The Fourth of July parade will go on in Eaton’s Neck this year but without the customary spraying of hoses and tossing of water balloons.
This year, the parade will step off at 10 a.m. from the Eaton’s Neck Fire Department to Price’s Bend Beach, where the department will host a holiday commemoration and a community barbecue for all participants and attendees.
The Eaton’s Neck Fire Department cited safety concerns among the reasons for dropping the water part of the parade.
“The Eaton’s Neck 4th of July Parade is a patriotic tradition that represents all that is great about our country and community,” the department said. “Every year our elected leaders come and talk about what a special place Eaton’s Neck is and how amazing our parade is to experience. What makes it special is our community, and sharing this important holiday with our friends and family, including all of the innocent fun and playful water exchanges.
“Unfortunately, over the recent years this innocent fun has escalated into a more dangerous situation. As first responders, it is our utmost responsibility to make sure people are safe,” the department said.
“Last month, the district commissioners, the department chiefs, and the leaders of the Property Owners of Eaton’s Neck Beach (POENB) got together to address the concerns of the community about the water fights,” Chief John Pokorny said. “This was a decision that was not taken lightly by anyone. It was a difficult decision that was made out of an abundance of safety. The district, as the holder of the insurance, has a fiduciary responsibility to reduce risk. The decision to eliminate the water fights preserved the patriotic nature of the parade which is the reason we celebrate the day.
“It is my hope that this parade reset refocuses us on what is most important about the 4th of July and our community. I look forward to seeing all of my neighbors along the route as well as at the ceremony after the parade at Price’s Bend beach.“
A number of residents debated the decision on Facebook, with some saying that the water balloon throws and other aspects were a safety issue.
In the past, fire trucks and members of the department, as well as firefighters from other departments, traded hosings with each other and paradegoers, who gave almost as good as they got, soaking trucks and marchers with squirt guns, balloons and garden hoses.
Members of the community often dressed up as superheroes or other characters to dash out onto the street as the parade passed by and, with great glee, exchange blasts of water with each other.
Coast Guard, elected officials, members of the Property Owners of Eaton’s Neck Beach, and even a man with a duck, as well as others march each year.
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