Riverhead Wins Back Trophy At Spirited Cardboard Boat Race: Photos

RIVERHEAD, NY — It was a splashingly good time in downtown Riverhead Saturday as the 2023 Cardboard Boat Race kicked off on the Peconic Riverfront.

The event, presented by the Downtown Riverhead Business Improvement District and the Riverhead Chamber of Commerce,included various categories for young and old, as well the traditional race between town supervisors.

And this year, Riverhead Town emerged the winner: "We got the trophy back from Southampton!" Riverhead Town Supervisor Yvette Aguiar told Patch.

Unfortunately, Aguiar said, she is healing from a double ankle break, so she had her Deputy Supervisor Devon Higgins take helm of the vessel. Aguiar added: "Not used to losing, I engaged Jim Dreeben, who had the Peconic Paddler for 53 years, to help me engineer the boat."

A crowd of 8,000 to 10,000 turned out for the fun, Aguiar said.

And in the end, she and Southampton Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman united in solidarity, holding hands to show the competition was all in good fun, Aguiar said.

All who attended enjoyed watching those who'd created colorful cardboard boats vie to win.

"It was a perfect day for the event! Great turn-out! The banks of the Peconic River were crowded with spectators. Great seeing all the cardboard boat creations, with many elaborate designs!" said Lisa Dabrowski.

The day also included music, games, awards, prizes and vendors.