The festive and supportive tradition of the Plainedge Girls Softball Association rose to new heights April 5 at the Plainedge Little League Baseball/Softball Parade.

In a display of color and patriotic fanfare rivaled only by their on-field performances, the newest addition to the Plainedge "Go Big Red" cheer machine rolled into action to the onlookers delight.

The Plainedge Girls of Summer, ages 7-9, sat proudly atop their first ever parade float. The new float, designed and built to carry an entire team, rolled smoothly along Hicksville Rd., North Massapequa, from the old Massapequa General Hospital up to the John H. West ball fields at Boundary Ave.

Accompanied by the North Massapequa Fire Department, and cheered on by some hearty well wishers who braved the cold, wind and freezing rain, the softball stars waved and smiled their way along the one-mile route.

April 12 was the season kick-off for the Plainedge Baseball/Softball leagues, which runs until the end of June.