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Honoring active members and retired veterans in all branches of the military, Saratoga Springs hosts the largest Elks Flag Day parade in the nation.
On Saturday, June 8 at 12 p.m. the 1½ hour procession begins on North Broadway and ends at Congress Park. There will be approximately 2,000 participants, including marching bands and C130 flyovers. Roohan Realty will be distributing approximately 5,000 flags for the public to take home.
Organized by the Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge #161 to honor the flag of our country, this parade has grown so large because they strive to honor local groups, as well. This year, they are celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the American Legion.
Celebrate America
When the Elks Flag Day parade first marched through the streets of Saratoga, the morale of the American people was at an all-time low, said the parade’s founder Robert Schrade.
“There was more than a little resistance. Veterans of the Vietnam War were treated terribly by the American people when they got home. It took a lot of courage to start up the parade but they did it because they wanted to turn around the overall atmosphere regarding patriotism on Flag Day,” said Elks Parade Committee Director Susan Waghorn.
To raise the $12,000 needed for the parade, the Elks hold fundraising events, sell raffle tickets, and petitions donations from members and corporate sponsors.
It’s a lot of work, but is all worth it when the day of the parade rolls around.
“The day of the event it’s extremely rewarding to march down Broadway and see the thousands of people that have lined the streets. It’s a lot of fun and very exciting. You see cheering as you go by and it gives everyone a chance to show how proud they are to be Americans,” she said.
Celebrating who we are as Americans and the veterans who helped to make the country into what it is today is why the Elks Exalted Ruler, Geraldine Conboy joined the organization and why they are reaching out to them again on July 7th with an event that offers food, clothing and free haircuts.
“Our hearts are really with the Veterans and supporting their needs,” she said.
Sue’s husband, David Waghorn, who has been with the Elks for 30 years, was selected as Old Timer of the Year and is the parade’s Grand Marshall.
“Even if it’s just for a moment, you have to understand why you’re there,” he said.
Founder Robert Schrade PER with Susan Waghorn PER, Deborah Reedy PER and Linda Walczak.
Rousing Performances
The Avant Garde Alumni Drum & Bugle Corps will have 152 marchers in the parade. Playing “America” and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”, the best view of their performance will be at the reviewing stand set up in front of the Adelphi Hotel.
“The more applause you get, the more energetic you play,” said long-time member Jeff Perkins.
Don’t wait until the parade to hear their upbeat sound. Local high school jazz ensembles will be joining the Avant Guard players at the Elks Special Concert featuring the Grammy Award winning music of Chuck Mangione, Friday, June 7 at the Lake Avenue Elementary School Auditorium. Chuck Mangione and his brother, Gap will also be in attendance.
“The audience will just love the groove and positiveness of this music,” said tuba player Richard Gathen.
Tickets are $15 and are available online or at the door. Visit avantgardealumi.com.
