Contestants In 1st-Ever Strawberry Festival Talent Show Wow Crowd

MATTITUCK, NY — A brand-new talent show event was unveiled Thursday night at the 67th Annual Mattituck Lions Club Strawberry Festival and, judging by the cheers and enthusiastic response, it's sure to be back in years to come.

According to Rob Nine, past president of the Mattituck Lions Club, there was an open call for the talent show; all talents were welcome, including singing, dancing, instrumental, and comedy.

There were two portions of the competition, including one for kids under 16 and one for ages 16 and over.

"We were planning on doing this back in 2020, but we had to cancel," due to the pandemic, Nine said. "The club was looking for an event to bring more of the country fair feel back to the festival. and to get more community involvement."

The kids were up first, with contestants including Braedyn MacLeod of Jamesport, 12, who sang, Ash Javidi, 10, of Greenport, on guitar and drums; Jayda Hubbard, 14, of Greenport, with an a cappella performance of Adele; Payton Scudder of Aquebogue with Irish step dance; Julia DiGirolamo, 12, of Laurel, singing "Both Sides Now" by Joni Mitchell, and Karisma Grant, 7, of Greenport, with hip hop dancing.

Proud parents and grandparents, friends and neighbors filled the audience. Ash, his grandmother Chris Javidi said, practices about five hours a day; she bought him his first drum set, to keep at her house, she said. "He's great," she said.

The judges took the time to speak to each contestant and ask them about their lives and dreams.

Karisma, who wowed judged with her performances, continuing to dance her heart out even after a technical glitch caused the music to cease, won the first prize of $500. She won on her 8th birthday — surely a birthday she'll never forget.

"It's amazing," she said, when asked how she felt to win. "I feel happy!"

(Karisma Grant, 8, first-place winner in the under-16 category)

Jada came in second, with a prize of $250; tied for third place were Julia and Ash.

Adult competitors included the Peconic Landing Ukelele Club, whose oldest member is 101, singing and playing 'Ukelele Bay." Nick Mele, 26, and Mia Faucher, 29, sang a duet they first performed in high school; Lynn McCaffery of Cutchogue, performed stand-up comedy; father-son due Nate and Micky Kalich sang and played the guitar; Amanda Pfeiffer sang 'Build My Life," and Corinne Araneo, 27, sang with him.

(Lynn McCaffery performing hilarious stand-up)

The Peconic Landing Ukelele Club took home the first-place $500 prize, donating half to the employee appreciation fund at Peconic Landing and half to Community Action of Southold Town. In second place, were Micky and Nate, and tied for third, Mia and Nick.

(The Peconic Landing Ukelele Club won first prize in the 16 and over category.)

Mike O'Donnell, the festival chairman this year, helped announce the awards. "Wasn't this a great show?" he asked.

And, he added: "Everyone's a winner here tonight."

The show was emceed by Tom Ludlow and Andrew Damianos kicked off the event with an inspiring performance of "Proud to Be An American."

Judges included Andy Binkowski, Regina Calcaterra, Chris DiGirolamo, Brady Rymer, and reigning Strawberry Queen Ava Sannino.

This year's festival continues Friday, with hours from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., with tickets for adults and children ages 5 and over $10, and under 5 free. On Saturday, June 18, the fun begins at 11 a.m. and last until 11 p.m. Adults and children over age 5 are $10. On Sunday, hours are from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m., with tickets for adults and children 5 and over, $10. Fathers are free with a paid child.

For ride pricing, discounts and entertainment schedule, click the Festival at a Glance link.

The event includes chocolate-dipped strawberries, live music, arts and craft vendors, midway rides and games, and fireworks on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Also on Saturday, the cherished annual crowning of the Strawberry Queen takes place. Fireworks will be held on Friday and Saturday night.

(Members of the Peconic Landing Ukelele Club enjoying the music and dancing during a break).