Mattituck Strawberry Festival Kicks Off With Hulling Night: Photos

NORTH FORK, NY — A crowd of North Fork residents turned out, just as they have for generations, to share hulling night, a beloved tradition that kicks off the Annual Mattituck Lions Club Strawberry Festival, now in its 69th year.

Families who've come for years to hull the sweet berries gathered to help prepare for the event, which raises thousands of dollars each year to help those in need. As they hull the berries, they share laughter, stories and the joy that comes from sharing such a deeply rooted tradition, that keeps them forever tied to the values with which they were all raised — to home.

The Strawberry Festival, a pinnacle of the North Fork season, takes place at Strawberry Field in Mattituck, located at 175 Route 48, in Mattituck.

Here's a full schedule of events:

Wednesday, June 12:

4 p.m.: Hulling Night: A tradition that's brought scores of North Fork families together for generations, to hull the berries that will be used for delectable shortcake, daiquiris, pies, and chocolate-dipped delights.

6:00 p.m. to 9 p.m.: Talent Show: The annual "Strawberry Festival Talent Show" competition takes place, with locals bringing their vocal, dance and comedy gifts to the stage. The contest is divided into two groups, with kids 15 and younger and 16 and older. This year, the contest will be opened by past winners entertaining the crowds, followed by a winner jam session until 10 p.m.

Thursday
5 p.m. to 7 p.m.: Music

7 p.m. to 9 p.m. David Clark’s All About Joel Tribute Band

9:15 p.m. Fireworks

Friday, June 14

5 p.m. to 7 p.m.: Music

7:30 to 9:30 p.m.: Fever Band

10:30 p.m.: Fireworks

Saturday, June 15

12:30 p.m.: Aqua Cherry

4 p.m.: A highlight of the festival as the Strawberry Queen is crowned.

5 p.m.: World Strawberry Shortcake Eating Championship

7:30 p.m.: That 70s Band

10:30 p.m.: Fireworks

Sunday, June 16

11 a.m. Points East

1:30 p.m. Reel East End Brass

4:30 p.m. Big Bucks Raffle Drawing

The festival takes place from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on June 12 and June 13, from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on June 14, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on June 15, and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The event is free on June 12. Admission costs $10 on every other day; fathers are free on Sunday, June 15, Father's Day, with one paid child. Kids under 5 are free. Ride bracelets cost $30 to $35.

For many, the festival symbolizes the true heart of the North Fork community, joining hands and coming together to help those in need.

According to the Mattituck Lions Club website, on April 1954, three charter members of the Mattituck Lions Club were in Florida to visit a friend. At his invitation, the four men went to the Plant City Strawberry Festival and the idea for the Mattituck Lions Club Strawberry Festival was born. On June 16, 1955, the Mattituck Lions Club celebrated its first Strawberry Festival.

"The club archives tell the story of the first festival held on the third Saturday of June, Father’s Day weekend. For a total of six hours Ed Buchak, the first Strawberry Festival chairman and fellow club members entertained about 1,000 guests. Lions and their friends and families served food and beverages, which of course included local fresh strawberries and Strawberry Shortcake. Thanks to the generosity of the community, the 1st Strawberry Festival recorded a net profit of $787," the site says.

"In 1956, the club started baking cake in the school. It appears as though Hulling Night became a permanent fixture beginning in 1957. Many community volunteers still fondly recall gathering in what is now the headquarters for Kolb Mechanical Corp on Old Sound Avenue. In 1958, the late PDG Cliff Saunders, Jr., one of the most beloved Lions in New York State, was festival chairman and reported net profits of $1,638," the Mattituck Lions Club said. "Club records indicate as the number of activities and attractions increased, so did the number of guests coinciding with an increase in net proceeds."

The first Strawberry Festival Queen was crowned in 1956. "Many thanks are extended to previous festival chairmen who introduced other traditions including the craft show, carnival, midway, international food court, strawberry daiquiri’s, coloring contest, raffle, entertainment, fireworks, business vendors, LIRR excursion, media coverage, website, corporate sponsors, VIP seating, chocolate covered strawberries and the visual splendor of the Club’s tents and signs," the page reads.

Currently, more than 30 organizations and groups benefit from the festival proceeds, in addition to individuals in need.

"Without the support of countless family, friends, the East End Lions and other community volunteers, there would be no Strawberry Festival," the page said. "The club recognizes the financial support of our sponsors. Other important assistance comes from the Office of the Southold Town supervisor, Southold Town police and public works, Riverhead Town police, Mattituck Fire Department and rescue squad and the Town of Southold Park District and Recreation Department."

The club said it also wanted to recognize the police, public safety, EMS, public works, and health and parks departments of Suffolk County.

"The club’s gratitude also extends to the vendors, media and entertainers who have been so supportive. Most of all, the club appreciates our Strawberry Festival guests. Without them sharing their Father’s Day Weekend with us on the North Fork, the Mattituck Lions would not have been able to donate literally hundreds of thousands of dollars to those among us in need."