Costumed kids star in Ragamuffin Parade

October 5, 2015 By Paula Katinas Brooklyn Daily Eagle

These cute kiddies from NYC Tae Kwon Do performed before dignitaries seated on the grandstand.

Share this:

The skies were gray, there was a threat of rain and there was a chill in the air in Bay Ridge on Saturday afternoon, but that didn’t stop hundreds of children from braving the weather and marching in the Ragamuffin Parade.

The 49th annual Ragamuffin Parade was a smashing success, despite the weather and the warnings over Hurricane Joaquin hanging in the air. A day earlier it had poured in New York City, which had the parade’s sponsors concerned about the possibility of a low turnout. But on parade day, Oct. 3, the rain stayed away, and the parade went off without a hitch.

Hundreds of kids proudly marched up Third Avenue in homemade costumes that showed off their creativity.

Megan Lorenti came dressed as Little Red Riding Hood. Her dad, John Lorenti, was the Big Bad Wolf. Sean Solitario rode the entire parade route while inside a handmade arcade game called “The Claw,” sharing space with dozens of stuffed animals. Mackenzie Nastro came as her favorite minion from “Despicable Me.” The parade also featured Count Dracula, AKA Jordan McDonough and his friend, a Ninja Turtle, portrayed by Trent Triantafilou.

The parade route ran along Third Avenue from 76th Street to 92nd Street.

Sponsored by the nonprofit organization Ragamuffin Inc., the parade has been a grand Bay Ridge tradition for nearly half a century. The idea is to unleash the brainpower inside children by having them come up with homemade, not store-bought, Halloween costumes to march in.

Colleen Golden is the president of Ragamuffin, Inc.

Leading the marchers up Third Avenue were Parade Grand Marshal Mary Ann Walsh and Ragamuffin Person of the Year Stephen Oliver.

The reviewing stand, where elected officials and other dignitaries watched the festivities, was located on 91st Street.

Master of ceremonies Peter Clavin greeted the children as they marched by the reviewing stand. “Wave to us and we’ll wave to you!” he told the kids.

Frankie Marra, who also offered commentary, said he was glad the weather cooperated. “I think we scared away Joaquin!” he said.