Aug. 12: Challenge of the Bands, Fire Drill at Nursery and More

Capping off a busy week in Malverne and West Hempstead, today we look at how the Malverne Volunteer Fire Department put the Woodland Nursery property to good use. (If you missed yesterday's interview with the site's owner, .)

We also check in with the local, Nassau-County-owned Crossroads Farm and share some fun events happening in the area this weekend, starting tonight with the annual youth board's Challenge of the Bands.

Here are your top headlines for Aug. 12.

1. Challenge of the Bands: Four up-and-coming music groups will perform in Malverne tonight in the youth board's Challenge of the Bands. The outdoor concert will start at 7 p.m. in Commuter Parking Lot #3, behind the stores on Hempstead Avenue, Francis Street and Trinity Place. Winners will receive prizes. Don't miss this fun local tradition.
2. 9/11 Impact: In the coming weeks, Malverne-West Hempstead Patch will be looking back at 9/11 through local residents' experiences. If you would like to share your story, write or call the editor: Tara.Conry@Patch.com or 516-220-6621.
3. Fire Drill at Woodland: Days before the of the buildings at the old Woodland Nursery in Malverne, volunteer firefighters began ripping apart the structures for their own purposes. Check out the photos and footage from Thursday night's fire training at the site later on Patch.
4. Weekend Guide: Concerts, a charity swim-a-thon, a golf outing and tennis tournament - it's all happening around the neighborhood this weekend. Check back this afternoon for our "Get Out" guide to discover all the fun events taking place near you this Saturday and Sunday.
5. Farm Update: Want to know what fresh, locally-grown organic produce is on sale at the Nassau-County-owned in Malverne? At 2 p.m. our weekly "On the Farm" column will tell you about all the fruits, veggies, flowers, cheese, eggs and other products you can expect to find now at the farmer's market. Plus, learn about a unique event the farm will host this Saturday and their latest wish list.