A record turnout for Belmont Stakes Parade

Nearly 1,000 marched in line during the Belmont Stakes Parade last Saturday — a record turnout for the event, which has taken place in Elmont for the past three years.

“I was tickled pink at the way it came out,” said Ralph Esposito, the parade’s chairman, and Elmont’s fire commissioner. “This parade was the largest yet. The spectators were all over the street.”

Esposito said that only 200 marchers were expected for the parade, but attendance was open, and many participants showed up at the last minute. “I was like, ‘Where are these people coming from?’ It was like they came out of the woodwork,” he said.

Following the Belmont Stakes Parade Grand Marshals — the Elmont Memorial and Sewanhaka high schools’ Homecoming kings and queens — were local veterans, bands, high school sports teams, businesses. civic associations, the Elmont Fire Department, the Nassau County Police Department, the 5th Precinct POP Unit and community leaders. The New York Racing Association provided a shuttle that transported parade attendees from the parade’s beginning to end.

Additionally, local dignitaries marched in the parade to show support for the Elmont community and Belmont Park, including Sen. Jack Martins, Legislator John Ciotti, Councilman Ed Ambrosino, Assemblyman Edward Ra, Elmont Coalition for Sustainable Development Chair Sandra Smith, NYRA President Charles Heyward, former Jockey Richard Migliore, Sewanhaka Central High School Superintendent Warren Meierdiercks, Elmont Memorial High School Principal John Capozzi, Elmont Superintendent Al Harper, Elmont Community Liaison Norma DeBartolo, Community Coalition Council of Elmont President Joyce Stowe, Jamaica Square Improvement League President Claudine Hall, Elmont East End Civic President Patrick Nicolosi, GYO Director Pat Boyle and Elmont Chamber of Commerce members Paul Sapienza, John Tudisco and Muzzio Tallini.

The Dutch Broadway Branch of the Bethpage Federal Credit Union sponsored parking and admission, and handed out promotional items, for all parade attendees.

When the parade ended, a Community Day was held inside Belmont Park, providing food and entertainment. NYRA gave out free hotdogs and drinks to Elmont residents. Church choirs sang, local dance group Tip Tap Toe performed a dance routine, and former Sewanhaka High School student Billy Rothwell sang the Star Spangle Banner. Near the end of the ceremony, the keys of Elmont were presented to the Grand Marshals.

“This was phenomenal. I am really, really proud,” Esposito said. “We are really a united community.”

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