Dear Community:

The Cutchogue Fire Department regrets to inform the community that we will not be hosting our annual chicken BBQ in 2020.

This is not a decision that was reached in haste. Many discussions were held with the various committees for the event as well as with The Board of Fire Commissioners, The Chief’s Office, the Company Captain as well as members of our Ladies Auxiliary who have co-hosted the event every year since the beginning.

Many factors went into this decision foremost being the health and safety of our loyal customers who have helped create a one of a kind event for 64 years. Consideration also had to be given to our own members and volunteers who work near one another in preparing all the food for an event this size.

Much of this work could not be accomplished following social distancing guidelines now in place. We had considered altering some of the menu items so we could still hold the BBQ but felt we should not change a formula that had been so successful for so many years. In addition, some items such as the corn and chicken need to be ordered months in advance to ensure we have enough for everyone attending.

We also had conversations with the Town of Southold and the Suffolk County Health Department and at this time they could not say if they would be able to issue a permit for an event of this size in August given the many unknown factors surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.

We are far from alone in making this decision as Southold, Shelter Island and Eastport Fire Departments also have chosen to cancel large events scheduled for August.

We are truly sorry we had to take this action and hope the community continues to support the Cutchogue Fire Department in our future fund raisers and hope to see you all at the BBQ on August 27, 2021

Thank you for all you have done to support us over the years and we look forward to your fellowship once again.

IN APPRECIATION, THE OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF THE CUTCHOGUE FIRE DEPARTMENT