Story Created:
Nov 20, 2009 at 12:31 PM EST
Story Updated:
Nov 20, 2009 at 12:31 PM EST
PATCHOGUE, N.Y. (AP) - Time to flip-flop back. New York's Long Island small town, Patchogue, is hoping that the 16th annual holiday boat parade will be much better attended this year by restoring "Christmas" to the event's name.
The Patchogue (PACH'-awg) Riverfront Committee has restored the name to "Christmas Holiday Boat Parade" after taking over sponsorship from the local chamber of commerce.
The local chamber was pressured into changing the name to "Holiday Boat Parade" after some residents complained about the title. The ensuing controversy led to a dramatic drop-off in spectators. Most of the parade's participants celebrate the "Christmas" holiday. This fact inspired the change to restore the name.
The parade featuring Santa Claus will be held this Sunday on the Patchogue River.
