RSS 2.0 FeedJuly 1, 2010, Wantagh Seaford Citizen
Wantagh’s July 4 celebration set for Saturday
Annual parade this year is a day earlier, come down and celebrate America's birthday on Saturday, July 3.
The annual Fourth of July Parade will be held on Saturday, July 3, this year, announced Frederick E. Parola, second vice-president of the Fourth of July Parade Association, Inc.
“Out of respect for parishioners attending services at the churches along our parade route, the parade association decided to hold the parade on Saturday, July 3, instead,” Mr. Parola reported. “Assembly for the parade will be behind the Wantagh 5 & 10 shopping center at 9:30 a.m., and step off is 10 a.m.,” he added.
The parade, which is one of Nassau County’s largest, is a favorite tradition for Wantagh residents. “Nothing is quite like the view on Wantagh Avenue when you see beach chairs and blankets lined up to see the parade,” stated Ella Stevens, president of the Fourth of July Association. “Lorraine Rhoads, who coordinates the parade, works tirelessly to enlist and synchronize all the marchers and floats that walk through Wantagh in celebration of our country’s birthday. From the smallest to the finest, Wantagh’s parade makes a hit in this community, and rightfully so,” Ms. Stevens added.
The parade path begins on Park Avenue, proceeds north on Wantagh Avenue towards Island Park Road, where it heads east onto Beech Street to its final destination at the Wantagh Elementary School. Along the route, the marchers and their floats pass by a panel of judges that await them in the showmobile that’s parked alongside the Wantagh Museum. Part of the ceremony at the Beech Street school is the announcement of the winners of the awards, ranging from the most patriotic to the most creative, as judged by this panel. Finally, the ceremony ends with the crowning of the new Miss Wantagh – another tradition – spotlighting the young ladies who compete for the title.
“The community eagerly awaits the parade each year and from our marchers to our Miss Wantagh semi-finalists, it’s easy to see why this is always a great day for Wantagh and its residents,” concluded Mr. Parola.
