Annual Silverton Parade Delights Students as School Year Ends

When does the walk to school become a parade? Answer: at the annual parade from the Silverton Fire Company to the Silver Bay Elementary School.

The event was held on Wednesday as teachers, staff, firefighters, police and EMS staff lined up at the firehouse to parade to Silver Bay around 9 a.m.

The event is each year anticipated by students looking for a fun day and by the emergency responders volunteering time to foster a sense of community among the Silverton section of Toms River.

"Every year at the end of the school year they have a fun day, which is a community day, when all the Emergency Services in Silverton get together for the kids," said Michael J. Cocco,  lieutenant with the Silverton Fire Company.

The event doubly serves as a celebration as the school year ends, but also is a chance for students and the community to interact and learn more about emergency responders, the equipment they use and they work they do.

Plus it was a chance to have some fun, as the parade kicks off more activities for the elementary school. At the end of the parade, fire trucks stick around for some demonstrations, and outdoor fun rules the day.

This year, teachers dressed up in patriotic and super hero costumes to help celebrate. Some retiring teachers even braved a ride in the bucket of the Silveron Fire Company's tallest ladder, sending them high up above the school.

Check out our photo gallery of the Silverton parade and Silver Bay Elementary School activities.