Don't Miss: Annual Holiday Bonfire In Riverhead

A beloved Riverhead holiday tradition, the 14th annual bonfire on the Peconic Riverfront, takes place Saturday, and is still slated to go on as scheduled, despite a forecast of snow.

"We are going forward with it," said Riverhead Town Councilman Jim Wooten. "It makes it more festive if it's just a light snowfall."

The bonfire will be held on Saturday from 3 to 8 p.m. on the Peconic Riverfront, behind the East End Arts building, near the Riverhead Town Christmas tree.

The bonfire, said Wooten, will be held in memory of Loretta Trojanowski, an assessment clerk who lost her battle with breast cancer this year.

"We will surely miss her," Wooten said. "Loretta was a volunteer from the start of the bonfire event. She did a lot of hands-on work in decorating the Santa house, which was a shed that needed much work in sprucing up."

The Santa house, Wooten said, has since been replaced.

In addition, Wooten said, "She would help in all aspects of the event, including making hot chocolate and making sure all the kids got their candy canes. Loretta was always at the door to Santa's workshop after St. Nick arrived and would usher each and every child and family in for pictures and their time with Santa."

Trojanowski was the heart of the event, Wooten said. "Her spirit and joy could be felt by everyone. You felt her warmth, even if you weren't near the fire. I know this year she will be there this year, keeping a watchful eye and celebrating the greatest season with our community. Loretta loved the Christmas season, especially the bonfire. She demonstrated what volunteerism and commitment really means, and did so graciously."

The event features not only the bonfire, but also, caroling and a visit from Santa on his custom North Pole ice boat; Santa will light the Christmas tree by the Peconic River and greet children.

Festivities will also include a DJ, free hot cocoa, and cookies. The event is sponsored by Riverhead Town and the Riverhead Business Improvement District.  A rain date has been scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 15.