For 99 years, Independence Day in Plandome, in an event hosted by Plandome Association Inc., has been marked by a bicycle parade around the Village Green.
“Last year, we did a much more modified celebration, unfortunately not to this extent,” the Plandome Association Inc. president Jim George said. “We were able to at least commemorate the day this year, despite COVID. But this year we obviously brought it back to the full event.”
Plandome residents were up early and ready at 9 a.m., Sunday, July 4, Tables, blankets and chairs were set up on the Village Green as children practiced for the bicycle parade. Some even decorated their bikes or scooters with American Flags and patriotic ribbons.
“It’s one of the best events we do,” George said. “We obviously get lots of residents, neighbors and friends and family participating in the event and it’s just one of the most special things about Plandome.”
The event is kicked off with the bicycle parade, where approximately 30 children, and some adults, line up to ride around the Village Green for two laps. The participants, with their parents, friends and family in the crowd, were often unable to hold back their smiles and laughter as they enjoyed the cool, summer morning.
Afterwards, Plandome residents enjoyed the singing of the National Anthem, field games, a water fight where children and adults alike “spray their foe with H20” in a game that dates back to 1937, a catered lunch, games and rides, a pet show and then volley ball and bocci. The festivities wrapped up at 5 p.m., where all the residents did their part in the cleanup. Even Uncle Sam, a.k.a. Jeff Kelly, the Plandome Association Inc. vice president, made an appearance.
“This year is very special considering what happened last year,” George said. “I’m glad we are bringing it back. The weather is cooperating and we have a great day of activities; races, the traditional water fight hosted by the Plandome Fire Department, a full catered lunch, a DJ, a water balloon toss. We have a lot of activities. The ultimate goal, George said, is to continue the spirit of the day in Plandome.
“We just want to show what the fourth is about, which is celebrating this great country’s birthday and the privilege we have in celebrating this day together,” George said.
