Elks prepare for 50th Flag Day parade
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. >> The Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge 161 is putting the final touches on what will be its 50th Flag Day parade.
The Elks are marking this milestone with special guests. This year’s parade is honoring the 100th anniversary of the New York State Police.
The grand marshal is [retired] Major General Michael R. Van Patten, New York Army National Guard, a Saratoga resident. Also leading the parade will be honorary grand marshals consisting of Elk members from 50 years ago, who helped to start this tradition.
Sponsorships by the Saratoga Casino and Raceway, the Saratoga Harness Horsepersons Association, and the Saratoga Springs PBA have allowed the Elks to include the Mummers from Philadelphia and the Schenectady Pipe Band in their line-up.
Co-chair Susan Waghorn said
a strong sense of community spirit and patriotism is the reason for the success of the parades over the last 50 years.
Spectators will find plenty of entertainment with area high school and local bands, chorus groups, girl and boy scouts, sport groups, local organizations, and municipalities that have signed up.
The parade on Saturday, June 10, begins at noon on North Broadway in Saratoga Springs and ends at Congress Park. For more information, contact the SaratogaWilton Elks at 584-2585.