174th Greenport Washington's Birthday Parade Kicks Off Saturday

GREENPORT, NY — Greenport's 174rd Washington's Birthday Parade, a longtime tradition that brings hundreds of fire departments, shiny firetrucks and festive celebrants from across Long Island for the event, is set to kick off Saturday.

The event begins at 1 p.m.; the parade, this year, now begins at Main St. and Knapp Place, heads south on Main St. to Front St., then west to 3rd St, and finally, will head north and end at the firehouse.

Fire departments from across the East End will be joined by comrades from communities far to the west, all of whom came together for one of the oldest and largest parades on Long Island.

With sirens sounding, horns and bells ringing, and bagpipes delighting onlookers, the parade, organized by the Greenport Fire Department, delights the crowd before ending with hot dogs and clam chowder at the firehouse.

The parade holds years of memories for Greenport residents, who recall the days when a dance used to be held at the American Legion after the festivities, drawing a crowd of women in gowns and a night of fun. Others remember the firefighter drills and competitions fondly.

Patch photo by Lisa Finn.