Clydesdales To Appear In New City

In what is thought to be their first appearance in Rockland County, a team of Budweiser Clydesdale horses will join the Rockland County Volunteer Fireman's Association 101st Annual Parade and 125th Anniversary celebration of New City Fire Engine Co. No. 1 on Saturday, Sept. 7th. The festivities begin the day before with the Volunteer Fireman’s Association Convention at the county fire training center.

Dana Distributors of Goshen is sponsoring the Clydesdales’ appearance.  Patrick English, who owns the beer and beverage distribution company started by his grandfather in 1970, said the requests for the giant horses to attend events number in the thousands.

“We’re ecstatic to bring in the Clydesdales,” said English on Monday. “Not until about 60 days ago we learned they had a change of schedule and would be able to attend the event.”

He said 10 horses from New Hampshire will make the trip and stay in Rockland and Orange counties for about seven days. They will be housed at the historic Goshen Track. Dana is responsible for all expenses of the Clydesdales and their groomers while they are in the area.

"The eight-horse hitch will be harnessed and hitched to the famous red beer wagon and these “Gentle Giants,” as they are often referred to, are honored to participate in the parade with the brave volunteer firefighters of Rockland County," said English.

English said the horses were scheduled to appear sometime in the 1990s in Rockland but it rained and they do not participate in the rain. Once the horses arrive, English said he and the hitch supervisor will drive the route the Clydesdale hitch will follow to measure the distance and make sure there are no sharp turns or low hanging signs.

New City Fire Chief Kenny Flynn, whose department is hosting the two days of events, said the route covers about two miles. He said the fire department has been working closely with the Clarkstown Police Department and keeping property owners informed so all goes smoothly. Three weeks ago flyers were hand delivered to homes located on the streets where the fire trucks will be lining up.  A separate mailing went to all properties along the entire parade route. 

The 30 participating fire companies with more than 100 trucks will line up on: Deerwood Drive; Eldor Ave; Fawn Hollow Lane; Old; Kings Highway from Old Middletown Rd to Little Tor Road; Middletown Road from Little Tor Road to Kings Highway; Williams Street; Glenn Lane; Carolina Drive and Virginia Street, between Carolina Drive and Williams Street. All parade participants will be assigned to one side of the street and signs posted the night before will identify their locations. About two weeks prior, Flynn said they expect to place several LED signs around New City alerting residents to the parade and road closures and possible delays.

The parade steps off at 2 p.m. with all participants marching past a reviewing stand on South Main Street in front of the Rockland County Courthouse.

Although planning for the event began seven years ago, Flynn said there is still plenty to do. Volunteers are selling $25 banners to local businesses and homeowners. The “Welcome Firemen” banners are two feet by three feet. 

“It’s a great way for homeowners and businesses to get involved and help us welcome all the marching units into New City,” he said. “If anyone would like to purchase banners, please email 2013parade@newcityfire.org for more information.”

Flynn said volunteers will also take care of decorating the firehouse's exterior for the anniversary, cleaning and preparing the apparatus, plus ordering food and trophies. 

“As we get closer to the parade, we will be asking everyone to lend a hand to make this day a success,” he said.  “So much work has gone into planning this day it will be nice to see it all come together.”