Parade Day Marching Forward Rapidly

By Nancy K. Crevier

It is just over three weeks to go, and everything except for the funding is falling neatly into place for the 48th Newtown Labor Day Parade, said Parade Committee President Beth Caldwell. With the theme of “A Passion For Newtown,” the committee is hoping that the public will show a passion for the parade and provide a last-minute influx of donations to help offset the more than $25,000 it costs to present the annual event that is looked forward to by so many residents.

The committee is thrilled, however, at the response they have received from businesses and corporations. “We are very happy to have Newtown Savings Bank as our Platinum Sponsor,” said Ms Caldwell, “and pleased to have Caraluzzi’s come on board as a Silver Sponsor this year, after being in our community less than one year.” Other Silver Sponsors include Hometown Publishing, Dr Joshua E. Baum, Leahy’s Oil, the Savings Bank of Danbury, Stratton-Saxon, Newtown Rotary Club, Lions Club of Newtown, and T.R. Paul, Inc. Sponsorships at all levels are still welcomed, said Ms Caldwell, with contact information available at newtownctlabordayparade.org.

As it has for the previous 47 years, on Monday, September 7, the parade will step off from the top of Main Street at 10 am, with Grand Marshal Julia Wasserman in the honored position. The parade will follow a path down Main Street, past the review stand at the flagpole, to the intersection of Route 302 where it turns onto Glover Avenue en route to its final destination, the parking lot at Caraluzzi’s on Queen Street.

On hand at the flagpole review stand will be emcees John Klopfenstein and Dr Joshua Baum, to introduce the many bands and organizations taking part in the parade. Judges Ann Benore, Monica Duhancik, and Renee Weimann from the town clerk’s office; Sheila Cole from the town assessor’s office; Sheila Paproski from the tax collector’s office; and Ann Mazur from the town land use office will pass judgment this year on the entries, culminating in a decision for the best overall entry that will be awarded the coveted Rooster Award plaque.

Emcees MaryAnn Murtha and Mike Giarratano will announce the entries as they pass by the grandstand on Queen Street.

For the third year, the parade committee will select a community member for the Pioneers and Legends Award, to be announced the day of the parade. “This is to recognize someone who has been a part of the parade for many years, and who has contributed to our community,” explained Ms Caldwell. Previous winners were the late Olga Paproski in 2007, and the Rockin’ Roosters in 2008.

“We will have lots of the favorite bands and organizations returning this year,” said Ms Caldwell, although the final lineup has not yet been determined and the committee is still waiting to hear from some of the bands. A sure thing, though, is that the Newtown High School Marching Band will be leading the way on parade day, she said, as it has each year.

To donate, mail a check to Labor Day Parade, Inc, PO Box 746, Newtown CT 06470; or c/o Newtown Savings Bank, PO Box 497, Newtown CT 06470; or look for the donation coupon in The Newtown Bee.