Top 10 things to do on LI this week

WEEK OF AUG 4-10

1. Long Island Potato Festival

WHEN | WHERE 11 a.m.-5 p.m. next Sunday, Peconic Bay Winery, 31320 Main Rd., Cutchogue

INFO 631-940-7290, lipotatofest.com

ADMISSION $20 (free younger than 12)

Don't be a couch potato -- get up and celebrate Long Island's long history of potato farming at a festival completely devoted to the tuber. The vegetable will reign king in all styles -- chips, French fries, mashed, pancakes -- and there will be free tastings from some of the exhibitors.

Work off those spuds in potato sack and potato spoon-balancing races, along with peeling and mashed potato-eating competitions. Budding spud artists can try their hand at a mashed potato sculpting contest, and culinary artists can compete for the best potato salad award.

For history buffs, local farmers will present an exhibit of new and antique farm equipment used on potato farms. And what's a festival without live music? According to festival promoter Patrick Esposito, "the event should have something for everyone, from starch to finish."

**See story in Friday's exploreLI**

2. Great Food Truck Derby

Come hungry, pay one price and go to town feasting alfresco on a lineup of culinary delights. As you make your way 'round the trucks, you'll find the best that chefs from Manhattan to Montauk have to offer. The caravan of mobile eats includes Hamptons Foodie, Food Freaks, Noah's, Gorilla Cheese NYC and others serving tacos, barbecue, grilled cheese, desserts and more. Feeling thirsty? Local vineyards and breweries will be pouring their signature labels.

WHEN | WHERE 4-7 p.m. Friday, Hayground School, Mitchell Lane, Bridgehampton

INFO 631-537-4637, ediblemanhattan.com

ADMISSION $65 includes one serving from each truck and a nonalcoholic beverage, $20 for ages 12 and younger ($100 VIP ticket gets you early access at 3:30 p.m. and private food and drink tastings)

3. East Hampton Authors Night

Meet and mingle with more than 100 well-known authors at a tented cocktail reception at Gardiner Farm. Pulitzer Prize-winning author Robert A. Caro, celebrity writer Giada DeLaurentiis and other top writers will be there signing copies of their latest works. The East Hampton library fundraiser continues at dinner parties, where authors will be in the spotlight at private East End homes.

WHEN | WHERE 5-7:30 p.m. Saturday, 36 James Lane, East Hampton

INFO 631-324-0222, authorsnight.org

ADMISSION $100 reception only, from $250 for reception and dinner party

4. National Lighthouse Day

The historic Fire Island Lighthouse has been beaming brightly since 1858. On Thursday, its visitors are sure to be the ones all aglow as National Lighthouse Day is celebrated at the landmark with a reduced fee rate and a "Path Through History" talk and tour. Meet in the Lens Building and get an introduction to the light station's history.

WHEN | WHERE 10 a.m. Thursday, park at Robert Moses State Park, parking Field 5, Fire Island

INFO 631-661-4876, fireislandlighthouse.com

ADMISSION $1 ($10 parking)

5. KISS and Def Leppard

KISS, one of rock's most flamboyant bands, will be making waves at Jones Beach, as its "Heroes" tour arrives with fellow rockers Def Leppard. The concert celebrates KISS' 40th anniversary in music and is dedicated to fans who wanna rock and roll all night.

WHEN | WHERE 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nikon at Jones Beach Theater

INFO 800-745-3000, ticketmaster.com

ADMISSION $49.50-$253

**See story in today's Fanfare**

6. Hillary Rodham Clinton

Will she or won't she run for the presidency in 2016? Why not ask her yourself, when the former U.S. Secretary of State comes to Long Island to sign her new memoir, "Hard Choices." Entry is limited to customers who purchase the book ($35 plus tax) in advance. The event is likely to be sold out, so call ahead.

WHEN | WHERE 6 p.m. Wednesday, Book Revue, 313 New York Ave., Huntington; also 5 p.m. Aug. 16, BookHampton, 41 Main St., East Hampton

INFO 631-271-1442, bookrevue.com

**See story in tomorrow's exploreLI**

7. India Day Parade

In celebration of Indian Independence Day on Aug. 15, Bollywood actress Poonam Dhillon will lead the way as grand marshal of the India Day Parade in Hicksville. A cultural program with music, dancing and vendors presenting Indian jewelry, gifts and clothing items follows at 3 p.m. at the corner of Broadway and East Barclays Street.

WHEN | WHERE Noon Saturday along Route 107 starting at 415 S. Broadway

INFO 631-875-4612, idpusany.com

ADMISSION Free

8. Champagne party

If your bucket list includes attending a masquerade ball in a grand setting, it's time to cover up your true identity and head over to Planting Fields Arboretum for the Masquerade Garden Soiree Champagne party. The summer celebration includes a bit of the bubbly along with hors d'oeuvres, dessert and music with dancing in the grand gardens at Coe Hall.

WHEN | WHERE 7-9:30 p.m. Friday, 1395 Planting Fields Rd., Oyster Bay

INFO 516-922-8682, plantingfields.org

ADMISSION $100 ($75 police, firefighters and military)

9. Sunset cruise

Hop onboard the tall ship schooner SoundWaters and watch as the sun dips below the horizon around Port Jefferson Harbor. If you've never sailed before, you'll learn how to raise and lower the sails, and if you just want to chill, bring a picnic dinner and beverage and just relax. Bring along a sweater or sweatshirt.

WHEN | WHERE 6-8 p.m. Thursday-Sunday, Port Jefferson Village Center Dock, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson

INFO 203-406-3335, soundwaters.org/sails (reservations recommended)

ADMISSION $35 ($25 ages 5-12)

10. Craft Beer, BBQ and Wine Festival

More than 70 national and local craft brewers will set up tents at the Peconic Bay Winery for the annual event. Admission gets you a 5-ounce souvenir tasting glass with a 2-ounce pour line, plus a barbecue sandwich and a side. Visitors must be 21 or older.

WHEN | WHERE 2-5:30 p.m. Saturday, 31320 Main Rd., Cutchogue

INFO 631-940-7290, northforkcraftbeerfestival.com

ADMISSION Sold out, but check for last-minute availability