Trump Gives Shout Out To 'MAGA-Gras' Caravan To North Fork

NORTH FORK, NY — A "MAGA-Gras" caravan in support of Donald Trump got a shout out from the president himself on Monday.

"Thank you! #MAGA" read a Tweet by Trump after the event, which kicked off in East Northport and wended its way through Riverhead to Greenport, with reportedly more than 1,500 vehicles taking part in the parade.

Shawn Farash, 29, of West Babylon, who organized the event, spoke to Patch Monday about what it meant to get a message from Trump.

In addition to the 1,500 cars he said he estimated were in the East Northport lot, Farash said he believes about another 500 joined in Riverhead.

"They packed that old Walmart lot before we got there, and when we pulled up and saw that, it was surreal," he said. "I had chills."

Additional people jumped in at the Smith Haven Mall and Costco, with a few others along the way, he said.

"We had folks lining the route; it was really incredible. It didn't feel real. And now that President Trump has shouted us out and acknowledged us, it's just amazing. We did this entire thing together, all of us, and our president sent his thanks. We say to him, 'You're welcome.' And, in his own words, 'The best is yet to come.' We're not done. Not even close."

On Facebook, Farash said Monday that he'd finally had a chance to breathe, reflect, and take in the experience.

"Thank you all so much for making yesterday what it was," he said. "We were heard, seen, and it resonated. It reached people. Young and old. We did that. . . We took over the North Fork and we declared together, the phrase I've heard from so many of you over the past few days, that we will be #SilentNoMore."

Farash added: "We are making a difference." The numbers, he said, may have surpassed 3,500 when all is said and done. That number has not yet been confirmed. "This is what it's about. It's incredible, the sheer magnitude, of what we are doing, and what we will continue to do," Farash said. "One team. One goal: Four more years."

On Sunday, dressed in patriotic gear and waving "Trump 2020" signs and flags, scores turned out Sunday for the second "MAGA-Gras" Trump caravan. The caravan followed a similar event which took place earlier in September, with parade participants driving from Copiague to Shirley, waving Trump flags and banners.

Farash told Patch that for three years, he has been fueled by a fervor to "get the base excited" for President Donald Trump.

A large contingent gathered in the parking lot of the old Walmart in Riverhead. Patriotic music including "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" played and many were dressed in red, white and blue garb and wearing Trump masks as they waved flags and honked horns.

Dorothy Marino, of Hampton Bays, said she turned out to support Trump "and our freedoms."

Sherry Wandoloski, also of Hampton Bays, wore a Trump mask and said she was proud to support the president. "He's a great president," she said. "He works hard for the people."

Izzy and Jeanne Doroski, of Aquebogue, also said they are big Trump supporters. "He's overcome all the tyranny and treason against him," Izzy said. "Now he's winning on the chessboard and on the way to victory."

Robert Reich, of Hampton Bays, dressed like Trump and waved to the cheering crowd. Phillip Guarnieri said he was there to "support my man."

Tina Newman and Mark Schackel, of Aquebogue, came with a vehicle covered with Trump endorsements. "We're here because we want to make a difference," Tina said. "We don't want to cower in our living rooms anymore."

Mark said he had only just held his 2-month-old grandson for the first time last week.

Another man, Chris, who asked his last name not be used, said he turned out to "support America" and its values. America, he said, "is made up of good people that work hard." It's important to preserve those values for children and the next generation, he added.

His friend John, who also asked that his last name not be used, agreed and said his goal was to see all Americans come together. "I don't care if you're black, green, purple, a Democrat or Republican," he said. "I'm here to stand up for unity in America."

Driving a Humvee, Kenny Miller, of Riverhead, said: "I'm here to support police and the president."

Peter and Nancy Beauregard, of Riverhead, were proud of the hometown spirit shown at the event. Peter, retired after 21 years in the military, including service in Vietnam, said he was there as a representative of Veterans for Trump.

As the first leg of the caravan, comprised of scores of vehicles, approached Riverhead, the group at the Walmart parking lot joined in, and the long line of trucks, cars and motorcycles headed along Route 25 to Greenport. Horns honking, the caravan was met by crowds of cheering residents who lined the roadway, waving flags and shouting "Trump 2020!"

When the caravan reached Greenport, they were met with protesters who gathered along Front and Third streets, making the peace sign and holding posters that said "Love Trumps Hate," "Make America Kind Again," "Dump Trump," "2020 Biden/Harris, No Lies," and "Honk If You Think the President Is A Dumb---."

Others chanted "Black Lives Matter" and waved George Floyd posters. Many said "Goodbye now!" and "Go home!" as the caravan passed by.

The event was peaceful, Southold Town Police Chief Martin Flatley said, with no incidents reported other than an increase in traffic. There were some profanities but no altercations between the caravan participants and the protesters.

One man was arrested and charged after he tried to block parade traffic, police said.

Protesters also spoke to Patch. Steve from Greenport, who also asked that his last name not be given, said, "I'm against Trump. I want to try and save democracy in this country. We can't stand another four years. I'm surprised we made it this long."

Claudia Helinski, of Greenport, said, "I'm here to support all my neighbors. We believe four more years of Trump will be a disaster."

Randy Wade said: "We're struck by how angry the Trumpers were and that a middle finger salute was a frequent statement. Many of us mourn the loss of integrity and competence in our executive branch and the potential Supreme Court extremism. We were heartened to stand with others today working to elect Democrats. This is no election for the sidelines."

"I believe in one nation united," said Greenport resident Demitra Mouyiaris. "Every life matters. It wold kill our country and turn us against each other," to see the president win another term. "There were Trump supporters here today cursing and screaming at their fellow citizens ... It's a sad day."

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."

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."