Spring Parades- Doesn't It ?

That’s more of an observation than an announcement of upcoming events. Spring certainly kicked-off early or did winter even visit?   I didn’t need to be reminded about the ample, pristine snowfalls of 2011, but spring beckoned and teased early with the first emergence of tell-tale crocuses in March.   The warmth eschewed boats out early from storage and into their slips, and told trees to put on their shows of flower.

Around Rye, the spring sporting rituals were bathed in a warm glow, as kids took up their lacrosse sticks and baseball gloves for the new season.   The annual little league opening day parade from town to Disbrow Park was treated to a glorious day.  

Each morning, the parade of children walking to school, was suddenly unburdened by coats, with the boys in particular, pressing the early donning of their beloved shorts, tee shirt and flip-flops.   A parent had no standing to shout, “Hey! You need a coat.  You’ll catch a cold dressed like that!”   It is sure to get cool again, but now that we’ve tasted spring, there’s no going back.

Another parade, of sorts, is the upcoming Rye Derby, on Sunday, April 29th, a race that sends runners around town, in an endeavor that ranges from the serious to the sublime.   It culminates with a celebration at the Rye Y.   Whether you are part of the 5k or the one mile “fun run”, it’s a great community event.

You may not believe this, if you’ve never seen the Midland elementary school parade and fair, but it is one of the most heartwarming events of spring.  No need for nostalgia for idyllic small-town life, this parade timelessly epitomizes it, here and now.  The town comes out to witness fire trucks, flags, and floats filled with excited 5th graders as they celebrate their send-off to middle school.  Kids from Kindergarten through 4th grade, led by their teachers, proudly represent their classes and walk the parade route.  Parents and younger siblings follow closely in strollers, all the way to the Midland School where they partake in carnival style games of every sort.  You can join this fund raiser for the Midland PTO on Saturday April 28th.   When the last face is painted and the last dunkee is dunked, the happy ritual is complete.

Of course, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention one of the most wonderful parades of them all.  The Rye House Tour (Friday, May 18th) which is a benefit organized by the Rye High School Parent Organization   What better way to see Rye than with a group of friends touring its leafy streets, being inspired by great home design and enjoying a convivial lunch at the scenic Manursing Island Club?  

These, of course, are just a few of the parades of spring.   Get out and enjoy them.  I invite you to share your stories of spring in the sound shore communities.   

1Q 2012 Market Report: Prices Up in Rye, Larchmont

Spring was in the air much earlier than usual in 2012, and buyers across Westchester County responded by posting the highest level of pending sales as of March 31st since 2005.  In Westchester, pending sales at quarter’s end were up 31% over Q1-2011.  In area defined by Rye, Rye Neck, Mamaroneck/Larchmont, Harrison and Blindbrook, the # of homes sold in Q1-2012 was down from the same period last year, but the average price rose 5% from Q1-2011 to Q1-2012.

The average sales price increase was even higher in Rye City, due to more high end homes selling vs. the prior year period. In fact overall pending sales of Westchester homes priced above $2.5 million were up 34% from 2011.  For more information or a copy of the full report email me at karenas@houlihanlawrence.com