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MONTROSE, N.Y. Family and friends grabbed their lawn chairs Saturday evening and claimed a spot along Kings Ferry Road to watch the 93rd annual parade presented by the Cortlandt Engine Company.
The parade, preceded by a three-day bazaar at the Montrose firehouse, is held to honor the volunteer fire departments and ambulance corps of Montrose, as well as those of surrounding municipalities.
Volunteers who marched in the parade were introduced by a marching band, drummers and bagpipe players, all of whom were saluted by Montrose Fire Department Chief Ken Gilleo.
Randy Smith, who attended the parade because he has family in the area, lives in South Carolina but said he enjoyed the sense of community fostered by the parade.
Its really interesting to see the way different communities interact and work together, said Smith, noting how the presence of the volunteer fire departments seemed especially strong.
Those who attended the parade also shared their enthusiasm for the bazaar that took place in the days leading up to the parade.
The bazaar is our major fundraiser each year, said Ed Conners, who has been a member of the Cortlandt Engine Company for 46 years. He said the department has approximately 70 active members. Through the years weve had many bazaars. In 2019, well be celebrating our 100th anniversary.
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