Fireman's Parade Marks the Beginning of Annual Fundraising Carnival

The traditional Fireman's Parade kicked off the Yorktown Heights Engine Company #1 Annual Carnival Wednesday evening at 7 p.m. As the crowd waited to wave to those who serve their community, sounds from Scottish bagpipes marked the beginning of the parade on a warm summer night.

People enthusiastically applauded the Yorktown Police Department, Yorktown Heights Women's Volunteer Auxiliary, Yorktown Fire Department and Yorktown Volunteer Ambulance Corp. The nearby Somers Fire Department also proceeded, followed by the Lake Mohegan Fire Department.

Andy Alimonti, a member of the Lake Mohegan Fire Department, smiled with a sense of pride, when members of his contingent passed by.

"I have been coming here for 56 years," Alimonti said. "I am from a different company, I am from Lake Mohegan, but I am here to support Yorktown. We like to help each other out. I used to walk in this but I can't do that anymore, so now I stand outside and watch."

Alimonti is also a former Yorktown Highway Superintendent. He said he once enjoyed marching in the parade because he got to walk with his friends and everyone waved at them.

"The people are why this is done," Alimonti said. "You just look at the kids and how much fun they are having. They get a kick out of it too. Parades just never get old. People like watching the fire trucks, ambulances and all that stuff. The people here really appreciate what they have done for the community and this is one way they can show their thanks."

Jim Smith, the Vice President of the Westchester County Parade Judges Association, said there is always a good crowd in Yorktown. He has been involved with parades for the past six or seven years. He said parades bring everyone to the street, from children to adults.

"Everybody likes a parade," Smith said. "The kids have a good time, the firemen come out. It's a camaraderie thing. […] It's a serious business, so it's nice to come out and do something where everyone can have fun."

Street vendors seemed to make a brisk business selling their wares to the crowd sitting along the parade route.

Community members can continue to show their support at the fund-raising carnival, which started Wednesday night and goes through Sunday, located at the firehouse on 1916 Commerce Street in Yorktown Heights.

The carnival will feature rides, games and food. It will be open from 6-11 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, June 25; 1-11 p.m. Saturday, June 26; and 1-6 p.m. Sunday June 27. There is no admission fee to enter the carnival. Rides cost from $2-6, but wristbands for unlimited rides can be purchased for $30.