Huntington residents lined Oakwood Road and gathered at Stimson Middle School to celebrate the annual Unity Fun Day on Saturday, September 13th.  It was a beautiful day for this year’s parade and festival.  The parade kicked off at Huntington High School at 10 a.m. and made its way to Stimson Middle School for an afternoon of festivities and family activities.

It was great to see our town’s school districts, cultural groups, pride groups, libraries, churches, school clubs, community health groups, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, not-for-profits, government leaders, dignitaries, local businesses, and community members all come together to celebrate Huntington’s diversity and solidarity.

This year’s Grand Marshals were three well-known and active members of the Huntington community - Ray Spatafora, a member of the South Huntington School District’s security team;  Betty Miller, longtime human rights activist and local advocate for racial equality and justice; and Ron Wilson, Huntington High School dean and coach.  All three continue to contribute to Huntington’s neighborhoods through their work with local youth and various organizations.

Since 2010, Unity Fun Day has been a highlight of the town’s efforts to showcase the diverse people, organizations, and businesses that make Huntington strong.  What started out as a small event has grown into a big day of food, fun, and music.  The South Huntington School District has been proud to host this event for more than a decade.

Thank you to the Greenlawn American Legion Color Guard and Centurion Cruisers classic cars for leading the parade and all of our marchers for their enthusiasm.  The Walt Whitman, Huntington, and Commack Marching Bands provided the musical spirit that every parade needs.  We thank all the community groups that set up tables to provide information to Huntington residents about the multitude of services available to them.  A huge thank you also goes out to South Huntington’s Facilities Department and our custodians for the amazing job they did setting up the Stimson Middle School grounds for the big day!   
 

See more photos from this year’s event here.

 

This year’s grand marshals, Betty Miller, Ron Wilson, and Ray Spatafora led the parade with help from SHUFSD Deputy Superintendent, Ed Smith. 

 

Stimson Middle School’s Cheerleaders brought the prep to the front of the parade line. 

 

Walt Whitman’s Latino Heritage Club proudly displayed their county flags as they took the trek down Oakwood Road. 

 

The parade concluded at Stimson Middle Schools with the annual Unity Fun Day Fair, where vendors, games, food trucks and more awaited parade participants. 

 

Walt Whitman High School freshman Sara Rivera beautifully sang the national anthem to begin the morning ceremonies. 

 

South Huntington’s very own Ray Spatafora was honored as one of this year’s grand marshals and was presented with Town proclamations. 

 

Thank you to all of our Unity Day vendors for spending the sunny day at Stimson!

 

It was a fun day for everyone!