Marblehead Beach Bonfire Still On Friday Night Despite Wintry Mix

MARBLEHEAD, MA — Marblehead residents are urged to dress warm and carpool or walk, if possible, to the Riverhead Beach Christmas tree bonfire Friday night.

While Salem canceled its bonfire this year because of Friday's mix of winter weather, Marblehead police said early Friday afternoon that its bonfire remains on as scheduled. However, residents are urged to carpool or walk to the event because of a parking shortage at the beach.

Police said the main lot remains "buried in sand" because of the coastal storm late last month, and the residents' lot is mostly full of winter storage and deep sand near the back. The Riverhead Beach lot is closed for the fire apparatus and the bonfire itself.

Those driving to and from The Neck are asked to use extra caution and expect delays because of pedestrians crossing Ocean Avenue. Pedestrians should only cross the road in the crosswalks.

Police officers will be on hand to assist with traffic flow and pedestrian crossings.

The bonfire will be lit at 6 p.m.

"We expect crowds to begin building around 5 p.m.," police said. "Dress warm, be careful and come out and enjoy this tradition with family and friends."

Trees will continue to be picked up curbside until Jan. 13 after the beach bonfire. After Jan. 13, they must be brought to the transfer station.

Residents are reminded to remove all ornaments, lights, garland, tinsel and other decorations from the trees before putting them out curbside. Trees should not be placed in plastic bags for curbside pickup.

Any tree in a bag or that is not bare will not be picked up.

Wreaths, garlands and other evergreen holiday decorations will also not be picked up.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)