This year’s Parade theme was “A Drive Through Time”. The Westhampton Beach Historic Society again won 1st Prize for Community Float. Many thanks to our designer extraordinaire Diane Herold, who recreated Ward Haven’s Blacksmith shop. The original Ward Haven Blacksmith shop was located on Glovers Lane, just off Main Street. It was once a center of community activity – blacksmiths then handled much more than shoeing horses! Ward Haven was the blacksmith for about 30 years at this location. Many thanks go out to all who helped in the construction of the float and to those who contributed display items. They include: Sea Level Construction, S.L. Worby & Son, Davis Construction, Long Island Crane, Liberty Iron, Speonk Lumber, and Aldrich Boat Yard.
Our star of the day was Ernie Davis, playing the role of Ward Havens the Village Smithy c.1870-1935. Bob Murray played the role of his modern-day helper! A special thank you also to Wayne Boyd (our “outrider”) and his handsome horse, John Larson (float driver), and helpers Don Bennett and Bud Corwin. It was another fun day with perfect weather for a parade, so there was a great turnout. We would like to also thank Tim Laube and his committee and the entire community of Westhampton Beach who supported this wonderful event.