The 62nd annual Concord Veterans/Christmas Parade is slated for Nov. 23 at 9:30 a.m. on the Concord Heights.
This annual event will begin formation at 8 a.m. for floats and all other entries at 8:30 a.m. in the parking lot of the NH Department of Transportation on Hazen Drive.
The theme for this year’s parade is “Santa’s Magical Bag.” Those wishing to enter floats are asked to use this as their theme. All entries will be judges with prizes awarded. The music for the parade will be played by Concord, Merrimack Valley, Bow, Belmont, Hillsboro-Deering and Woodsville high school bands.
The first pision will again feature a tribute to veterans with this year honoring the 60th anniversary of the Korean Conflict. VFW, American Legion, Disabled American Vets, Auxiliaries, Gary S. Dillion Marine Corps League and more are invited to participate. If there are veterans who would like to ride, please contact the committee. Vehicles will be provided for those who aren’t able to march. The parade will feature emergency response vehicles, antique cars, animals, decorated vehicles, clowns, and Santa Claus.
It is expected the parade will feature government and civic officials. WMUR’s Kevin Skarupa will be an honored guest. There will be a reviewing stand at Walgreen’s Pharmacy where canned food will be collected to help fill food pantries along with new toys for boys and girls.
Dick Patten will be emceeing the parade with Nazzie from WJYY. Nathan Smith, a sophomore at Concord High School will sing the National Anthem prior to the parade at Walgreen’s. A & B Lumber will be providing the truck for the reviewing stand and flatbed trailer for Woodsville High School Band. Boys and girls don’t forget your letters to Santa as his mailboxes will be on both sides of the parade route to collect letters.
Donations are needed to fund this parade. The committee needs to raise $7,000 to cover parade expenses. For more information, contact Chairman Dick Patten 496-2917 and James Cusano at 225-8308.
