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The bonfire burns brightly as the sun goes down. (Katharine Schroeder)

The Riverhead Business Improvement District hosted its 15th annual holiday bonfire along the Peconic Riverfront Saturday night.

As a giant bonfire burned, kids and their parents waited patiently for Santa to arrive by boat and to light the Christmas tree.

After the tree lighting, kids visited with Santa in his gingerbread house, sharing their wishes for Christmas and receiving a candy cane.

Read more about the event, which included some unintended excitement, on RiverheadNewsReview.com.

Gathering around the bonfire.
Gathering around the bonfire.
The Nativity set up along the waterfront.
The Nativity set up along the waterfront.
Gary Joyce gathers another load of wood for the fire.
Gary Joyce gathers another load of wood for the fire.
Free hot chocolate for everyone.
Free hot chocolate for everyone.
Santa's gingerbread house.
Santa’s gingerbread house.
As night falls, the fire burns brighter.
As night falls, the fire burns brighter.
Keeping the floating fires burning.
Keeping the floating fires burning.
From left:  Thomas Wiliams, 8, Matthew Densieski, 9, Vinny Duran, 9, and Ryan Densieski enjoy their hot chocolate.
From left: Thomas Wiliams, 8, Matthew Densieski, 9, Vinny Duran, 9, and Ryan Densieski enjoy their hot chocolate.
Train rides along the river.
Train rides along the river.
Santa's boat arrives.
Santa’s boat arrives.
Santa waves from the boat.
Santa waves from the boat.
Lighting the tree.
Lighting the tree.
Giavonna Scharf, 8, of Jamesport talks to Santa.
Giavonna Scharf, 8, of Jamesport talks to Santa.
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