Another sweet chapter is in the books for the Mattituck Lions Club Strawberry Festival. Here are some of the highlights of the Sun’s weekend at the festival, by photojournalist Jeremy Garretson.
Jeremy Garretson photos
The 71st annual festival wrapped up Father’s Day weekend after five days of carnival rides, fireworks, live music, strawberry shortcake, community traditions and thousands of visitors flocking to Strawberry Fields. Organized by the Mattituck Lions Club, the festival remains one of the North Fork’s biggest annual fundraisers, with proceeds supporting scholarships, charitable programs and community service projects throughout the region.
Jeremy Garretson photos
One of the weekend’s most anticipated moments came Saturday afternoon when Mattituck High School senior Kate Meringer was crowned the 2026 Strawberry Queen. Meringer earned the title through the Lions Club’s application and interview process, which emphasizes community service, leadership and character rather than appearance. Jane Glasser of Southold was named first runner-up. After receiving the crown from outgoing Strawberry Queen Morgan Dunne, Meringer thanked the Lions Club and the community that helped shape her, saying she was “so incredibly grateful” for the opportunity.
The crowning capped a weekend that celebrated everything people love about the North Fork: neighbors volunteering side-by-side, families gathering for a shared tradition, and plenty of strawberries served every way imaginable.
Jeremy Garretson photos