Thursday, October 1, 2026
Despite sweltering temperatures that forced some organizations to scale back their participation, Wantagh residents lined the streets July 4 to celebrate the nation's 250th birthday during the community's 81st annual Independence Day parade.
More than 40 community groups, civic organizations, elected officials, scouts, veterans, churches and local businesses marched through downtown Wantagh, continuing a tradition that dates back to 1945.
"We continue," said parade co-president Ella Stevens. "This year, even more so because it was our country's 250th birthday. We wanted to make it special."
Planning for the parade begins months in advance, Stevens said, with organizers securing permits and insurance before inviting returning participants from Wantagh and neighboring communities.
This year's parade followed its traditional route from Park Avenue behind the Irish Poet restaurant, north on Wantagh Avenue and east along Island Road before ending at Wantagh Elementary School, where awards were presented and the new Miss Wantagh was crowned.
The extreme heat proved to be the biggest challenge, causing some groups to reduce the number of marchers. Organizers also erected connected canopies to provide shade for participants waiting to step off.
Still, Stevens said the turnout from both participants and spectators reflected the community's enduring support for the event.
"It's always seeing the residents in our community line the streets cheering the participants," she said. "It's such a great feeling, the community getting together. Even in the heat, they were out there cheering every group."
Among the parade participants were the Wantagh Fire Department, Nassau County Police Department mounted unit, American Legion, Knights of Columbus, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Wantagh Preservation Society and Daughters of the American Revolution. St. Jude's Roman Catholic Church also marked its 100th anniversary during the celebration.
Stevens said the parade remains one of Wantagh's defining traditions.
"We were there to support each other," she said. "That's what makes this community family."
