This Year Mighty Mouse Won't Be The Only Local Role Model In NY's Second Largest Thanksgiving Parade

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — Mighty Mouse might get the call when Pearl Pureheart is trouble, but the rest of have long depended on another hometown hero to "save the day".

It is perhaps fitting that both the fictional superhero born in New Rochelle, and the man who helped keep a city safe for decades will feted at New Rochelle's biggest event of the year.

Subscribe

New Rochelle has named retired Fire Commissioner and Chief Andrew "Andy" Sandor grand marshal of the 62nd Annual New Rochelle Thanksgiving Parade, set for Saturday, Nov. 21, 2026. The New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce, together with the City of New Rochelle and presenting sponsor the New Rochelle Downtown Business Improvement District, announced the honor on Monday.

Sandor retired in June 2026 after 30 years with the New Rochelle Fire Department. He began his career with the department in 1996 after serving as a sergeant in the United States Marine Corps Force Reconnaissance. He later served as firefighter, lieutenant, captain and deputy chief before being appointed Fire Commissioner and Chief of Department in 2018.

This year's parade theme is "We the People. Celebrating America's 250th." Sandor will lead the parade down North Avenue as the city gathers to celebrate Thanksgiving and America's 250th anniversary.

After spending a good part of my life serving the citizens of New Rochelle and representing the Fire Department and our Firefighters at countless Citywide events, it is a humbling and personal honor to be selected as the Grand Marshal for the 2026 New Rochelle Thanksgiving Parade," Sandor said of the honor. "Please come out with your neighbors to enjoy this great annual event and support our incredible community."

The parade will step off at 10 a.m. Nov. 21 at Eastchester Road and North Avenue and proceed south on North Avenue to Bonnefoy Place. Organizers said Mighty Mouse will lead the giant balloons, joined by Tom the Turkey, Peppa Pig, Fred Flintstone and Strawberry Shortcake, along with marching bands, floats, vintage cars, fire trucks, motorcycles, dancers, singers and community organizations.

"The New Rochelle Thanksgiving Parade is an NR Chamber and City tradition," Rob Hayes, Chamber of Commerce President and owner of The Beechmont Tavern, said. "This year's Parade honors Grand Marshal Andy Sandor for his long service to the City in both a professional and volunteer capacity. Chief Sandor has made New Rochelle a safer and better City. Today and every day, we're thankful for all the NR Chamber members – past and present – who have worked to enhance the economic and business life of the City. And our Grand Marshal, NRFD Chief Andy Sandor, Ret., embodies that spirit of service. We're glad to honor him in the Parade. Congratulations."

Spectators can watch along North Avenue, including near the grandstand by Anderson Plaza in the Vanguard District, where participants will stop to perform. The parade also will be recorded for broadcast on NRTV throughout Thanksgiving weekend on Optimum Channel 75 and Verizon FiOS Channel 28.

Additional information on parking, road closures, registration, volunteer opportunities and updates is available through the New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce.