East Lyme — A group of neighbors from the Niantic area gather Saturday at McCook Beach for a bonfire.

The event was organized by Dawn Griswold through the Niantic Beach Bums group on Facebook as a way for people to get together during the off-season. She worked with fire chief Chris Taylor for the necessary permits and coordination with fire, police, and parks and recreation departments. Hayes Construction provided the firewood and a the town of East Lyme the piece of a former heating oil tank to contain the fire.

"It's such a great thing," said Holly Beckwith, who attended the event. "There isn't a lot to do around here in February."