This year marks the 125th anniversary of the Atlantic Steamer Fire Company No. 1 in Oyster Bay, a milestone that the company is planning to celebrate in high style. A parade is planned for Saturday, Sept. 26, followed by a block party behind the firehouse. While many fire company parades are held every year in Nassau County, Atlantic Steamer is hoping to set itself apart this year by getting local nonprofits and community groups involved in making unique floats for the parade.
“We’re doing something a little different this year,” said Frank Ozol, the anniversary chairman. “By having floats, we’re hoping to get more families involved and people who don’t normally come to fire department parades.”
As a special incentive to get some creative floats, cash prizes will be awarded. Floats must have an 1890s theme to be considered for a parade prize; others can be in the parade, but will not qualify for the prize.
Ozol said they are reaching out to local nonprofit organizations that might want to advertise their organization while getting a chance to win some money. Three prizes will be awarded: first place winner gets $1,000, second place gets $500 and third place gets $300.
“Building a parade float will promote camaraderie and bring out the pride in and for the organization,” said Ozol.
All participants and parade watchers are invited back to the firehouse following the parade for the party, which will feature music on the showmobile by Crimson Street and food and beer for sale by local vendors, including the Italian-American Club, the North Oyster Bay Baymen’s Association, Gooseberry Grove and Gourmet Deli.
The Boy Scouts will be selling soda and water. Commemorative mugs, sweatshirts and T-shirts will be sold as well.
The parade will begin at 6 p.m. at Firemen’s Field, led by the Atlantic Steamer Fire Company with a band, color guard, the company’s firefighters and equipment. Other fire departments will follow as one body, with one antique fire truck from each department following. The parade floats will finish the parade.
Judging will take place in the parking lot by local elected officials, and emceed by John Canning. The party will last until 11 p.m.
Ozol said he expects the parade to be about an hour and a half, since the route is only a half-mile long.
Ozol and Chief Robert Walles, Jr. lamented that at recent fire parades, only about 50 to 60 people are out on the streets to watch. And at the celebration of Atlantic Steamer’s 100th anniversary, since they hosted the party, they worked the entire time.
“For this one, I want our guys to enjoy the party,” said Ozol. “We’re hoping everyone who watches will come back and party with us.”
Part of his inspiration for the float idea comes from the celebration in 1983, “TR Day in Oyster Bay,” when the fire company spent about two weeks creating a battleship float.
“We don’t expect anyone to go to that extreme, but we’d love it if they did,” said Ozol.
To participate in the parade, contact Ozol at 516-554-2611. Visit www.atlanticsteamer.com.
