Date set for coronation celebration

Local residents, supported by The Greater Patchogue Foundation and its Cultural Heritage Committee, will celebrate the coronation of King Charles III on May 7, in Patchogue Village.

Event organizers are working to garner support from local restaurants, which may participate by offering food and drinks that celebrate British heritage. David Kennedy, executive director of the foundation, told local restaurateurs that event organizers intend to encourage attendees to dine and celebrate this momentous occasion at Patchogue establishments. Any participating specials offered, he said, will be advertised in the event promotion.

Ann Bartonik, a co-organizer for the event, said the plan is for a local establishment to air the coronation live on televisions throughout the restaurant. She suggested that local restaurants looking to participate offer reduced-price beverages, including variations of King Charles’s beloved martini and Queen Consort Camilla’s favorite, gin and tonic. As far as food items, Bartonik suggested simple traditional fare, including fish and chips, bangers and mash (sausage and mashed potatoes), or even beef Wellington. Coffee and tea shops, she said, might offer British-inspired strawberries and clotted cream, and breakfast offerings could include real English muffins and traditional English breakfasts (eggs, bacon, cheese, mushrooms and fried tomatoes).

In addition to recruiting restaurants to participate, Bartonik said event organizers are still seeking donations to assist with the cost of the desired decor for the event, including over 100 flags across Patchogue as well as a celebratory banner.