Crowds gathered in the thousands for the 54th Annual Newtown Labor Day Parade on September 7, 2015. The parade included seven divisions and more than 130 floats, in Connecticut’s largest Labor Day Parade.
Report by Paula Antolini
September 8, 2015 10:15AM EDT
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‘Celebrating the Fine Art of Newtown’ was the Theme of the 54th Annual Newtown Labor Day Parade
Crowds gathered in the thousands for the 54th Annual Newtown Labor Day Parade on September 7, 2015. The parade included seven divisions and more than 130 floats, in Connecticut’s largest Labor Day Parade.
Families lined Main Street, Glover Avenue and Queen Street, reserving their spots as much as a day or two ahead, with chairs and/or tent tops of all kinds. Bands, community groups, dancers, athletic groups, government representatives, military, first responders, therapy and shelter dogs, and so much more, participated in the event.
Scorching heat and high humidity made water a valued commodity of the day yesterday, as water was being passed out to parade participants as they marched in the blazing sun. Numerous Newtown groups were also selling water to the crowd of onlookers.
The theme of this year’s parade was “Celebrating the Fine Art of Newtown,” showcasing the many talented artists and creative organizations that enrich lives in Newtown.
Award-winning artist Ruth Newquist was the Grand Marshal. She is well known for her land-and-cityscapes as well as watercolors and oils. Many of her painting subjects are set in Newtown.
The parade was also spotlighting “SCAN,” Newtown’s own Society of Creative Arts. Ms. Newquist and her husband Larry, a fine artist as well, began Newtown’s only fine arts program over 40 years ago to promote, encourage and instruct both local and regional artists.
The Wells Fargo horses and coach are always a favorite, as well as the 2nd Co. Governor’s Horse Guard and the Pyramid Shriners Motor Patrol of mini-cars, one of which broke down half-way through the parade, and had to be towed by their float. The Lion King float was perhaps one of the tallest and more elaborate floats in the parade, and was a real crowd pleaser, as well as the creative Newtown Arts Festival float. The line of antique police cars was a surprising treat. The antique tractors, that signal the end of the parade, are always a welcome sight.
Many of Connecticut’s local officials were marching in the parade. Bethel’s Will Duff, Republican candidate in the upcoming September 16 Primary Election for Bethel First Selectman, was seen handing out candy to children, waving and marching with supporters carrying “Will Duff, A Better Bethel” signs.
Parade participants also included Governor Dannel Malloy, Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman, Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty, CT State Senator Michael McLachlan, CT State Senator Richard Blumenthal, CT State Senator Chris Murphy, CT State Representative Dan Carter, Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton and Newtown First Selectman Pat Llodra, among many more politicians and government representatives present yesterday.
The local Danbury Animal Welfare Society (DAWS) animal shelter was well represented, along with Newtown-Strong Therapy Dogs.
Many parade awards were presented, among them is an award for “Beautiful Baby” which was won by Silas Catlin. The “2015 Legends and Pioneers Award” went to The Sons of Portugal Band. This award is given annually to groups or individuals who have remained longtime participants/marchers, helping make the parade a special tradition.
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