Hurricane Arthur was no match for the water wars that emerged with the New Hyde Park and Garden City Park fire department along the route of the 16th annual Fourth of July parade in Stewart Manor on
July 4. Despite ominous-looking clouds and cooler than usual temps, spectators stood ready with water balloons, Super Soakers, buckets and garden hoses, as they awaited the onslaught from the many fire departments who participated in the parade.
With an escort from the Nassau County Police Department Third Precinct, 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.
Dozens of Nassau County Fire Riders—a motorcycle club started by the FDNY “to unite firefighters, have a good time and promote safe motorcycling” — led the procession.
This year’s parade featured the following departments: Stewart Manor, Bellerose Terrace, Mineola, , South Floral Park, Floral Park Centre, Manhasset-Lakeville, Hempstead, Uniondale, Franklin Square & Munson, West Hempstead, Elmont, Valley Stream, Malverne and Lynbrook. The parade also showcased the Floral Park Fire Department marching band, antique fire trucks from North Bellmore and Floral Park.
Mother Nature stepped in just as the parade came to an end, but the rain did not put a damper on the post-parade festivities. As in previous years, parade participants and spectators enjoyed a barbecue and awards presentation in the municipal parking lot on the corner of Chester and Covert Avenues.
