The Bay Ridge Ragamuffin Parade returned to Fifth Avenue on Oct. 3 for its 60th anniversary celebration, bringing costumed children, families and longtime community members together for one of the neighborhood’s beloved traditions.
Originally scheduled for Sept. 26, the parade was postponed because of rain, but the extra week did little to dampen the community’s enthusiasm. From superheroes and princesses to animals and plenty of creative homemade looks, kids dressed in their Halloween best as they marched with their families to mark six decades of the parade.
This year’s celebration also introduced a new group of young community leaders: the Junior Marshals.
Families showed up in their Halloween best for the 60th annual Ragamuffin Parade. Photo by Arthur de Gaeta 
The parade was delayed for the first time in years due to rain, though the extra week did not dampen spirits. Photo by Arthur de Gaeta
Six local students were selected as Junior Marshals for the inaugural program: Katelyn Chen, an 11th grader at Brooklyn Technical High School; Marc Liddy, a senior at Xaverian High School; Jonathan Moy, an eighth grader at P.S./I.S. 229; Gianna “Gigi” Solitario, a 10th grader at Fort Hamilton High School; Frank Trentinella, a freshman at Brooklyn Technical High School; and Korinna Vagelatos, an 11th grader at Xaverian High School.
The Junior Marshals were chosen in recognition of their involvement in their schools and the wider Bay Ridge community.
Chen has volunteered at several local events, including previous Ragamuffin Parades, the Merchants of Third Avenue events, Pizza Wars, the Third Avenue Beautification, Annual Tree Lighting and Wing Wars. She is also a dedicated Scout and is currently pursuing her Gold Award.
Liddy has been involved in athletics and community service throughout his time at Xaverian. In addition to playing soccer, he founded the “Active Minds” program at the Bay Ridge Center, connecting local youth with seniors through activities designed to stimulate cognitive function and delay the effects of dementia.
Moy has earned recognition for his academics and volunteer work. He participates in the Community Service Group, volunteers for school events such as the open house, fundraises for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and contributes his time to peer tutoring.
The junior marshals were honored for their achievements in and around their neighborhood.Photo courtesy of Bay Ridge Ragamuffin Parade
Solitario has assembled book drives, care packages and volunteers for various local organizations. She’s also the founder of Gigi’s Creations, a bracelet-making business that has donated almost $6,000 to local Bay Ridge charities.
Trentinella is a past winner of the Ragamuffin Parade with “notable academic achievements.” He is a Boy Scout who has completed Eagle Scout projects and other local endeavors.
Vagelatos volunteers for the Holy Cross Outreach Center and is a senior Scout who has received Bronze and Silver Awards. A member of her school’s Honors Program, she has also created a book club for Middle School Genesis Students.
Kids and families enjoyed the annual tradition. Photo by Arthur de Gaeta 
The Bay Ridge Ragamuffin Parade celebrates 60 years.Photo by Arthur de Gaeta
According to Ragamuffin Parade President Allison Greaker, the new Junior Marshal program was a fitting addition to an anniversary celebration centered on keeping the Ragamuffin Parade tradition alive for another generation.
“We are blessed to have a strong community like Bay Ridge in our lives. It was a beautiful day. I think we started a new tradition with junior Marshalls,” she said.