2018 Strawberry Queen Crowned In Time-Honored Ceremony

MATTITUCK, NY — Hometown spirit was shining strong Saturday at the 64th Annual Mattituck Lions Club Strawberry Festival, where the new 2018 Strawberry Queen was crowned.

At the crowning, emceed by George Lessard Jr. of the Mattituck Lions Club, the 2017 Strawberry Queen, Ashley Hilary, 16, of Southold passed the beloved strawberry baton to this year's winner — Teagan Nine, 16, of Mattituck.

First runner up was Gabrielle Finora, 16, of Mattituck; finalists also included Jillian Gaffga, 16, of Mattituck, Courtney Trzcinski, 17, of Cutchogue, and Emiliann Palermo of Southold.

Teagan spoke to the crowd gathered, explaining all the girls were good friends, and all were thrilled to have been finalists, representing the "amazing" Mattituck Lions Club.

Teagan told Patch she wants to do her best to represent the Mattituck Lions Club and "be a happy face" as she serves as an ambassador to the community.

Another longtime tradition was passed on to the next generation at the event as longtime provider of the glittering tiaras bestowed upon the girls, Robert Scott of Robert's Jeweler's, introduced Roger Satnick, of Satnick Jewelers, who will be opening a new shop right behind Scott's former shop at Feather Hill in Southold.

The Mattituck Strawberry Festival, presented by title sponsor Peconic Bay Medical Center-Northwell Health, is an event that draws thousands to Strawberry Fields on Route 48 in Mattituck.

The festival wraps on Sunday, Father's Day, when festivities run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with admission for adults and children five and up $5; kids under five, free — and no admission charge for fathers on Father's Day when accompanied by a paid child. A pay-one-price bracelet is $30; for a discount offer see here. Single ride tickets are available.

Nature Nick will be onhand at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., and Pete & Chris Amusement and Magic Show will perform at 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
At 4 p.m., the Big Bucks winners will be announced.

For additional information, click here.

Patch photos by Lisa Finn.
.