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New Rochelle Hosts 51st Annual Thanksgiving Day Parade

NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. – Residents and visitors took the streets on Nov. 22 for the 51st Annual Thanksgiving Day Parade, presented by the Chamber of Commerce and the City of New Rochelle with donations from the Valenti family.

The 42nd Infantry Division, based out of Fort Drum, marches in a past New Rochelle Thanksgiving parade.

The 42nd Infantry Division, based out of Fort Drum, marches in a past New Rochelle Thanksgiving parade.

Photo Credit: Justin Stock

The parade started on North Avenue in front of New Rochelle High School, moving south toward downtown. It ended at the intersection of Main Street and Maple Avenue.

The parade featured marching bands and renovated floats as well as local dealerships who lent their new cars. Local karate and dancing students also joined in the mix. More than a thousand community members has signed up to participate including members from the Boys and Girls Club, the Salvation Army and Webster Bank.

David O’Shaughnessy, president of Whitney Media and parade grand marshal, was escorted in a Pepe Mercedes with his wife and daughter.

“The downtown area is starting to perk up,” O’Shaughnessy said. “The local Chamber of Commerce is alive again. And for 50 years, WVOX has been right in the middle of it. Our family – my Dad – always wanted it to be more than a jukebox. It’s a privilege to amplify the voices of the people of New Rochelle.”

Bob Marrone, executive director of the New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce and Kathy Gilwit, public relations executive of the City of New Rochelle, were the announcers for the parade which aired on NRTV on Channels 75 or 28.   

Marrone also worked with Chamber President Frank Miceli, and his committee of volunteers to make each float. Parks Commissioner Bill Zimmerman as well as the New Rochelle Police and Fire Departments also contributed to the event.

The Chamber of Commerce is recruiting volunteers for next year’s parade that will take place on the Saturday before Thanksgiving.  To volunteer or become a member of the Chamber of commerce, call 914-632-5700.

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