Hundreds of hullers turned out to help kick off the Mattituck Lions Club 62nd Annual Strawberry Festival tonight.
Volunteers of all ages came to Hulling Night at Strawberry Field in Mattituck to help hull strawberries in preparation for the annual festival.
“We come here every year — it’s a family tradition,” said Karen Allar of Mattituck, who says she’s been attending Hulling Night for at least 15 years. She was there tonight with her daughter three grandkids. “There’s not many events left like this, where the focus is really on family fun.”
More than 100,000 strawberries had their leaves clipped and their thick cores removed using special tools. This year, volunteers were equipped with hard plastic straws to help remove the cores.
“We’re here like clockwork,” said Mary Pedersen of Southold, who was there with friends. They come every year they can make it, said Agnes Dansereau of Greenport.
“My kids live in three different states, so sometimes it’s hard,” Dansereau said. “But I like to come whenever I can.”
Members of the Mattituck Lions Club were on hand, ready to turn the fresh fruit into daiquiris and much more. Mattituck Leos were also helping out, transporting strawberries to and fro.
The Strawberry Festival will continue over Father’s Day weekend. Click here for the full schedule.
SoutholdLOCAL photos by Courtney Blasl.
