A crowd filled Riverhead’s new town square Sunday evening to celebrate the holiday season and enjoy the inaugural lighting of the Colorado blue spruce Christmas tree bedecked with festive decorations and a thousand colorful lights, standing tall near the center of the square.
Revelers enjoyed caroling, performances by East End Arts and East End Disabilities, cider from Riverhead Ciderhouse, candy canes from Robert James Salon, and a visit from Santa Claus himself.
The event was hosted by the Town of Riverhead, the Riverhead Chamber of Commerce and Riverhead Townscape.
The 18-foot Colorado blue spruce was donated by Jim Warner of Warner Nursery, dressed up with light donated by National Grid / PSEG, more than 300 giant ornaments donated by Townscape, red velvet bows donated by Dress for Success, and topped by a giant sparkling star donated by the Riverhead Chamber of Commerce. Chamber member Neal Coleman Electric donated his time and electrical expertise; Privet Consignment Warehouse donated and decorated Santa’s chair; Riverhead Fire Department along with Buildings and Grounds did the tree decorating and wreath hanging.
The event was originally scheduled to take place Saturday but was postponed due to inclement weather.
Downtown holiday festivities continue next week with the annual Santa Parade on Main Street Saturday, followed by the riverfront bonfire with caroling, hot cocoa and the chance for kids to visit with Santa in his gingerbread house. The parade steps off at 3 p.m., proceeds from Griffing Avenue to the town square, and is followed by the bonfire on the riverfront at 4 p.m.
RiverheadLOCAL photos by Alek Lewis
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