Parade Committee Announces

Grand Marshal And Parade Theme

By Nancy K. Crevier

There are few events in Newtown that generate more excitement or greater attendance than the annual Labor Day Parade. Thought-provoking or just-for-fun themes unify the parade and truly grand grand marshals lead the procession through the borough in celebration of the last days of summer.

With plans already underway for the this year’s Newtown Labor Day Parade, the 2006 committee announced this week the theme and grand marshal for the 45th annual parade scheduled to step off at the head of Main Street on September 4, 2006.

The theme of “Newtown For Wide Open Spaces” recognizes Newtown’s commitment to a beautiful town of scenic views, accessible hiking areas, and surroundings conducive to the enjoyment of nature. Labor Day Parade Committee spokesperson Brian Amey said that the theme was selected after much discussion of “how fortunate we are to have a beautiful town in which to live.”

The committee counts themselves fortunate, as well, that Patricia Barkman, a strong supporter of a variety of topics promoting the preservation of Newtown’s heritage, has graciously accepted the position of grand marshal for the 2006 Labor Day Parade. Mrs Barkman, who is also a well-known artist, has recorded Newtown through her paintings, many of which were recently displayed in an exhibition at the C.H. Booth Library.

A member of the Pootatuck Watershed Association, vice president of the Open Space Task Force, a college professor for 30 years, a member of the Taunton Lake Landowner’s Association, and an avid supporter of Al’s Trail in Newtown, Mrs Barkman said she is “Absolutely thrilled!” to be serving as the 2006 grand marshal. A 39-year resident of the town, Mrs Barkman has always been dedicated to the preservation of the environment.

After Al Goodrich’s death in 2004, she committed herself to ensuring the 10.7-mile trail named for him was completed, to the point where friends refer to her as “Mrs Al’s Trail.” Along with her husband, Leon Barkman, and other Appalachian Mountain Club members, she has measured and mapped and cleared and marked the trail, which runs from Pond Brook, through Upper Paugussett State Forest and includes four confluences culminating at Deep Brook.

“I want to give a big thank you to all town volunteers who have helped with Al’s Trail, especially with tree planting and trail clearing and to Iroquois Gas for their generous financial support,” said Mrs Barkman.

She is currently an advisor to three Eagle Scout candidates who are helping finish up with the marking and clearing of trails, building stepping stone bridges, and getting rid of invasive plant species along Al’s Trail. Other scouts seeking projects might note that there are still access trails that need to be marked and cleared, she said.

In addition, Mrs Barkman will be leading an upcoming book discussion series at the Booth Library on “Literature Around Catastrophic Events” May 24, June 7 and 28, and July 5 at 7:30 pm. “The Connecticut Humanities Council asked me to prepare the series by selecting the books and questions as a way to help people deal with the tragedy of Katrina. Although the books are not about Katrina, they do include the ways that characters use literature as a catharsis,” she said.

“I have always been aware of the need to protect and preserve this area,” said Mrs Barkman, “and there are plenty of open areas still if we are active in preserving them and being stewards of the land.”

Throngs of residents, as well as their families and friends, look forward to the old traditions and new dimensions of each year’s parade. This year the star attraction will be the Clydesdale dray horses from the Budweiser Brewery. The many equestrian-loving families in Newtown, as well as anyone who marvels at natural beauty, will appreciate these famous giants of the horse world that remind us of a time gone by.

The committee anticipates displays and floats by local businesses, organizations and private parties reflecting the theme in a variety of creative ways, as usual, in hopes of being the recipient of the beautiful Labor Day Parade trophy. Musical ensembles from all over the region, as well as Newtown High School marching band, will be invited to once again add a high note to the festivities.

Following the success of last year, a parade program book filled with color pictures and articles to amaze and amuse, as well as a listing of the order of parade, will be available prior to the event.

The parade committee relies entirely on the generosity of businesses and residents in Newtown to present the splendid summer send-off. Last year, the parade cost was more than $25,000. Help continue the tradition of the annual Labor Day Parade by sending your check to Newtown Savings Bank, 39 Main Street, Newtown CT 06470. To purchase advertising in the program, visit the website at www.newtownctlabordayparade.org.

Time marches on, but the parade will not without proper funding.