Parade Entrants Must Register

By Mid-August

Do you have a passion for Newtown? If so, the perfect venue is coming up.

The Newtown Labor Day Parade Committee continues to seek float entries into this year’s September 7 parade, said committee president Beth Caldwell.

Float entries are eligible to win the coveted Rooster Award for the float that best represents this year’s theme, “A Passion For Newtown.” The Rooster Award is determined by the judges and is based on presentation as well as creativity.

There is no fee for entries from local clubs and organizations, but commercial entrants must pay a fee of $200. The fee for a  creative float entered by a business or commercial enterprise is $100.

All entrants must register with the parade committee by mid-August. Contact Robin Buchanan at 426-6195 to register or for more information regarding float entries. Unregistered floats will not be allowed in the lineup.

Because the committee is looking to reduce the length of the parade this year, said Ms Caldwell, each entrant will be limited to no more than three vehicles. The committee is also limiting the size of the floats allowed.

“We are not allowing any 18-wheel vehicles this year. They are just impossible for the parade to handle,” she said.

If your passion does not extend to making a float, make a donation instead. Donations from residents and businesses to offset the costs of the annual event are still welcome, said Ms Caldwell.

“We do have to pay the bands, the Shriners, and the other special groups from out of town, and that gets to be expensive. I’m always surprised by how many people do not realize that these groups do not perform for free.”

Checks made out to Newtown Labor Day Parade, Inc can be mailed to PO Box 746, or c/o Newtown Savings Bank, PO Box 497, Newtown CT 06470.