Last Look: 20th Annual Riverhead Holiday Parade, Bonfire Fun

RIVERHEAD, NY — A beloved holiday tradition unfolded in downtown Riverhead on Dec. 21 as decorated tractors, miniature ponies, community groups, creative floats and Santa himself participated in the 20th Annual Holiday Parade and Bonfire, hosted by the Riverhead Business Improvement District and Riverhead Town.

Kicking off the fun, the Lion's Club Holiday Parade, complete with fire trucks and marching bands, headed west to east along Main Street; next, the Riverhead BIDMA presented Santa, waiting inside his Gingerbread House to welcome kids. Free candy canes and hot chocolate were provided as the bonfire blazed.

"We are thrilled to once again host this annual event with the positivity and participation of the town and people of Riverhead; making this a special holiday tradition for hundreds of families and children every year," Kristy Verity, executive director of the Riverhead Business Improvement District, said before the event. "The BID is so proud of our downtown and we enjoy giving back and sharing the holiday spirit with all of Riverhead."