Everyone loves a parade. Strike up the band — or bands — and rev up the classic cars and first-responder vehicles. Parades bring communities together and are just plain fun.
But Memorial Day parades also strike a respectful tone, honoring those who have fallen in the line of duty. Many parades will include ceremonies and moments of silence for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. The Hamptons will be no exception, as many of our residents past and present have fought and died protecting the tenets of our democracy.
Though the day has become a marker of the unofficial start of summer, South Fork communities will take time to pay respect to the true meaning behind the three-day weekend. Join in at one of these five Hamptons Memorial Day Parades.
East Hampton Memorial Day Ceremony and Parade
When: Monday, May 29, 9 a.m.
In true South Fork fashion, this parade begins at 9 a.m. at Main Beach, with services put on by the East Hamptons Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 550. The parade kicks off at 10 a.m. and heads down Main Street, with more services to follow on the village green.
Hampton Bays Memorial Day Service and Parade
When: Monday, May 29, 10 a.m.
A Memorial Day service at American Legion Hand-Aldrich Post 924 on Ponquogue Avenue begins the day’s events. Next up: The parade. It commences at the Legion and makes its way down Ponquogue toward Main Street before heading west in the direction of Good Ground Cemetary. After a second ceremony, onlookers are invited to grab hot dogs and refreshments at the American Legion.
Sag Harbor’s Chelberg & Battle American Legion Auxillary Post 388
When: Monday, May 29, 9 a.m.
The Chelberg & Battle American Legion Auxillary Post 388 parade appropriately begins at the World War II monument adjacent to Mashashimuet Park and rolls down Main Street, ending at Marine Park.
Shelter Island Parade and Shelter Island Lions Club Memorial Day BBQ and Picnic
When: Monday, May 29, 10 a.m.
Whether you’re a local or have booked a stay at a local inn like Ram’s Head, the Memorial Day services, parade and post-parade BBQ and picnic are an annual tradition on Shelter Island. After a wreath-throwing 21-gun salute around 8:30 a.m., the parade begins at 10 a.m. at the Center firehouse and typically features scouts and other local groups. It ends at American Legion Mitchell Post 281, which puts the parade on along with the town. Ceremonies continue there before the town comes together for the annual Lions Club BBQ and picnic.
Southampton Memorial Day Parade
When: Monday, May 29, 10 a.m.
The Village of Southampton’s Memorial Day parade begins shortly after 10 a.m. at the Presbyterian Church on Main Street. Local groups will march down Jobs Lane waving and handing out flags to onlookers. The parade typically takes 45 minutes to an hour, ending at Agawam Park, where ceremonies take place. Refreshments follow at Veteran’s Memorial Hall.
