A 170-year-old tradition can’t be put on the back burner just because of some snow in the forecast.
The Greenport Fire Department’s annual George Washington’s Birthday parade will kick off Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Greenport school, heading to South Street and then to the Firehouse on Third Street.
According to Greeport Village Deputy Mayor George Hubbard, also a member of the fire department, volunteers are hard at work today preparing 80 gallons of clam chowder, to serve along with over 1,000 hot dogs, cupcakes, beer and soda after the parade.
Small children are invited to arrive with their parents at the firehouse at noon, where children will have the chance to dress up in jumpsuits for the “Eaglettes” part of the parade, during which they can ride in wagons pulled by other kids. Hubbard said his children and now his grandson have participated in the tradition. “It’s very cute,” he said.
Due to the weather forecast and Valentine’s Day plans, Hubbard said he’s not sure how many fire departments will participate in the popular event, which usually draws up to 30 fire departments from near and far, but he’s sure turnout will be good, no matter what Mother Nature brings.
