179th Washington's Birthday Parade A Long Island Tradition: Photos

GREENPORT, NY — An iconic parade stepped off in Greenport Saturday under a gentle snowfall as the Washington's Birthday Parade celebrated 179 years — and brought fire departments from across Long Island to the village.

Longtime Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell was named Grand Marshal of the parade.

The parade, a longtime tradition, is 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, wends its way along Main and Front Streets before ending with hot dogs and clam chowder at the firehouse, a treasured finale to the day.

Russell, who held the seat as Southold Town Supervisor for 18 years and in Town Hall, for 33, is the longest-serving supervisor in town history.

Of being named Grand Marshal, Russell said: "This is a great honor and truly unexpected. I know most of the members of the Greenport Fire Department and to be designated as the Grand Marshal by them is truly special."

He spoke of the critical need volunteer first responders serve. "Our fire departments are the most important organizations we have in each hamlet, with no close second," Russell said. "Our friends, families and we, personally, can count on them to come to our aid during any crisis and in all conditions. They serve with passion, dedication and graciousness. They protect us with the lifesaving skills they have developed with hours and hours of sacrifice they made through annual training. Even beyond that, In many ways, they shape the personality of the community they serve. Not only protecting us but with their annual activities and social events, like the parade, that have become iconic traditions."

After the parade, Russell added: "Sure, it snowed but, it wouldn't feel like the Washington's Birthday parade without some winter weather mixed in. It was a great parade, snow and all. I appreciate the opportunity I was given to serve as Grand Marshal and the support of the members of the Greenport Fire Department. I am also humbled by all of the kind words of so many others, who were very gracious and supportive."