The Pride in Port parade, a yearly tradition for residents to showcase their love of Port Washington, has been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to its organizers.
“The [Pride In Port] Board met and discussed the current circumstances regarding the coronavirus and ensuing pandemic,” the board said in a statement. “After much hashing, the Board agreed that Pride In Port would be cancelled for 2020.”
The parade usually kicks off a day that includes a carnival, live performances, a dinner dance and a homecoming game for Schreiber High School’s varsity football team.
In the statement, the board added that “further discussion regarding honoring our essential workers and first responders was deliberated and plans for recognition will occur, possibly next year.” Additionally, “acknowledgment of our veterans was discussed, and exciting news will follow [in the] early fall.”
The cancellation marks the first year in over three decades not to have such an event. Originally scheduled for Sept. 26, the parade traditionally begins on Belleview Avenue and ends at Schreiber High, with hundreds of residents marching and even more sitting along the parade route cheering on the marchers. Sixth-generation Port resident and Army veteran James Brew had been named grand marshal.
The cancellation did not stop the board from continuing with another tradition, the awarding of the winner of the Barbara Faticone Pride in Port scholarship. Schreiber graduate John Alexander was surprised with the award while making a delivery to the Faticone residence. Alexander, who was active in Schreiber’s theater department and serves as a member of Protection Engine Company #1 of the Port Washington Fire Department, will be attending SUNY New Paltz in the fall.
In addition to the scholarship, Pride in Port’s community awards were given to Rebecca Charno, Jennifer Hernandez, Eden Manes, Zachary Marx and Toby Tick.