Ready For A Great Parade

To the Editor:

Two thousand nine has been a particularly difficult year to fundraise for a cause like the Labor Day Parade. The individual donations via the coupon in The Bee are well down on previous years, but fortunately, the service clubs, in particular the Lions and the Rotary, have stepped up to help. But, also we are very grateful to the commercial sponsors for their support, especially, Newtown Savings Bank for recognizing the need and increasing its contribution to the Platinum level. Similarly, Caraluzzi’s and Home Town Publishing came on board this year as Silver Sponsors, joining Dr Baum’s office and Stratton Faxon. Also new this year as event sponsors, we are grateful to T.R. Paul, Inc, Leahy’s Fuels, and Savings Bank of Danbury.

While the committee has had to “slim down” the parade lineup, it is excited to have some special entries to maintain the quality of the parade: Walter Mallin, Connecticut’s lone Pearl Harbor survivor; plus Miss Connecticut 2009; Miss Connecticut Teen America 2009; Miss Connecticut Junior Teen America 2009; and Miss Continental Connecticut Teen 2009. Of course most of the crowd favorites will be marching: The Newtown High School Color Guard and Marching Band, plus each division has its lead band; Celtic Cross; Connecticut Alumni; Litchfield Pipe & Drum; and Fairfield Gaelic and New Haven Gaelic, among them.

Thank you to all the contributors and participants for their “Passion for Newtown.” We look forward to a great parade, a fine day, and to cheering our grand marshal by way of thank you to Julia Wasserman, for all she has done for Newtown over the years.

Brian Amey,

Newtown Labor Day Parade Committee Member

45 Mt Nebo Road, Newtown                                   September 1, 2009