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History
In 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, only a little more than three
year's after the club's founding, the Mattituck Lions Club celebrated it's first Strawberry Festival. This year
the club will celebrate it's 54th festival and Bob Klipstein, 1st Vice President is the 2008 Strawberry Festival
& Country Fair Chairman.
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 $787.00
From the beginning, club members realized their idea had promise and
could grow into something very special, especially if properly planned and nurtured. It is doubtful the club's
charter members could have imagined what the festival would grow to become in those early days. Throughout 54 years
of planning, the festival's importance can be measured not only in the amount of money raised for charity but also
it's positive impact on the North Fork economy.
Through the years, planning for the Strawberry Festival has been the
domain of the Club's 1st Vice President assisted by the Festival Secretary. Tradition has given the Festival Chairman
the latitude to build off what has been successful in the past and explore innovations that might help insure visitors
enjoy themselves and want to return. The Festival Secretary is relied on by the Festival Chairman to help keep
each of the approximate 25 festival committee chairman focused to meet the numerous festival deadlines.
Club records are not clear as to whom is responsible for the innovations
that today are Strawberry Festival traditions. In 1956, the club started baking cake in the school. It appears
as though Hulling Night (to be held this year on Thursday June 12th, beginning at 5PM) 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 $1,638.00. Club records indicate as the number
of activities and attractions increased so did the number of guests coinciding with an increase in net proceeds.
For the first time the 1958 post festival meeting minutes show the formation of committees with committee chairman
to assist in the planning process. It appears the first Strawberry Festival Queen was crowned in 1956. Many thanks
are extended to previous Festival Chairman 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.
Innovations were not just specific to the attractions for guests.
Some of the best innovations were for the distribution of the proceeds of the Festival. Because of the generosity
of the visitors the Club found itself in the enviable position of being able to help more of those in need. Currently,
more than 20 organizations and groups derive benefit from the festival proceeds, in addition to individuals the
Club becomes aware of.
The 54th Strawberry Festival and Country Fair will be held this year
on June 13, 14 & 15. The carnival will be open on Friday from 6PM until 11PM. Saturday, the full festival will
be in operation from 11AM until 11PM and on Sunday, from 11AM until 5PM and will include special recognition for
Dad's.
Without the support of countless family, friends, the Mattituck Lioness
and other community volunteers, there would be no Strawberry Festival. The Club appreciates the financial support
of Capital One Bank, it's co-sponsor since 1998. Along with the financial support received, the club acknowledges
the bank's employees who volunteer their time to help serve guests. Other important assistance comes from the Office
of the Southold Town Supervisor, Southold Town Police and Public Works, Mattituck Fire Department and Rescue Squad
and the Town of Southold Park District and Recreation Department. Additionally the club wishes to recognize the
Police, Public Safety, EMS, Public Works, Health and Parks Department 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. For 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 during the past 53 years.
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