Sponsors Needed For Parade Entries

By Nancy K. Crevier

Newtown Labor Day Parade Committee President Beth Caldwell is hopeful that generous parade supporters will help offset the enormous cost of producing the annual end of summer event. In previous years, the parade has cost more than $25,000 from start to finish. While business sponsors help a great deal to cover the costs of hiring bands and the many other popular parade participants, each year it is a stretch for the committee to come up with enough other donations to meet the expenses. There have been years when the income was so tenuous that it appeared the parade would not be able to kick off from the top of Main Street at all.

This year, the Newtown Labor Day Parade Committee is offering businesses, organizations, and individuals the opportunity to sponsor individual participants, fully or in part. Full sponsorship for a group varies, averaging about $500, said Ms Caldwell. Contact committee member Robin Buchanon at 203-426-6195 or at robinlynann@aol.com for details.

The following groups are currently available for sponsorship: Litchfield Hills Pipe and Drums, Pyramid Shriners Motor Patrol, Fairfield Gaelic Pipe Band, 11th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry, Sons of Portugal Band, Connecticut Alumni Drum and Bugle, Mattatuck Drum Corps, Connecticut Rebels of  ’76, Celtic Cross Pipes and Drums, Pyramid Shriners’ Pipes and Drums, 2nd Connecticut Volunteer Heavy Artillery, Sons of Portugal Dance Group, Moodus Fife and Drum, Pyramid Shriners Klown Unit, New Haven Gaelic Band, Pyramid Shriners Legion of Honor, and the Tall Shriner.