Celebrate strawberries … and much more
KATHARINE SCHROEDER FILE PHOTO
Strawberries are among the North Fork’s signature foods, and while the 56th Annual Mattituck Lions Club and Capital One Bank Strawberry Festival officially celebrates that berry, it also anticipates the summer season to come, the farm stands and the varied produce that grows here.
But of course we start with our “first fruit,” strawberries. At next weekend’s festival you can enjoy them plain or with trimmings, covered in chocolate or nestled in a shortcake. And go on from there to sample delicacies from the international food court, enjoy the midway rides, visit over 100 arts and crafts vendors, watch the crowning of the festival queen on Saturday and, finally, bring a lawn chair to watch the fireworks on Friday and Saturday nights.
Pre-festival events begin Thursday, June 17, when volunteers hull the strawberries from 5 to 9 p.m. and carnival rides run from 6:30-10:30 p.m. The first official day of the festival is Friday, June 18, 5-11 p.m., when admission for adults and children age 6 and up is $2. The fairgrounds are open 10 a.m.-11 p.m. on Saturday, June 19, and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday, June 20. Admission Saturday and Sunday is $5 for adults and children age 12 and up and $2 for ages 5-11. Children under 5 are free Friday-Sunday. For more information, check the Strawberry Festival supplement in this week’s paper.
The annual Strawberry Festival offers treats for all ages. And while you enjoy it, you’ll also be supporting the Mattituck Lions’ many year-round programs for children and the community.
