The longest parade ever staged in Broome County will step off at 12:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 26th from the Binghamton Plaza on State Street in Binghamton. The 1st Annual Sock Out Cancer parade will raise money for the Foundations of Lourdes Hospital and UHS and will also collect non-perishable food items for the Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse (CHOW).
“With the cancellation of this year’s Blast From The Past Hall of Fame & Car Show at Tri-Cities Airport, I wanted to find an alternate way to help our community while maintaining a safe environment for the participants,” said parade organizer Bob Connelly. “The parade will stage in the Binghamton Plaza on State Street in Binghamton, proceed down State Street and turn right onto Court Street, then continue through Johnson City, Endwell, and Endicott, turning left onto Bridge Street and reaching its destination at Five Corners in Vestal.
“When Bob called and said he wanted Sock Out Cancer and CHOW to be the beneficiaries of this unique event, we were eager to participate in this new adventure,” said Security Mutual Life Chairman and CEO Bruce Boyea. “This will be a wonderful opportunity for people to again feel part of the community while helping those who are most in need.” Mr. Boyea will serve as the Grand Marshal for the parade.
A $10 entry fee per vehicle, plus a non-perishable food item for CHOW, are all that are required to enter this event. Vehicles of every size, type, color, and make are invited to participate. Each entry will receive a pair of Sock Out Cancer socks courtesy of Sock Out Cancer, LLC.
Masks and social distancing will be in effect to protect volunteers and participants.
“You’ll see Street Rods, race cars, fire trucks, antique vehicles, and even a few grocery getters that want to help Sock Out Cancer,” added Connelly. “We live in a community that is quick to step up and help a neighbor.”
The 9.4-mile route more than triples the longest parade on record. “The first Ringling Bros Barnum and Bailey combined circus parade in 1920 stretched out for 3 miles and traveled from the fairgrounds to downtown where it wove around through the streets,” wrote Broome County Historian Roger Luther.
Those wishing to participate can contact Bob Connelly at 607-343-2968.
