'Carnival' for Cow Harbor Day Parade

Northport has always loved a and, as it has for more than 30 years, the village will honor its former renown as Great Cow Harbor on Sunday with a more than hour-long parade that begins at noon on Laurel Avenue, and makes its way down Main Street.

Northport High School Band Director Shirley Rush chose "La Nouba" from Cirque du Soleil as the showcase song, which led to a carnival theme for the parade. Of course, there will be no shortage of bovine-related parade entries.

“La Nouba means to party or have a good time,” said Rush.

Parade Chairwoman Mary English expects that this theme will make for a lot of excitement and good old-fashioned homespun fun. The parade, considered by many to be the centerpiece of the day-long celebration, has continued to evolve over the years.

“It’s a way of getting back to our grassroots,” parade Chairwoman Mary English said.

Grand Marshall Dr. Russell Fredericks will lead the procession on horseback in the tradition set by his father and grandfather.

Thanks to the , bystanders can look forward to seeing a trolley traverse Main Street in remembrance of the one that made its way up and down the village’s principal thoroughfare between 1902 and 1924.

“There are more entries than ever before,” said English, adding that the and the Business Development Committee are participating for the first time.

“Children like to be in the parade. It’s their time to shine,” English said of the various schools taking part, including the , , and . She particularly looks forward to seeing the Cinderella-like horse-drawn coach sponsored by Coach Realty and ’s colorful balloon ‘arc,’ English said.

The , the and the promise to make an impressive display as does the , and from both the high school and middle school. The Friends of the Farm will host a float in tribute to the , a beloved fixture in Northport for about 113 years. There’ll also be a cavalcade of Model A Fords and Ray McGuinness will bring smiles to the faces of revelers in his cow costume.