Best Overall Float Winners

Saw A Lot To Be Proud Of

To the Editor:

What a perfect day for a parade! With paint drying and banners just mounted, we headed down Main Street during last week’s end of summer Newtown tradition... the 46th Labor Day Parade. Dancing to the soulful sounds of our bluesy band and seeing the bright, eager faces of onlookers both old and young is in itself enough reason to build a float. Being selected as “Best Overall Float” is icing on the cake. In keeping with this year’s theme, Celebrating The Booth Library’s 75th year, Holmes Fine Gardens’ joint effort with Mocha Coffee House was infused with handmade characters and the collaborative work of many creative hands.

Over four days and nights, float masters extraordinaire Rob Kaiser and Mark Krasnickas put their taping, gluing, screwing, and painting skills to work, starting with 20 or so refrigerator boxes (thank you Zemel’s), a handful of pallets, and any found fastener available to build a truly authentic-looking book. Julia Provey’s whimsical characters seemed to flow out from the open pages, helping to convey our message: “Take the time to read…plant imagination’s seed.” Mr Kaiser’s shining suit of armor (constructed exclusively from the sheet metal used to print The Bee!) and his other large-headed characters completed the effect. There were countless children, supporters, and critics who stopped by to lend a hand, grab a paint brush, or offer an opinion throughout the construction process. To all of them we are thankful.

We have always strived for imagination and fun and this year was no exception as we rolled out onto Main Street with our band in tow. Front man and sometimes acrobat (somehow managing to fall from the truck and not miss a beat with cordless mic in hand) Doug Harrison danced and belted out some old favorites that made almost everyone join in. The solid percussion of Paul Lundquist (a three-year veteran of our float and man behind the online Newtown Survey... check it out: esurveyhome.com/NewtownSurvey) provided the steady drive behind their version of “Mustang Sally” with revised lyrics “Read Sally Read.” Dave Stout and Kevin Donahue exchanged soulful guitar licks while Tony Corletto thundered at the keyboard.

A special thanks to the “kid’s float” coordinator and story teller Natalie Kaiser for riding with all of our cheery children. Sarah Middeleer and Scott Wolfman were our light-footed drivers who proved it is possible to do the speed limit down Main Street. Further, we would like to thank the parade committee and volunteers for making this great community event take place. There were so many supporters and friends who walked and cheered that it truly is a community effort and one which we are proud to be a part of each year. It is the one day of the year that our small town shines as a big example of what committed and creative people can accomplish together. See you next year on the parade route.

Sincerely,

Dan Holmes

6 Farmery Lane, Sandy Hook                              September 10, 2007