Holiday Extravaganza Planned For Downtown Riverhead

RIVERHEAD, NY — A holiday extravaganza is set to unfold in downtown Riverhead, with a parade, tree lighting, arrival of Santa by boat, and a beloved annual bonfire.

The event takes place on Saturday, December 7, with a rain date of December 8. A full schedule of festivities includes:

1 p.m.

- Line up for Lions Club Parade. Vehicles, walkers and pets welcome! (prize for pet with the best holiday spirit! )

2:30 p.m.

- Santa arrives by boat. Photos with Santa.Free hot cocoa

2:45 p.m.

- Bonfire

3 p.m.

- Musical program begins. Emceed by Mark McLaughlin with performances by Riverhead High School; School of Rock; East End Arts and the East End Disability singers.

5 p.m.

- Official Welcome from town dignitaries

5:15 p.m.

- Tree lighting

Throughout the day there will be games, crafts, juggling, North Fork Chocolate and more.

This year, the Lions Club parade, originally scheduled for December 14 in conjunction with the bonfire, decided to join forces with the Riverhead Chamber of Commerce and Townscape's Tree Lighting event. The change took place after the Riverhead Business Improvement District made the decision to cancel their bonfire and Santa House in order to focus on other initiatives, organizers said.

Chamber Board member and Lions Club Administrator Lisa Pickersgill reflected: "These are long-standing traditions that we couldn't just let go, so we formed a coalition, got some amazing sponsors — and we are all so proud to say we are making this happen in a big way!"

"It has been truly heartwarming to see the number of community organizations that have stepped up to contribute to this great lineup of festive holiday activities. Downtown Riverhead will undoubtedly be the benchmark for other town celebrations," said Riverhead Town Supervisor Tim Hubbard.

To participate in the parade, email: renedoumeng@optonline.net

Holiday bedecked boats are welcome to join the Santa flotilla on the river.

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