49th Annual Labor Day Parade,

‘On Stage In Newtown,’ Is A Big Hit

By Kendra Bobowick and

Nancy K. Crevier

The perfect weather may have beckoned many to a final day on the beach or an outdoor project, but it still called thousands to line the central streets of Newtown for the 49th Annual Labor Day Parade, Monday, September 6. Anticipating the big crowd, hundreds of paradegoers set up chairs along the parade route the night before, knowing that community spirit would leave their property safe and sound.

Waiting for the event to begin on Monday morning, 15-month-old twins Ava and John Rossi climbed in and out of their red stroller, on hand for their very first Labor Day Parade. It was Labor Day Parade #2 for 16-month old Oliver Martins, but the first one he could appreciate. “He slept through most of last year’s parade,” confessed his mother, Meghan Martins.

But for Jan Happel, this year’s parade was one of at least 43 that she had attended, she said. “I think we’ve been to nearly every parade since we moved to town,” said Ms Happel, visiting with friend JoAnn Bruno in front of the library. “It’s like a family reunion, with people you haven’t seen in months or even years,” she said.

Tiny Lee Grange, just 3 months old and newly arrived in Newtown with her parents from Utah, dozed in friend Tammy DeMarche’s arms, too sleepy to notice the hubbub about her.

The more active youth had preparade fun available at the moon bounce set up in front of BW Retail Real Estate on Main Street, sponsored by the NHS Girls’ Basketball team. There, Jeannie and Don Preziosi peered through the mesh sides, watching their grandchildren spring up and down within.

For those who failed to fill up on pancakes at the Newtown Congregational Church earlier in the morning, Heav’nly Donuts were being “hawked” by Newtown Nighthawk Girls’ Volleyball team members up and down Main Street, or doughnut lovers were welcomed to the Main Street tent staffed by NHS sophomore team member Georgia Contois. Thirsty paradegoers had a number of NHS teams from which to purchase bottles of icy water.

“Water for a dollar!” shouted groups of high school girls hoping to raise money for their sports and cheerleading teams. They pushed a cart past Caroline Richmond who waved a flag; both her stars and stripes and curly hair whipped in a breeze. NHS Girls’ Cross Country members Emily Floros, Emily Ashbolt, Kacey Caplin, Katie Burns, Brittany Cologna, and Mary Hamula offered not only water for sale from a table on the west side of Main Street, but snacks, as well. The NHS football team was well represented, with the ball players moving up and down the parade route throughout the morning, hoping to sell discount cards to support local businesses and their team.

Labor Day is the kick-off for the commemorative pewter Christmas ornaments sold by Newtown Greater Federation Woman’s Club. Mary Antey and Lorraine VanderWende set up in front of the library with this year’s edition featuring the Town Players’ Little Theatre — a perfect complement to this year’s parade theme celebrating the Little Theatre’s 75th anniversary, “On Stage In Newtown.”

Leading The Way

At last a faint drumbeat reached revelers perched along the parade route. Then the swirling banners of the Newtown High School Color Guard came waving on high and the Newtown High School Marching Band strode into sight, signaling the start for the two-plus-hour parade.

Parade participants waved to crowds, where families sat with balloons and toys purchased from parade carts. Leading the way was Grand Marshal Marge Rogers. Ms Rogers, a member of the Town Players for more than 40 years, was the perfect candidate to serve as grand marshal, commented committee president Beth Caldwell earlier this year, and they were pleased to have her accept the honor.

Riding in an antique auto, Ms Rogers followed a formidable sea of politicians and preceded the numerous drum corps, fife and drum bands, bagpipers, marching bands, antique trucks and tractors, floats, and more making up the 49th Annual Labor Day Parade. Dogs and ponies trotted patiently down the street, while crazy clowns ran to and fro and the ever-popular Shriners mini-cars zoomed in synchronized harmony along the way. All five fire companies were well represented, the companies in dress uniform marching smartly before the polished trucks, and only a few on the route cowered at the siren blasts that filled the air.

Commanding respect, veterans of the country’s numerous wars marched the route, flags held high. Not all, but many, chose to doff their caps and salute. World War II veterans Frank Scaduto and Alfred Green waved and saluted as they rode down the street in vintage autos.

Soon candy flew and children’s eager hands grabbed at sweets. “Candy! Candy!” shouted friends Lucy Helgren and Daniella Thomas, both sitting curbside and watching the procession march past. Both Emily Mobilio and Amanda Preston had candy in their mouths and wrappers at their feet. Dressed in a pink paisley sundress was Sofia Doersch with her father Craig. A lollipop stick poked from between her lips as a balloon rose over her head. Cheering loudly were Austin Nadelson and Alex DiLorenzo, two children with fingers sticky from candy and wearing sugary smiles.

Pols and More Pols

“Too many politicians,” muttered one parade viewer as the first of what would be several throngs of local, state, and national political hopefuls and their supporters marched into view. Others, however, seemed pleased to see current state Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, senate hopeful Republican Linda McMahon, State Representatives DebraLee Hovey and Chris Lyddy, gubernatorial hopeful Democrat Dan Malloy and his lieutenant governor nominee Nancy Wyman, and the dozens of others, rushing out to shake hands and pleasantly accepting the literature handed out. Seated on one curb was Dana Whaley, who had received so many political stickers from the passing politicians that she had slapped them on any free space, including her legs.

Many of the spectators were as interesting as the parade floats. Megan DiLorenzo watched the parade with her Chihuahua, as did Robert Chernoff, seated comfortably on the corner of West and Main Streets. Staring up at a veteran wearing a red, white, and blue pattern from head to toe and heartily waving a flag were Camden, Zavek, and Molly Layda. Fraser Woods School students Kirstana Kunzweiter and Iadan Silvestro hid their faces behind sparkling masks. Lorraine Mottola wore star-spangled oversized sunglasses and viewed the parade from beneath a large patriotic hat. She stood with her husband, Tony, as a young Camryn Gallagher stared back at the crowd from within a car representing the Miss USA Pageant. Suzanne Richmond stood along Main Street waving her flag, while downhill Nicholas Mattola waved as the parade motored along.

The skirling of bagpipes drifted over the chatter at the roadside when the Celtic Cross Pipes & Drum Corps marched into sight. It was hard to resist a little toe-tapping as the Germantown Ancients or Connecticut Alumni Band members pounded their drums or while the Mattatuck Drum Band, this year’s Pioneers and Legends Award winners, piped a merry tune. Equally inspiring were the performances by the Sons of Portugal dancers and the Rockin’ Roosters Square Dancers. Near the intersection of Route 302 and Glover Avenue, where the parade turned to march toward Queen Street, were shouts of “Keep it tight!” as clusters moved in marching rows around the corner.

Bringing up the rear, antique tractors captured the attention of youngsters and old-timers alike. Then it was on to the Grand Stand where each and every entrant had their chance to “wow” the judges and walk away with the coveted Rooster Award, or one of the other prizes. (See separate story.)

A swell of community spirit filled the air as the 49th Annual Labor Day Parade drew to its conclusion, clearly all that committee president Beth Caldwell and the other committee members had hoped it would be — a memorable end to summer.