Crime & Safety
#63: Watch Greenport Fire Department's Washington's Birthday Parade
In its 167th year, the weather promises to be great for one of the North Fork's largest annual parades.
If you have nothing to do Saturday afternoon, the Greenport Fire Department will hold one of the largest, if not the largest, parade on the North Fork: the 167th Annual Washington's Birthday Parade.
This year the department's Phenix Hook and Ladder Company has the duty of running the parade part of the day's festivities. Captain Jennifer Grilli has been busy overseeing the last-minute preparations.
Grilli said they send out invitations to about 125 groups and she has been watching the responses come in. She said about 30 to 40 fire department come and, as of Thursday, she said she had about 28 fire departments respond, including companies coming from Amityville, North Sea, Hicksville, Westbury, and even one from Connecticut. She said they were still getting responses this week.
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In addition to fire departments, expect to see local and county dignitaries, the Mattituck Lions Club Strawberry Queen, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and even a dance troupe.
The parade makes its way down Main Street, heads down Front Street and winds down Third Street ending up at fire headquarters. Once at headquarters, attendees have the opportunity to enjoy refreshments including a cup of homemade Manhattan clam chowder. Each year the department makes 80 gallons of the chowder, which is gone by the end of the afternoon.
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While the chowder is popular, the gaming room is also a hot ticket. Grilli said three companies run the gambling and she said some people stay for the entire afternoon.
Although the parade has been a staple in the village for more than 165 years, it has seen changes over the years, according to Grilli. In years past, the department used to hold a dance at the American Legion Hall after the parade but over time, fewer departments were able to stay for the dance. They also used to hold firefighter drills. Grilli said people like to visit Greenport and make a day of during the parade.
"A lot of people come year after year and look forward to it," Grilli said.
The parade kicks off at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 18.
