Stars, Stripes, Sun & Fun On Independence Day

A young parade goer, donning the flag from head to toe, in Eatons Neck is enthralled by the marchers.

A joyful member of the Eatons Neck Fire Department waves to the crowd at the parade.

Children aboard vehicles in the parade were well-equipped for the yearly water fight.

Congressman Thomas Suozzi, flashing a peace sign, also stood with the marchers straight from the 60s.

Huntington Councilwoman Tracey Edwards called the Eaton’s Neck Fire Department parade “the most fun anyone could have on the Fourth of July.”

A man poses with his decorated canine companion with marchers advocating for peace in the parade on Eatons Neck.

The beaches in Asharoken gave unparalleled views to see the fireworks launched in the Long Island Sound

By Jano Tantongco
jtantongco@longislandergroup.com

As one of the Eaton’s Neck Fourth of July parade’s oldest participants, 91-year-old Roy Beach shares a birthday with the United States.

Oddly enough, Beach, formerly a 30-year commissioner with the Eaton’s Neck Fire Department recalled that the parade was once led by a duck in its earliest years.

By locals’ estimates, the parade is at least 50 years old and has become a tradition for both Eaton’s Neck and the town at large.

“It’s just so much fun for the community and it brings everyone together,” Beach said.

For Rep. Thomas Suozzi (D-Huntington), the parade has become a good luck charm. He first attended it last year, right after his victory in last year’s Democratic primary.

“This is like a slice of old-fashioned Americana. It’s a small town, it’s everyone coming out together celebrating,” Suozzi said.

But, alongside hot dogs, water fights and warm summer vibes, Suozzi stressed vital issues.

“If only we could recognize that we have some serious issues to deal with in the world… and people start treating politics so small and treat it like the serious business it was, then we could actually get something good done,” Suozzi said.

State Assemblyman Andrew Raia (R-East Northport) said Independence Day serves as a day of remembrance for the freedoms bestowed upon Americans — rights that citizens of other nations may not have.

“There is no other place I’d rather be on a Fourth of July morning,” said Raia, who’s been attending the Eaton’s Neck parade for 15 years.

Also part of the parade’s delegation of elected officials was Raia’s colleague, Assembly Chad Lupinacci (R-Huntington Station).

“Right now, we can feel the spirit of America centered right down here in Eaton’s Neck,” Lupinacci said.

Gary Bunch, of Eatons Neck, also marched in the parade. He drove his car, which had a homemade, 1/12 replica fixed atop it. The replica was complete with a working, beaming light.

“It’s amazing, such a great time,” Bunch said. “The kids love it.”

Huntington Councilman Mark Cuthbertson looked back, recalling the Founding Fathers’ core values of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

“At that time, tyranny took the form of the English monarchy. Today, tyranny takes the form of speeding tickets in Asharoken, Mayor Letica,” Cuthbertson joked.

Huntington councilwoman Tracey Edwards said the parade is “the most fun anyone could have on the Fourth of July.”

“Between the water, the kids, the neighbors, the fire departments that participate, I look forward to this every year,” Edwards said, adding that all 10 of the town’s fire departments send company men and women to march.

Suffolk Legislator William “Doc” Spencer (D-Centerport) was reminded of the sacrifices that “make this country great.”

“It makes me want to do my best to contribute to our community,” Spencer said.

The day was capped off with fireworks shot from a barge in the Long Island Sound — an annual tradition hosted by the Village of Asharoken.

Beachgoers marveled, as bonfires dotted the coast, paper lanterns floated toward the dimming sky and fireworks filled the sky.