Mattituck Strawberry Festival Kicks Off New Talent Show

MATTITUCK, NY — A beloved annual tradition on the North Fork, the 67th Annual Mattituck Lions Club Strawberry Festival, is back this year — and featuring a brand-new talent show to add to the festivities.

According to Rob Nine, past president of the Mattituck Lions Club, there is currently an open call for the talent show. The preliminary round of the competition will take place on Sunday, June 5, at the North Fork Community Theatre, located at 12700 Sound Avenue in Mattituck. Finalists will perform Thursday, June 16 at the Strawberry Festival.

"All talents are welcome! Singing, dancing, instrumental, comedy — if you’ve got talent, let’s see it," organizers said.

The competition is open to all ages and residents of Riverhead, Southold and Shelter Island; group and solo acts are also invited to participate. For the rules in English, click here, and in Spanish, click here.

"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 back this year is the beloved hulling night, which draws generations of local residents together under the tent to prep the strawberries; hulling night will take place on Wednesday, June 15.

"Strawberry shortcake is back!" Nine said.

Mike O’Donnell is the festival chairman this year, he added.

This year's festival will begin on Wednesday, June 15, opening at 5 p.m. and running through 10 p.m. Free admission for all.

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.