Daughter of legendary band director Robert Krueger, Pamela Dayton will lead this year's celebration.

NORTHPORT, N.Y. — Northport High School has named Pamela Dayton as its first-ever Homecoming Parade Grand Marshal, honoring her lifelong connection to the school's celebrated music legacy.Now in its second year, the Northport Homecoming Parade has quickly become a beloved community tradition, uniting students, alumni, families, and residents in a show of Tiger pride. This year's theme, "Welcome to the Jungle," will feature bold school spirit, colorful floats, and performances by the high school's talented ensembles.

Leading the parade holds special meaning for Dayton, the daughter of the late Robert W. Krueger, founder of the Northport High School Marching Band and a cornerstone of the district's renowned music program.

"Having Pamela Dayton as our first Grand Marshal makes this year's parade especially meaningful," said Robert Dennis, principal of Northport High School. "The marching band has always been at the heart of our school spirit, and Ms. Dayton's connection to that history makes her the perfect person to lead this milestone moment."

A 1973 graduate of Northport High School, Dayton went on to earn degrees in music education from Northwestern University, West Chester State College, and Stony Brook University. Over her 32-year teaching career in Suffolk County, she held numerous leadership roles, including serving as president of the Suffolk County Music Educators' Association, a title once held by her father.

In retirement, Dayton continues to champion music and community service. She performs with the Northport Community Band, volunteers with the Northport American Legion Post 694, and leads the Long Island Summer Music Workshop, which her father founded in 1960.

"I am so proud and privileged to live in the Northport-East Northport community that always supports excellence in music education," Dayton said. "Every time the Northport Tiger Marching Band takes the field, my father's legacy lives on."

The Homecoming Parade will step off at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25, beginning at the south lot on Elwood Road and ending at Tiger Stadium on Laurel Hill Road.

The cherished community tradition has raised more than $27,000 for the Northport Food Pantry.

NORTHPORT, NY — For 21 straight Halloweens, Hallie Brenner, Greg Perles, and their daughters — Dylan, Zoe, and Kyra Perles of Northport have turned their home into a sweet-tooth destination for a good cause. What began in 2005 as a few trays of cupcakes on a folding table has become an annual bake sale that’s raised more than $27,000 for the Northport Food Pantry.

Each Halloween, their street fills with neighbors lining up for homemade pumpkin bread, cookies, brownies, and pies. Dylan, 27, was only seven when she first pitched the idea.

“Our parents always taught us how important it is to volunteer and give back,” said 20-year-old Kyra, now a junior at SUNY New Paltz, who has literally grown up alongside the event. “The bake sale has always been one year older than me. I can’t imagine Halloween without it. That first year, we made about $100. I remember being in kindergarten, telling my friends about it at show-and-tell and feeling so important because I got to teach them how to bake.”

Since then, the event has become a month-long family operation in preparation for Oct. 31. The family’s dead-end street fills with trick-or-treaters and locals who line up for the annual event. In September, the family prints flyers and canvases neighborhoods and local businesses. They have received donations from Copenhagen Bakery and Dunkin’ Donuts in Northport, and downtown owners also support the annual cause. The week before Halloween, the family's kitchen turns into a whirlwind of mixing bowls and frosting.

“We have people who tell us they come every year just for our pumpkin bread,” Kyra said. “One year, we ran out halfway through the day, and a woman had come all the way from across town. My mom and sister ran inside and made another batch — we can make that recipe in our sleep at this point.”

Even when the Perles sisters were away at college, they all came home for the week of Halloween just to help out. For the family, success isn’t measured by totals alone.

“It’s really the spirit of it all — the way everyone comes together,” Kyra said. “Every year feels special, because every year I forget how many people care about this as much as we do.”

Two years in particular stand out for Kyra that tested the bake sales' resilience: Hurricane Sandy in 2012 and the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.

“After Sandy, there were trees down and roofs caved in. We didn’t even know if Halloween would happen, but that year we broke our record for how much we raised. The community really banded together.”

The same happened during the pandemic.

“We had to change everything — no crowds, masks and gloves, people waiting outside one by one. We didn’t know if anyone would come. But again, we broke our record. I think everyone realized that was the moment the world needed more giving back.”

Kyra’s mother, Hallie Brenner, continues to help coordinate the effort alongside sisters Dylan and Zoe, 25. Each year, they deliver the proceeds directly to the Northport Food Pantry.

“They see about 300 families every week,” Kyra said. “They’re such a lovely, important organization, and they’re always so grateful when we visit. Part of the fun is that it’s just so heartwarming and pure. When you can find the joy in giving back, that’s what makes this so special.”

The 21st Annual Halloween Bake Sale will be held on Friday, Oct. 31, starting at 3 p.m. at 39 Kalmia Street in Northport, continuing until supplies run out.

Questions can be sent to bakesale39@gmail.com, and donations are accepted by Venmo @Greg-Perles as well as cash or check on the day of the event.

Local sponsors this year include Copenhagen Bakery, Dunkin’ Donuts Northport, Stop & Shop of Northport, IGA of East Northport, UPS Store of East Northport, Walgreens of Northport, Mario’s Pizza of East Northport, Pats Market of East Northport, Amore of East Northport and Northshore Bagels of Northport.