By Edie Johnson
Blooming Grove/Washingtonville - You might think it's a bit early to plan for a parade that isn't happening until September 26, 2026. But the details, especially for safety, are daunting. Supervisor Rob Jeroloman commented that given the thousands that attended Washingtonville's Christmas Parade this year, it could easily attract 3,000 to 4,000 people. The Parade is scheduled to assemble at 2pm, be marching from 3:30 to 4:00pm, and trophies to be handed out from a podium at May's Field and there will be some food available. Given that most of the Parade and some of the permits will be on Village of Washingtonville property, the Village will handle much of the organizing. But the general town code compliance, Town Permits, and and the Finale with Trophy Presentation will be on the Town's May's Field properties; therefore Deputy County Fire Commissioner and Monroe area Firemen's Event Organizer initiated this Town Workshop session as a start.
Orange County Deputy Fire Commissioner James Skelly enumerated the route and many of the early details, which, at the end of the Parade, include the Trophy Presentation, gathering, and some food along with some. carefully monitored beer (wristbands for adults and fencing for separated access). The Parade route's plan is to come from Ahern to Route 94 to a left over the Route 208 Moodna Bridge and Depot Street to the large May's Fields and Concession Stand. Accessory parking will be set up at the High School areas, and Skelly said he would like use of several of the Blooming Grove busses to help shuttle folks. Commissioner Skelly also clarified that while they plan to have a few firetrucks on the May's Field, it will only be the smaller antique trucks, and they would be placed at the regular parking area if the ground is wet, soas to not damage the fields.
Two of the main topics discussed were: The need for parade officials to wear identification so that anyone with questions or observing a problem could quickly identify someone who could help. Councilman Steven Amante emphasized the importance of this, suggestion that maybe they could wear something that included neon coloring, while board member Johanna Kiernan added that their gear should also be "fashionable". The other major concern was accessibility of bathroom facilities. Supervisor Jeroloman noted that the regular rest room facility was limited to about 8 stalls and urinals, which obviously couldn't handle such a large crowd. Skelly said they will of course provide a large number of porta potties, In fact, he said that at events as large as this they regularly provide 30 or more of them.
Would the area be sufficient? They said that in the past many of their Parade Finales were held in smaller areas and went well.
Skelly said they will talk with and make efforts for the event to work as well as possible with business around Fulton Square, especially the two liquor stores by the entrance to the Park and Bottini Fuel, whose parking access will be blocked for the afternoon and evening. Advertising in the area might even give their businesses a boost, and perhaps they could supply some of the beer. He added that Sheriff's Office and State Police will be active in facilitating the event.
Given the dangers accompanying large events in recent years, Jeroloman said they will have Highway Department trucks blocking off the Parade, Park and High Scholl areas, as they successfully did for the Christmas Parade.
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