All in the Family At Farmstand

The countdown's on for the Fourth of July festivities, with all roads heading east as scores of fun-seekers head out to the North Fork for the biggest party of the summer.

But there's always time for a pit stop at the farmstand.

On Friday, cars were lining up outside the Country View Farmstand in Southold, where owner Kevin Polak, his wife Donna, and daughter Jessica have brought fresh local produce to customers for the past three years.

Customers are clamoring for what's in season, Polak said; right now, asparagus, sugar snap peas, zucchini, string beans, fresh-baked fruit pies in flavors including strawberry rhubarb and sugar-free apple and peach, blueberries, cantaloupe and watermelon are selling fast.

Thursday was the first day the farmstand's signature sunflowers were on sale; Saturday will mark the first day sweet corn will be available.

Polak also offers mozzarella and goat cheese, as well as Long Island duck and local honey, to patrons who make the farmstand a regular North Fork stop.

"I love the peaches," said one customer as she carried bags of produce to her car.

In the fall, Country View also offers U-pick pumpkins and roasted corn.

Polak said his brother is a fourth-generation farmer in Aquebogue. The farmstand features much of his produce as well as some Polak grows on his own 15 acres in Southold.

Perhaps the best part, both father and daughter agree, is working together.

Polak said when he needs to tend to crops, he knows his daughter is manning the farmstand up to his standards, keeping the produce displayed in plentiful arrangements.

"I've grown up on the farm," Jessica said. Of the summer crowds at the farmstand, she said, "I love it. Some people say I should be a car salesman, because I have such a good way of selling fruit and vegetables."