Water wars wage on
The Stewart Manor Fire Department (SMFD) continues to outdo itself year after year. The 15th annual Fourth of July parade boasted nearly two dozen volunteer fire departments, thousands of water balloons and countless spectators eager to engage in a no-holds-barred water fight along the tree-lined streets of Stewart Manor.
Participating fire departments hailed from as far west as Broad Channel and as far east as Syosset, with many in between, including Bellerose Terrace, Bellerose Village, Elmont, Floral Park, Floral Park Centre, Franklin Square & Munson, Garden City, Garden City Park, Hempstead, Lynbrook, Malverne, Manhasset-Lakeville, Mineola, New Hyde Park, North Bellmore, South Floral Park, Stewart Manor, Uniondale, Valley Stream, West Hempstead and Williston Park.
With an escort from a Third Precinct patrol car and bicycle patrol Officer Nick Mesesso, the parade stepped off at 10:30 a.m. on Stewart Avenue at Fernwood Terrace, proceeded west to Covert Avenue, then wound through the residential streets of Stewart Manor before ending on Covert Avenue near the Stewart Manor Fire Department. Dozens of Nassau County Fire Riders – a motorcycle club started by the FDNY “to unite fire fighters, have a good time and promote safe motorcycling” – led the procession.
New to the parade this year were John Deere carts, donated by Chief Equipment Inc., which escorted Stewart Manor Mayor Gerard Tangredi and a few members of the SMFD. The carts were followed by dozens of engines and hook-and-ladder trucks. Several departments rode on floats, which ranged from patriotic themes to the more whimsical circus tent of the Garden City Park Juniors.
The parade and barbecue that followed in the municipal parking lot on the corner of Chester and Covert Avenues is the culmination of a year-long effort by Stewart Manor employees and volunteers. SFMD Chief Tom Skinner credits not only SMFD members, DPW employees and the village beautification committee, but also village residents and visitors from surrounding communities for continuing to make the event a fun-filled, memorable day chock full of tradition and pride for our nation.
