Montauk Pioneer - June 12, 2009 - Chamber of Commerce

The Montauk Chamber of Commerce, one of the most visible and active Chambers on Long Island, has continued for the last five years, under the direction of Executive Director, Larraine Creegan, to enhance and promote our unique village. Thanks to their help Montauk is today viewed as the Mecca that is not only the "Fishing capital of the USA" but also a paradise of such vacation magnitude that it has become renowned as one of the most sought after vacation areas in the world.

A formidable dynamo, Larraine Creegan, the attractive, personable woman at the helm has the "know-how" to attract and increase tourism while at the same time offering blockbuster events for the locals.

For Larraine this is more than a full time job. In high season it is a non-stop 24/7 working adventure. The Chamber, open seven days a week except for Sundays during January and February, is also staffed with five part time, knowledgeable, helpful, and charming women. The amazing panoply of brochures, magazines, newspapers, guides and with every conceivable booklet describing the wonders of Montauk are attractively displayed in up to date consistency.

As a top administrator throughout her career on Staten Island, Larraine spent her childhood summers in Montauk and developed a deep connection with our paradise nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Block Island Sound. In her five years as Executive Director she has created an envied organization where she not only plans and executes events, but actually works at them all.

Indeed, Larraine is a woman to be admired in many ways. Her appreciation and praise for her volunteers as well as her Event Coordinator, Pat Shea, are heartfelt and very much welcomed.

The following outlines the Chamber's amazing, diversified season schedule.

The blockbuster "rock star artists" of the Fine Arts Festival on Memorial Day Weekend began the Montauk season with a bang. Fine Arts Director Bill Kinney orchestrated one of the most talented, fantastic shows presented on the Village Green with artists from all over the USA.

The 6th annual Montauk Harbor and Jazz Festival on June 12th and 13th including the "Old Timers Dinner" at the Montauk Yacht on June 12th, commemorating the colorful and knowledgeable fishermen, captains and mates who fished during the 1940s and 1950s known as the "Golden Days" of Sports fishing, promises to be a fantastic event.

An ongoing Jazz Concert at Gosman's, a classic and new boat exhibit, wine tasting, Coast Guard demonstrations, an arts and crafts street fair, a Chinese Auction, rides and games for children all add up to another spectacular, well-planned summer event.

Got boating and fishing equipment or other nautical items? Bring them to the Harbor Festival. Sell your goodies at our very own table (please bring your own table for your 10X10 space). Fees are $10.00. You will need to reserve your space by June 5th for the Chamber's Nautical Sale.

On Sunday, June 14th between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. there will be a concert for all to enjoy before the Annual Blessing of the Fleet and the Memorial Wreath Dedication at 5:00 p.m. Father Charles Ehrhart, Reverend Ann Stewart Miller and Cantor Debra Stein will officiate. Awards for the best decorated boats will be given by the Chamber of Commerce.

"Stars Over Montauk," the July 4th spectacular Grucci Fireworks Show at Umbrella Beach will begin at 9:00 p.m. and once again promises to be a breathtaking extravaganza of colors, lights and explosions.

Hosting their Third annual "Night at the Light," the Chamber invites you to again share in this celebration of Long Island Wines, live Jazz, delicious wines and hors' d'oeuvres presented by the premiere caterers, The Art of Eating, all in the shadow of our world famous Montauk Lighthouse. A memorable auction and your Gift Shop purchases will add to the festivities.

Montauk's exquisite fall season will be celebrated at the Chamber's 28th Annual Fall Festival on October 10th and 11th on the Village Green. The famous Chowder Tasting Contest (Gurney's Inn was awarded 2008's 1st prize), the thirty-horse carousel and all kinds of family-style rides, games, face painting, October-fest foods and even wine and beer tasting will be another fabulous weekend. The Chinese Auction, the event hundreds anticipate, will take place on Sunday, October 11th and the finale will be the Catch Cash drawing; with a Grand Prize of $25,000, followed by 17 more cash prizes.

What a season our Chamber of Commerce has begun; there is so much more to follow for us, and all who love to be a part of magical Montauk.