Mangano Announces Medieval Festival At Sands Point Preserve

SEPTEMBER 10th – 11th and 17th – 18th

The Sands Point Preserve great lawn, baronial Castle Gould and Hempstead House provide the perfect backdrop for the annual Medieval Festival. The popular weekend event, which features knights in shining armor, medieval archers and kings and queens, takes place this year on September 10th - 11th and 17th – 18th, from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., announced Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano.

Each day, the festival begins with a procession of the royal court to the viewing stands, followed by battles among knights in shining armor armed with swords, maces and battle axes. Twice a day, jousting matches are held on the lawn behind Hempstead House, and exhibitions of archery skill by medieval bowmen and “fight the knight” demos (Visitors are invited to try their hand at these ancient endeavors) are offered several times a day. At the close of each day, there is the “storming of Castle Gould” to free the captured queen, followed by a meeting of the Royal Court to determine the fate of the queen’s kidnappers.

Throughout the day, the historic atmosphere is enhanced with period entertainment, including instrumentalists, madrigal singers, a dance troupe and a traditional Maypole dance, as well as a medieval-style puppet show performed by noted puppeteer Fred Greenspan. Other activities include a fashion show featuring the ornate costumes of lords and ladies, craftspeople demonstrating a variety of fine skills, and games for children and adults.

During the Medieval Festival, all visitors to the Sands Point Preserve pay the Festival admission of $12 for adults and $6 for children ages 4 - 14. Children under 4 years of age are free with a parent.

Perhaps the most impressive of the North Shore’s early-20th-Century estates, Sands Point first served as the home of railroad heir Howard Gould and was later purchased by Daniel and Florence Guggenheim. The 216-acre preserve, located by the Long Island Sound, is dominated by the massive Hempstead House and Castle Gould, with a second mansion, “Falaise,” overlooking the Sound. Falaise will be open for tours from 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. during Festival weekends. An additional fee will be charged for the tour.

In addition to the homes, Sands Point has beautiful walking trails, wooded areas and a shoreline. It is located at 127 Middleneck Road in Sands Point, about six miles north of Long Island Expressway Exit No. 36 (Searingtown Road). For more information, call (516) 571-7900 or visit www.nassaucountyny.gov/parks.