Hundreds March In 25th Annual Children’s Parade

July 27, 2012 Steve Yablonski

OSWEGO, NY – After two years of dismal weather and power failures, hundreds of children marched to Breitbeck Park on Friday in idyllic weather.

The annual Children's Parade, considered by many to be the official start of Harborfest, gets under way with a police escort.
The annual Children’s Parade, considered by many to be the official start of Harborfest, gets under way with a police escort.

The 2010 event was postponed a day due to inclement weather. Last year, was overcast; showers made the hours leading up to the start of the parade soggy and a power outage delayed the start of Joe Trionfero’s Show of Love (program for youngsters prior to the parade).

Trionfero put on the very first program for children 25 years ago when they marched from Civic Plaza at City Hall all the way to Breitbeck Park.

The annual Children’s Parade is considered by many to be the official start of Harborfest.

Hundreds of other marchers snaked out behind the Sheldon Institute group as they arrived at Breitbeck Park. Several hundred youngsters took part in the Harborfest tradition.
Hundreds of other marchers snake out behind the Sheldon Institute group as they arrived at Breitbeck Park. Several hundred youngsters took part in the Harborfest tradition.

The parade, from West Park to Breitbeck, drew several hundred participants, from infants to teen-agers.

The temperature was in the upper 70s, but the humidity made it feel more like 90.

The Oswego Health Sun Patrol, with the help of Oswego Mayor Tom Gillen, passed out sun screen to the marchers as well as those along the parade route.

The Syracuse Silver Knights were honorary members of Oswego Health’s Sun Patrol and health ambassadors during the organization’s Harborfest activities.

Oswego Mayor Tom Gillen shares a laugh with Ann Gilpin, CEO of Oswego Health, along the parade route they are joined by a representative of The Syracuse Silver Knights.
Oswego Mayor Tom Gillen shares a laugh with Ann Gilpin, CEO of Oswego Health, along the parade route they are joined by a representative of The Syracuse Silver Knights.

As in years past, the parade route was lined with people; many of them cheering and taking pictures of the marchers as they went past.

There were big smiles at Breitbeck Park as the youngsters were treated to a variety of entertainment and a live TV audience. Channel 9’s Bridge Street broadcast live from Breitbeck Park Friday morning.

There was also a soccer demonstration for the youngsters, courtesy of the Syracuse Knights team owner.

“This is really what Harborfest is all about,” Mayor Gillen said as he marched up Lake Street. “It’s all about the kids and family fun.”

Legislator Amy Tresidder carries the bird, one of the creations of the Catskill Puppet Theater, in Thursday's parade.
Legislator Amy Tresidder carries the bird, one of the creations of the Catskill Puppet Theater, in Thursday’s parade.

Oswego Health sponsored the parade; Novelis sponsored the Family Fun Park in Franklin Square.

Harborfest 2012 doesn’t slow down at all on Saturday.

There will music and activities at all the venues.

Capped off, of course, by the annual fireworks spectacular over the harbor.

For more information, visit www.oswegoharborfest.com

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