Cow Harbor Parade

The Cow Harbor Parade begins sharply at 12 Noon, on Sunday of Cow Harbor Weekend.

Photo credit: Bruce Adams
Photo credit: Bruce Adams

Line up is between 11:00 and 11:30 AM and it is suggested that all participants arrive early as there is no parking at that location and parking is limited throughout the weekend along the entire parade route. Most municipal parking lots in the Village are also closed.

The parade begins at the William Brosnan School on Laurel Avenue and continues down Main Street to Woodbine Avenue. The route is approximately ¾ of a mile.

Photo credit: Bruce Adams
Photo credit: Bruce Adams

The parade is open to any local community and not for profit organizations and local school groups. Commercial businesses are permitted to participate, provided they are existing Northport businesses. We are sorry, but commercial businesses that do not have a “brick and mortar” presence are prohibited because of the size of this parade.

Photo credit: Krista Boland
Photo credit: Krista Boland

Parade Floats are encouraged and we encourage groups to create floats in accordance with the theme each year.

Photo credit: Bruce Adams
Photo credit: Bruce Adams

Vehicles are prohibited unless they are part of a parade float or are of special interest. If you need a vehicle because persons in your group are unable to walk the route, we can provide special vehicles and drivers for that purpose.

For safety reasons, handouts and give-aways from parade participants to spectators is strictly prohibited. If you wish to handout, give away or sell anything for your group, you may obtain a vendor table in the park at a nominal fee.

We recognize that Cow Harbor Weekend is at the height of the annual political season. The Cow Harbor Parade was once overwhelmed with politicians and those seeking political office, to the point that it interrupted the parade and was a distraction to the participants and spectators. Therefore, political signs are prohibited from the parade. All local elected officials will receive a special invitation to participate in the parade and view the parade from the viewing stand at the foot of Main Street. The major political parties are welcome to take space in the park for their organization and traditionally get the first two spots as you enter the park. We appreciate your cooperation.

Photo credit: Bruce Adams
Photo credit: Bruce Adams

There are numerous participating groups in the parade so registration is a must. We must also know the approximate number of participants, whether you will have a vehicle, type of vehicle and length. We also need to know if you will broadcast any music. This information is needed for parade placement and safety. If your group or vehicle is not pre-registered, you will not be able to participate.

Photo credit: Krista Boland
Photo credit: Krista Boland

If your group is interested in participating in the Cow Harbor Parade please complete an online registration form.

All participants will be sent a parade line-up within a couple of days of the parade by e-mail. If there are any changes or delays, it will be published on this website. The parade will be held rain or shine. There is no rain date.

Any questions should be e-mailed to:
parade@cowharbor.org.