The fourth annual “Community Pride Day” on Saturday, May 14, was a little different this year. Of course, the regular fun, games, food and vendors were there. But this time, a special groundbreaking celebration for the Good Ground Community Garden was also part of the mix.

The annual celebration, sponsored by the Hampton Bays Education Foundation, Parent Teacher Associations and the Hampton Bays Union Free School District,  began with a 5K Run/Walk at 9 a.m. The event officially kicked off at 10:30 a.m. with the fun and games opening and the Good Ground Community Garden groundbreaking, which was named by third graders Eric Casale and Andrew Smith. 

In attendance at the groundbreaking ceremony were, among others, New York State Senator Ken LaValle, Southampton Town Council members Bridget Fleming and Chris Nuzzi, Southampton Kiwanis President Lori Schneider, Hampton Bays District Superintendent Lars Clemensen and Hampton Bays Elementary School teacher Joan Moran, who spearheaded the project. Dozens of community volunteers and residents, school officials and interested parties also turned out for the ceremony.

Popular activities this year included a car show, two bouncy castles, bouncy “jousting,” a dunk tank and live music. Additionally, local merchants and Hampton Bays school groups set up booths of items and food for purchase.