A Clarification

About The Parade

To the Editor:

There seems to be misinformation with regard to fees charged for participating in the Labor Day Parade. Nonprofit, civic, and volunteer organizations do not pay to participate in the parade. To clarify, the Labor Day Parade Committee charges only commercial entrants, not volunteer entrants. We have a policy of three vehicles per entry in an effort to streamline the parade, maintain a balance, and assure variety

Each division within the parade is led by a fire company and a “vanguard band” which sets the tempo for the associated marchers. Bands are coupled with fire companies based on availability and overall balance of the parade.

The Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company is the only parade participant to request a specific band. Their band of choice, the CT Alumni Senior Drum and Bugle Corps, charges more than any vanguard band. Based on our limited budget, the Parade Committee has suggested that the Sandy Hook company contribute towards the cost of their requested band as they do in some other parades. This has been a friendly arrangement made between Sandy Hook Fire & Rescue and the Labor Day Parade Committee, allowing us to invite a band that we might not otherwise be able to afford. No other fire company requests a band, nor do they contribute to the parade monetarily.

The Labor Day Parade Committee is comprised of volunteer members. We wish to thank the community for its continuing support of our efforts.

Beth Caldwell

President

The Labor Day Parade Committee

14 Church Hill Road, Newtown                        September 17, 2012