New Rochelle’s 57th Annual Thanksgiving Parade 

On Saturday November 20, New Rochelleans gathered for New Rochelle’s annual Thanksgiving Parade. The theme of the 57th annual parade was “Thankful for Essential Workers,” in tribute to all those who risked their lives helping others throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. 

New Rochelle hosts the second largest Thanksgiving parade in the state, second only to the Macy’s Day Parade in New York City. The tradition began in 1962, starting at 7:30 pm the night before Thanksgiving. In 1975, city officials, hoping to draw in more spectators, moved the time to the Saturday morning before Thanksgiving. 

The parade has only been cancelled twice in its entire history: last year due to the pandemic and in 1993 due to lack of funds and time. The 1993 cancellation upset longtime residents, but clearly they bounced back. This year, we have rallied once again. 

The parade unites New Rochelle’s diverse community. There is a float or banner for all sorts of local organizations; the parade was led by the New Rochelle High School marching band and homecoming court. 

Members of the Remington Women’s Auxiliary, who raise funds to give less privileged kids an opportunity to come to their after school program, explained, “We march because we want to build up our community more. We’re constructing a new facility, so we welcome all the help that we can get.” 

Fire Department Chief Andy Sandor, views the parade as an opportunity to “come out and say hello to the very people that we serve every day.” 

Dr. John Jacoby, MD, who dressed up as Thomas Paine, writer of colonial-era pamphlet “Common Sense” and New Rochelle resident, has been marching in the parade for thirty-seven years. “When the children see me, I hope that even if they don’t read everything Paine wrote, it might spark at least a little curiosity in them about him or our city’s history.”

Musicians from the Iona College Pipe Band shared, “Many of us chose Iona College because of its high caliber bagpiping program. We hope that when kids see us out marching, it might inspire them to take up the bagpipes too.”

Several local elementary schools participated, with students marching along with their parents and school faculty. Gary Schwartz, the Jefferson Elementary School music teacher, mentioned his role in the parade: “I’ve been the mascot [tiger] ever since our school received this costume. They asked for a volunteer and I raised my hand immediately. I love school spirit and I love to see all the kids out here marching.” 

All those who attended saw New Rochelle’s best floats, including Mighty Mouse, created by Paul Terry right here in New Rochelle. 

Be sure to come next year if you didn’t make it this time!