2026 Paul Sapienza Elmont/Belmont Parade to be held Saturday

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) and the Elmont Chamber of Commerce today announced the return of the Paul Sapienza Elmont/Belmont Parade, which will be held on Saturday, May 30.

This year marks the 18th edition of the cherished community event, which serves as the traditional kickoff to the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival and celebrates the Elmont community. The parade is named in honor of the late Paul Sapienza, a lifelong Elmont resident and former president of the Elmont Chamber of Commerce.

With the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival to be held for the third and final year at Saratoga Race Course to allow for the uninterrupted construction of a new Belmont Park, this year’s parade will feature a revised route. The parade will step off at approximately 10 a.m. from Gate 5 at Belmont Park, proceed east along Hempstead Turnpike, and conclude at the Alva T. Stanforth Sports Complex.

This year’s parade will posthumously honor Nassau County Police Officer Patricia Espinosa as Grand Marshal. Officer Espinosa, a member of the Nassau County Police Department’s 5th Precinct, tragically lost her life on January 31, 2026, when an alleged drunk driver struck her vehicle while she was traveling to work in Suffolk County. Her squad car will lead this year’s parade in tribute to her service and as a symbol of the Elmont community’s gratitude for her lasting impact.

During her service, Officer Espinosa was a familiar and respected presence throughout the Elmont community, particularly through her work with local schools, youth mentorship initiatives, and outreach efforts connected to the 5th Precinct. She is remembered for her compassion, energy, and unwavering commitment to the people she served. She is survived by her husband and young daughter.

“Officer Espinosa embodied the spirit of service and community that this parade represents,” said Robert Hines, NYRA Community Affairs Manager. “Her impact on Elmont, especially among young people and families, will not be forgotten. We are honored to recognize her legacy as this year’s Grand Marshal.”

In addition to honoring Officer Espinosa’s family with a key to the hamlet of Elmont, the post-parade program will include a performance by the Sewanhaka High School Marching Band and showcase the artistic talent of local students. Participants from the Elmont Union Free and Sewanhaka Central High School Districts were invited to submit artwork celebrating the history of Elmont and the excitement of the Belmont Stakes, with prizes awarded to winners in each grade.

Those interested in marching in this year’s parade should assemble at 9:00 a.m. in the Silver parking lot at Belmont Park. Participants may park in the Home Depot lot (600 Hempstead Turnpike), adjacent to the Alva T. Stanforth Sports Complex, with shuttle buses available to transport marchers to the starting point. At the conclusion of the parade, attendees can enjoy free food, prizes, and giveaways. The parade distance is approximately 1.5 miles.

NYRA’s downstate community engagement efforts during Belmont Stakes week include the Belmont Stakes Invitational Soccer Tournament, which will kick off following the conclusion of the parade at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 30.

Hosted by NYRA in partnership with the Sewanhaka Central High School District, the tournament will feature local high school student-athletes competing in a round-robin format at the Alva T. Stanforth Sports Complex. In addition to the round-robin tournament, the event offers free youth clinics for elementary-aged participants.

NYRA will also serve as a lead sponsor of the Floral Park Street Festival on Friday, June 5. Organized by the Floral Park Chamber of Commerce, the festival will feature live music, local vendors, and family-friendly entertainment in the heart of the village.

Earlier this month, NYRA launched the Belmont Stakes Scholarships, a new initiative that will award five (5) $3,000 scholarships annually to graduating seniors pursuing higher education from the Sewanhaka Central High School District, which includes Sewanhaka High School, Elmont Memorial High School, Floral Park Memorial High School, H. Frank Carey High School, and New Hyde Park Memorial High School.

Applications for the scholarship are open, with awards supporting students who will attend an accredited two-year or four-year college, university, or technical trade school during the 2026–27 academic year.

Eligible students are encouraged to apply before May 29, 2026, at www.nyra.com/inc/community-affairs.

Belmont Park will re-open on September 18 following a multi-year redevelopment project designed to create a world-class racing and entertainment destination on Long Island.

The Belmont Stakes presented by NYRA Bets will return to its Long Island home in 2027. In addition, Belmont Park has been selected to host the 2027 Breeders’ Cup World Championships, which will mark the first edition of the Breeders’ Cup to be held in New York State since 2005.