HUNTINGTON STATION, NY – September 13, 2025 was a beautiful Saturday morning, perfect for Huntington Unity Fun Day. The parade kicked off at Huntington High School and made its way South down Oakwood Road, with a bit of a hold up when a car stalled out on the train tracks! A team of Huntington Officials, Highway Department Officials and others all worked together to get the car off the tracks and the parade continued!
Centurion Cruisers Car Club‘s Classic Cars and Marching Bands from Walt Whitman High School, Huntington High School and Commack High School delighted the spectators. Stimpson Middle School, cheerleaders, Birchwood Intermediate School students and Flower Hill Primary School PTA proudly marched to represent their schools. The parade was led by the Huntington Town Supervisor Ed Smyth, Town Councilwoman Theresa Mari, Councilman Dr. Dave Bennardo, Receiver of Taxes Jillian Guthman, Town Clerk Andrew Raia, Suffolk County Legislators Tom Donnelly and Rebecca Sanin and Suffolk County Police Department 2nd Precinct’s NEW Deputy Inspector Steven Rhode and Captain Kyle Simcox. American Legion Post 1244, Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Spanish Heritage Club Cheerleaders, Suffolk County Sheriff vehicle, Restless Souls, Huntington and South Huntington Public Libraries, Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce, Huntington Station Business Improvement District (BID), National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), Northwell Health’s Dolan Family Health Center, a Huntington Manor Fire Department Truck, Helping Hand Rescue Mission, Huntington Community First Aid Squad and so many more organizations and churches both marched and had tables at the fair.
After the Parade, many tables with vital information were available to anyone who needed it and many organizations and nonprofits, joined with local businesses and various vendors selling clothing and jewelry. Inflatable bounce houses and activities kept the children entertained, with food and ice cream available to purchase from nearby trucks.
On the Stage, Town officials, Huntington and South Huntington School personnel were on hand to applaud and to honor the 3 Hometown Heroes – men and women who are here every day for each and every one of us. This year’s honored Grand Marshalls were Ray Spatafora, Alumni and Security Officer for South Huntington School District; Betty Miller, Human Rights Activist with Huntington NAACP; and Huntington High School Dean and Coach Ron Wilson.
The Huntington Unity Fun Day Committee is Co-Chaired by Superintendent Dr. Vito D’Elia, South Huntington School District and Kimberly Jerideau, Community Relations Assistant, Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office and Granddaughter of the event’s Founder Dolores “Dee” Thompson, tireless Huntington Community Activist who started Unity Day in 2000 and continued up until her death in 2023. The Co-Chairs and their team did an excellent job putting this event together. We had a wonderful time celebrating our community.
Photography by Dana E. Richter, Diane Schaber and June Margolin. Videography by June Margolin. Copyright 2025 – All rights reserved.
