Newtown’s 58th Annual Labor Day parade kicks off on Monday September 3rd at 10AM. This long standing Newtown tradition is the only parade in the state happening on Labor Day. Here’s some information on how to best plan for this fun morning happening right in the center of town.
This year’s Grand Marshall is Bill Halstead, Chief of Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue. Previously he had also served as our town’s Fire Marshall, retiring in 2016. Look for him at the start of the parade! The parade’s theme this year centers all around the impact volunteers make in keeping our community strong.
Parade map c/o of https://newtownctlabordayparade.org.
Parade Route: The parade kicks off right by the intersection of Currituck Road & Main Street. Participants line up on Currituck Road by assigned division. Local roads will close at 9:30 and the official recommendation is that spectators find their seats by 9AM.
Where can I park: Parking is available at Big Y, Caraluzzi’s Market, Hawley School, and St. Rose School. We had luck last year in finding a spot on one of the side streets. We live on the other side of Main Street so we wanted to find parking that avoided lots of traffic at the end of the parade. Busing is available from St. Rose School & Hawley School from 8AM to 9:30AM. For drop off locations, click here.
Bathrooms: If you’re not lucky enough to live right on the parade route (or have close friends who do), the map above shows where you can find a public restroom. This is especially helpful if you’re a parent to a little one! From the map, it looks like Edmond Town Hall, Newtown Middle School, and Caraluzzi’s are all offering use of their restrooms during the parade. If you’re watching the parade from the end of the route, you could always plan breakfast (or a snack) at either My Place or Dunkin Donuts.
My Tips: Parades, or any large event for that matter, can be intimidating for parents (especially first time ones). Where are the bathrooms? How will my kid react to waiting? Is it going to be too hot for a baby or toddler? Last year was our family’s first year living in Newtown for the parade.. Here’s some of the things we found that worked well for us (as well as some of the things we didn’t think about):
- The parade is long, but super entertaining & engaging for kids. We didn’t realize how long the parade route was and packed snacks only, as opposed to lunch. Not bringing lunch or double the amount of snacks we generally take was a bit of a mistake.
- Think about parking and traffic. We live on the other side of Main Street, so parking at any of the options didn’t necessarily work for us. We wanted to make sure we had a way to head home should our then 20 month old decide she was all set.
- If you’re planning to park and walk, bring a stroller that’s easy to navigate. The parade route is packed, but it’s great to have a stroller – we actually used it as Isabelle’s chair during the actual parade to keep her from jumping in and participating.
- Last year, you were able to set-up chairs along the route the night before. It’s a great option to find a spot and leaves a few less things to carry in the morning.
- Bring your sunscreen and more water than you think you might need. Last year was extremely hot and humid, and although there is some shade, many spots have full sun.
- And most importantly have fun!
