Mattituck Strawberry Festival Kicks Off On Hulling Night: Photos

MATTITUCK, NY — It's a beloved tradition that captures the heart and essence of small-town life and hometown heart.

Hulling night — the night when young and old carry on a tradition that's been cherished for generations — took place Thursday in Mattituck, as hundreds, wearing aprons and smiles, gathered under a big tent to hull the strawberries for the 64th Annual Mattituck Lions Club Strawberry Festival.

The night is about memories and laughter, love and family fun; former Strawberry Queens reflect on past years as everyone, from the smallest baby to smiling seniors, team up to hull the strawberries that will soon be the star of the proverbial show, dipped in chocolate, served up as shortcake, and baked into mouthwatering pies.

Hulling night officially kicks off the Mattituck Lions Club Strawberry Festival; this year's event, presented by title sponsor Peconic Bay Medical Center-Northwell Health, will draw thousands to Strawberry Fields on Route 48 in Mattituck from Thursday to Sunday.

The festival helps to fund the Mattituck Lions Club's philanthropic mission of helping other all year long.

In additional, the carnival officially opened, with a "light" fireworks show.

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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