Keeping a legacy alive in Brightwaters

Former mayor of Brightwaters Joseph McNulty participated in his first ice cream social when he was a young boy living in Pennsylvania. His church hosted an annual ice cream social in which the congregation would come together for a time of laid-back fun. Once McNulty became the mayor of Brightwaters, he began the annual ice cream social in Brightwaters about 25 years ago, bringing residents together to catch up with their neighbors and enjoy live music and a sweet treat.

The annual event is now one of the oldest events and traditions in the Village of Brightwaters. As Joseph McNulty’s 18 devoted years as mayor came to an end in 2014, the Board of Trustees voted to name the event in his honor. Following his death in October of 2022, the event serves as a tribute to Mayor McNulty and his legacy as mayor.

Wohseepee Park was full of delicious hot dogs, ice cream sandwiches, and live music on Sunday, Aug. 25.

West Islip Symphony Orchestra once again performed a variety of live music during the Mayor Joseph McNulty Ice Cream Social, with conductor Paul Little leading the group.

“It is such a wonderful thing. We kind of tie the whole event together in a way. Of course, everyone is going to come for the hot dogs and the ice cream, but it is not really a party, or a picnic, or an ice cream social, until you have music,” said Little. “And what better way to do music than live music? And what better way to do live music than to have a symphony come and play not just works from classical repertoire, but rock-and-roll, and jazz, and pop songs, and keep it light, entertaining, and fun?”

Troop 430 volunteered their time to help distribute hot dogs and Carvel ice cream saucers, which were donated by the McNulty family.

“We gave out about 540 hot dogs, and over 600 ice creams,” noted mayor John Valdini.

The well-attended event will continue to be a village staple for years to come, continuing to foster the sense of community and togetherness that Joseph McNulty intended it to be.