This week marks the final Mattituck Chamber of Commerce First Fridays block party on Love Lane for 2017.
“It’s been a huge success,” says chamber president Danielle Lascalla. “What began as a way to help local businesses create more buzz has turned into something wonderful for the community.”
First begun in 2015 as a way to attract both locals and tourists to Love Lane, the event has evolved into a monthly get-together for families and friends from across the North Fork.
“We are seeing a lot of local people at First Fridays,” says Lascalla. “And it’s become extremely kid-friendly, so families are coming out to meet up and have a good time.”
Michael Affatato, owner of the Village Cheese Shop and Wine Bar, agrees.
“Definitely a high percentage of locals are coming,” he said. “I don’t know about the rest of the businesses, but in front of my shop it’s 90 percent people who live on the North Fork.”
And everyone is having a good time, said Affatato.
“Last month I had a line of people all the way to the florist waiting to buy our fondue bowls, but everyone was happy and smiling,” he said.
Across the street at the Love Lane Toy Shop, owner Alex Dank is looking forward to the event.
“It’s such a fun night for everybody,” he says. “We don’t even mind working late. It’s a party atmosphere, a nice gathering in a safe environment.”
For the final First Friday, Dank will offer free hot chocolate and a special craft for the children. In the past he’s set up board games and held other free activities outside his shop.
According to Lascalla, there has been such an uptick in requests by businesses who want to participate that the MCC will have to “revamp it a little.” She did not give specific details on what that revamping might entail.
“We’ve had so many people calling, wanting to be a part of it, but there’s only so much space and we don’t want to crowd it up and turn it into a street fair,” she says.
The final First Friday takes place on Oct. 6 from 6 to 9 p.m. on Love Lane in Mattituck.
“I’m sad to see it end,” says Lascalla. “But I don’t think anyone would want to be hanging around out there in the winter.”
