Drumming, Dancing and Petitioning at Sagg Main Beach

For eight years, the Escola de Samba Boom drumming group led by Richard Siegler of Shelter Island has been meeting at in Sagaponack to practice and play Samba. Siegler said he is happy every week when around 30 drummers show up to teach them and enjoy the "organic experience." After sunset, the drumming transitions to an African drumming circle sometimes led by Dan Bailey.

The Monday night beach community has grown substantially over the years, and the parking problem has as well. A Southampton Town permit is required to park in the Sagg Main Beach lot. When the permit-only spaces are taken, beach goers have been parking on the roads leading to the beach. Every year there are more no-parking signs, and in recent years the police have started to make their presence known on the beach reminding beach goers that at 9 p.m. their cars will be ticketed.

The foot-patrolling police officers said they are also there because it makes sense, since there are hundreds of people gathered there. They also warn about necessary beach-driving and fire-burning permits, as well as a $100 ticket after 9 p.m.

At this Monday's gathering, petitions were circulated urging the town to allow cars to remain in the parking lot after 9 p.m.

In favor of extended parking hours and in attendance as a drummer was . He said that no other East End towns have this restriction and taxpayers should be able to park in a town beach parking lot at whatever time they choose. He said he agrees with the public taking action by circulating petitions and speaking out when their rights are being taken away.

Despite the petitions, the vibe at the beach was positive to say the least. Drummers inspired people of all ages and backgrounds to dance, hula hoop or just sit back and enjoy the music.