An annual boat burning tradition

West Sayville will be saying farewell to another ferry boat for the Long Island Maritime Museum’s 36th annual Boat Burning. Taking place on Oct. 23 at 5 p.m., the tradition has become a way for the local community to celebrate historical vessels while keeping in the Halloween spirit. Tickets are $5 a head, while children 5 and under entering free.

A symbol of the island’s history, last year’s boat Monitor II was the last remaining wooden ferry for the Cherry Grove and Fire Island voyages from Sayville. First hitting the water back in the ’60s, the boat was part of a fleet of ships belonging to the Pokornys. These ships rivaled that of another local ferry company run by the Steins. Monitor II eventually was sold to the Steins’ Sayville Ferry Service, where she was eventually retired.

Several food trucks will be on-site serving a variety of snacks and meals for attendees, including soft serve by Roxy’s Soft Serve and lobster rolls by Claws Crab Shack.

The rain date for the event will be Oct. 24. The venue for the boat burning is the Long Island Maritime Museum, located at 88 West Street, West Sayville.