Politics & Government
Youngsters to Join Fourth of July Celebration
Glen Cove to host annual Bicycle Parade on Sunday morning as part of its Independence Day festivities.
Along with a music concert and fireworks show, the City of Glen Cove will also celebrate the Fourth of July with a Bicycle Parade on Sunday.
The event, city officials said, has become a popular tradition in the city, where packs of children show their patriotism while riding along the city's downtown business district. The parade began more than a decade ago after an informal kids parade on one city street was seen by some parents as one that could be transformed into an official event for the city.
"The parade has been a Glen Cove tradition for over 15 years," explained Kerri Beroza, the public relations officer for Mayor Ralph Suozzi's Office. "It all began when two Glen Cove residents, Cheryl Carmody and Patti Pilla, organized a small informal neighborhood parade with the children who lived in the area of the president's streets. The parade quickly became popular and they asked the city to make it an event that could be held in the downtown area."
Find out what's happening in Glen Covewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The Glen Cove Youth Bureau worked with Suozzi this year to organize the event, which will feature children riding their bikes, big wheels, wagons, scooters and more while sporting red, white and blue clothing. Most of the kiddie vehicles, city officials said, will also be decorated with American flags.
"Many of the children dress up in patriotic T-shirts or colors, and in past years, we have even had costumes such as Lady Liberty and Uncle Sam," Kerboza said. "They ride through the downtown and gather in the Village Square for the Pledge of Allegiance and they sing patriotic songs."
Find out what's happening in Glen Covewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Children are invited to line up at the Robert M. Finley Middle School horseshoe on Forest Avenue at 10a.m. A parent or guardian must accompany their child and helmets and protective gear are mandatory.
The parade will run down Forest Avenue to School Street and end at Village Square, where the participants can join Suozzi for an Independence Day celebration featuring music, a songfest, refreshments and more. If it rains, the parade will be held on July 5.
