A DAY IN SPRINGS

Not since 1948, for East Hampton 300th birthday, has the hamlet of Springs held such an all-inclusive celebration of its talents and attractions as will be offered on Sept. 12, a Saturday.

The community's contribution to the town's 350th will be a day-long affair, on land and water, with something happening someplace at every moment. Not everything will appeal to everyone, but anyone should be able to find something they like.

Several events will take place on or near Accabonac Harbor - a regatta with all sorts of prizes for decorations, a canoe and/or kayak paddle, a wade through the sand flats for marine life, and, the night sky permitting, stargazing. At Three Mile Harbor, wooden boats and other classic vessels will be on view, baymen will demonstrate pound-trap hauling, and there will be a snapper derby.

Guided tours of Green River Cemetery and the "heart of Springs" near Pussy's Pond, a sandcastle contest, and Fred Overton's rendition of his grandmother Margaret Miller's clam chowder recipe - the centerpiece of a Springs Firehouse supper - are other highlights. The day will culminate in dancing to live music on the Ashawagh Hall lawn.

Complete schedules, with exact times and places, are available at almost all retail outlets in Springs, and at the East Hampton train station, the site of the 350th anniversary committee's information and sales mart.

I.S.