New Strawberry Queen Crowned At 69th Annual Mattituck Festival

MATTITUCK, NY — A sweet highlight of the 69th Annual Mattituck Lions Club Strawberry Festival took place Saturday as a new Strawberry Queen was crowned — Livia Perrin, 15, of Mattituck, received the ceremonial crown and strawberry scepter.

Ashleigh Doering, 17, of Southold, won the runner-up title; also competing were Julia Judge, 15, of Southold, Kate Oliver, 16, of Mattituck, and Chloe Manwaring, 17, of Southold.

Livia told Patch that her goal as Strawberry Queen is to foster greater involvement among children in the community — and to focus on community service.

Her dream of becoming Strawberry Queen was born in 2016, Livia said — when she was crowned Little Miss Mattituck at the annual Old-Fashioned Street Fair on Love Lane. In that role, she attended many community events with the 2016 Strawberry Queen.

"I wanted to follow in her footsteps," she said.

Scott Czuijko, Mattituck Lions Club Strawberry Queen chair, thanked all the contestants. "They all did a great job," he said.

Prospective Strawberry Queens undergo a "rigorous" process, members of the Mattituck Lions Club said, filling out applications, which include information such as the girls' extracurricular activities and community service experience. Then, they attend a Lions' dinner, where they are interviewed, and the finalists are chosen.

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 $60,000 check to the Guide Dog Foundation.

2023 Strawberry Queen Alexandra Piscatelli, in her final duty as Strawberry Queen, announced the winner.

But first she thanked those who have guided her along her journey, including her parents and grandparents, and Darla and Joe Doorhy of Kait's Angels.

"Ever since I was a little girl, they told me, 'You're going to be Strawberry Queen one day,'" she said.

On Saturday, Alexandra also thanked Czuijko and the members of the Lions Club for their dedication.

"I have spent Father's Day since before I can remember on this field," she said, thanking all the Lions Club members who have long sacrificed their Father's Days "for the love of community."

She added: "This year has been truly amazing — and I'm so happy I get to pass on the joy of being Strawberry Queen to one of these five talented girls."

For additional Strawberry Festival information, click here.