68th Annual Mattituck Lion's Club Strawberry Festival Guide

MATTITUCK, NY — A sweet tradition unfolds again this year as the 68th Annual Mattituck Lions Club Strawberry Festival kicks off Wednesday, running through Father's Day on Sunday.

The festival takes place at Strawberry Fields in Mattituck, located at 1175 County Road 48.

According to Rob Nine, past president of the Mattituck Lions Club, the festival will feature well-loved annual events such as Hulling Night —where community members gather to hull the fresh berries and trade stories and memories — as well as live entertainment on Wednesday night and subsequent nights throughout the event.

This year also marks the second year of a popular talent competition, "North Fork's Got Talent," which takes place on Thursday from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. — and on Saturday, the much-anticipated crowning of the Mattituck Lion's Club Strawberry Queen takes place at 4 p.m., followed by a World Strawberry Shortcake Eating Championship from Major League Eating, sure to delight the crowd, at 5 p.m.

Also this year, on Saturday, a presentation and demonstration will be given by the Guide Dog Foundation / America's VetDogs at 3 p.m.; a check will be presented from the Mattituck Lion's Club to the organization, Nine said. A past president of the Lion's Club is also slated to speak about the organization and its mission of charitable giving worldwide.

The Strawberry Festival is, at its heart, an event to raise funds for charity and help those in need, Nine said. And it's a tradition many have cherished for generations.

"Growing up on the North Fork, the Strawberry Festival was always the family event that launched the start of summer," Nine said. "I believe that feeling is still felt by the community today."

Launching the talent competition was a way to add "more local flavor" to the event," he said.

"All proceeds from the festival are donated to local and charitable causes," Nine said. "We have helped to provide eyeglasses, medical equipment, eye surgeries, food, clothing and other items to those in need — as well as funding scholarships and youth programs."

Chairing the festival this year is Jesse Gaffga.

The event includes chocolate-dipped strawberries, live music, arts and craft vendors, midway rides and games, a Big Bucks raffle, and fireworks on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Here's a look at the schedule:

The festival kicks off on Wednesday, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., with free admission for all and pay-one-price $30 ride bracelets. Wednesday night is Hulling night.

On Thursday, the festival runs from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; admission is $5 for adults and children 5 and up; ride bracelets are $30 pay-one-price. The talent competition takes place from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Fireworks at 9:15 p.m., weather permitting.

On Friday, festival hours are from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Admission for adults and children over 5 is $10; pay-one-price ride bracelets cost $35. Fireworks at 10 p.m., weather permitting.

On Saturday, festival hours are from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; is $10 for adults and kids 5 and up. Pay-one-price ride bracelets cost $35 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; $40 from 5 p.m. to closing; or $50 pay-one-price all day. The Guide Dog Foundation / America's VetDogs presentation takes place at 3 p.m., with the crowning of the strawberry queen at 4 p.m. and the shortcake eating contest at 5 p.m.Fireworks at 10:15 p.m., weather permitting.

On Father's Day Sunday, the festival runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with tickets $10 for adults and kids 5 and up. Dads are free, with a paid child. Pay-one-price ride bracelets cost $35 all day.

For additional information and a full schedule of events, click here.