This week in Huntington newsletter: May the Fourth be with you — and stay safe out there

It's Fourth of July weekend — and not only that, it's the semiquincentennial. Have you mastered how to pronounce that yet?

Actually, the Town of Huntington won’t officially celebrate America’s 250th birthday until July 18. According to town historian Robert Hughes, the first and maybe only documented public reading of the Declaration of Independence on Long Island happened in Huntington on July 22, 1776. So in celebration of that, for the past 50 years, the Huntington Militia — a group of men, women and children who re-create 18th century civilian and military life — have reenacted the events of that day on the weekend closest to that date.

But there will be plenty of partying this weekend. And because increased celebrations are expected on the water, Town Supervisor Ed Smyth announced temporary reduced speed zones within the town’s waterways. From 8:30 to 11 p.m. on Saturday, July Fourth, boaters will be held to a strict 5 mph speed limit.

Be safe out there and happy birthday, America. Wishing you at least another 250.

What's your favorite Fourth of July memory? Let me know at deborah.morris@newsday.com.

Elsewhere in town

• Online retailer John’s Crazy Socks is returning to Huntington after time spent in Farmingdale. Newsday business reporter Tory N. Parrish says the company is seeking to regain its footing, ahem, in a brick-and-mortar store in the town where the business was first established.

• Check out this feature on Newsday TV with my colleague Ken Buffa, who makes a visit to Signorama, a Huntington Station-based sign shop.

• Farmers markets are now in full swing. Check out where my colleague Erica Marcus recommends you visit in Huntington, as well as two new markets to check out elsewhere. 
• My colleague Laura Albanese spoke with former Harborfields High School baseball player Sean Keys, who now plays for the Toronto Blue Jays. Read the story here.

Things to do

Check out these fun and interesting things to do around town in the coming week.

Yoga in the Walled Garden

When: Wednesday, July 8, 6 p.m.

What: A rejuvenating hour of yoga and meditation in the Walled Garden at Caumsett state park.

Where: Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, 25 Lloyd Harbor Rd., Huntington

Information: Please bring your own mat and water, and wear comfortable clothing. RSVP requested.

Lyme Disease Information and Prevention Seminar

When: Thursday, July 9. Check-in at 1:45 p.m., program begins at 2.

What: The event is to raise awareness about Lyme disease, provide valuable prevention strategies, and offer support and resources. It's presented by town board member Theresa Mari in partnership with Northwell Health.

Where: Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington 

Information: For more information, go to Mari's Facebook page.

The Long Island Public Arts Festival event 

When: Wednesday, July 8, 6 p.m.

What: Ribbon cutting ceremony of the Long Island Public Arts Festival 250 - The Liberty Trail. 

Where: Heckscher Park, Prime Avenue, Huntington

Information: The installation features seven monumental, triangular prisms showcasing contemporary works centered around Heritage, Unity and Liberty. The Long Island Public Arts Festival is three months of public art, workshops and community showcased on both the North and South Shores. For more on the event, go here. 

Find more things to do at newsday.com/lifestyle.