Mattituck Strawberry Festival Canceled Due To Coronavirus

MATTITUCK, NY — Coronavirus has put the brakes on a beloved North Fork tradition — the 2020 Mattituck Lions Club Strawberry Festival has been canceled.

However, according to organizers, the goal is to uphold some of the annual traditions — including the crowning of the Strawberry Queen.

A letter was posted on Facebook from the Mattituck Lions Club, organizers of the event, which benefits many local charities and families in need, stating that the 66th annual event will not be held this year.

"The Mattituck Lions Club regrets to announce the cancellation of the 2020 Strawberry Festival. This is very disappointing to both us and all of our faithful attendees," the message said. "However, due to the global pandemic and the following of state and county policies to reduce events with crowds, we know this is the best action to protect the health of our attendees, sponsors, vendors, amusement workers, entertainers, volunteers and everyone else involved in making the festival a success."

In order to uphold some of the annual traditions, organizers said they are planning on having a drive-through concession tent on the Saturday, June 20, and Sunday, June 21 — the event is always held on Father's Day weekend — for sales of fresh local strawberries, strawberry shortcake and strawberry daiquiris.

In addition, the Mattituck Lions Club said plans are still in place to crown a 2020-2021 Strawberry Queen. The committee is working on the details of how the process will be handled and the hope is that the crowning will be streamed live on Facebook, organizers said.

"This was not an easy decision, but it had to be made," Rob Nine of the Mattituck Lions Club said.

"We hope you and your families are staying safe and healthy during this complex time we are living in," the message on Facebook read. "Thanks to all of our loyal supporters and we look forward an even better Festival in 2021!"