Pride in Greenwich was running high, as the community gathered Sunday to celebrate its 375th anniversary with a parade that paid tribute to its past and reveled in its present.
The big birthday party featured floats and marching bands, bag-pipers, antique cars and a horse-drawn carriage. An eclectic mix of marchers started from Town Hall and headed down Greenwich Avenue. Hundreds of spectators watched the long column, which included Santa Claus, mini-cars driven by the Shriners, an organ player in a white wig accompanying a chorus of costumed singers and Mrs. Connecticut.
Longtime residents joined young families who had recently moved to town to watch the fun.
Kathy Micati, who lives in central Greenwich, wore a smile for much of the parade. “It brings out a lot of hometown pride,” she said, “To see how many people came out, and the amount of participation, it makes you feel good to live here. A lot of hard work went into it, you can tell.”
Marian Henngier of Old Greenwich came out early to find a good spot to put down a lawn chair and watch with family members. She reflected on the changing nature of the town as the parade kicked off. “We’ve been here since 1964, when it was a little country town. Mom and pop stores all down the Avenue. It’s changed. But I love this place, it’s a wonderful place. This parade is a great celebration, and we’re fortunate to live here,” she said.
About two dozen descendants of the town’s original settlers marched at the front end of the procession. Three English settlers, Elizabeth Feake, her husband, Robert Feake, and Captain Daniel Patrick, purchased the right to settle for 25 coats from Indian sachems in 1640.
Mary Ellen LeBien, a 12th-generation descendant of Elizabeth Feake, often referred to as the town’s founding mother, said the town got a big boost from the festivities. “It think it was a fabulous parade that will carry us forward to the 400th anniversary. A lot of pride in the community,” she said.
Another descendant of an early Greenwich family, Jeffrey Bingham Mead, said the event showcased all that Greenwich has to offer. “It’s a special time to honor the history of Greenwich, and the story of how it came to be, an amazing story. And the parade, to see all these people from different backgrounds, different walks of life, coming together, it’s been a wonderful event. It’s all around fun,” he said.
Elected officials and VIP’s sat on a reviewing stand on the Avenue in front of Greenwich Common after completing the march.
Rep. Jim Himes said he was impressed by the number of marchers. “It seems like most of the town is marching,” he said. Watching the pageant unfold made him reflect on the long history that grounds the community. “Three hundred and seventy-five years, it’s older than the country. It reminds me of all the history here,” he said.
After the march was done, a large American flag was unfurled at Havemeyer Field, with assistance from a police honor guard, veterans, descendants of founding families and scouts. Youngsters were positioned under the giant flag to make sure it did not touch the ground while it was unrolled.
First Selectman Peter Tesei said the year-long commemoration of the anniversary was an enriching experience. “It’s sharing our rich history, while creating a legacy for tomorrow,” he said.
Davidde Strackbein, who headed the 375th anniversary committee, said thanks was due to the many volunteers who worked to make the parade a success. “Lots of volunteers, we’ll give them a well-earned round of applause,” she said.
There was no official estimate on the number of spectators, but the sidewalks of Greenwich Avenue were packed with cheering residents. “It was a good turn-out,” said police Capt. Pamela Gustovich.
The parade also performed an educational role.
Layla Rodriguez, 8, who watched with her mother, Dana Rodriguez, and other families who attend New Lebanon School, said the day carried a lesson for her. Her mother had told her the town in which she lives was 375 years old before they arrived. “Wow,” Layla said. “That’s old. Greenwich is really old.”

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