TRR Photo by Richard Ross Host Livingston Manor Fire Department led the long line of units from all over Sullivan County as well as visitors from Rockland, Broome and Nassau counties. (Click for larger image)

Pageantry and pride mark county fire parade

By RICHARD A. ROSS

LIVINGSTON MANOR, NY — The 75th anniversary of the Sullivan Country Volunteer Fireman’s Association was more than two years in the planning and it showed. The stirring, non-stop parade of fire companies, bands, Civil War re-enactors, scouts, ambulance corps and fire apparatus on August 2 was nothing short of stunning. The bright blue sky presented a beautiful backdrop to the colorful tableau of uniforms, flags and trucks that made their way slowly down Main Street.

	TRR Photo by Richard Ross The North Babylon Fire Department is no stranger to Livingston Manor. The two fire departments regularly visit one another and know each other well. (Click for larger image)

The centerpiece of the setting was an enormous flag draped from the extended ladders of two fire trucks on opposite sides of the street. The light breeze kept the huge banner flowing as it gracefully adorned the street of this lovely revitalized town. With its own fire company steeped in history, tradition and fine service, there couldn’t have been a more fitting place to hold this special occasion.

Town of Rockland Justice Frank Gibson stood on the podium and announced each group as it went by. The chair of the Sullivan County Legislature, Leni Binder and other dignitaries including parade Grand Marshall Dick Studevant joined him on the podium.

	TRR Photo by Richard Ross The long blue line of the Liberty Fire Department graces the streets of Livingston Manor at the 75th anniversary of the Sullivan County Volunteer Fireman’s Association parade. (Click for larger image)

It took nearly two hours for the parade to pass, but the enormous crowd never lost their patience or their enthusiasm. This was, after all, so much more than a parade.

The men and women who passed by represented virtually every town in the county, as well as places as far away as North Babylon, NY, Chenango, NY and Tarrytown, NY.

The festivities began on Thursday with carnival rides and food vendors taking up residence behind the firehouse.

On Friday evening, despite a steady downpour, visitors were treated to a wonderful Mardi Gras parade and bed races. North Bablyon won the race using a bed they borrowed from Roscoe, which came in second. The winners donated the proceeds to their Sullivan County competitors.

	TRR Photo by Richard Ross The prestigious North Tarrytown Drum and Bugle Corps added brilliant color and sound to the spectacular parade. (Click for larger image)

Following the parade the carnival, food vendors and the beer tent were busy as people waited for the icing on the cake: a great fireworks display. While friends gathered and got reacquainted, they celebrated not only Sullivan County’s finest parade, but its strong bonds of community, caring and service.

Click here for additional photos from the parade..