'Home of the Huskies' Banners to Return This Year

Lola Alvora thought it would be a nice touch to add some hometown pride to Harrison's business district last year by selling banners to hang over the intersection of Halstead and Harrison Avenues.

She had no idea just how much pride Harrison has to offer.

By October of last year parents, fans and businesses purchased 130 banners that were placed in Harrison and West Harrison.  

"I was shocked," she said. "In the beginning, I thought I was going to have 30, 40, maybe 50, but I never thought it would go to that much."

The original plan called for parents and friends to place banners encouraging their favorite football player or cheerleader. As word spread, requests started pouring in from all corners of town.

"I've been amazed," Alvora said. "I never expected—from real estate to lawyer offices to doctors—I've just been amazed."

The banners are now directed toward Harrison players of all sports, from soccer to football to the band. Each banner reads: "Harrison, Home of the Huskies", with a personal message at the bottom.

"Anyone who wants to wish good luck to the Huskies," Alvora said. "It's open to anyone."

This year the banners will be placed only in downtown Harrison, as West Harrison is reserved for banners recognizing the of the .

Banners are on sale until Sept. 1. and should be on display around the start of the fall sports season. A new banner is $225, to re-hang last year's banner is $110. All proceeds are donated toward Harrison sports.

So far, the majority of last year's sponsors have joined again this year, Alvora said. There are also a handful of new participants. Alvora, whose son graduated last year, said she has enjoyed the project so much she hopes to keep it going every fall for years to come.

"I'm going to keep doing it as long as I can," she said. "As long as they allow me to."

Anyone interested in purchasing a banner for can reach Lola Alvora at 914-843-3377.