New Rochelle Thanksgiving Day Parade a Success

New Rochelle held its 60th Annual Thanksgiving Day Parade on Saturday, November 23rd. 

This year, the parade Grand Marshal–designated parade leader–was former NFL star Ray Rice, who played as the running back for New Rochelle High School’s very own football team, leading the team to the state championship in 2003. 

Currently in its 60th year, the Thanksgiving Day Parade has grown considerably bigger than its beginnings, now holding the spot of the second largest Thanksgiving Parade in New York state. This year, the parade began at 10 am, spanning all along North Avenue. The route began at Eastchester Road and ended at Bonnefoy Place, bringing various huge balloons, dancers, singers, bands, floats, vintage cars, and more all across New Rochelle. 

Aside from flying Peppa Pig or Smurfs balloons, New Rochelle schools like Ward Elementary and Albert Leonard Middle School were also represented in the parade. Among them, NRHS was given a personal float in the event, featuring all members of the Homecoming Court, Student Government, Senior Executive Board, and DJ Smithyboy. The NRHS marching band performed at the event, alongside other school bands. 

Additionally, multiple NRHS students volunteered to help within the parade itself. One student in particular, Elizabeth Farias, reflected on her experience fondly. Through “Volunteer New York”, she signed up to help carry banners advertising for various sponsors such as Audi, Rxr, etc. Farias showed up as early as 8:30 am to support the parade. Reminiscing on her time, she said, “It was very lovely to be in the parade…It was the first time I got to personally be a part of the parade after seeing it externally for so many years”. In previous years, she had gone to the parade to support her cheerleader cousin, only viewing the event from afar. It was a huge change to physically be a part of it, and according to Farias, “It felt surreal.”