North Fork businesses gird for Labor Day rush as sun sets on summer

Labor Day weekend may signal the unofficial end of summer, but for North Fork businesses, the holiday is less a finale than a handoff to fall.

After wild weather swings — from scorching temperatures in June to the torrential rain and damaging winds that struck on July Fourth — the summer’s last hurrah arrives as a calmer closing act, with beaches still beckoning, sunflower fields in bloom and one final long weekend stretching ahead.

The National Weather Service is forecasting sunshine across the region for most of the holiday weekend, with daytime temperatures ranging from the low 70s to the low 80s.

Riverhead residents Michael and Maryellen Smith, who attended the Fresh Hop Festival at Jamesport Farm Brewery last Saturday, said they usually travel farther east for Labor Day weekend.

“Usually Claudio’s,” he said. “Every Saturday and Sunday they have music and it’s on the water. That’s our main spot and what we like to do.”

Claudio’s and businesses across the North Fork are eager to welcome visitors.

“Usually, Labor Day is pretty busy,” said Choudry Ali, the owner of the popular Mattituck ice cream shop Magic Fountain. “Everybody comes out to the East End. It’s always busy [at the shop].”

At Jamesport Farm Brewery, the holiday weekend is also expected to bring a large crowd. But rather than marking the end of the season, Labor Day begins the brewery’s transition into its busier months.

“Fall is our season,” said tasting room manager and events coordinator Ashley Dunlop. “That’s our best time of year. So this is really a kickoff for us.”

At Pindar Vineyards in Peconic, the sunflower field is in bloom and the winery’s oversized chair is ready for visitors. Owner Pindar Damianos said the summer heat drove many potential customers to the beach, but he expects cooler temperatures to bring larger crowds to the region’s wineries.

“I think we’re going to have a big fall season, which should make up for over the summer,” Mr. Damianos said. “This year was so hot and it was much more of a beach summer that I think as we get into colder weather, more people will be out east to the wineries. I think we’re going to have a big September and October.”

The holiday weekend calendar includes First Fridays on Love Lane in Mattituck from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday.

On Saturday, Boy Scout Troop 6 will hold its annual car show from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Peconic Community Center, while Tanger Outlets in Riverhead begins a three-day Foodie Fest running through Monday. Riverhead Raceway will host a tribute to first responders Saturday evening, with a car demolition derby among the featured events..

Meanwhile, Greenport will close the weekend Monday with its Battle of the Bands from 6 to 9 p.m. in Mitchell Park.

The holiday events follow a busy final weekend of August, when Blues on the River brought live music to Grangebel Park in downtown Riverhead. Among those attending were Maya Yaron, who was visiting from Vancouver, Canada, and Kevin Callaghan, originally from East Northport.

Against the backdrop of live music along the Peconic River, Mr. Callaghan found something to appreciate in the season’s approaching close.

“That’s always the beauty of things,” Mr. Callaghan said. “They come to a close and you make sure to have some good company and celebrate the end of another successful season. Say goodbye to summer in a fun way.”