New Year's Eve Fireworks In Riverhead Canceled Due To Coronavirus

RIVERHEAD, NY — Fireworks won't illuminate downtown Riverhead on New Year's Eve: The proposed event was canceled due to concerns over the surge in coronavirus.

According to the Riverhead Business Improvement District, a permit application was initially submitted to the Riverhead town board at a Dec. 3 work session. After the presentation, BID President Steven Shauger said he spoke with Andrew Mitchell, president and CEO of Peconic Bay Medical Center Northwell Health, as well as the town board, to address fears regarding increased COVID-19 spread and the risk of overwhelming the local health care system.

“Considering the safety of our community is of utmost importance. Understanding that this is a challenging time, we must explore and respect the opinions and concerns of our community leaders,” Shauger said. “We have supported our health care heroes throughout this pandemic and will continue to keep their well-being at the top of our priority list. Sadly, an event of this kind is just not doable right now.”

The fireworks display was originally planned for July in downtown Riverhead, slated to be held during the Alive on 25 street festival. Due to planning and purchasing months in advance, $12,000 was paid in full to Santore World Famous Fireworks, the BID said. When that event was canceled, Santore issued a 2020 credit, and the fireworks display was rescheduled for the annual holiday bonfire, to be held in conjunction with the annual Lion's Club Parade, both of which were originally scheduled for Dec. 12.

That event, too, was canceled due to COVID-19 concerns. Next, the BID considered presenting the New Year's Eve fireworks display.

"Due to unsettling feedback, the display is now postponed to 2021," the BID said.

Santore has agreed to prorate the credit to 2021, the BID added.

“We’d like to thank Mr. Mitchell for his communication, concern, and honest feedback, Santore fireworks for their patience and agreement to deliver thrills in 2021, and the public for voicing their opinion — which helps us to determine the best course of action for downtown Riverhead,” Shauger said. “The BID continues to envision fun things for the new year, and we aim to bring excitement back to town once it’s safe to do so.”