Parade Plans Remain

On Schedule

By Nancy K. Crevier

It will take more than a hurricane to keep the Newtown Labor Day 50th Anniversary Parade off the streets.

“We are hopeful that everything will be up and running by Monday,” said Labor Day Parade Committee President Beth Caldwell, Wednesday, August 31, “and that there will be no issues.”

The biggest concern for parade committee members following the August 28 storm was that there was no power in the center of town. “That would affect our PA system, of course,” she said. She was relieved to see that much of Main Street and the Borough appeared to be back on line as of Wednesday morning.

Despite widespread destruction and flooding affecting communities throughout the state, many of whom contribute bands, dancers, and other entertainment to the annual Newtown parade, Ms Caldwell said that currently no cancellations had been called in to the parade committee.

“As long as the weather cooperates, the parade will go on,” she said, and added that she has put in an order for the same beautiful, sunny weather that has followed on the heels of Hurricane Irene.

The Newtown Labor Day Parade, with Grand Marshal Lee Glover leading the way, will honor the parade’s 50th year in existence. The parade steps off from the head of Main Street at 10 am. (See side story for line of march.)

This year, Newtowners welcome the colorful Wells Fargo Horse-Drawn Coach and Driver, in addition to three of the Nation’s Flags. Those flags will be unfurled at the flagpole grand stand at 9:30 am, Monday morning, and at the Queen Street grandstand at 9:50 am. The public is encouraged to attend either or both ceremonies, for a photographic opportunity prior to the start of the parade.

Paradegoers will be pleased to see the Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard riding proudly along the parade route, after a last minute governor’s “pardon” earlier this month allowed the troops to stay at the Trade Lanes barns, and not be dissolved.

“Heads up!” warns the parade committee: vintage planes are scheduled to do a flyover of the parade on Monday morning, too.

From clowns to the Big Shriner, parade plans continue as before. Fingers are crossed for sunshine and smiles, Ms Caldwell said, and the best parade ever.