Riverhead Bonfire Welcomes Santa and Families

It was a mild evening, perfect for a holiday gathering on the seasonally decorated Peconic Riverfront. About a hundred gathered at the fire early on and by the end of the evening, a few hundred came out to listen to holiday music, warm up by the fire and watch Santa arrive by boat on the Peconic River.

At the 11th annual Bonfire and tree lighting ceremony, the sound of Christmas music filled the air played by a live DJ. There were free cupcakes and hot chocolate for all. For those wanting a heartier fill up, Maple Tree Deli provided delicious dishes such as smoked chicken chili, North Carolina pulled pork, herb crusted potato and sweet potato soup for a nominal price. Yummy! There was even a face painter. 

No worries about being cold! At the heart of the gathering was an approximately 30-foot long fire built up on top of sand.  Several workers fed the fire, fueled by over 2 cords of wood, throughout the night.  People were gathered all around to keep warm and enjoy the holiday atmosphere. And of course the children were waiting for the infamous man in red and white - Santa Clause. And they were not let down!

Around 5 p.m., Santa came up the Peconic River on a beautifully decorated boat and arrived dockside to a pier lined with familes, children and festive folk. Santa was escorted up to a large pine tree which he lit to officially start the holiday season. From there he was escorted into a festive shed decorated with wrapping paper and a pretty little Christmas trees. The line to wait for Santa melted into the crowd gathered round the fire. The children got to go in and sit wtih Santa and a free Polaroid print was given to each family. All set on the beautiful Peconic Riverfront - Riverhead's very own little gem of a gathering spot.

The Bonfire was first organized 11 years ago by Councilmen Jim Wooten and Ed Densieski along with the Highway Department and Ed Patridge of Riverhead B.I.D. This year, Ray Pickersgill of Riverhead B.I.D, helped lead the organizing of the event and gathering of volunteers and firewood. If you didn'tmake it this year, be sure to come next year and bring all your family and friends!