60+-year neighborhood tradition over?

North Bellmore’s Ragamuffin Parade was cancelled this year. The annual tradition, which has taken place on Thanksgiving morning since 1947, was called off due to "lack of interest," according to North Bellmore American Legion Post commander Frank Colon Jr.

"In the beginning the concept was to have the father and children busy in the morning, so the mom could cook the family meal," he explained. "Things are different today."

Hoping that the tradition isn’t over permanently, Colon looks forward to reviving interest in the annual event next year. "The kids are just great, and it’s really a lot of fun," Colon said.

Every year until this one, the post has invited neighborhood children to dress in costumes and join the local veterans, officials, and community members in marching from the North Bellmore Library through several streets in North Bellmore to the American Legion hall on Newbridge Road. At the post, all the children enjoyed brownies, cookies, and softdrinks, and the best costume winners received cash gifts, which replaced savings bonds a few decades ago.

The best costume, Colon recounted, was the joint effort of siblings dressed as the Thanksgiving table. Three children marched along dressed as a roasted turkey, a bowl of mashed potatoes, and a bowl of green beans, having inserted themselves into cut-outs in a large horizontal piece of cardboard that served as the table and sported place settings.

"It was the best," Colon said, adding that he’d love to see more children come up with creative costumes like that in future years.

Those interested in helping revive the tradition for next year should contact Colon at (516) 766-6563.

If you have memories, information, or opinions about the Ragamuffin parade that you would like to share, please comment below.