by Doug Hickerson
Children show their patriotic enthusiasm in decorating their bicycles appropriately for the Old Fashioned Fourth of July Children’s Parade in Brockport. This photo is from last year’s first such parade which drew about 50 participants. Organizers expect to double the number of participants this year. Provided photo by Dianne Hickerson.A new “Children’s Parade” was added to last year’s “Old Fashioned Fourth of July” at Brockport’s Morgan-Manning House. Strollers, tricycles, wagons, bikes, and their riders, were decked out in patriotic colors and paraded around the historic house. It was the 30th anniversary of the event sponsored by the Western Monroe Historical Society.
But, for the first time in its history, the event did not open to the rousing marches and patriotic music of the Brockport High School Band. Cuts in the school district budget prevented a summer program for the band. The stirring fanfare was silenced, leaving a definite void in the patriotic spirit of the celebration.
New this year: The Brockport Community Concert Band
“Brockport needs its Fourth of July band, my friends, and it’s coming to town.” You can almost hear Professor Harold Hill, “The Music Man,” on Main Street proclaiming the new Brockport Community Concert Band. It will be led, not by Professor Hill, but by Shawn Halquist, one of the directors of the Brockport High School Band. The band is returning to the Morgan-Manning event as an expanded volunteer band that includes student and alumni band members, as in the past, but also adding a variety of citizens who want to contribute their talents to this community celebration. (See the new band story elsewhere in this issue).
How was the band’s return made possible? It was citizens of Brockport voting for their village to win the aptly-named “Bring Back the Fourth” grant contest sponsored by Liberty Mutual last year. Brockport won and transferred the $10,000 grant to the Western Monroe Historical Society to continue and enhance the event into the future. A very small portion of the grant brought back the band this year. The Brockport Community Concert Band premieres at 11 a.m. to open the July 4 event at Morgan Manning House. “We are very happy with the return of the High School Band, expanded to represent our wider community,” said Alicia Fink, president of the Society board of trustees. “For many years this band has been an integral part of the 4th of July festivities. We greatly missed them last year.”
New: Children’s Parade led by Excelsior Brigade Fife and Drum Corps on village streets
This year, the Children’s Parade will begin on the eastern section of Park Avenue near Remembrance Park. The street will be closed by Brockport Village Police while the children gather there. The parade will move to South Street which goes directly to the Morgan-Manning House. To insure the safety of the children, South Street will be closed from about 10 a.m. to around noon, except to local traffic.
Another new feature this year, the parade will move to the music of the Excelsior Brigade Fife and Drum Corps. This group has been practicing on the grounds of Morgan-Manning House every Tuesday, from 6 to 7 p.m. and will continue throughout the summer months. The community is invited to bring lawn chairs and enjoy the practice sessions.
“Last year we were very pleasantly surprised when more than 50 children participated in the parade,” Fink said. “We hope to double that number. With a longer parade route and the Fife and Drum Corps, we are very excited about this year’s event.” Each child will receive a favor at the Morgan-Manning House when the parade ends just before the 11 a.m. opening of the festivities on the grounds.
Traditional treats continue
Returning over several years, The Community Jazz Band will play immediately after the High School Band, from around noon to 1 p.m. John Izzo also returns to sing and entertain from about 1 to 2 p.m. The popular “Cake Walk” takes place from 2 to 3 p.m., with delicious homemade cakes donated by the Historical Society members taking center stage.
For the children, the day’s activities include old fashioned games, face painting, and chalk painting on the parking lot. A member of the Genesee Country Village and Museum will come to the Morgan Manning House prior to July 4 to teach the old fashioned games to volunteers who will guide the games on July 4.
Festive appetites can be satisfied with a choice of hot dogs, hamburgers, veggie burgers, and Italian sausage. Other refreshments for sale include ice cream cones, cookies, slices of cake, and popcorn.
Parents of parade children are asked to register with Janet at the Morgan-Manning House (637-3645) for a record so the right number of favors may be provided.
For other information on the 4th of July event, phone Janet at (585) 637-3645.
For more on the Excelsior Brigade Fife and Drum Corps go to www.fifedrum.org/excelsior.
