Frederick E. Parola, second vice-president of the Fourth of July Parade Association Inc., announced that the annual Fourth of July Parade, which will be held Saturday July 4, will have its first Grand Marshal.
“Trent Kowalik, star of Broadway’s hit ‘Billy Elliot,’ who made history by being the youngest performer to win an Tony, will be making history again. The role this time will be Grand Marshal of Wantagh’s Fourth of July Parade,” Mr. Parola said. “This is the first time we have had a Grand Marshal leading the parade,” he added. Assembly for the parade will be behind the Wantagh 5 & 10 shopping center at 9:30 a.m. and step off is 10 a.m.
The parade, which is one of Nassau County's largest, is a favorite tradition for Wantagh residents. “Nothing is quite like the view on Wantagh Avenue when you see beach chairs and blankets lined up to see the parade,” stated Ella Stevens, president of the Fourth of July Association.
“Lorraine Rhoads, who coordinates the parade, works tirelessly to enlist and synchronize all the marchers and floats that walk through Wantagh in celebration of our country's birthday. From the smallest to the finest, Wantagh's parade makes a hit in this community, and rightfully so,” she added.
The parade path begins on Park Avenue, heads north on Wantagh Avenue towards Island Road, where it heads east onto Beech Street to its final destination at the Wantagh Elementary School.
Along the route the marchers and their floats pass by a panel of judges that awaits them in the Showmobile that’s parked alongside the Wantagh museum. Part of the ceremony at the school is the announcement of the winners of the awards ranging from the most patriotic to the most creative as judged by this panel.
Finally, the ceremony ends with the crowning of the new Miss Wantagh – another tradition – spotlighting the beautiful young ladies who compete for the title.
“This year’s parade will be star-studded. From our Grand Marshal, Trent Kowalik, to our nine Miss Wantagh finalists, it’s easy to see why this will be a great day for Wantagh and its residents,” concluded Mr. Parola.