Top 10 Videos of 2011

Getting ready to ring in the New Year? Before you break out the streamers and noise-makers to celebrate 2012, join Riverhead Patch as we look back on the biggest news stories of the past year. Today, Patch counts down the top 10 videos of 2011.

On Sept. 11, members of the Reeves Park community gathered to honor Thomas Kelly, a Wading River firefighter who lost his life 10 years ago on 9/11.

Iraq War Veteran Sam Cila, who was wounded in Iraq in 2005 and later had his left hand amputated, spoke with Patch in September about his Assistance Dog, Gillian, and his new role with the newly formed Long Island Chapter of Canine Companions for Independence, a nationwide organization that trains assistance dogs for persons with disabilities.

In March, Patch went behind-the-scenes for a sneak peek at the renovations of the Suffolk Theatre in downtown Riverhead.

This summer, country music radio station MyCountry 96.1 taught guests at Cody's BBQ and Grill in Riverhead how to line dance. The lessons went on every Saturday night, and even included a mechanical bull later in the summer.

As Tropical Storm Irene barreled towards Riverhead, Patches across the East End caught up with local residents readying themselves for the storm.

Thousands poured into the Riverhead Raceway this Fourth of July weekend for the annual race, demolition derby and fireworks show.

An August 5.8 Magnitute earthquake in Virginia sent aftershocks rippling through Long Island. Patch spoke to local residents about what they felt when the tremors hit.

On Dec. 23, about 20 teams of Riverhead High School Physics Students competed to inflate and pop a balloon by building elaborate, complex contraptions.

On Memorial Day, hundreds attended the 32nd annual service at the Calverton National Cemetery for U.S. veterans.

Patch shot video of the best chalk drawings from the 15th Annual Community Mosaic Street Painting Festival in downtown Riverhead in late May.