Memorial Day Parade in Bradley Beach Ushers in Summer

The Borough of Bradley Beach sponsored the Annual Memorial Day Parade May 28 beginning on Bradley Boulevard and meandering down Ocean Avenue.

A crowd of 200-300 – some who wandered down Ocean Avenue following the art and craft fair – sat and stood mesmerized as the parade participants marched by during the event which lasted approximately one hour.

The Grand Marshal began the parade, followed by bag piping provided by Ocean County Emerald Society Pipes & Drums, and Middlesex County Pipes & Drums.

“Awesome – the parade is awesome.  We look forward to it every year,” said parade attendee Linda Dickinson of Bradley Beach.

Walking in the parade were approximately 30 bands, marching groups, high school and elementary school bands, color guards, cheerleaders – joined by vehicles such as fire trucks and a dune buggy.

A parade veteran was Sue Ingra, Bradley Beach.  “It’s our 15^th parade – it’s a hometown feeling, start of the summer.  They do a nice job,” she commented.

Fred Lehotay’s Ragtimers, Freehold, provided upbeat tunes, as did Happy Days String Band, Shark River Hills, and other musical groups.

“It’s patriotic, it’s community.  I’ve been coming to Bradley since I was a kid,” said Joan Welsher of East Brunswick, who has a summer home in the town.

Local schools, such as Ocean Township High School Spartans, Oakhurst, and Manasquan High School Warrior Band, marched and provided music as well during the parade.  Not to be outdone by high schools, the younger crowd also marched in the form of Bradley Beach Elementary School, joined by their cheerleaders and several students frolicking on bikes during the parade route.

 “It’s fun so far – we come every year,” stated Jennifer Siciliano, Neptune City, adding “It’s nice to seem them supporting the holiday and getting the kids involved,” as her young daughter gleefully scooped up candy thrown by firefighters.

A lone dune buggy ended the parade, and spectator Erika Rautenstrauch, Staten Island, N.Y., who came to visit family and see a relative march, commented “I thought it was great – it’s clean, and a great way to kick off Memorial Day weekend.”