Al Cunard Baby Parade: New Kids on the Block
Kevin Kohlmann
Where do the future leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs of America gather in the summer? The Al Cunard Baby Parade, of course.
The 55th Annual Stone Harbor Al Cunard Baby Parade on July 10 featured 40 participants who lit up 96th Street as they strolled down the block in style. Among the group were an astronaut in full suit and shuttle, a future lifeguard propped in his stand, and a young Uber driver sporting a miniature Tesla.
“The biggest thank you is to all of the families who participated today. I know what a great special effort you put in to make this day such a fabulous day and a great event,” said Maggie Day, owner of Nesting and the president of the Stone Harbor Chamber of Commerce. “The kids enjoy it so much and the pictures are priceless forever.”
Five volunteer judges had the difficult chore of choosing winners from the impressive group. The seven categories of awards were: Best Float, Best Walking, Best Riding, Judges Award, Mayor’s Award, Nesting Award and the Cunard Family Award.
The day began in the Wharf parking lot at the base of 96th Street with participants, families and spectators snapping photographs of the eclectic participants and their creative costumes. Bill Bittman kept the crowd dancing as he played the steel drums, while the Cunard Family of Clowns supplied the laughter and led the parade to the Stone Harbor Fire House, where awards were distributed.
The first-place winners in each category were:
Best Float: Kevin Kohlmann in his “Jaws” float
Best Riding: Luke Maze & Finley Galante with “The Maze & Galante Whinery”
Best Walking: Raya Purdy dressed as a beach tag for her “Every Beach Tag Tells a Story and Mine is Amazing” costume.
Judges Award: Locryn Mestishen and family with “Captain Cramer vs. The Octopus”
Mayor’s Award: Connor Cunard in his lifeguard stand with “Lifeguard at the Beach”
Nesting Award: Hannah Haring with “Made in America”
Cunard Family Award: LJ ( Laurence Jason) Yellin as “Evel Knieval”
Every participant received a medal to reward his or her creativity, spunk and ambition. The event concluded with the Cunard Family of Clowns’ spectacular magic show, led by Al Cunard’s daughter, Suzie Q.
But, as the sun began to set, the real magic was felt across the town as the future of Stone Harbor drove off in mini Teslas, octopus floats and fairy wings.
