Orient Heritage Day Parade & Picnic July 5 @ 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm: Many years ago, local schoolmaster, tavern keeper, store owner, and Oysterponds diarist, Augustus Griffin (1767-1866), began a tradition of the reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 4th. That reading grew into Heritage Day, an annual celebration where the Oysterponds community (comprised of East Marion and Orient, NY) comes together to celebrate this great country of ours and, especially, Oysterponds.

The Annual Heritage Day program will start with a parade down Orient’s Village Lane at noon, led by the Grand Marshal; followed by a welcome and invocation at the Old Point Schoolhouse; the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance; “God Bless America” sung by Franklin Mastrangelo and the reading of the Declaration of Independence by Oysterponds stalwarts. The event will culminate in nearby Poqutuck Park, with hot dogs, sweat treats, kids’ games and live music.