Fall has arrived with crisper weather and a plethora of fun family activities! An autumn East End favorite is Montauk’s 36th annual Fall Festival, sponsored by the Montauk Chamber of Commerce, which will take place on Saturday, October 7 and Sunday, October 8. Community members can look forward to an extensive lineup of activities and food vendors from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days.
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Little ones will not want to leave the exciting inflatables. (Photo: Richard Lewin) |
This weekend was designed for everyone in the family, including children. There will be inflatable rides, face painting, pumpkin decorating, crab races, a free 30-horse carousel, and more! The festival kicks off on Saturday with the “Famous Clam Chowder Contest” at 11 a.m. with a variety of delicious chowders from local restaurants until 1 p.m. Food personalities will judge and present awards for the best New England and Manhattan chowders. Winners are announced at 3 p.m. that day on the Chamber’s Facebook page and posted on the Chamber’s website.
“Our fall festival personifies Montauk’s seaside, small town and family-friendly character for visitors and locals alike,” says Laraine Creegan, the Chamber’s Executive Director. “It’s a reminder that fall is the best time to experience what we call our best kept secret season.”
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Warm up with a tasty cup of chowder. (Photo: Richard Lewin) |
There will be live music by The Lynn Blue Band on Saturday from 2 to 5 p.m., raffles, delicious Oktoberfest style food, clams, oysters, Long Island wine and beer, and more. Enjoy a walk around The Montauk Farmers Market, which will be open on both Saturday and Sunday. There will also be a Sports Memorabilia auction on Saturday, as well as a display of local artists’ work. On Sunday, the 3 B’s band will perform from 12 to 4 p.m. and there will also be a Chinese Auction under the tent. To round off the weekend, Montauk Chamber’s annual Cash Catch drawing is held at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday with cash prizes up to $20,000.
The Fall Festival is the major annual fundraiser to benefit the Montauk Chamber of Commerce, a not for profit organization. In turn, it donates to local not-for-profits such as the Montauk Food Pantry, the July 4th and Fall Fireworks Fund, the Frank Cappozola Scholarship Fund, and many others.
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The Carousel is always a hit. (Photo: Richard Lewin) |
The Carousel sponsors are Kandell, Farnsworth & Pubins CPA’s, Gurney’s Montauk, 668 The Gig Shack, South Edison Restaurant, Stony Brook Southampton Hospital, Lazybones Fishing, Montauk Childcare Center, Montauk Artists Association, Hartman’s Briny Breezes, Deep Water Wind and Duryea’s Lobster Deck.
This year will feature two free trolleys operated by North Fork Trolley Co. which will take festivalgoers between downtown and the Montauk Lighthouse Harbor and LIRR station from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Additionally, for the second year in a row, Hampton Jitney will offer free transportation from Southampton to Montauk and stops in-between. To reserve a spot call 631-283-4600.
The Montauk Fall Festival takes place on the Green in downtown Montauk. For more information, visit www.montaukchamber.com.
