Patchogue 4th Of July Parade To 'Salute The Troops' This Year

PATCHOGUE, NY — Patchogue's annual Fourth of July parade is scheduled to begin bright and early Thursday with three veterans groups slated to lead the procession. The Parade, which begins at 10 a.m. and typically lasts about an hour, will begin at West Main Street and West Avenue and head east along Main Street this year to Route 112, also known as Medford Avenue.

The parade's theme this year is "Salute the Troops," James Conklin Jr. of the Patchogue Lions Club told Patch on Wednesday. Parade-goers can expect to see local members of the American Legion, Amvets and Veterans of Foreign Wars groups.

"They'll march together one after the other. They open up the parade," said Conklin, adding it's the 100th anniversary of the American Legion.

Other organizations in the parade include the Patchogue Lioness Lions Club, the Brookhaven Great South Bay Lions Club, and two of Conklin's personal favorites: Company H and Company K, two Civil War groups that don 1800s attire. Representatives from multiple local fire departments will also be join the festivities.

Various bands such as the Long Island Blue Jays and the Ambassadors will perform at the parade, and food and music will also be available, with some restaurants even opening their doors near the route.

While Conklin didn't immediately know the expected turnout, he said more people go every year.

"Turnout has been improving and the weather looks good, though that's never really been a problem," he said.

The parade has been running for about 68 years, he said.