Parade Committee Sending Out An SOS

By Nancy K. Crevier

“I’m not sure what words to use to inspire people to donate, but I’m not fooling around. The parade funding is truly, truly hurting this year,” said Labor Day Parade Committee President Kym Stendahl. At a point in the year now where the committee would normally be much closer to seeing the $22,000 to $25,000 in the coffers that it takes to fund the annual end of summer event, committee members Brian Amey, Diana Baxter, Ann Marie DeWeese, Robin Buchanan, Dan Cruson, Steve Bigham, Beth Caldwell, and Ms Stendahl said they are at least $10,000 short.

It is primarily the cost of the many popular bands in the parade, which can range between $750 and $2,000 depending on the organization, that is the greatest expense, said Ms Stendahl. The building and decorating of the two review stands, the PA system, the cost of printing the programs, and other expenses also add to the cost of hosting the summer extravaganza, she said.

“There are so few traditions left in this world, and the Labor Day Parade is a wonderful day to become a small town again,” Ms Stendahl said. The parade has historically been funded by the residents of Newtown, but in recent years has begun to morph into a business-sponsored event. “We are really grateful for the business sponsors, but it would be nice to see the people for the town also contribute. I think that 15 to 20 years ago the town wasn’t as transient. There are a lot of new people who might not be aware of this parade tradition, who need to be gently reminded that this parade needs their support,” she pointed out. She speculated that the slow economy could be a factor in this year’s particularly sluggish fund drive.

Thousands of residents, their friends, and family members lining Main Street and adjacent side streets are anticipated when the 47th Annual Newtown Labor Day Parade steps off Monday, September 1. Along with the dozens of bands, bugle corps, dancers, and acrobats, parade viewers will enjoy the antics of the Shriners in their tiny, motorized vehicles and motorcycles, clowns, fire trucks and members from each of the five fire departments, floats, the Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard, tractors, and Sandy Hook’s own Derek Poundstone, the Mightiest Man on the Planet, demonstrating his phenomenal strength.

The flagpole reviewing stand will be staffed by Dr Joshua Baum and John Klopfenstein this year, while parade participants will strut their stuff in front of the Queen Street grand stand as emcees Mary Ann Murtha and Mike Gerritano provide plenty of playful banter.

Leading the parade this year will be Grand Marshal Mae Schmidle, who for more than 40 years has generously donated her time and endless energy to the betterment of Newtown, and has served on the board, served as president, and is presently treasurer of the Newtown Visiting Nurses Association — making her the perfect marshal for this year’s theme, “VNA — Keeping Newtown Healthy.”

“When that parade starts, it’s such a wonderful day,” Ms Stendahl said. “I have never had to come up with a drop dead date for not getting enough funding for the parade, and this year, as well, I am keeping it positive and hoping that people will come through.”

To donate to support the 47th Annual Labor Day Parade, look for coupons in each week’s issue of The Newtown Bee, or visit newtownctlabordayparade.org and click on the “Donate” link, or mail checks to The Labor Day Parade, c/o Newtown Savings Bank, PO Box 497, Newtown CT 06470, attention: Brian Amey.