Jamesport Fire Department Bazaar opens 76th year with parade and carnival
The Jamesport Fire Department Bazaar opened its 76th annual run Wednesday night with a parade of fire trucks, floats and families lining Main Road.
For Ruthann Gagliano, the annual tradition has been part of her life for roughly five decades.
“I’ll be 50 in February, so I’ve been coming since I was a little girl. My dad was a member of the Jamesport Fire Department, so this has always been part of my life,” the Jamesport resident told the Riverhead News-Review. “It’s something I’ve grown up with, and I still look forward to coming every year.”
The opening night of the Bazaar, which runs through Saturday, featured fire and emergency departments from across the East End rolling through the hamlet. Participating agencies included fire departments and ambulance companies from Riverhead, Mattituck, Cutchogue, Southold, East Marion, Flanders, Manorville, Sag Harbor, East Quogue and Shelter Island.
Members of the Riverhead Police Department, community groups and this year’s Mattituck Lions Club Strawberry Queen Kate Meringer were also on hand.
“One of the best parts is seeing people line the streets to thank the many fire departments, veterans groups and community organizations that participated in the parade,” Riverhead Councilman Kenneth Rothwell said. “It’s a chance for residents to show their appreciation for the volunteers who serve the community. It’s just a great night.”
After the parade, families headed to the George Young Community Center grounds for rides and carnival attractions provided by Newton Shows.
“I think it’s become the unofficial kickoff to summer out here,” Riverhead Councilwoman Joann Waski said. “You have the Strawberry Festival in Mattituck, and then you have the Jamesport Bazaar. People love coming out to see friends and neighbors, and many even plan their vacations around this weekend so they can come back to their old stomping grounds.”
Photos by Nick Mongiovi
