Category Archives: 5K Walk & Run
2023 Henry Welles Award
The Henry C. Welles award honors those individuals who
“embody the character and commitment of the founder of Memorial Day toward the betterment of our community.”
YouTube Playlist of Henry Welles Award Winners 2009-2023
The Waterloo Library & Historical Society is proud to announce the 2023 Henry C. Welles Awardees are Dave and Darlene Duprey. The annual event will serve to kick off the Celebrate Commemorate weekend starting at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, May 26 in WLHS’s newly renovated Fatzinger Hall.
Dave and Darlene are lifelong stewards of the Waterloo community. They started their business, Duprey Video productions, in 1989. They have been married for 47 years, raising their 3 children in Waterloo and now have 3 grandchildren.
Together the Duprey’s have produced valuable footage for events all over the community and started their YouTube channel in 2019 WaterlooNYtube to share their decades of documentation. They have worked tirelessly on community projects including the downtown interactive map, walking tours, the historical mural, and the healing fields. They are active members of the Real Christmas Committee, and the Board of Directors of the Queen of Peace Apostolate, the St. Frances and St Clare Roman Catholic Parish pastoral Council and more. Dave and Darlene are founders of Waterloo in Bloom which provides plants and flowers for downtown including Vern’s Way, the Memory Bank, and Dempsey Park beautifying downtown.
As if doing all of that wasn’t enough individually the Duprey’s continued their commitment to service. Darlene served on the St. Mary’s Parent club for 17 years, chaired the St. Mary School yearbook committee for 8 years and co-chaired the St Mary’s Christmas Bazaar.
Dave was a village trustee for 20 years also serving as Deputy Mayor. While serving Waterloo he focused on Oak Island and its connection to downtown, improving the Village website as well as the American Civil War Memorial and the Cay-Seneca Canal Trail. He was also the past President of the Waterloo Business and Professional Association. Dave was imperative to the founding of the Celebrate Commemorate Memorial Day events in 2000 and has been a Co-chair for the past 20 years. Dave truly understands the true meaning of Memorial Day. During his long served time on the committee he ensured a constant connection to Veteran Organizations. During event planning as to always honor those who lost their lives while serving.
Like many other previous award winners the Duprey’s contributed to our community without an expectation of recognition. When they were told that they were chosen for this award they were shocked. They are proud to be listed among those they have looked up to for many years. Dave said he “felt extremely honored and lucky to have his wife by his side to accept this award as she supported him along the way.” Darlene has “enjoyed playing a part in promoting our wonderful community and preserving its history”
To find out more about this and other events hosted by the Waterloo Library & Historical Society, contact 315-539-3313, waterloolib@gmail.com or check out our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/waterloolhs.
Celebrate Commemorate Parade Saturday May 27th
Waterloo Remembers
Click here for Some Suggested Parade Etiquette for those attending the 2023 Parade
Parade Co-Chair – Sarah Smolinski 315.745.9928 sarahemcmaster@yahoo.com
The parade will line up at 10:30 a.m. and step out promptly at 11 a.m. for the march down Main Street.
Parade Line Up
Celebrate Parade Float Contest
Slideshow of the 2018 Parade
Printable – Celebrate Commemorate Parade Line-Up
Freedom Parade
This year’s honor float in the Freedom Parade pays tribute to our men and women who have served. Come watch the Romulus Girl Scouts come together to carry a large flag down main street in honor of all military men and women who have served and are still serving. We welcome anyone who would like to join us in this great opportunity.
A float by Girl Ccout Troop 60562 will honor all veterans. Any Vet who would like to ride on the float is invited to call Sarah Smolinski at 315-745-9928 or Nicole Hunsberger at 315-719-5247.
Veterans will follow in cars, motorcycles and especially buses from the VA hospital in Canandaigua. Those who want to drive their own cars must have at least three people in the vehicle. Following the parade, vets will be hosted at a chicken barbecue lunch at the VFW. Please RSVP to Karen Lewis at 315-651-9513 to allow the VFW to plan for enough food.
Groups that have been in the parade before, know what fun it can be. Once again, there will be divisions for military and officials; youth organizations, schools and families; churches, senior citizens and organizations; and vehicles. The Civil War and American Revolutionary War re-enactors will have a “parade within a parade.” Watch for special “dignitaries” in this year’s parade including US President Abe Lincoln, Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman. The very popular Hit Men Brass Band will join Downbeat Percussion, Mighty St. Joe’s Alumni Drum & Bugle Corps, the Waterloo Central School Band and the Finger Lakes Pipes & Drums in the lineup this year.
Bring your chair and wave a flag to honor our vets and community stars!
The Hit Men
Saturday May 27th 12:00 – 12:20 pm
Lafayette Park Stage
Come & join us for a great show in LaFayette Park following their performance in the Celebrate Commemorate Parade at 11:00 am!
The Hit Men are a group of good fellas who come together from all parts of the New York area. They provide a performance that combines both the musical and the theatrical. Their show stopping demeanor means they provide the best entertainment around. Look around the site, and if you see what you like get a hold of us. If not then we’ll take care of yah. 
Memorial Day Post Covid Bike Rally
MONDAY MAY 29th, 2023
Lead by The Patriot Guard Riders of NY and Waterloo Legion Riders
Sponsored by Molly M. Headley Insurance & Sessler Companies
Ride with us through the beautiful Finger Lakes Region this Memorial Day
and show your support for those who served to protect our freedoms!
Return to the Waterloo VFW for a Buffet Lunch!
ALL PROCEEDS SUPPORT New York Patriot Guard Riders, Waterloo VFW,
Waterloo American Legion and Celebrate Commemorate Event
8:00am – 10:00am -Registration at Waterloo VFW, 29 E. Elisha Street, Waterloo
10:00am – 2:00pm -Scenic Ride through the Finger Lakes Region
2:00pm -Return to Waterloo VFW for a Buffet Lunch
Questions? Chris Shaffer 315-719-8106
e-mail: chris@sesslerwrecking.com
2023 Biker Registration Form
Schedules – Applications – Maps available
If you are looking for a Schedule of Events, Event Map or 5k Race Map, or need an Application for an event or wish to be a vendor, please visit this link.
Schedules, Applications, Maps, etc.
