ann Battistelli were already relaxing in the shade, a cooler and their dog Jasper (wearing an American Flag scarf) between them. The Bethpage residents prefer the event not only because it's free but also, without fireworks, it's pet-friendly.

"You can walk down to the water, or you can just explore," said Ann Battistelli. "You can really kill a day here."