'MAGA-Gras' Trump Caravan Organizer Aims To 'Energize The Base'

NORTH FORK, NY — For three years, Shawn Farash, 29, who lives in West Babylon, has been fueled by a fervor to "get the base excited."

And on Sunday, Farash, the organizer of the second "MAGA-Gras Trump Truck/Car Parade," which will head through Riverhead and the North Fork, said he is ready to see a turnout reflective of the momentum he has seen take shape.

"I started this event to energize the base, all generations young and old — to get them excited to vote for a president who is excited to fight for us," Farash said.

According to a Facebook page, the event kicks off at 11 a.m. on Sunday. The parade will form at the movie theater lot located at 4000 Jericho Turnpike in East Northport at 10 a.m.

The group will follow Route 25 to Riverhead, where they will head first to 605 Old Country Road. Those who would like to take the second leg will leave from Riverhead and ride Route 25 to Greenport, where they will drive through the village.

Farash, who works in sales, graduated from Hofstra University with a major in radio and minor in political science. He has always wanted to work in broadcast media, specifically radio; some of his favorites in the business are Mark Levin, and Long Island natives Dan Bongino and Andrew Wilkow, he said.

But Farash said he has also found great satisfaction in getting "this base excited." After three years spend dedicated to just that, he said: "Here we are. I've gotten incredible support from everywhere you can imagine — in state, out of state, everywhere. People have reached out and I personally have forged so many new connections, which is a reward in and of itself, because I know now that the base is getting excited and that our hard work to energize the base is paying off."

Of Sunday's event, he said: "I've never felt energy like this, with the exception of when I went to the Trump rally in New Hampshire on February 10. I've been to countless sporting events and concerts and nothing has felt like this. This tells me that, like I said in the promo, we're not alone. There are more of us out there, more than people can even understand."

Supporters, he said, include first time voters who have never been involved with politics, who are voting for Donald Trump because "they support law and order. They don't want Marxism — a sick, sick movement — coming here.This happened in 2016 and it's going to happen again this year. There has been an incredible patriotic response. It's encouraging to me to know that it's making a difference."

He added: "This has been my passion for the last three years, to get folks excited, and bring people together, because as one, the 'Silent Majority' is actually very loud. We all feel like we are making a difference, and we understand that nothing changes unless we all vote. And let me tell you, we are very excited to vote for this president again."

Farash said after three years of working to drum up energy: "It's finally paying off in large dividends. But this isn't just about me, this is all of us. We are the movement. You can say I 'lit the match' but it's everyone else who's bringing the heat."

And, as the "MAGA-Gras Trump Truck/Car Parade" gets ready to roll Sunday, a group called "North Forkers for Biden/Harris" are preparing to hold a demonstration to counter the event.

The group said the demonstration is "pro Biden/Harris, pro democracy, justice and truth."
The group is slated to gather on Sunday at the corner of Front and 3rd streets between 12:45 and 1 p.m.

Those attending said they are "standing up for justice and truth."

"To counter the truck caravan driving through our East End towns, organizers request a peaceful demonstration to show our strength and support" for Biden and Harris," a notice for the event said.

"We want to clarify that supporting Biden means we support the flag, the police and equality and justice for all lives," said organizer Sue Kreiling. "That's what 'build back better' means.We seek to heal our divisions and build an America that works for everybody."

The second "MAGA-Gras Trump Truck/Car Parade" follows a similar event which took place earlier in September, with parade participants driving from Copiague to Shirley, waving flags and banners.

Of the Biden/Harris demonstration, Farash said: "Oh, good. We'll be sure to see them. I love when people express their opinions — peacefully. I have no problem with a Biden demonstration. Their choice. If they want to do that, it's fine."

Farash added, "Our turnout versus theirs will be a good indicator of what this election will look like. Chances are their event will end before we reach Greenport."

Plans for the "'MAGA-Gras' Trump Truck Car Parade" have elicited both support and opposition from both sides of the political aisle. But there's another issue that's sparked some concern for many who are worried about what the impact of an influx of cars will mean to area roadways, already congested with traffic.

Some have turned to social media to express their fears that the parade could mean even greater traffic woes than normal during the coming weekend.

"I can understand everyone's concerns," said Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell. "The traffic this time of year, combined with the threat of a pandemic that has yet to go away, creates a lot of stress."

Russell said Greenport Village Mayor George Hubbard, Southold Town Police Chief Martin Flatley, Southold Town Attorney Bill Duffy and he have all been in regular contact to develop a plan to address any scenarios that may arise.

Southold Town, Russell said, has no ability to regulate a state road, including Route 25.

And, as for the question of whether the event would be sanctioned under coronavirus protocols, Russell said: "Guidelines are issued regularly by the governor's office to outline/amend or clarify activities which are permitted or prohibited by each executive order. Those guidelines stated that parades are allowed, provided participants stay in their car."

Once participants reach Greenport, should any decide to patronize businesses, they are required to follow coronavirus mandates, including social distancing and/or the wearing of masks, depending on the situation, Russell said.

Southold police will be present if either village officials or store owners request assistance with potential situations regarding non-compliance, Russell said.

The supervisor said he reached out to a New York State representative to see if events such as Sunday's parade have been addressed in the guidance and was told that they were allowed.

"There is nothing in the guidelines that prohibits caravans," Russell said.

Farash spoke on the traffic issue: "I see that there are traffic concerns, and for anyone who is concerned about traffic and is in support of our event: If the traffic is of major concern, line the sidewalks and watch us come through. I dislike sitting in traffic more than anyone but with so much at stake in this election, I'd gladly sit in traffic knowing that we're making a difference and being heard/scene."

And, for detractors, he added: "We are just driving. Even Mr. Russell said he doesn't see problems with caravans."

Attendees are asked to come out in support: "Trucks, cars, bikes, flags, hats, and anything else that is in support of our country, our servicemen and women, our veterans, our law enforcement, and our first responders, and of course, our President, is welcome," Farash wrote in a post on the event page. " The silent majority — silent no more. Four more years on the table. Let's get it. And rock the world, again."

Although the group initially said they would stop at the Jamesport Farm Brewery, owners of that business nixed the idea. While a new venue has been chosen, that location has not been disclosed.

Farash made a video in advance of Sunday's event. "They call us the silent majority, but we make noise at the ballot box. We make noise with our votes," he said. "Something changed in 2016. We elected a president who fights for we, the people. Now we, the people, are fighting for him."

And, Farash said, he believes it's just the beginning. "On July 4, 1776, they fought to create our country. On November 3,2020, we fight to save it."

In recent weeks, other events have been held on the East End in support of Trump, including a 'TrumpStock' boat parade, a fishermen's parade in support of Trump and law enforcement, and a "Back the Blue" event meant to thank law enforcement and the military.