OB Independence Day Parade
Volume 49, Issue 5
By David Crohn

They were all there.

The silly (“Splish Splash Holiday Bath”), the strange (“Unidentified Fire Island Object”), the beautiful (“Fire Island Princesses”). And of course, the patriotic (“Yankee Doodle Kids,” “Red, White and Bubbles”).

The floats at the Fourth of July parade in Ocean Beach were decked out with everything from balloons to flags to silly string and all carried a baby, small child or animal—often some combination of the three. (There were even dogs dressed like babies and vice versa.)

The parade started promptly at 11 a.m. at the firehouse and marched north on Bayberry. Led by the raucous Bay Shore Fire Department marching band, the revelers then broke west on Bay Walk. Sirens from the Fire Department and ambulances from the rescue squad blared triumphantly.

After the dust settled 94 floats had snaked clockwise around the village green to stop in front of the Albatross restaurant and have their float names read aloud by Mayor Natalie Roberts. The crowds cheered. Candy was thrown. The pre-pubescent stars of the show mugged for their adoring fans and the teems of drooling paparazzi.

When Rogers’ voice got hoarse Suffolk County Legislator Angie Carpenter stepped in to let the courageous mayor hydrate her proud and weary voicebox.

And it was all in the name of patriotism— Ocean Beach style.

“Every year it seems to get bigger and we have more wonderful families who like to come and participate,” said Rogers.

But the best part of the day? As one mom put it: “Seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces.”