Although the boys and girls as well as the Board of Directors of Merillon Athletic Association were eager to kick off its 63rd annual opening day parade, Mother Nature had other plans.
The Merillon board anxiously watched the weather radar to find a window of opportunity to allow the players to march and preserve the countless hours dedicated to prepare for the opening day parade. Unfortunately, the rain did not let up and the board was forced to cancel the parade
The Merillon Athletic Association would like to thank Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth for maintaining a constant communication with the board in order to make every effort to attend the opening day parade.
Moreover, Merillon would like to thank the Manor Oaks/ Hillside grade school band led by Carolyn Goodman for assembling in the rain and annually participating in the parade and playing God bless America at the opening day ceremony.
In addition, Merillon would like to recognize Juliette Rofe who was scheduled to sing the National Anthem, the Garden City Park and New Hyde Park Fire departments who annually line the parade route with fire trucks, and lastly the Nassau County third precinct who close off the roads and protect our marchers, for mobilizing on such a rainy day to help us kick off our opening day parade.
Chairman Tom Murphy and President Mark Wasserman decided to continue the award ceremony portion of the parade at the Merillon Field house.
Matt Notine received the Joe Roy Volunteer of the year award for his dedicated service to the Merillon AA. In addition, coaches Tony Devito, Cathy Van Hof, Jonathan Lobdell, Bobby Teetz, James Stanko, and Joey Richards received the Coaches
Achievement awards in their respective divisions for their outstanding efforts on and off the field. Merillon is so thankful to have such outstanding volunteers.
Due to scheduling conflicts, Merillon will not be able to reschedule the 63rd annual open day parade. Merillon “literally” experienced the emotions of the maxim; Don’t Rain On My Parade. The parade will return next year and Merillon AA remains crazy about baseball!
