Watch 'Kickoff to a Long Island Summer' and FourLeaf Air Show at Jones Beach on ABC7
LONG ISLAND (WABC) -- Join David Novarro, Sandra Bookman and the Eyewitness News team for our 2025 edition of "Kickoff to a Long Island Summer."
Our team of Long Island reporters take you to the FourLeaf Air Show at Jones Beach State Park for all the high-flying stunts. Plus, get ready to experience the thrill of taking flight with United States Air Force Thunderbirds as headliners, as well as many other incredible performers
The FourLeaf Air Show kicks off the unofficial start of summer at Jones Beach on Long Island.
The FourLeaf Air Show takes place on May 24-25 of Memorial Day weekend, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. each day. Expect thousands to watch day one of the air show, with hundreds picking their spots in the sand early morning ahead of the action.
Memorial Day is, of course, a time to remember and honor all of the military personnel who died in service to our country.
This year, we're also marking some significant milestones, including the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Army, the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Marines. The U.S. Coast Guard is also marking its 110th anniversary this year.
The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds are one of more than a dozen teams participating in this year's air show, which includes military and civilian flights.
When it comes to aerial prowess-- it doesn't get much better than the Thunderbirds. They're the official aerial demonstration team of the United States Air Force and the headliners for this year's FourLeaf Air Show at Jones Beach.
"It's gonna be an exciting show. We bring it all with narration, music, and amazing aerobatics," Commander Nathan Malafa said.
Commander Malafa promises spectators won't be disappointed with the squadron's signature loops, rolls and maneuvers in formation.
The Thunderbirds won't be alone in the air this weekend. Several skilled civilian pilots will also be among those performing along with the Golden Knights, the U.S. Army parachute team.
And with their electric skydiving maneuvers, they've earned the nickname "Champions of the Sky."
When you think of summer on Long Island, you may think sun, surf and beautiful beaches, but it has so much more to offer.
We'll take you to the Long Island Museum in Stony Brook. Located on Suffolk County's North Shore, the 10-acre campus has entertained people of all ages for 85 years.
The museum features three campuses that provide a collection of history and art from the region. The art dates back to the 1700s, and it all has a Long Island connection.
The museum is unique in that it is also the home of quite possibly the finest horse-drawn carriage collection in the world. It provides a look back in time before the age of automobiles.
If you would like something closer to the city, then how about the Nassau County Museum of Art in Roslyn Harbor. It is located on Long Island's fabled Gold Coast. The 140 acres boast of more than 40 sculptures, miles of wooded trails, native grassland areas, and serve a gallery of rotating exhibits.
Northport is a charming village along the Long Island Sound. It has a luxury hotel, a musical theater, and more.
Dating back to the 1600s, the town combines great shopping and dining with nostalgia all around.
As you walk along Main Street, you'll notice the trolley tracks beneath your feet, a reminder of Northport's rich past that's still visible today, especially at the Engeman Theater, built in the 1930s as a single-screen movie theater. Today, it's a performing arts center.
If you want to enjoy a good glass of wine at one of the many vineyards on Long Island, you don't have to drive as far as you might think to get it.
Del Vino is a family-owned vineyard about an hour and 15 minutes from Manhattan. When you visit, you feel like you're part of the family, and that's thanks in part to owners Fred and Lisa Giachetti. Lisa grew up making wine, so all the recipes are from her family in Italy. And if the wine isn't enough to tempt you, wait until you see the spread.
Long Island is also home to many festivals. Links to the ones featured on the show are below:
Mattituck Lions Club Strawberry Festival
Lavender Festival in Manorville
Fink's Farm
----------
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News
Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.
