Kids of all ages gathered at Big Duck Ranch in Flanders last night for the 35th Annual Big Duck Holiday Lighting.
Children and their families bundled up against the cold to await Santa’s arrival and the chance to share their Christmas wishes with the jolly old elf himself.
Entertainment was provided by The Gaelic Grooves Irish Dance & Music Academy in Mattituck and the Riverhead Middle School show choir.
Santa arrived at Big Duck Ranch on a shiny red fire engine operated by the Flanders Fire Department, lights flashing, sirens and horns blaring.
He was welcomed by Quacker Jack, mascot of the Long Island Ducks minor league baseball club, County Executive Ed Romaine, Southampton Town Supervisor Maria Moore, County Legislator Catherine Stark and County Legislator Ann Welker. After wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and bellowing his classic “ho, ho, ho,” belly laughs, Santa flipped the switch to light up the greens adorning the Big Duck.
Big Duck Ranch and its iconic resident, a national landmark, are owned by Suffolk County and maintained by the Town of Southampton. Built in 1931 as a farm shop by a local duck farmer, the Big Duck today is home to a gift shop. A barn on the ranch site is operated as a museum of duck farming on Long Island.
Last night’s Big Duck Holiday Lighting event kicks off several days of celebrations across the Riverhead area featuring the arrival of Santa Claus, including a tree lighting on the green at the George Young Community Center in Jamesport tonight at 6, with caroling and hot chocolate, a parade on Main Street Saturday afternoon, followed by a bonfire on the riverfront and the arrival of Santa Claus by boat in time to light the Christmas tree in the town square and visit with children in Santa’s gingerbread house. There’s also a tree lighting with Santa at the Shoppes at East Wind in Wading River Saturday and plenty of other holiday events and activities. For details, check RiverheadLOCAL’s 2024 Holiday Guide and the community events calendar.
RiverheadLOCAL photos by Emil Breitenbach Jr.
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