A  pretty gloomy, cloudy and even humid morning stood in stark contrast to the live and joyful event Burtonsville Day on September 24th. On this day, no weather issues could stand in the way of crowded streets, marching bands, and happy people

As the parade took place, the streets leading up to the parade route filled with people as police blocked off the road right at the entrance to Briarcliff Manor. Along the parade route, many children dangled on their parents’ hands, anxious for the fun that awaited them . Everyone was with somebody, including the “I love dogs” group and their dogs, which included  a Great Dane almost the size of full-grown person! There were dogs everywhere: big, tall, skinny, long, and furry.

The event was just like a huge reunion, as people enjoyed seeing old friends and – for those who attended Paint Branch – former principals like Ms.Dixon. The crowd was filled with people who looked familiar. Paint Branch senior Michael Newman stated, “I’ve been coming to Burtonsville Day for 10 years, talking to people about the fire station. Seems to be the only thing in Burtonsville that brings everyone together.”

The parade included many different groups as well as marching bands from all three area high schools. The Springbrook Marching Band and dancers came through and were followed by The Elite Dancers. Springbrook did a phenomenal job, hyping up the crowd with their upbeat tunes and outstanding movements by the dancers. Shortly after Springbrook’s Band came Paint Branch’s very own marching band.

With the marching band accompanying them down the street, the NJROTC cadets marched, their faces straight, stiff and solid. The parade ended with a nice entrance by three fire trucks with fire fighters throwing candy to the kids below.

After the parade was over, people went to vendors to buy clothing, or just to get information on whatever the vendor had to offer. The food, sold by The Lions Den, was a bit pricey, but for hungry folks it had to suffice. Paint Branch Senior Alexis Osong said, “The burger isn’t worth 4 dollars. It tastes like a regular hamburger.”

On the other side of the field, kids bounced around on moonbounces, which were supervised by the Marilyn J. Praisner Recreation Center. Off by the field, ponies were preparing to hop back on their truck when, suddenly,  the owners began to forcefully push the ponies by their rear end onto the truck. However, they wouldn’t go. Bystanders quickly turned their heads when they saw the commotion. One of the  owners had to feed the pony a carrot to calm the pony down. The space for two ponies in that small truck didn’t look quite soothing, but they eventually went inside.

The day ended with some nice country music by Beach Grove and Blacksmith, especially the man on the violin who did an awesome job and was able to get the few people watching dancing.

Throughout the day, many people shared hugs, and others exclaimed “Omg, is that you? It’s been ages!” as they came across an old friend.  Kids got their faces painted or went to the library to get an autograph by local authors. Burtonsville local Kaitlin Klumpp said, “ The parade is the best part; on this day, you get to see people you don’t necessarily see a lot.”