Members of the Huntington High marching band march during the...

Members of the Huntington High marching band march during the parade through Huntington Station. The parade was to include bands, floats, vintage cars, service groups and local merchants. (Sept. 17, 2011) Credit: Ed Betz

Huntington Station advocates are calling on their neighbors to join them for the annual Huntington Awareness Day Parade on Saturday.

The parade and related festival – which will include marching band performances, rides for children, food sales and displays from many vendors – attempt to unite residents and counter negative stereotypes about the community, said organizer Dolores Thompson.

Huntington Station has been making some strides against crime and the town has enlisted volunteers to participate in revitalization plans. There are also redevelopment plans in the works for the area.

“We just want to let people who live here know that we have to come together,” Thompson said. “It’s about awakening the people that this is their community and it’s not just the town’s or police’s problem but something all of us need to address.”

The parade will start at 11 a.m. from the intersection of E. 15th Street and New York Avenue. It will proceed north on New York Avenue to Church Street, where the festival will continue until 5 p.m.

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