When Patch shared the news that a hitch of the world famous Budweiser Clydesdales would be appearing in the 101st Annual Rockland County Volunteer Fireman's Association Parade hosted by New City Fire Engine Co. #1 on September 7th, it sparked a discussion about their prior visits to Rockland County.
Kim Raso Stewart shared the photos that appear with this article. They are from a Clydesdales’ appearance several decades ago. She also commented on a prior parade article about her father’s involvement with bringing the Clydesdales to Nyack.
“My late father, Joe Raso, owned Raso Beer Distributing Co., which was located in Nyack and then in West Nyack and when the mall came in, he relocated to Valley Cottage in the corporate park. If my memory serves me well, he brought the Clydesdales to Rockland on two occasions - for a big parade in Nyack which was in the early 80s I think and then again for some centennial celebration for the Nyack Hospital.”
Find out what's happening in New Citywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Her father then sold his business to Dana Distributors in Goshen, which is carrying on the tradition of bringing the Clydesdales to Rockland for the parade and celebration of the 125th Anniversary of New City Fire Engine Co. #1.
Another Patch reader Dan Quinn recalled, “The Clydesdales were at a parade in Tappan in 2003 for the Hudson Valley Volunteer Firemen’s Association Convention. Unfortunately, it started to rain shortly after the parade started and the horses were forced to make a quick run through the parade route and back to their trailer. This was also arranged through Dana Distributors.”
Find out what's happening in New Citywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The photos provided by Stewart and restored by Phil Costa show streets filled with spectators as the team of horses passed by.
For the New City Parade, Fire Chief Kenny Flynn said more than 100 fire trucks, 30 fire companies, the Rockland County Sheriff’s Department Mounted Unit, Clarkstown Police Department Honor Guard and the hitch of Budweiser Clydesdale horses will participate. All county fire companies are marching along with some from outside Rockland.
Flynn said parade lineup will begin around 11 a.m. with the line of march stepping off at 2 p.m. The route starts on South Little Tor Road at Deerwood Drive, follows South Little Tor, turns onto Collyer Ave and turns again onto South Main Street. The marchers will continue on South Main Street, pass the reviewing stand in front of the Rockland County Courthouse and end behind the Rockland County office building on New Hempstead Road.
Related Articles ----------
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
