Waymart's Pride & Patriotism parade, fire company picnic set for June 8

There was a reminder at the May Waymart Borough Council meeting that the annual Pride & Patriotism parade is set for Saturday, June 8.

Councilor Theresa Stratton said that the lineup is at the Robert D. Wilson school at 4 p.m. and the parade begins at 5 p.m. The parade proceeds up Belmont Street, ending at the fire department's Kennedy's Grove. Waymart American Legion Post 889 is a prominent participant.

Anyone wishing to join the parade is asked to call Michael Torquati at 570-470-8887.

The late World War II veteran and active Waymart resident George K. Waters Sr. was a prime motivator behind the parade, which started in 1990. It was a successor to many earlier parades honoring the American flag and the veterans, community and history in this small western Wayne County town.

Tickets are available for the Waymart Volunteer Fire Company chicken barbeque that follows the parade; stop at the station Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. or call 570-251-5147. They are also hosting a "Rescue Raffle" for $5,500 worth of tools, and other prizes. Local craft vendors and live entertainment are planned, the latter featuring Dashboard Mary.

Waymart Parties in the Park and the fire company host the community parade.

Waymart Area Historical Society also hosts an open house that day, with lunch between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; children's activities are planned. The Historical Society's museum in the old gravity railroad depot is located on South Street next to the borough offices.

More Waymart business

Waymart Police Chief Fred Givich reminded that the annual car show benefiting the police department K-9 unit is Sunday, July 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Robert D. Wilson school parking lot. For information or to donate a raffle basket, call Nick Derk at 570-642-1388.

Waymart Volunteer Fire Department sent a formal written request for the borough's assistance to fund new turnout gear for firefighters. Rescue Fire Captain Aaron Gearing said their present gear is in "dire need" of upgrading, being worn out and not meeting safety standards. Two quotes provided for one set are $11,186 and $10,587.

The council approved hiring Joseph Unis as code enforcement officer/zoning officer. The borough has been without one for some time. His hours were capped at 15 per week.

A quote of $3,450 to replace the post blocking the view in the borough meeting room with another method of structural support was tabled due to budgetary reasons.

During April, Waymart Police investigated: suspicious persons, three; suspicious vehicles, one; thefts, two; ongoing cases, 14. Two traffic warnings and one traffic citation were issued. There were 51 calls for assistance.

Council President Shane Bayly first recommended applying chip and sealing to part of Honesdale Road and Merwin Street, and finally advised tabling it. Councilor Stratton asked if it would be better to pave sections instead. Bayly said the $40,000 available would not go far with paving costs; Councilor Craig Spewak suggested "about 20 feet."

Waymart Borough Council meets on the second Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at the borough offices, 128 South St. For more information, visit waymartborough.org .

Peter Becker has worked at the Tri-County Independent or its predecessor publications since 1994. Reach him at pbecker@tricountyindependent.com or 570-253-3055 ext. 1588.

This article originally appeared on Tri-County Independent: Waymart's Pride & Patriotism parade, fire company picnic set for June 8