By John C. O'Connell
Parade and fair Saturday
This Saturday morning is a big day in the Village of Valley Stream. Hundreds of marchers and dozens of bands, floats and organizations will be parading down Rockaway Avenue from Wheeler Avenue to the Village Green.
And it won't end there. As the line of marchers and sidewalk cheerers finish up at the Village Green, everyone will be welcome at a special Village Arts & Crafts Fair and Octoberfest right at parade's end. There will be refreshment stands, antique cars, fire trucks, face painting, balloon figures, floats and more.
The 75th Anniversary Parade's Grand Marshal will be Mayor Edward Cahill, with his Marshals: Deputy Mayor Guido Cirenza, Trustees Joann Antun, Joseph Zabatta and Richard Coffman, and Village Justice Robert Bogle. The parade's honorary Grand Marshal will be 75th Anniversary Committee Chairman Dominick Minerva. Parade Committee Chairman Richard Sullivan may be busy throughout the day, but his presence will be evident as the well-planned parade marches by.
At 10 A.M. Saturday, more than 88 units will make up the line of march starting from Rockaway Parkway and Wheeler Avenue. Parade watchers will be amazed at the variety and skill of the marching units.
"I am looking forward to a glorious day on Saturday. Come on out and see the floats, hear the marching bands, marvel at the Streamers and Kickline performers, and stand with pride watching so many parts of what makes Valley Stream great," said Mayor Cahill.
The United States Merchant Marine Academy Color Guard will lead off Division One, to include the Nassau County Police Mounted Unit, the Nassau County Fire Fighters Emerald Society Pipe Band, the grand marshal and marshals of the parade, 75-year residents of the village, the 75th Anniversary Committee, visiting officials from Lynbrook, Malverne, East Rockaway and Rockville Centre, and others.
Division Two will include the Central High School Band and Streamers, school officials, Central's Alumni Association, the Historical Society, the Chamber of Commerce, and political clubs. The U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard will lead off Division Three, ahead of such groups as North High's school band and Streamers, veterans' posts, the Marine Corps League, the American Sea Rangers, and Franklin Hospital.
The "Rough Riders" South High School, the Waldinger Library, The Knights of Columbus, church groups, and scout troops form some of Division Four. Division Five includes Memorial Junior High and its Kickline, District 24, service and civic organizations, athletic teams, Friends of Bridge, a Valley Stream Post Office vehicle and the Valley Stream Civilian Patrol.
Division Six is made up of the Valley Stream Volunteer Fire Department and Ladies Auxiliary.
Following the grand parade, a mini-fair will take place on the Village Green, featuring arts and crafts and food vendors, clowns, pumpkin painting, and many more activities.
The rain date for the parade is the following Saturday, October 21. Parade organizers ask the public to monitor radio station WHLI for news of postponement due to inclement weather.
