Preparations Underway For Great to Live in Harrison Weekend

The parade lineup is almost set and everyone's place in Riis Park is nearly laid out and organized.

It isn't easy preparing for an event that draws thousands of excited people from all over Westchester County, but the Town of Harrison is excited to get this year's Great to Live in Harrison celebration off the ground.

The biggest celebration of the year is almost here, which means the weekend schedule is filled with events, from an open house at the Harrison Police Department to a parade and festival in downtown Harrison.

"It's a whole weekend," said newly appointed Harrison Recreation Department Supervisor Gerry Salvo, adding that although not much changes about the event on a year-to-year basis, it's the traditions that keep people coming back.

The recreation department has spent this week feverishly organizing everything from the parade lineup to where tables will be placed in Riis Park. Monday's celebration will last most of the day, starting with a parade down Halstead Avenue at 10 a.m. and ending with a festival in Riis Park that will last most of the afternoon.

"It's a very busy weekend," Salvo said. "But we keep to our traditions."

The festivities will begin Sunday morning with an at Harrison Police Headquarters. Residents are invited to view Harrison's emergency vehicles and even see the inside of a police cruiser. The Harrison PBA is also hosting a car show in West Harrison from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sunday evening will conclude with a fireworks display outside of the West Harrison Fire House at 7 p.m.

Most of the Great to Live in Harrison events will remain the same as last year. The town has had plenty of time to perfect the tradition—after all, this is the 34th time it has hosted the event.

One thing different this year will be the focus on the . Although always an important part of the parade, honoring the late Joseph Acocella Jr. is sure to be an emotional moment for hundreds of Harrison residents.

"What he did for the town," Salvo said. "He exemplifies what this is all about."

Acocella's family will accept the award in his name during a brief ceremony in Riis Park.

As in years past, there will be live entertainment throughout most of the afternoon and craft tables and rides for children in the park. The festivities are expected to last until about 4 p.m. Monday.