WATCH: Horseradish Festival Draws Crowds

Horseradish is a harbinger of springtime in Riverhead, as scores of residents turn out for one of the best kept secrets on the East End -- an annual horseradish party that's become a beloved tradition.

Every year, an unpublicized horseradish party brings together young and old, carrying their own jars, to bring home a fresh sampling of horseradish, which is peeled, ground and prepared right on the spot, out of homegrown horseradish root.

This year, crowds turned out at the Martha Clara Vineyards for the event, where they enjoyed sizzling barbecue, wine, and, of course, horseradish.

Peter Danowski, explaining the origins of the festival in a letter to friends, said the idea was born when he was a young prosecutor working for the Suffolk County District Attorney's office and a group of other prosecutors and reporters, including Art Penny, a journalist, got together to wait for verdicts -- and grind horseradish. Penny often made horseradish in the week before Easter.

"Rumor has it that certain individuals may have over indulged at these horseradish root grindings," Danowski said.

The group grew and the event moved to other homes, Danowski said. "Everyone seemed to enjoy the camaraderie at the horseradish grinding," he said. Finally, the event grew so big that a larger facility, or a tent, became necessary, to protect the group from inclement weather.

Today, Robert Entenmann continues the tradition by allowing the event to be held at one of his barns at Martha Clara Vineyards, Danowski said, adding that as the event grew, it was impossible to grow all the horseradish in their own  back yards and eventually, a local farming family, Phillip Schmitt and Sons, was contact to purchase enough horseradish roots for everyone.

"There really has never been an invitation to the party," Danowski wrote. "I have always said to friends and sometimes foes, if you would like to come you are welcome."

The question remains on how to continue the event as the numbers grow, with massive crowds packing the venue for a taste of springtime. In the past, women did the cooking and supplies were donated, he said. "This truly is a small event that has mushroomed into much larger numbers," Danowski reflected.

A similar, unpublicized event takes place in Greenport every year, but those in attendance refuse to disclose the location.

Danowski said that anyone who wishes to make a donation can do so to RSVP, an organization devoted to helping animals in need that his wife, Susie, is actively involved with.