1st Annual Riverhead Holiday Village Trail Coming Soon

RIVERHEAD, NY — With the holidays looking different this year during the pandemic, a new event is shaping up in Riverhead that's sure to delight young and old safely while still spreading joy and light.

Virginia Scudder, a member of the Riverhead Special Education Parent Teacher Association, said the SEPTA group has come together to get spirits rallied and to sprinkle a little bit of magic into the holiday season: To that end, the group has organized the 1st Annual Riverhead SEPTA Holiday Village Trail.

"Want to be part of something exciting and support our special education students?" the group asked.

Business owners and residents are asked to decorate their storefronts, homes and yards with the theme, "Together we are better."

The rules include thinking out of the box; being colorful and creative; being child-friendly; being SEPTA friendly; and remaining mindful of loud music and noises. while decorating homes and businesses, SEPTA said

Also, the color blue must be used in decorating designs.

To participate in the 1st Annual Riverhead SEPTA Holiday Village Trail, business owners and residents can donate $10; funds raised will be used to benefit middle school SEPTA awards and future scholarships for seniors.

Holiday decorating must be complete for the trail to begin on December 1; display must remain up until January 1, Scudder said.

To enter, email Virginia Scudder or Laura Huber at RiverheadSEPTAevents@gmail.com on or before November 20. Mail or drop off a check for $10 made out to "Riverhead SEPTA," care of Aquebogue Elementary School, 499 Main Road, Aquebogue, NY 11931.

A map will be provided on the Riverhead SEPTA Events Facebook page to help all follow the trail and visit each display.

In addition, students can enter with families and friends

First, second and third ribbon prizes will be presented.

"Judges will be looking for fun and creative displays that are bright, festive, and maintain our theme," SEPTA members said. "We can’t wait for the fun. We cannot wait to see these amazing and fun displays. Get started soon. We Just want to have our special ed kids represented and help everyone out."

Looking ahead, SEPTA members added: "We have many upcoming events that will surely be a way to be a part of the community, have our children uplifted by spirit, and show all children that we care."