2018 Small Business Saturday Snap Shots

We were thrilled to be a part of the Official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Grand Opening Celebration for Amulet Arts on June 8th. You can tell as soon as you walk through the door that details are important to owners Michael Cappel and Mandolynne Hopkins. Every inch of the newly opened shop is designed to create an inspiring experience. It is truly a unique and elegant boutique. A family owned and operated shop, with more than 30 years in the industry, Amulet Arts offers piercing, jewelry installation services, microblading and fine jewelry. Proud members of The Association of Professional Piercers, their staff offers the most current, hygienic and professional services to their clients. They are one of the most highly credentialed and certified piercing/body art studios in New York State.

Although concerned at first about how they might be received, Mr. Cappel got emotional yesterday when asked about their experience opening in Patchogue. “I have to tell you that Patchogue welcomed us with open arms, and I could not be more grateful to you guys”.

In addition to body art, Amulet Arts also has an amazing gallery where artists are able to showcase their work. We met two local artists, Mary Searles (@calicoqueen) and Christie Jones (@swellanchor), who both had several pieces of their work on display. and were thrilled with the space and opportunity Amulet provided. Make sure to check out their instagram accounts for more of their work.

Scroll down to see highlights from yesterdays event, and visit Amulet Arts at their website or Facebook.

Early June is strawberry season on Long Island. This weekend and next you can get out and celebrate one of Long Islands sweetest crops. Grab friends and family and head out to enjoy one (or both) of these great Strawberry Festivals.

Strawberry Fair at Benner’s Farm — East Setauket
56 Gnarled Hollow Road
631-689-8172
THIS WEEKEND: Saturday, June 8th and Sunday June 9th

Benner’s Farm is a private fifteen-acre family homestead, first farmed in the 1700’s. Each year the farm provides thousands of people a sense of what it was like to live on a small farm in years past. The Benner family has been farming organically since the late nineteen seventies and also raise a variety of farm animals for self-sufficient living. This weekend they will celebrate the strawberry by dipping them in chocolate, making them into ice cream, putting them on home-made Strawberry Shortcake, turning them into jam and eating them as they are! Come out to enjoy wholesome family fun with old-fashioned games and live music. They also have bunnies and chicks for the kiddies to hold, the big swing, craft and local vendors and a whole Farm to explore and discover! The farm just announced that they have a new baby calf on the farm and now have three baby goats and a lamb to pet and feed.

Mattituck Lions Club Strawberry Festival — Mattituck
1175 Route 48
631-298-2222
Thursday, June 13th through Sunday, June 16th

On Father’s Day weekend, the peak of the strawberry harvest, the Mattituck Lions Club brings the community together for a special weekend of fun and purpose. Whether you’re here year-round, are a seasonal resident or are drawn here by the Festival, you’re in for a wonderful time. Dig into the strawberry shortcake, sample the strawberries dipped in chocolate, try the strawberries any way you like them. Head over to the rest tent to enjoy live music. Then find out what is available for sale from arts and craft vendors. Cheer as the new Strawberry Queen is crowned. Experience the midway rides. Taste foods from around the world. The fun keeps going after the sun sets, so bring lawn chairs and enjoy the fireworks on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Much of the Festival fun is free, thanks to the efforts of many volunteers. When you do spend, you help the Mattituck Lions advance their year-round community service efforts. Admission is $6 per person 5 and older. Pay-one-price ride tickets are available for purchase online. Dads are admitted FREE on Father’ Day when accompanied by a paid child.

No need to be sour if you are not able to make any of these festivals, here you can find a list of Farms and Stands where you can get out and pick your own or purchase local Strawberries throughout the season.