A weekend of history, music and hops on the East End
All aboard!
Long Island residents attended the 22nd annual Riverhead Railroad Festival at the Railroad Museum of Long Island’s 30th year in Riverhead on Saturday. The sunny afternoon was filled with choo-choo’s, smiling faces and train rides.
Mary McKeon and her son Killian made the trip from East Moriches for the first time.
“The World’s Fair train [was her favorite attraction],” Ms. McKeon said. “I actually teach in Queens, so it’s nice to see that piece of history.”
Killian told the Riverhead News-Review that he really wanted to ride the World’s Fair train.
“Seeing kids all like-minded having a great time,” Ms. McKeon said regarding what stood out to her the most. “The hands-on exhibits are fantastic as well. Oh, yeah, I’ll definitely come back. My mom’s probably going to bring him [Killian] tomorrow because that’s how much he loves it.”
Riverhead Town Board councilman Ken Rothwell said it’s a great family day.
“It’s perfect weather today for families to come out and gather and share in the history of Long Island,” Mr. Rothwell said. “It’s very interactive, we get younger kids to put their phones down for a while and interact with some of the trains, take them nicely around the railroad.”
The Jamesport Farm Brewery featured live music and beer tasting, at the first Hop Festival at this location. Organizers used a similar event at the brewery in 2017 as inspiration to create the festival.
“The brewery community is very close knit,” said tasting room manager and events coordinator Ashley Dunlop. “Long Island has a really great beer scene.”
Festivalgoers had the opportunity to try different kinds of beers, while taking bites from food trucks. There was also some live music to set the mood.
“It’s a nice way to celebrated what we have out here on the East End,” Ms. Dunlop said. “It’s a nice kickoff to the fall season.”
All the money from the tickets gets distributed to the breweries.
Riverhead residents Michael and Maryellen Smith were attracted to the festival due to previous experience at the Jamesport Farm Brewery.
“The fact that they’re having a band, the food trucks and the sampling made it seem like a good time,” Ms. Smith said.
Blues returned to the Peconic River in Riverhead, as families gathered at Grangebel Park to enjoy the breeze off the water and some smooth blues.
The Lions Club of Cutchogue & Lions District 20S is sponsoring the event, which runs from noon to 4 p.m. on the Peconic riverfront.
Kerry Kearney’s Cajun Revue, Pamela Betti, Joe Luis and the Groove, Chloe Halpin and Zenbock set the mood in Riverhead, as attendees either bopped their heads or got up out of their lawn chairs to dance to the music.
All proceeds from the event benefits the Guide Dog Foundation, which offers free guide dogs and training for people who are blind, have low vision or other disabilities. Benefits also go towards the American’s Vet Dogs, who’s mission is to place service dogs with veterans, active-duty service members, and first responders with disabilities.
Photos by Nick Mongiovi
