News

Summer picnic series launched on the riverfront

BARBARAELLEN KOCH PHOTO
Artist Christine Dupuis of Riverhead paints some miniature
seascapes in oil on wood at the town recreation department’s
first riverfront picnic event.

Got $8 and a lunch break to kill?
Head down to the riverfront boardwalk in Riverhead for some good eats, live music and a display of artwork.
The Riverhead Town recreation department on Thursday threw its first summer waterfront picnic event. Through September, residents and visitors alike will get to enjoy local food, art and music along the Peconic River from noon to 2 p.m. on the first Thursday of every month.
About 30 people showed up the first event, organizers said.
“The idea is just to encourage people to come downtown and eat their lunch down here,” said Danielle Doll, the department’s cultural affairs supervisor. “We’re hoping that even if it starts off slow, that the word of mouth will spread and more and more people will be interested.”
Bagged lunches are provided from local delis and go for $8 each, she said.
At about 1 p.m. Thursday, there was a mix of people picnicking, from workers dining alone or at picnic tables filled with colleagues, to moms pushing strollers and perusing artist Christine Dupuis’ watercolor exhibit.
“If it’s a success, we’d like to do it a weekly basis,” Ms. Doll said.
MICHAEL WHITE