Kickin’ in Kismet

The little town of Kismet was bursting with American pride last Sunday at its 42nd Annual Independence Day Parade. There were two marching bands, a cavalcade of costumed kiddies and enough grilled hamburger meat and Budweiser to slake a Marine expeditionary unit. Mercury levels topped 80 degrees; sweat—the glorious grease of patriotism—dripped from Kismetian pores.

The parade began at 11 a.m., when the Bay Shore Fire Department marching band struck up the procession with the merry sounds of “Yankee Doodle Dandy.” As bystanders cheered and waved flags, Kismetian kiddies—accompanied by their Kismetian moms and pops—walked, biked and carted through town. The second band, courtesy of the Islip Fire Department, brought up the rear.

The parade is a Fire Island tradition dating back to 1964, when Jean Wood, current planner Sam Wood’s mom, launched the first parade with little more than a few carts and a skipping record player.

Floats of every make and model were seen. At about 11:15 a.m., the parade paused for a flag-raising ceremony and a few words from Sam Wood at the marina before heading to the firehouse. Barbecuing ensued.

As in years past, prizes were given for the finest floats.

Although all the kids were winners, here’s how the winners broke down:

Best All Around:
Mardi Gras Katrina

Most Historical:
The Woodie Station Wagon

Most Creative:
Hawaii Poo Poo Platter

Most Topical:
Support Our Troops

Most Patriotic:
Surfin’ USA

There were fewer floats than last year, although the crowds were robust and bursting with patriotism.

The Kismet Fire Department, through its sale of much meat, grog and raffle tickets, raised money. On lucky winner went home with this year’s Wagon of Cheer, a red wagon packed with about 20 bottles of top-shelf spirits. Asked what he would do with all that booze, Kismet firefighter and raffle ticket hawker Gary Leoni said, “Have a good summer.”

As an added bonus, Wood said, parade goers can look forward to a bump-free procession next summer. Kismet has put the finishing touches on a deal that will bring all-new sidewalks to the community this fall.

—Story and Photos by David Crohn