East Hampton High School homecoming bonfire extinguished but spirits high

With gusting winds encouraging the flames to grow higher and higher, the bonfire at East Hampton High School’s homecoming celebration Saturday night ignited quickly.

It was just as quickly extinguished.

“It happened very quickly,” said East Hampton High School principal Adam Fine. “The fire department put the flames out very fast. It was a very, very quick bonfire.”

Though the East Hampton Fire Department put out the flames to maintain safety -- windy weather conditions can make a bonfire unmanageable -- it didn’t dampen the celebratory mood.

The fun-filled homecoming events included the fifth annual carnival featuring a dunk tank and inflatable slides. The bonfire, carnival and crowing of the homecoming king and queen preceded East Hampton’s 7:15 p.m. homecoming game against Southampton.

“This is great. I am having a lot of fun,” said East Hampton High School freshman Jordan Foster,14, who was dressed as a sumo wrestler eager to tackle to the wrestling mat his opponent, fellow classmate Lisseth Rodriguez, 14.

Fine said the carnival began as a way to bring the community and students together and show school spirit.

"The carnival cultivates school spirit and brings the community together. This entire week has been spirit week and it’s been great because the kids and adults love it,” he said. “Every day, everyone dressed up for tie-dye day, flannel day, USA day, it was a lot of fun.”

The homecoming event also showcased the East Hampton dance team backed by the East Hampton marching band performing “Feel this Moment” by Pitbull and Christina Aguilera.

Seniors Thomas Nelson, 17, and Caoimhe McKeon, 17, were crowned this year’s homecoming king and queen, respectively.

McKeon said she and Nelson, who is a wide receiver on the football team, have been dating for two years. She said she was ‘very surprised’ they won but pleased.

“I think this is cute that we won since we are boyfriend and girlfriend,” she said.