Business

The number of big events in Southold is skyrocketing

Salt Air Farm in Cutchogue has also been marketing itself as a wedding venue for a number of years, said owner Prudence Heston. They also sell produce, honey and flowers to special events elsewhere.

“Our farm continues to farm in a traditional manner,” she said. “It’s the way we sell the product that has changed.”

Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell said the town has been seeking to make the permitting process “as user-friendly as possible.”

He also said fears about the controversial 2013 special events law, which wineries and vineyards decried as an undue burden, were unfounded.

“The legislation passed, it did what it’s supposed to do, and everyone’s doing fine,” Mr. Russell said. “I think we’re seeing more events. I think the economy is getting better.”

Festivals also draw thousands to the North Fork. Events like the annual Pour the Core cider festival and the Long Island Potato Festival, both organized by Starfish Junction Productions, have been growing in popularity.

Starfish Junction co-founder Andy Calimano said he’s seen the North Fork boom firsthand, especially during pumpkin season.

“I remember when we were kids we’d drive out and there would be no traffic,” he said. “Now it’s bumper to bumper.”

But he defended the festivals, saying they bring money to local businesses, like electricians, tent manufacturers, sanitation and security firms. Attendees also patronize nearby restaurants, vineyards and farm stands after the festivals, he said.

“We’re bringing out people who normally might not be going out to the Town of Southold,” he said. “I would do more [events] if possible.”

Mr. Calimano also said he wants to see town, county and state lands opened up for special events.

“There are so many spots that go underutilized,” he said.

As part of this report, The Suffolk Times reached out to several civic leaders, everyday residents and elected officials who said that while traffic was an annoyance, it was a small price to pay for the success of local farmers and merchants.

“The traffic is really the worst problem over the last five years, but I think that the town is running pretty well,” said Tom Wacker of Group for Cutchogue, a civic group that opposes development that threatens the hamlet’s character. “Yeah, you gotta get stuck in traffic now and again, but a lot of people are having a nice time and I don’t begrudge them.”

“I think our traffic is the product of us being popular,” said town Councilman William Ruland. “For the general overall economy of the town, it’s a good thing, [though] not without its problems.”

“We’re seeing that people love to come to our beautiful area and enjoy our vistas,” said Matthew Kar, owner of Christopher Michael Catering in Jamesport. Second-home owners who come to the North Fork on weekends also add to the traffic.

Mr. Kar and other business owners all said that preservation of the land through the purchasing of development rights would help keep the feel of the North Fork intact. Yet the draw of the North Fork shows no sign of slowing, especially as the dollars from wine lovers, tourists and newlyweds continue to roll in.

“I don’t think you’re ever going to see it stop,” Mr. Kar said.

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