Throngs of people came to downtown Riverhead from far and wide today for the 5th Annual Cardboard Boat Races.
Southampton won the return of the supervisor’s cup trophy in the opening race between the supervisors of the towns bordering the Peconic River. Southampton Supervisor Anna Throne-Holst bested Riverhead Supervisor Sean Walter by a comfortable margin, giving the South Fork town a 3-2 edge in the annual contest.
Organizers estimated the crowd packing the Peconic Riverfront today at about 2,000 people.
About 50 boats competed in three races, the Youth Regatta, the Riverhead Yacht Club Regatta and the Grand National Regatta. Trophies were awarded for each division. Awards were also given for the prettiest boat, the best costumed crew, the best theme. the best captain— as well as awards for spirit and the “commander’s choice.” And of, course, as is tradition, the “Titanic Award” is handed out to the boat that performs best in that department by going under rapidly.
Click here to see a complete list of all the race winners.
“This was a great event,” event organizer Councilman George Gabrielsen said. “The weather was perfect, the turnout was great. Everyone had a lot of fun.”
People came from all over Long Island — and beyond — for the popular annual event. Many contestants were returning for two or more years in a row.
“We do a different theme every year,” said “Coconuts” team member Bob Stiles, of Bohemia. This year, his family build a cardboard craft fashoned after a Venetian gondola. Their boat won the “Commander’s Choice” award.
Others were in it for the first time. Brad and Andrea Rasso, of Patchogue, created “The Big Duct” modeled after, well, the Big Duck, of course. Andrea Rasso said she organizes a VW campout at Indian Island every summer called VW Campout by the Big Duck. That’s what gave her the idea for the cardboard-and-duct-tape replica of the roadside icon, which took home the “Best Themed” award in the adult category.
Joe’s Garage owner Ray Dickhoff had a booth at the event, selling roasted corn, burgers, sausage and peppers sandwiches and refreshments. “Events like this are great for downtown,” he said. “People come here and get to experience Riverhead as a destination. Then they will come back for other things, like a night at the theater or dinner at one of the restaurants.”
Councilman James Wooten was the event’s emcee. Councilman John Dunleavy and Councilwoman Jodi Giglio were also on hand for the fun.
RiverheadLOCAL photos by Denise Civiletti
Click thumbnails to enlarge images
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