Land Based Events
Great South Bay Power Squadron is not just a summer club. Our members enjoy many activities far from the water. Some of our member have sold there boats but remain active by attending our land based events.
Monthly Meetings
Monthly from January to June, and September to November we have a general meeting of our membership. This is where we communicate the upcoming events, what’s new in the squadron, introduce new members, and have a guest speaker about a boating related topic. The meetings are often catered which is offered to members at a nominal fee. While attendance is encouraged, attendance at the meeting is completely optional and there are no meeting requirements to maintain membership.
Annual Change of Watch Dinner Dance
Annually the Squadron hosts a Change of Watch Dinner Dance to celebrate our anniversary and our new bridge officers. The Change of Watch is one of the few formal events that we have. The change of watch is a black tie event that is held at a venue of the new commanders choice. Generally it is with top shelf open bar, and a luxury dining experience. All members of district are invited, but generally attendance is our Squadron.
Safe Boating Week Picture
Ready, Set, Wear It! Life Jacket World Record Day (May 19, 2018): Thousands of people from around the world attempt to set the world record for the most life jackets worn and inflatable life jackets inflated on one day. These events are photographed and documented to record how many people attended and wore their life jacket (verifed by the NSBC). The record to beat this year is 10,917.
After the squadron picture which is usually taken at a marina, restaurant on the water, or maritime museum, we have a lunch for those that attended.
Ducks Game
District III annually attends one Long Island Ducks baseball game. We are invited on the field before the game to both present the colors and promote ourselves to the public. The event includes lunch in the stadium (buffet style) and is generally on a Fireworks night!
Memorial Day Parade
Each memorial day Great South Bay Power Squadron is invited by the American Legion, Post 411, to participate in the parade down main street in East Islip. Traditionally when the parade is over, the commander invites those that participated to a barbecue.
Spring/Fall Conferences
District III hosts two conferences per year, one in the spring and one in the fall. The conferences are both a social gathering of all members in District III, and a way for district to communicate news and upcoming events. The Fall conference is geared more toward education, and seminars on topics that boaters would be interested in are offered at no charge to members. The District Change of Watch is also held at the conference, and an dinner dance follows.
Barn Dance
St. John’s Annual Barn Dance is held in November of each year at the Lindenhurst Firemen’s Pavilion. The event includes dinner and dancing all night! It features Brooklyn’s famous live Square Dance Band; The Barn Stormers! Along with Square Dance Caller – Don Coy
& Line Dance Instructor Dot Coy Square, Line & Popular Dancing Hero Sandwiches – Salads – Snacks – Beer – Wine – Soda. It includes a Sheriff, Marrying Minister, Jail, & Door Prizes Raffle Table with Fabulous Prizes!
Sponsored by the St. John’s Barn Dance Committee
Holiday Party
Our holiday party commences with cocktails and conversation followed by Dinner and Dancing. The venue is chosen by the Commander and Administrative Officer and varies from year to year. Guests can always expect a great food and great music. There is always an open bar all evening and a formal sit down dinner. To give back to the community we ask all guests bring a donation for Toys for Tots.
