Riverhead - For the second straight year, in honor of the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, Atlantis Marine World Aquarium is offering free admission to Riverhead township residents every Friday in November, as well as on Thanksgiving Day.

"We want to acknowledge and express gratitude to our aquarium's hometown," explained co-owner Jim Bissett, "Offering free admission is just one small way of saying thank you."

The special no-cost admission rate applies to Town of Riverhead residents only, who must show proof of residency upon entry. Residents must reside in one of the following towns: Riverhead, Wading River, Jamesport, Aquebogue, Laurel, Calverton, Baiting Hallow, Northville and parts of Manorville.

For more information about the Aquarium,call 631-208-9200, ext. H2O (426).

Atlantis Marine World opened in Riverhead on June 15, 2000, as the first large-scale aquarium to open in New York State in more than 35 years. Situated on 3.2 acres along the Peconic River, Atlantis Marine World is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (closed December 25). General Admission rates are $18.50 (plus tax) for children three to 17 and seniors 62 and over, $21.50 (plus tax) for adults 18 to 61 and children two and under are always free. Atlantis Marine World is also the home of the Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation, New York's only authorized marine mammal and sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation center, and was recently ranked by Parents Magazine as one of the "Top Aquariums for Kids." Additional information can be found at www.atlantismarineworld.com.