FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Downtown Riverhead Halloween Fest
downtownriverhead.org/halloween-fest
Riverhead Business Improvement District
Press Contact: Kristy Verity
hello@downtownriverhead.org
Downtown Riverhead Gets a Spook-tacular Makeover for Halloween Fest
(Riverhead, NY...October, 2024) –– Downtown Riverhead ignites for its annual Halloween-themed weekend of spooktacular events from one end of town to the other. HALLOWEEN FEST, hosted by the Riverhead Business Improvement District [BID], will take place Saturday, October 19 (rain date October 26) with day and night activities, restaurant and brewery specials, contests and entertainment for ghouls and goblins of all ages.
Kicking off the festivities is the Main Street lamp post decorating contest where all community members are invited to register and install fall decor, turning downtown into a world of frights and sights. Public votes will be collected online via QR code from October 19-31 and the winning post will receive a $250 cash prize from the Riverhead BID. In honor of Veteran's Day, Hometown Hero banners will remain on alternating lamp posts; the BID displays corn stalks and pink and orange decor to honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month. New for 2024, the coffin race will take place on Main Street. DJ entertainment and a family fun play zone with hay stacks and photo opportunities will return to Town Square and three East End Arts bands will perform on Main Street.
2PM Halloween Fest begins with crowds lining Main Street to cheer on Ghoulies (5-12 years) and Zombies (12+) as their teams of five race custom-made “coffins” to win prizes. Racers compete in multiple heats and the winning team of each age group will receive a $500 cash prize. There is a prize-sponsorship opportunity for anyone interested.
3-5PM Trick-or-Treat along Main Street from Griffing Hardware (west) to Jerry And The Mermaid (east). Businesses and community members hand out free candy. Candy sponsorship is available.
5-6PM Festival goers are encouraged to dine at local restaurants while parade participants check-in and line up on Griffing Avenue.
6PM Goblin Parade on Main Street. Performances by local groups (Peconic Ballet Theater performs ‘Thriller’), floats and entertainment begin at Griffing Avenue, head east, ending on the Peconic Riverfront at Town Square. Online voting for people’s choice October 20th-30th (27th-31st if rain date is utilized); 1st place $300, 2nd place $200, 3rd place $100.
“Halloween Fest is Riverhead’s most engaging event, it’s wonderful to see people of all ages, abilities, and cultures smiling on Main Street,” Kristy Verity, Executive Director, Downtown Riverhead Business Improvement District. “Last year, the parade saw its biggest crowd to date and the people's choice contest for lamp post decor and parade floats were a hit. We’re excited to bring the coffin race to Main Street and have all the festivities in one zone; this move will also allow downtown businesses to watch the Zombies and Ghoulies compete. Halloween Fest evolves year after year and is my favorite BID event, thanks to the Riverhead community and our visitors.”
The Riverhead BID is seeking volunteers to assist with operations; sponsors and in-kind donations to offset overhead costs; lamp post decorators; coffin racers and parade participants. Those who would like to participate but need guidance or financial assistance are encouraged to contact the BID by emailing admin@downtownriverhead.org or by phone 631-440-1350.
Full event details and registration information are listed on the Halloween Fest & Parade webpage at downtownriverhead.org; and a list of local Halloween and seasonal events are posted on the community calendar.
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Downtown Riverhead [downtownriverhead.org] is managed by the
Riverhead Business Improvement District Management Association [BIDMA]
A non-profit special tax district management association fostering downtown revitalization and economic development.
For more information call 631.440.1350 or email hello@downtownriverhead.org
f./ @downtownriverheadbid i./ @downtownriverhead