“We have some very interesting and fun floats.  Hopefully the weather will hold out for us,” said Mayor Stephen Brescia on Friday.

The plea seemed to work, as the rain held off until the last float had passed by the crowds lining the streets of the Village of Montgomery for their first Float Parade, part of the year’s Bicentennial Celebration.

“It was cool!” said Paul Laudati, 10.

Paul said his favorite part was when a float stopped in the middle of the street and started playing music.  His brother was in the street, dancing to the music.

“It was cute, really cute,” said Nancy Schoonmaker of Montgomery.  “It was quite a small parade though.”

The parade held less than a dozen floats and moved swiftly through the village.  About an hour and a half later, an awards ceremony was held at Veteran’s Memorial Park.  Deputy

Mayor JoAnn Scheels presented the awards with Trustee Darlene Andolsek.

“We thank everyone for participating.  It was the first one and went very well,” said Scheels.

“It was beautiful.  Thank you all for supporting the Montgomery Fire Department.”

A Certificate of Merit from the New York State Assembly was awarded to Little Miss and Mr. Montgomery, along with awards for floats for Most Beautiful, Best Musical, Most Original, Best Design, Most Unique and Best Overall.

“We loved it,” Schoonmaker said of herself and her kids.  They planned to attend the continuing festivities the following morning, including the Firemen’s Parade.

Winners:

Best Design
1st – Montgomery Free Library
2nd – Brick Church

Most Original
1st – Southeastern Beekeepers Club, Inc.
2nd – Grand Hollow Antique Tractor & Engine

Best Musical
1st – Hudson Valley Polonaise Society
2nd – General Pulaski Memorial Committee

Most Beautiful
1st – Wallkill River Art School
2nd – Hoeffner Farm

Red Ribbon Most Unique – Keenan Fire Brigade
Blue Ribbon Best Overall – Phil’s Barber Shop

By RACHEL COLEMAN
rcoleman@tcnewspapers.com