A forecast of potential heavy rains and possible thunderstorms tomorrow is putting a damper on Memorial Day ceremonies and parades.
Southold Town announced the cancellation of its annual Memorial Day parade on Saturday evening. Also canceled: the Orient Fire Department parade and Greenport’s dockside service and parade.
No announcement has yet been made about ceremonies scheduled to begin in Mattituck at 8 a.m. tomorrow.
Some, unhappy with the cancellation of the town’s Memorial Day parade, which this year was to take place in Greenport, have called for a “Memorial Day Parade Anyway,” using Facebook to spread the word about the event.
They plan to meet at the monument triangle at First and Main streets at 9:45 a.m., and at 10 a.m. walk up Main to Front Street, ending at Mitchell Park.
The march will be “a civilized and respectful show of support for the men and women of our military who have served our country,” event organizer Kristen Tirelli wrote. “Please bring an American flag to carry.”
Some residents criticized the town for canceling the parade more than 36 hours before it was to start.
Southold Town Supervisor Scott Rusell said a parade coordinator contacted Police Chief Marting Flatley Saturday to express concerns about Monday’s forecast. “The chief contacted me and we weighed having it or not most of the day,” Russell said.
“We wanted to wait until Sunday evening, but, it was pointed out to us, the parade organizers work very hard and have to make decisions early and it wouldn’t be fair to them if we canceled at the last minute,” Russell said.
“We monitored the weather forecast all day and it predicted heavy rain and flash floods. We should keep in mind there there are several organizations that march including youth groups like the Cub Scouts. Considering the safety of all of the marchers and spectators, I made the call to cancel,” Russell said.
“We did the best we could given the information we had.”
As well-intentioned as organizers may be, holding a parade without a permit may run afoul of the law.
Greenport Village Code prohibits a parade on any street or public grounds in the village without a permit from the Southold Town Police Department, the mayor or the Village Board of Trustees.
“I would hope they are not attempting to march tomorrow because they don’t have permission to close the roads, and we don’t close them without the proper authorization,” Flatley said.
As the remnants of tropical storm Bonnie move into our region, rain will begin tonight and continue tomorrow, according to the National Weather Service. It will me moderate to heavy at times, with a chance of isolated thunderstorms. Localized flash flooding is also possible, according to the forecast.
