Mattituck Strawberry Festival Kicks Off With Hulling Night: Photos

NORTH FORK, NY — The mood was festive Wednesday night as the 67th Annual Mattituck Lions Club Strawberry Festival kicked off with a hometown beloved event— Hulling Night.

For generations, families and friends have gathered to hull the berries that will be used for the weekend's festivities. As groups hulled at long tables, they shared laughter and memories.

Hulling Night was back Wednesday for the first time since the pandemic, and, as children giggled, faces streaked with sweet strawberry juice, and teens carrying stuffed animals won at games of chance danced under the big white tent as the crowd swayed to "Sweet Caroline," it was clear that the North Fork was overjoyed to be together and hulling again, celebrating a time-honored tradition.

Michael O'Donnell, this year's festival chair, said the night was great. "It's nice to see the community back; we brought back Hulling Night for the first time in three years. So I think we're off to a great start. The weather will hopefully be cooperative for the rest of the festival."

Sue Duffin has attended Hulling Night for 17 years. "It's a community event," she said. "It just feels good."

Esther Crupi, of Medford, attended the festival for the first time — and had never attended Hulling Night before. She was hulling with her friend Diane Stoddard, of Ronkonkoma, and both said they thought hulling was a great community activity. "It's fun," Stoddard said.

The Strawberry Festival continues Thursday night, featuring a brand-new talent show, which begins at 6 p.m.

According to Rob Nine, finalists will perform Thursday at the Strawberry Festival.

"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."

Also a crowd pleaser is strawberry shortcake, back this year, Nine said.

On Thursday, June 16, the hours are 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Adults and children ages 5 and over cost $5; under 5 years old are free.

Hours on Friday, June 17 are 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.