Under bright sunshine, the Wantagh homecoming parade glided triumphantly past thousands of supporters on Oct. 15.

Led by a color guard and the Wantagh Pipe Band, the parade featured the Wantagh High School marching band, cheerleading squads and the creative floats designed by each class based on this year’s theme: music genres. The juniors took first place with their country music design.

The parade also included the grand marshal Maureen Conklin and members of the homecoming court, who waved to their adoring fans while escorted down the route in a classic car.

At the high school field, fans were treated to great football game that saw the Warriors shut out visiting Floral Park, 42-0, to remain undefeated on the season. Many in the crowd were wearing Warriors for Josh shirts, in support of a Wantagh Middle School sixth grade student who is battling cancer. His family was seated in the end zone and the band held up “Josh Strong” signs. There were also tributes to late Wantagh football assistant coach Tony Carter, who died in April 2020 after serving as defensive coordinator for 18 years.

The halftime show kicked off with the marching band performing their rendition of Aerosmith’s “Dream On” and closed with a rousing “Final Countdown” by 80s band Europe.

The Wantagh homecoming king and queen, Leo Marciana and Ashlee Favata, were crowned at halftime. The rest of the homecoming court included Gabriela Barberio, Sean Browne, Lilly Sloves and Sam Vitureira. When selecting a homecoming king and queen, students were asked to choose someone in their class who possesses leadership, kindness and respect, and is involved in school, outside activities and community service.