Alive on 25 postponed due to aftermath of July 4 storm and continuing rain

The Alive on 25 Summer Block Party event scheduled for July 9 has been postponed, Riverhead Supervisor Jerry Halpin announced Monday afternoon.

The decision to postpone the event came in consultation with event organizer Diane Tucci of Main Street Agency, the Town Board and Riverhead Police Chief Ed Frost, due to the widespread impacts of the July 4 storm and continuing rain, according to a press release issued by Halpin’s office Monday evening.

The postponement will give residents, vendors, and town staff extra time to handle storm recovery and allow utility crews to restore power to all residents.

“Alive on 25 is about lifting up our community, and hosting a great event for all to enjoy,” Tucci said. Thursday’s forecast looks okay right now, she said, but important advance setup activities should already be taking place. “Currently the rain is relentless.”

Tucci said her team has had conversations with several event participants who are stranded in their houses or dealing with property damage, and some would not be able to attend. 

“To have a successful event, we need a good turnout for our vendors as well,” Tucci said. “Everybody who participates spends a lot of time preparing for an event like this, and we want to make sure that it is under the right and safe circumstances,” she said. “While it’s extremely disappointing, we know giving people adequate notice is the best thing we can do,” Tucci said.

Alive on 25 is scheduled for two dates this year. The next scheduled date is Aug. 6.

“I’m looking forward to attending the rescheduled date of Alive on 25 and hope to announce that future date very soon,” Halpin said.

“As disappointed as I am to postpone this great event, our focus needs to be concentrated on the residents still trying to recover from the storm,” Councilwoman Joann Waski added.