RSS 2.0 FeedJuly 15, 2010, Wantagh Seaford Citizen
The Glorious Fourth in Wantagh
Wantagh’s traditional Fourth of July parade and crowning of Miss Wantagh.
Under a sparkling summer’s sky, Wantagh’s traditional Fourth of July parade and crowning of Miss Wantagh provided an enjoyable afternoon for community members of all ages. The festivities, held a day early this year on Saturday, July 3, were scheduled to avoid interference with Sunday religious services.
Veterans, marching bands, fire trucks, floats and a host of local and state elected officials seamlessly made their way up Wantagh Avenue past enthusiastic onlookers.
The parade ended at the Wantagh Elementary School on Beech Street where prizes were awarded to the following groups: Best Marching Band: American Legion Pipe Band; Most Colorful: Paumanacke Garden Club; Most Creative: A.M.T. Children of Hope; Most Patriotic: Long Island Sweet Potato Queens; Freedom Award: Daughters of the Revolution (DAR) Jerusalem Chapter; Special Judges Award: Wantagh High School Band and the Murphy/Rosenberg Civic Award: Boy Scout Troop 656
Lorraine Rhoads, the parade’s coordinator for the past 11 years, said, “This is a great community event and we feel it was very successful.” She said they were pleased to welcome a new participant, The Long Island Road and Track Skating Association, whose members eased along the route on roller skates.
Miss Wantagh crowned
Over 100 spectators gathered on the lawn for the announcement of the finalists and winner of the Miss Wantagh Pageant. Sixteen-year-old Kelley Garland was selected among a total of seven contestants and was awarded the title. The first runner-up was Jasmina Ehab and the second runner-up was Briana Camarrata, all pictured below.
Ella Stevens, the coordinator of the pageant, said that, “The contestants are judged on enthusiasm, community involvement, and how they present themselves.” Unlike a beauty pageant, she said, “It’s about beauty within.”
The pageant itself was held on June 30 and marked the 54th year of the event. Miss. Wantagh is awarded $500 as well as an array of gift certificates from local merchants. As Miss Wantagh 2010, Kelley will be called upon to appear at various local community events. Some of Kelley’s activities to date include being president of Model Congress at Wantagh High School, treasurer of the French Club and a Girl Scout since kindergarten. She is a music honor student, plays flute in the marching band and will serve as the hospitality chair, coordinating fundraising efforts for the band in her upcoming junior year.
Upon being crowned, Kelley remarked, “This has been a really good experience. I am honored to be a representative of this amazing town. Someday I hope to raise my own children in Wantagh.”
