Fireworks co. blows up over parade name

PATCHOGUE, N.Y. Fireworks by Grucci won't lend its sparkle to Patchogue's Nov. 23 parade because the organizers have renamed it the "Patchogue Holiday Boat Parade." It was called "Patchogue Christmas Boat Parade" in 2007.

The company's vice president says parade organizers are "using all the themes of Christmas and plagiarizing all those themes."

Patchogue Chamber of Commerce President Charles Baker says the name was changed after complaints that it was not inclusive enough.

The chamber is one of the organizers of the parade.

He says the fireworks company "wanted to buy the name."

Patchogue Mayor Paul Pontieri says that when he thinks of fireworks, he thinks of July 4, not Christmas.

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