This event always brings back memories for me. For many years, I walked the parade route as a player -- and it's always been a long walk. This is the 3rd year we covered the parade for Project Woodhaven -- click here for 2009, click here for 2010.
The marchers started gathering before 9 AM at PS 90 on 109th Street in Richmond Hill. It was a chilly morning, with a brisk wind. The forecast called for heavy showers, but luckily they held off until much later in the day. They had a long, long walk ahead of them. Starting at 109th Street, along Jamaica Avenue through Woodhaven to Forest Parkway -- up the Parkway and through Forest Park until they hit the Bandshell. Whew!
We stopped by PS 90 and said hello -- and having decided where we were going to wait (near 91st and Jamaica) we did the prudent thing and got breakfast at the Avenue Diner. The marchers weren't going to get started until nearly 10 AM -- so we stayed warm and had and extra cup of tea -- and walked outside around 10:30 as the parade crossed Woodhaven Boulevard.
The Beach Channel High School marching band led the parade and they did a great job, as they do every year.
WORKS stands for Woodhaven, Ozone Park, Richmond Hill, Kew Gardens, and South Ozone Park -- it was formerly known as Rich-Haven Little League and is a long part of Woodhaven's history.
The marchers were walking fast this year -- that's the best way to stay warm. The 102nd Precinct and the Auxiliary cops did a great job monitoring and guiding the parade through our streets and keeping our kids safe.
Here is our video report of the 2011 WORKS Little League Parade --
After the parade passed us by, we drove up to the bandshell to await their arrival. It was cold and windy -- around 11:15 we started to hear the drums and the band. League President Terry Flanagan led the way into the park along Forest Park Drive.
The marchers seemed to speed up the closer they got to the bandshell -- this is the first post-parade rally at the bandshell in 2 years -- last year, the bandshell was under renovations and they rallied at the softball court at Victory Field. This year, the parade marchers would get to try out the new benches.
Our elected officials came out to wish the kids luck -- from left to right, Assemblyman Mike Miller, Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley, and State Senator Joe Addabbo.
There were lots of winter coats and sweaters in attendance -- it seemed to get colder once the crowd got there.
A special thanks to all of the sponsors -- they make it possible for the kids to play ball. Click here to see all of the sponsors of Works Little League.
The mascot of the Brooklyn Cyclones was there -- and a popular attraction for the kids. Maybe some of our kids will grow up to play with the Cyclones!
Congressman Anthony Weiner stopped by to echo similar thoughts, telling the kids how the Mets desperately need their help!
Can't wait to see some leaves on those trees!
All the kids were invited on to the stage to have their pictures taken with Addabbo, Miller, Crowley and Councilman Eric Ulrich -- what a great shot!
The rally was just about over -- our electeds got together for a quick photo -- many thanks to them for taking time out of their busy schedules to wish the kids luck --
Here, Assemblyman Mike Miller poses with a few of the members of the team he sponsors --
And finally, the kids took turns posing with the Cyclone mascot --
It was a terrific parade -- once again -- and we wish all the kids the best of luck for the upcoming season. Play Ball!
