Shop Downtown! Shop Northport! Photo by Drigo Morin
The Northport Leg Lamp Lighting
Here is a story about a beloved Long Island Main Street. If you’d like to skip straight to our Northport shopping guide, click here. You can find video of the 2023 event on our Facebook page. Thanks to all who joined us. This is how it all came to be:
One day, many years ago in one of the world’s biggest small towns, the mayor was visiting the neighborhood hardware store. The proprietors had been cleaning out their basement and found an old gag gift. Together, they decided to put it in the window.
It was so much fun, they did it again the next year and asked the neighbors to join them in giving it a cheer. From there, an amazing event manifested. Over nearly two decades it has grown, becoming one of Long Island’s most beloved “kick-offs” to the holiday season.
The Hardware store is long gone, but the tradition has survived. When that building became our home as The Firefly Artists, community members asked if we would please bring their celebration of community, art and a good laugh home.
We were honored. A Major Award, indeed!
Credits
Our deep, deep thanks to The Reichert Family and Former Mayor George Doll, long central to our community, for starting this tradition we are so honored to continue. We are also grateful to Mayor Donna Koch, who first called the Tigerettes to perform in the street and who now also provides the light, as well as all who join her in arranging for village, highway and police support.
At core, the Northport Leg Lamp Lighting celebrates the Northport Community; a small town on the outskirts of a giant metropolis where it’s perfectly natural for the mayor to be walking the streets and hanging out with the neighbors. It’s about small businesses and big hearts, local talent and great senses of humor. It’s about a community that will rally around the silliest of things and create something beautiful.
The Firefly didn’t really run this event, so much as serve as a vessel and a stage for the community. We are delighted to host this showcase of local talent while giving it our best to maintain the down to earth charm and supportive atmosphere that are its hallmarks. It highlights so much of what is wonderful, not only about the tradition but our own eclectic gallery and the village that nurtures both. Grateful to all who are a part of it!
Firefly was joined in all aspects of planning by The Community Playhouse of Northport, members of whom helped raise the talented techs of North Stream. Those techs, in turn, provided the the sound and lighting that made it possible to better hear and see the Northport High School Tigerettes and students of the Posey School of Dance, who perform selections from their annual Nutcracker Suite, right in the middle of Main Street. They are all fabulous!!!
Rich Lau
Amelia Lau
WELCOME REFLECTIONS BY
Mayor Donna Koch
Caroline Flynn, News12
NORTHPORT TIGERETTES
Scarlett DePaul
Margaret FitzMaurice
Gabby Mancusi
Anna Mandel
Ava Marion
Leah Rodgers
Brynn Tully
Daniela Colon
Katie Conroy
Emma Fierro
Jaelynn Irizarry
Samantha Kim
Mackenzie Kirincic
Anastasia Knudsen
Scarlett Moran
Skylar Neuf
Jessica Ochoa
Charlotte Petronella
Madison Rasizzi
POSEY SCHOOL OF DANCE
Snow Queen – Amelia Adinolfi
Party Scene – Lilyana Demarco as Clara, Rowan Flanagan, Tessa Heinzman, Ayla Pillich, Sheila Sperber, Harlow Corette,
Elizabeth Redman as Sugar Plum Fairy
YOUNG LIGHTS
Theo and Charlie Gilmore, and our new friend Benjamin
THE COMMUNITY PLAYHOUSE OF NORTHPORT
Rich Lau
Tracey DeRose
Dean Michaelides
Fabiola Mattheus
Narrated by Justin Murphy
MASTER OF CEREMONIES
Katheryn Laible
PRODUCTION MANAGER
Aly Graci
STAGE MANAGER IN PINK BUNNY SUIT
Drigo Morin
THE TECH
NorthStream
Theo Lau
Steve Caputo
THE SET
Community Playhouse of Northport
Rob Nock and James Darcy (the Crate)
Mayor Donna Koch, Village of Northport (The Leg and more, All the Admin)
Steve Caputo & Aly Graci (additional considerations)
Beth Atkinson
Drigo Morin
Highway Dept.
Northport Village Police
DESIGN AND PRODUCTION
Jennifer Lau
HOT CHOCOLATE & COOKIES
Denis Beyersdorf, The Northport Shipwreck Diner
SPECIAL APPEARANCE BY
The Northport Fire Department
LIVE MUSIC BY
The Drama Kings
It Takes a Village: Thank You Sponsors!
Northport is basically a ¼-mile strip that starts with amazing restaurants and a world-class theater. It ends with a park featuring landmark gazebos, including one at the end of a beautiful walk over the water. In between reside a whole host of lovely small businesses, many of whom are featured below.
The vast majority of what goes into this event is gifted local talent. However, when you have over 1000 people in the street, you need professional A/V so that folks can at least hear. Fortunately, people seem to love being involved with this. We set up a GoFundMe to make that as easy as possible, and were thrilled to welcome Connolly Music Company as a Sponsor.
Connolly Music Company is a family owned business that has served music shops for over 50 years. They’re the US source for an exclusive lineup of world class products and accessories, including Thomastik-Infeld instrument strings, K&M music stands and more! The owner, Jake Connolly, lives in Northport. Proud supporters of community and the arts, they are happy to be a part of this very special event. We are grateful. ❤️
2o23 Leg Lamp Merchant Raffle Donors -- THANK YOU!!!
Thank you, merchant neighbors, for filling our windows with raffle prizes!
Like so many small businesses, Northport merchants do SO MUCH for our communities ALL THE TIME. They donate to local events, charities, sports teams and more, often rolling up their sleeves to offer precious time and energy as well. They give local artists a chance and act as stewards of the historic sites that they inhabit. At the very least, they give of themselves to shops that are labors of love; delightful galleries of unique and wonderful gifts, sustenance and experience…
Pop in and support these folks who give so much. Pay attention to the sponsor listings of other local events and make time to visit those places, too. The best way to thank them is to support them. You’ll be glad you did as they generally put that very same heart into their businesses.
It’s easy to find wonderful gifts for not nearly as much as you might think, and a great way to keep all sorts of magic alive.
Here’s a guide to get you started! Thank you:
DIAMOND MERCHANTS:
The Northport Shipwreck Diner: (46 Main Street) This trolly car of a breakfast joint embedded in Main Street is iconic and delicious. We are deeply grateful that Denis Beyersdorf has stepped up to be the third generation to steward it, including continuing traditions like offering the whole town hot chocolate and cookies on this very special night. It was the former owner, Tim Hess saying “Please,” and offering warm cuppas for everyone that really got us into this event. We know this is much of what folks come for!
Silveronly.com Internet-based jewelry shop run by Firefly Mary Kiernan. Come to the Firefly for her GORGEOUS oil paintings of Crab Meadow and other vistas. Go to Silveronly.com for modestly priced sterling silver jewelry with a design to suit any taste. She has got a 100% positive rating on Ebay, and always something special in store.
PLATINUM
Clipper Ship Tea Company: (297 Main St, Huntington) Proprietor Melissa has navigated the world, studied deeply, and now curates a selection of the finest teas available. Established in 2010, the Clipper Ship Tea Company is a purveyor of 250 premium loose leaf teas sourced from countries of origin. These include both traditional teas and innovative blends which you may purchase as loose teas, pyramid sachet teabags, and sampler boxes. Once a Northport neighbor, they are now a beautiful shop in Huntington. It’s a feast for the senses, and a salve for the soul. We would follow her anywhere.
Jackie Shawn Salon: (110 Main Street) Come, de-stress and beautify. The feel of the place is a step out of time. The skill with hair and makeup is here and now. The people are lovely.
Nest on Main (135 Main Street) is a home decor marketplace that features many talented local artisans and creative entrepreneurs, including interior design experts who are delighted to help you feather your nest. Learn about them on their website, take one of their wonderful workshops, or just come on in and delight in their many and varied offerings.
Universal Touch Professional Massage (46 Woodbine Ave) Firefly Andrea Gordon is known as “the muscle whisperer.” Having been perfecting her practice for over 35 years, she offers Medical Massage, Relaxation Massage, Reflexology, Trauma Touch Therapy. Andrea takes deep pride in tailoring her therapy session to each client’s individual needs, setting up treatment plans to alleviate pain and providing resources to keep it at bay.
GOLD
Gunthers: (81 Main Street) Northport’s iconic watering hole, famed for being one of the places Jack Kerouac wrote at least a few words. Check out their website for the music lineup.
Northport Historical Society: (215 Main Street) is housed in an old Carnegie Library. They offer incredible programming and are where you can find and purchase amazing old photos.
PetPort: (40 Main Street). This is Long Island’s all natural pet supply destination. It’s the perfect place to find something special for your four-legged friend.
SILVER
Bistro 44: (44 Main Street) This well loved eatery “combines the traditional styles of New American cuisine with an elegant, modern chic ambiance.” They take great pride in each and every dish and are committed to using only the freshest produce and highest quality meats.
Brú na Bó: (33 Scudder Ave) Created by Jack Reidy, a local Irishman, Brú na Bó is Gaelic for “Palace of the Cow.” It’s a nod to Cow Harbor and a bridge from Ireland to Northport. A little bit off our beaten track, this is a treasure worth hunting; a fusion of the esthetic and history of the proprietor’s homeland, wares from local craftspeople, and artifacts that captivate the imagination. There’s lighting, furniture, art, so many things in between. If you can’t find what you’re looking for they are happy to design and craft it for you!
Cork Tree Fine Wine: (83 Main Street) Founded by John Grosso in 2013 and carried on by Raj and AJ starting in 2019, the vision is to offer well known wines to customers looking for familiarity and dependable quality, while also offering new quality wines that allow our customers to broaden their knowledge and enhance the wine experience. All their wines are approved by the staff and meet their standards before being offered to our clientele.
The Consignment Shop: (139 Main Street) Northport’s premier consignment shop upcycling men’s & women’s clothing, accessories & house goods.
Einstein’s Attic: (79 Main Street) A longtime Northport treasure of a toy shop, Einstein’s Attic is “a specialty store where imagination can take you anywhere.” Proprietor Lori Badanes is always on the hunt to improve her tremendous selection of quality toys for children of all ages – including LOTS of very cool educational toys. She follows all the trends so you don’t have to, and is also always willing to do something new and creative with the community.
Elements of Home: (91 Main Street) offers an eclectic mix of out of the ordinary gift ideas, along with new ideas in home decor. Their ever-changing merchandise will meet your needs and desires for each season, as well as those special occasions to be celebrated throughout the year.
Fame and Rebel: (162 Main Street) A “boutique for the bad ass babe,” Whether you’re seeking rocker chic or beachy boho, this clothing shop carries an “array of looks to take you from NYC to the Hamptons.” They have three locations – Port Jefferson, Patchogue and now Northport!
Hengstenberg’s Florist: (39 Main Street) has been serving the Gold Coast North Shore for over 30 years. They are committed to exceptional floral arrangement, award-winning design and unsurpassed service. We love their felted bird houses!
Posh: (83 Main Street) Owner Jasmine will tell you that shopping all over the world has taught her the importance of quality and service. With clothes ranging from small to plus sizes, her mission is to have you leave her shop feeling upbeat and confident. You can also get microblading and eyelash extensions!
Salted. On the Harbor: (70 Main Street) Proprietor & Sommelier Lindsay Ostrander has been in the restaurant industry since she was 14. Wanting “Northport to be a stamp on the map for restaurants too,” she and her family designed Salted to round out what they felt was missing. Their Chef Anthony has a resume with some of the best locations around, such as Park Place, Nisen Sushi, Matteo’s, just to name a few. With a little help from their friend Doug Brickell of the famed Cork & Kerry, their beverage savant, they bring to you carefully crafted cocktails & spirits, as well as craft beer and amazing wines chosen by the Owner/Sommelier, who for the past decade has also happened to own The Wine Cellar.
Sand City Brewing Company: (60 Main Street) The name is a nod to the industrial age of Northport, back when its sand was mined to build NYC. The company hopes we all “took something infinitesimally small and built greatness,” and invites you to reward yourself well. The bar is tucked back down the alley – a real hidden treasure. The beer is home brewed, often in collaboration with neighbors. It’s delicious.
Tami’s Harbor View Salon: (50 Woodbine avenue) Tami took over and renovated the shop in 2006. She has since been dedicated to bringing you “the latest trends and techniques in organic hair care…Creating hair that turns heads.”
The Wine Cellar on Main: (70 Main Street) Sommelier chosen wines by the glass & bottle, local craft beer, tapas & dine in menus from sister location SALTED. on the Harbor and Maroni Cuisine. The bar is also a fine art gallery. There is often live music. Follow them on Instagram and Facebook.
How blessed are we to have these folks! Go! Keep them in business for decades to come, will you? It’s totally worth it!
