Gotcha! Kids help military vehicle drivers cool off in Massapequa
Kids along the Massapequa parade route sprayed down marchers, even those in vehicles. Credit: Newsday/Joe Werkmeister
A group of kids did their part to keep everyone cool along the Massapequa parade route, using a hose to spray down marchers.
Even the driver of a military vehicle welcomed the wash down as the temperature rose above 90 degrees.
Massapequa varsity baseball players jumped at the opportunity to march in the parade, their coach said. Credit: Newsday/Joe Werkmeister
Massapequa varsity baseball coach Tom Sheedy said every moment with his state championship team is "wonderful." He said as soon as the team was offered a spot in the parade, the players jumped at the opportunity.
"This is their hometown," he said. "As you walk down, you'll see the sidewalks were lined [with spectators]. Obviously, this kicks off a day of festivities for them."
As a Suffolk County resident, Sheedy said it was his first experience at the Independence Day parade in the community where he coaches.
“It's very cool, hometown-ish. And that's a nice way to be. That's a big part of what America is all about."
The baseball team won its third state title in program history in June, capturing the Class AAA championship.
Joe Werkmeister joined Newsday in 2022 and covers Suffolk County government and politics. He is a graduate of St. Bonaventure University and previously worked as the editor of two North Fork community newspapers.
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