Residents turn out for New Suffolk parade

Patriotic pride was in full swing in New Suffolk as residents lined the streets Monday afternoon for a hometown parade filled with heart.

Red, white and blue were the colors of the day as young and old alike marched side by side and showed off creative homemade floats that celebrated New Suffolk’s fishing and waterfront legacy and the residents who make the hamlet home.

Parade marshal Tom Samuels said the event has swelled with community spirit since it was first organized 18 years ago.

“It just grew and grew,” Samuels said.

Today, he said the parade “picks up” flag-waving residents along the way, as it winds from New Suffolk Avenue down to the waterfront.

“The whole community shows up,” Samuels said. “It’s very nice.”

According to Southold Town police Capt. Martin Flatley, who was on hand for the festivities, the parade “gets bigger and bigger” every year.

SEE PHOTOSSee and share your Fourth of July photos

The parade, he said, “is not big on firetrucks” and ambulances, but instead, is made up of scores of proud residents who line the streets to wave to family and friends and join in themselves.

“Members of the community just come out and enjoy themselves,” Flatley said.

Even pets get into the spirit. Dogs with bandanas and red, white and blue hued fur marched along with their families.

Alexis Grodski, who lives in New Suffolk, and her out-of-town guests look forward to the parade every year.

“It’s one time of the year when the community comes together,” she said.

Sharing in the patriotic experience and celebrating Old Glory, gives her goose bumps.

“It’s so special,” Grodski said. “I’m so proud to be an American.”