Watch Kickoff to a Long Island Summer

LONG ISLAND (WABC) -- Join David Novarro, Sandra Bookman, Brittany Bell and the Eyewitness News team for "Kickoff to a Long Island Summer!"

You won't see military planes soaring overhead this Memorial Day weekend, but the sky will still put on a dazzling display.

For the first time ever, Jones Beach will host a drone light show over the Atlantic Ocean. On Monday night at 9 p.m., 1,000 drones will take flight in a patriotic performance, lighting up the sky in celebration of the holiday.

And that's just the beginning.

Visitors can step back in time at a newly created historical village featuring re-enactors portraying George Washington and fellow revolutionaries on horseback. There will even be staged signings of the Declaration of Independence, along with live performances, music, and a dedicated play area for children.

As an added bonus, parking is free all weekend.

But this is only the start of what's shaping up to be an exciting summer across Long Island.

With its mix of small-town charm and big-city energy, the region offers endless possibilities for day trips - whether you're traveling by car or train. Highlights include Nassau County's Museum Row, the iconic Hamptons, and countless experiences out on the water.

And speaking of the water, nature is putting on quite a show of its own.

Whale sightings are becoming increasingly common, with experts saying these majestic animals may be returning to Long Island waters in numbers not seen in generations. It's a spectacular sight that's drawing attention from locals and visitors alike.

Brittany Bell takes us on a whale-watching adventure happening right in your backyard.

And there's more beneath the surface.

Suffolk County remains a top destination for oysters, but this year's harvest is being closely watched. We take a look at how this past winter's icy conditions may impact the region's seafood supply.

Finally, as Long Island celebrates America, we explore a fascinating chapter of history, Washington's spy trail, and uncover the secrets that helped shape the nation's fight for independence.

Below you will find some of the many events happening at state parks on Long Island through the summer and beyond as part of the America 250 celebration.

May 30, 10 AM - 12 PM | Belmont Lake State Park: Colonial Cooking - Learn how colonialists grew and cooked their food as well as popular recipes from this time. Watch as Diane Schwindt from the Ketcham Inn cooks food over an open-air hearth and then sample items that she cooked! 40 people max.

June 6, 10 AM - 12 PM | Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve: Hike Through History - Go on a hike through Long Island's role in Revolutionary History in a year-long series highlighting how local sites played a role during the American Revolution.

June 14, 10:30 AM - 12 PM | Caleb Smith State Park Preserve: Flag Code of the Revolution - Explore how our flag has evolved over the past 250 years, and how flag code was useful communication during the Revolutionary War. Go on a guided hike to decode a spy letter using flag code and create a flag of your own to take home.

June 20, 11 AM - 12:30 PM | Hempstead Lake State Park: Spy Through Parks - Become a code breaker like Washington's spies! Learn how the Culper Spy Ring used codes during the American Revolution, then try to crack the secret codes for real!

August 2, 1 - 3 PM | Connetquot River State Park Preserve: He Dared To Sign: William Floyd - Long Islander William Floyd dared to sign the Declaration of Independence for New York in 1776. In doing so he risked his life, family and fortunes. But he didn't sign on July 4th! Most of the men signed today, August 2, 250 years ago! This talk will cover Floyd's life and times and the actual signing of the Declaration, along with 3 other New Yorkers.

August 15, 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM | Caleb Smith State Park Preserve: Hike Through History - Go on a hike through Long Island's role in Revolutionary History in a year-long series highlighting how local sites played a role during the American Revolution.

September 4, 6 PM - 8 PM | Connetquot River State Park Preserve: Spy Through Parks - Become a code breaker like Washington's spies! Learn how the Culper Spy Ring used codes during the American Revolution, then try to crack the secret codes for real!

October 4, 10 AM - 12 PM | Sunken Meadow State Park: Hike Through History - Go on a hike through Long Island's role in Revolutionary History in a year-long series highlighting how local sites played a role during the American Revolution.

October 17, 1 - 3 PM | Nissequogue River State Park Preserve: Unfinished Revolutions: First Nations - The American Revolution itself was imperfect and many Native Americans did not benefit from its ideals of liberty and freedom. Learn more about the ongoing struggle of New York's Indigenous communities to achieve the ideals of the Revolution from author Travis Bowman and Montaukett Executive Director Sandi Brewster-Walker.

November 14, 10:30 AM - 12 PM | Connetquot River State Park Preserve: Revolutionary Remedies: The Women Who Healed a Nation - Explore the overlooked medical work of women during the American Revolution. We'll highlight the nurses, caregivers, Indigenous healers, and enslaved African women whose herbal knowledge, improvised remedies, and daily labor sustained the Continental Army. Through a hands-on activity, visitors will discover how ordinary women used extraordinary ingenuity to keep a nation alive.

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