Joy Davis of Mattituck was crowned 2016 Strawberry Queen this afternoon at the Mattituck Lions Strawberry Festival.
Joy took top honors in a field of five contestants for the tiara, which was provided by Robert’s Jewelers. Katie Stumpf, of Mattituck, was first runner-up for the crown. The other finalists were Caitlyn Macomber of Greenport, Ashley Hilary of Southold and Kathryn Jernick of Southold.
“I’m so excited,” Joy said. “I can’t wait to represent the Lions in the community.”
Joy will be a junior this year at Mattituck High School, where she is on the varsity track and tennis teams.
Joy’s mother and grandmother were in the crowd cheering her on.
“All she ever wants to do is help people,” Pam Davis, her mother, said. “This will be a perfect platform for her.”
The Strawberry Queen coronation is the highlight of the festival, which is put on each year by the Mattituck Lions Club. The contestants all compete in an interview and judging process about a month before the ceremony, where they are judged based on their background, experiences and qualifications.
Reigning 2015 queen Caroline Keil, presided over today’s ceremonies.
“Being the queen is so much fun,” she said before the coronation. “I love representing the Lion’s club — they do so much, and give so much back to the community. I love to help them raise money and make sure that everyone has a fun time.”
Caroline passed on her strawberry scepter, robe and crown to Davis.
SoutholdLOCAL photos by Denise Civiletti
