Parade reset: Chief explains decision to eliminate water fights from 4th of July celebration

In an effort to uphold a decades-long tradition, residents of Eaton’s Neck are circulating an online petition to permit water – specifically the spraying and throwing of it – at the upcoming Fourth of July Parade. The “water wars” component of the annual parade, which for 20 years involved the use of water hoses and balloons to wet parade participants and spectators, was eliminated from the event this year in a decision made by the Eaton’s Neck fire district’s board of fire commissioners.

Some residents want it back. 

“The tradition of engaging in a friendly water battle has come to define this parade and has become an integral part of our community's 4th of July festivities,” reads the Change.org petition started by Eaton’s Neck resident Thomas Savarese and shared on Facebook by community members. “It fosters a sense of camaraderie among participants and brings together residents of all ages in a fun and refreshing way, creating lasting memories for families, friends and neighbors,” continues the petition, which now has 274 signatures.

In a statement to the Journal by Eaton’s Neck Fire Department Chief John Pokorny, the innocent fun and playful water exchanges of past July 4th parades has lent to a positive patriotic tradition, he wrote. In recent years, however, “this innocent fun has escalated into a more dangerous situation,” Pokorny said. 

“After last year’s parade, many community residents reported to the fire district of dangerous activities that lead to injuries. Luckily it was nothing too serious. But those reckless individuals that caused those injuries have forced the fire district to consider changes in the parade,” the statement continues. 

Pokorny said that the issue was addressed last month, when the district commissioners, department chiefs and leaders of the Property Owners of Eaton’s Neck Beach (POENB) got together to discuss concerns related to the water fights. “This was a decision that was not taken lightly by anyone. It was a difficult decision that was made out of an abundance of safety,” Pokorny wrote, adding that the fire district, as the insurance holder, has a fiduciary responsibility to reduce risk.  

“The decision to eliminate the water fights preserved the patriotic nature of the parade which is the reason we celebrate the day,” Pokorny added.  

The Eaton’s Neck Fourth of July Parade will begin at 10am from the fire department. At the parade’s conclusion, the fire district sponsors a community picnic, held this year at Price’s Bend beach, to thank and honor the community for their support.  

The Change.org petition created by Eaton’s Neck residents can be found here. The entire statement provided by Chief John Pokorny is below: 

“The Eaton’s Neck 4th of July Parade is a patriotic tradition that represents all that is great about our country and community. Every year our elected leaders come and talk about what a special place Eaton’s Neck is and how amazing our parade is to experience. What makes it special is our community, and sharing this important holiday with our friends and family, including all of the innocent fun and playful water exchanges. Unfortunately, over the recent years, this innocent fun has escalated into a more dangerous situation.  As first responders, it is our utmost responsibility to make sure people are safe.  

After last year’s parade, many community residents reported to the fire district of dangerous activities that led to injuries. Luckily it was nothing too serious. But those reckless individuals that caused those injuries have forced the fire district to consider changes in the parade.  

To be clear, the fire district is elected by the community to oversee the finances and assets of the fire department. The fire department is the volunteer members that are the first responders. The district holds the insurance and files for the parade permit. As Chief of the department, I am in charge of the volunteers in the department. The Board of Fire Commissioners, who are elected by the community, are in charge of the district.  

Last month, the District Commissioners, the Department Chiefs, and the leaders of the Property Owners of Eaton’s Neck Beach (POENB) got together to address the concerns of the community about the water fights. This was a decision that was not taken lightly by anyone. It was a difficult decision that was made out of an abundance of safety. The district, as the holder of the insurance, has a fiduciary responsibility to reduce risk. The decision to eliminate the water fights preserved the patriotic nature of the parade which is the reason we celebrate the day. The district also sponsors a community picnic, this year at Price’s Bend beach, to thank and honor the community for their support.  

It is my hope that this parade reset refocuses us on what is most important about the 4th of July and our community. I look forward to seeing all of my neighbors along the route as well as at the ceremony after the parade at Price’s Bend beach.”