64th Annual Mattituck Strawberry Festival Set To Delight

MATTITUCK, NY — A delicious event that's been a "berry" meaningful tradition for generations is set to kick off on the North Fork, beginning Thursday night.

The 64th Annual Mattituck Lions Club 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 follows a time-honored community tradition Thursday, beginning with Hulling Night and an event preview. Old and young come prepared to hull strawberries, share laughter and stories, and celebrate a festival that helps to fund the Mattituck Lions Club's philanthropic mission of helping other all year long.

Hulling begins at 5 p.m., and volunteers are welcome. Hulling night is sponsored by North Fork Woodworks.

The carnival takes place from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. with free admission and a preview, special pay-one-price ride bracelet for $25. Single ride tickets are available and a "light" fireworks show begins at 9:15 p.m., weather permitting.

On Friday, the festival runs from 5 p.m. until 11 p.m. Admission for adults and children over five is $5, with kids less than five, free. A pay-one-price bracelet costs $30.

For a discount offer and to buy ride tickets online, click here.

Single ride tickets are available.

On Saturday, the festival runs from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m., with tickets $5 for adults and children five and over and kids under five free. A pay-one-price bracelet is $30, good from opening to 5 p.m., and a second pay-one-price bracelet is also $30, good from 5 p.m. to closing; an all day bracelet is available at $50.

For a special discount offer, click here. Single ride tickets are available.

From noon to 3 p.m., Points East Band will play.

Next, at 3 p.m., the 2018 Strawberry Queen will be announced.

And then, at 5 p.m. a long-time tradition, the Mattituck Lions Club World Strawberry Shortcake Eating Championship, is back for the first time since 2008.

Presented by Major League Eating, the competition features a $3,500 total prize purse; contestants indulge in eight minutes of eating.

From 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., the Elderly Brothers Band will perform.

A "Grand Finale" fireworks show is scheduled for 10:15 p.m., weather permitting.

Finally on Sunday, Father's Day, the festival runs 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 file photos by Lisa Finn.

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