Drive-In Movie Night In Mattituck Brings 500 Cars, Happy Crowd

MATTITUCK, NY — As dusk blanketed the North Fork Wednesday night, it was a blast from the past as cars filled with families lined up to enjoy a classic American pastime — a drive-in movie.

The drive-in event featured a showing of "The Goonies," which took place at the Strawberry Fields fairground in Mattituck. While the event was free, donations were accepted for Community Action of Southold Town to help those in need.

For everyone's safety, those in attendance were asked to remain in their vehicles at all times; no rest rooms or concessions were available, so everyone brought their own snacks.

Paul Pawlowski and Tim McManus, co-owners of Cedars Golf Club, organized and donated the event, along with Frank Zagarino, owner of Movies in the Moonlight, a Southampton-based company.

"The weather held out," Pawlowski said. "And not one person that came got denied."

While people were asked to register in advance and there were 200 cars signed up, more than 500 showed up and all were admitted, he said.

"Movies in the Moonlight did a great job, Southold town police were great, people were responsible — so overall, it went very well. We hope that CAST received some donations and we want to thank the town officials for their support."

And, Pawlowski added: "'Goonies' was great to watch again. I think, overall, people were very happy."

When asked about future plans for other movie nights, Pawlowski said it's not something he or his partner are planning in the future but individuals can reach out to Zagarino directly to schedule events.