Thirteenth annual Belmont/Elmont parade set for Saturday, May 29

by Jim Reisler

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) today announced the return of the Belmont/Elmont Parade following its cancellation in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2021 edition will be held on Saturday, May 29, and is named in honor of the late Paul Sapienza, a life-long Elmont resident and former president of the Elmont Chamber of Commerce, who died last November.

The Paul Sapienza Belmont/Elmont Parade will kick off at approximately 10 a.m. with marchers headed south on Plainfield Avenue, and then making a left turn, eastward, onto the Hempstead Turnpike and proceeding to the Alva T. Stanforth Athletic Complex, next to the Elmont Library (700 Hempstead Turnpike).

Individuals who are interested in marching in this year’s parade should assemble at 9:30 a.m. at the Floral Park Memorial High School parking lot. Facial coverings are mandatory for all participants.

Among the participants will be elected officials, local leaders, marching bands from Elmont public schools, members of the police and fire departments and local youth organizations. The parade distance is approximately 1.3 miles.

This year’s grand marshals will be Frank Hrbek, a Commissioner in the Elmont Fire District and a scout leader; and Gene Vanhaaren, a veteran and an active member of American Legion Post 1033.

With the 153rd running of the Grade 1, $1.5 million Belmont Stakes presented by NYRA Bets on Saturday, June 5 as its centerpiece, this year’s three-day Belmont Stakes Racing Festival kicks off on Thursday, June 3 and will include 17 stakes races in total, with eight Grade 1 races to be contested on Belmont Stakes Day.

For additional information and details on hospitality offerings, ticket packages and pricing for the Belmont Stakes, visit BelmontStakes.com. For full terms and conditions, visit https://www.belmontstakes.com/tickets.