10th Riverhead Cardboard Board Race Splashing Family Fun: Photos

RIVERHEAD, NY — A crowd packed the Peconic waterfront in Riverhead Sunday for the 10th Annual Cardboard Boat Race, cheering as spirited contestants of all ages hopped into vessels constructed with cardboard, duct tape — and a boatload of creativity.

There were cheers of encouragement and good-natured laughter as some of the boats proved a bit less than seaworthy, sending their stalwart crews splashing happily into the Peconic River as they capsized.

Hundreds turn out every year for one of Riverhead's most anticipated yearly events. Families, friends, young and old participate in the event, spending months creating their cardboard boats, and then enjoying a day on the water, as well as music, face painting, and food.

The event also included the yearly Supervisors' Race, with Southampton Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman, last year's victor against former Riverhead Supervisor Sean Walter, competing against Riverhead Town Supervisor Laura Jens-Smith in her inaugural voyage. After what she called a "grueling" start and the crowd deemed "a fight to the finish," Jens-Smith took home the trophy, which will remain in Riverhead Town Hall until next year.

"It was a great day for a race," Schneiderman said.

Patch photo, video by Lisa Finn.