Chamber of Commerce Fall Festival Weekend
The Montauk Chamber of Commerce will be host its 30th fall festival on Saturday and Sunday, and, appropriately, 30 restaurants have promised to donate New England and Manhattan clam chowders for the popular chowder tasting contest on Saturday.
The festival runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and from noon to 5 on Sunday, but be warned: Lines for the chowder tasting start forming early on Saturday. The winners in both categories, who will be chosen by the people and food critics from local newspapers, will be announced at 3 p.m. on Saturday.
On both days, there will also be a 30-horse carousel, inflatable rides, crab races, pumpkin decorating, face painting, live music, oysters and clams on the half shell, and other October-fest style food. There will be street games, a farmers market, plant sales, and wine and beer tastings. This year, the chamber has also added a new attraction, the wheel of chance.
On Sunday the folks from the Montauk Playhouse Community Center will join the fun under a tent from noon to 3 p.m., where there will be live music, a silent auction with prizes that range from gift certificates from local restaurants, stores, and motels to handbags, paintings, technical gadgets, gift baskets, and more. A separate silent auction will feature sports and entertainment memorabilia. Popcorn, cotton candy, and baked goods will be available for purchase.
On Sunday, the chamber will pull the winning tickets in its Cash Catch raffle, with prizes expected to total $29,000, depending on how many tickets are sold. The tickets cost $50 apiece and will be sold right up to the drawing.
The festival is a fund-raiser for the Montauk Food Pantry, the chamber’s Frank A. Cappozola Scholarship award, the annual Montauk fireworks display, and other events that the chamber hosts.
Volunteers are still needed. Those interested can contact Pat Shea at the chamber office.