New Strawberry Queen Named At 71st Annual Mattituck Strawberry Festival: 'A Strong Sense Of Community'

NORTH FORK, NY — A beloved tradition continued with the passing of the Strawberry scepter Saturday: A new Strawberry Queen was crowned at the 71st Annual Mattituck Strawberry Festival.

Kate Meringer, 17, of Mattituck, took home the sweet title — and Jane Glasser, 16, of Southold was the first runner-up.

Contestants also included Claire Hanus, 17, of Mattituck, Alison Erwin, 16, of Mattituck, and Sophie Heidemann, 16, of Southold.

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Scott Czuijko, Mattituck Lions Club Strawberry Queen chair, said each of the contestants had a "strong sense of community," with resumes filled with extracurricular activities, community service projects, and more. "You should be proud of them," he said. "No matter what the outcome here today, they will all be super successful in whatever paths they choose."

Last year's Strawberry Queen winner Morgan Dunne said she was grateful for the opportunity. Each of this year's contestants, she said, was "amazing. They'd all fit perfectly," in the role, she said.

When she was announced the winner, Kate thanked the Mattituck Lions Club, the community and others who have shaped her path. "You have all been a pillar to who I've become today," she said.

Speaking with Patch, Kate said her dream of becoming Strawberry Queen was born out of the wish to serve as a role model for other young women in the community.

She also thanked Darla Doorhy, whose daughter Kaitlyn was a past Strawberry Queen; Kaitlyn died in 2014 while away at college but her spirit and legacy live on. And Kate carried a piece of Kaitlyn's memory with her as she took to the stage — the bottom of her boot was colored pink, Kaitlyn's favorite color.

Before the ceremony, the Mattituck Lions Club, continuing their mission of giving back to help those in need with proceeds from the Strawberry Festival, presented a $30,000 check to the Guide Dog Foundation / America's Vet Dogs.

The Mattituck Lions Club also presented a $10,000 check to the Lions Eye Banks of Long Island.

The Lions Eye Bank collects donated corneas from those who have passed; so far, the organization has helped to facilitate the "gift of sight" to 39,000 people, representatives said. In addition, the Lions Club provides all transport for those corneas, saving the hospital $1.6 million, representatives added.

The Mattituck Strawberry Festival, all reminded, is a fundraiser, with all monies raised going to help serve the community and to extend a helping hand to those in need.