For 71 years, the arrival of strawberry season on the North Fork has meant one thing: it’s time for the Mattituck Strawberry Festival.

The beloved community tradition returns June 17 through June 21, bringing five days of carnival rides, live music, fireworks, food, family entertainment and, of course, thousands of servings of strawberry shortcake made with fresh local berries.

Presented by Stony Brook Medicine and organized by the Mattituck Lions Club, the festival has grown from a modest local fundraiser into one of Long Island’s largest annual community events, drawing tens of thousands of visitors to the North Fork each Father’s Day weekend while raising money for charitable causes throughout the region.

Festival organizers say the event remains rooted in the same mission that launched it more than seven decades ago: bringing the community together while supporting local families, scholarships, youth programs and nonprofit organizations.

“The Strawberry Festival is more than just a summer tradition — it’s a celebration of everything that makes the North Fork special,” Rich Jernick, festival chairman and first vice president of the Mattituck Lions Club, said in a statement. “From the volunteers and local businesses to the families who return year after year, this event brings our community together in an incredible way while helping us support important charitable causes across the region.”

As always, preparations begin long before the first shortcake is served.

One of the festival’s most enduring traditions, Hulling Night, returns Wednesday, June 17. Sponsored by M&T Bank, the event brings together scores of volunteers who spend the evening preparing thousands of pounds of strawberries that will be served throughout the weekend. The night also features the popular North Fork’s Got Talent competition, presented by Kolb Mechanical, along with the opening of the midway and international food court operated by Reithoffer Shows.

New this year will be a military flyover by the 106th Rescue Wing, based at Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base in Westhampton Beach. Scheduled for approximately 7 p.m. Wednesday, the flyover will officially kick off the festival.

Another returning feature is the “Memories for Morgan” program, sponsored by North Fork Woodworks. The initiative allows local children facing social, medical or emotional challenges to experience the festival in a quieter, more accommodating environment before the grounds open to the general public.

Festivalgoers can also expect a packed entertainment lineup throughout the weekend.

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Thursday night features Almost Eras: The Taylor Swift Experience, followed by fireworks. Friday’s schedule includes performances by Southbound and Fever Band, with another fireworks display capping the evening. Saturday brings Aqua Cherry, the annual Strawberry Queen announcement, charitable check presentations and the World Strawberry Shortcake Eating Championship, presented in partnership with Major League Eating. A Tom Petty tribute band, American Girl, headlines Saturday evening before the festival’s final fireworks show. Sunday’s entertainment includes a performance by Coverland.

Family-friendly performers will once again take the stage throughout the weekend, with magician Magic of Amore appearing Saturday and comedy entertainer Jester Jim performing Sunday.

Visitors will find the signature strawberry shortcake that has become synonymous with the event, along with chocolate-covered strawberries, strawberry daiquiris and other berry-themed treats. Arts and crafts vendors, local business exhibits, carnival attractions and food vendors will fill the festival grounds throughout the five-day celebration.

For many North Fork families, the Strawberry Festival marks the unofficial beginning of summer. For the Mattituck Lions Club, it remains the organization’s largest fundraiser and a reflection of its longstanding commitment to community service.

Festival admission information, schedules, parking details and additional updates are available through the Mattituck Strawberry Festival website and social media channels.