Montauk's 37th Annual Fall Festival Coming Soon

MONTAUK, NY — A beloved tradition is back again this year as Montauk’s 37th Annual Fall Festival and Chowder Contest, sponsored by the Montauk Chamber of Commerce, returns Oct. 6 to 7 on Columbus Day Weekend.

The event, the chamber's major annual fundraiser since 1981, attracts hundreds of visitors and locals each year to Montauk.

“People love, and line up early for, chowder selections from our local restaurants — it seems the clam soup signifies the essence of Montauk for visitors and the community,” Laraine Creegan, executive director of the chamber, said.

Participants purchase two mugs sold at the chamber a day before or on the day of the event, which starts at 11 a.m. and lasts until the chowder runs out. Food personalities judge and present awards for the best New England and Manhattan chowders. Winners are announced at 3 p.m. that day on the chamber’s Facebook page.

Children’s activities include a free 30-horse carousel, inflatable rides, face painting, pumpkin decorating, street painting, crab races, and more. Live music will be presented by Joe Delia and The Thieves on Saturday and the 3Bs on Sunday.

The fun-filled event will also include raffles, Oktoberfest style food, chowder, Long Island wines and beer, a Farmers Market, open on both days, and, on Sunday, a Chinese auction under the tent. To round off the weekend, Montauk Chamber's annual Cash Catch drawing for up to $20,000 is held at the close of the festival at 4:30 pm.

The Chamber encourages visitors from the west to leave their cars and take a free Hampton Jitney at stops in Southampton, Bridgehampton, East Hampton and Amagansett to Montauk. Reservations are required; call the Jitney at 631-283-4600.

Proceeds from the festival are donated, in part, to local not-for-profits including the Montauk Food Pantry, the July 4th and Fall Fireworks Fund, the Frank Cappozola Scholarship Fund and others.

Photo by Richard Lewin Professional Photography, soniboy@aol.com.