Coolest Stories 2021: The fun days we count on returned this year

After everything went virtual in 2020, beloved North Fork events were back in 2021.

Hallockville Museum Farm’s barn dances, held in Naugles Barn, were back. Complete with a caller, these traditional folk dances have always been a community favorite and raise money for Hallockville.

Held at the tail end of summer, the North Fork Foodie Tour once again gave visitors an inside look at the many bountiful farms in the area, from well-known staples like Sang Lee Farms to those that aren’t typically open to the public, like the North Fork Egg Farm. Guests went on tours, got to taste locally sourced produce, milked goats and more.

Greenport came alive when the Maritime Festival returned in September, kicking off with the Land & Sea Gala and continuing with the Merry Merfolk Parade and street fair. Visitors marveled at the tall ships, took part in kayak races and watched nautical demonstrations.

There was shellfish galore when seafood lovers enjoyed the Shellabration in Greenport, returning just in time for its 10th anniversary in December, capping off a year of renewed tradition and community on the North Fork.

Check out these photos of people stepping back out on the North Fork in 2021.