Fireworks light up the downtown Riverhead sky. Photo: Denise Civiletti
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The downtown riverfront was alive with music and fireworks last night as Riverhead celebrated America’s 239th birthday. Large boats tied up at the town dock and hundreds gathered on the promenade to watch a spectacular fireworks show presented by the Riverhead Business Improvement District.

The display followed an open-air concert by the popular Brady Rymer and the Little Band that Could, whose music had children of all ages dancing in front of the showmobile stage.

“The weather was absolutely perfect for the concert and fireworks this year,” BID Management Association president Raymond Pickersgill said. “You couldn’t ask for better.” Last year’s Independence Day fireworks got rained out.

The fireworks were shot off from Grangebel Park, which was closed for the event. Riverhead Fire Department, Riverhead Volunteer Ambulance Corps and Flanders-Northampton Ambulance stood by.

The Suffolk Theater hosted a free pre-fireworks concert by Who Are Those Guys and restaurants and pubs up and down Main Street did a brisk businesses, some offering takeout specials for families attending the outdoor shows.

“This is a great way to celebrate the 4th,” Councilman John Dunleavy said after welcoming the crowd. “This is what small-town life is all about.”

RiverheadLOCAL photos by Peter Blasl and Denise Civiletti

 

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