Update: Hamptons Fire Department To Be Honored During 33rd Annual Montauk Fall Festival Over Columbus Day Weekend

This Columbus Day weekend, celebrate Montauk Village during their 33rd Annual Fall Festival on the Green in the center of downtown Montauk. On Saturday, October 11th and Sunday, October 12th, head to the end for a family-friendly festival featuring activities like inflatable rides, face painting, pumpkin decorating, street painting (only Sunday), crab races, pony rides (only Sunday), a free 30 horse Carousel and many more amusing happenings.

On Saturday, the festivities kickoff with the Famous Clam Chowder contest at 11 a.m. Several local restaurants will present remarkable chowders which will be available “until it runs out” typically around 1 p.m. The East End eateries will be judged by notable food personalities who will decide which seafood stew takes home the honor for best New England and Manhattan chowders. Festival attendees can also take part in critiquing the chowders by voting in the People’s Choice Award. Winners will be announced at 3 p.m. on the Chamber’s Facebook page and posted at www.montaukchamber.com. Saturday will also feature live music with Gene Casey and the Lone Sharks, Oktoberfest-style food, wine and beer tasting for adults. The first day of the Festival ends with a special fireworks tribute honoring the Montauk Fire Department, who is celebrating its 75th year. The Grucci firework display will take place at 7 p.m. over Umbrella Beach.

The Famous Clam Chowder contest kicks off the Hamptons Fall Festival. (Courtesy Photo)

For the second year, the Hampton Jitney is providing free transportation from Southampton and all towns in-between to Montauk on both days. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 631-283-4600. A free continuous bus shuttle will loop throughout Montauk from the center of town, to the Lighthouse, the Harbor area, the LIRR and back to town. The transportation and shuttle is supported by a grant awarded to the Long Island Wine Council by New York State’s Empire State Development Corp and the I LOVE NEW YORK Division of Tourism.

The Fall Festival is the Montauk Chamber of Commerce’s major annual fundraiser. The non-profit donates proceeds from the two-day event to organizations and Montauk community happenings such as the Montauk Food Pantry, the July 4th and Fall Fireworks Fund, the Frank Cappozola Scholarship Fund as well as other local not-for-profit organizations.

Update: The Montauk Fall Festival has been postponed to Sunday, October 12th and Monday, October 13th. Fireworks at Umbrella Beach will still occur on Saturday, October 11th at 7 p.m.

For more information, visit www.montaukchamber.com.