To the Editor:

The Norwood Volunteer Fire Department would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who helped us celebrate our 80th anniversary on July 4.

This year’s celebration was saddened by the recent loss of two important members of our community, Mayor Jim McFadden and longtime Brass Fireman Vern Ingram.

A special thank you to Mayor Tim Levison and the DPW crew for their help, Andy VanDuyne and Joe Liotta for announcing and providing music for our parade, Parade Marshall Sue Perry, head judge Lori Hance and all the parade judges; Sherri Bond Calhoun for all her assistance, Merriman’s Lumber for supplying the judges stand, and the scores of non-firemen helpers for their assistance on the field.

Over 70 participating groups and organizations participated in our parade whose theme was “Any TV show.”

The first place float was shared by the Potsdam Humane Society with a Little Rascals theme and Hometown Café with a Spongebob Squarepants theme.

Second place was awarded to Perry’s Market and their Happy Days, and third place was the Norfolk-Norwood Figure Skating with Duck Dynasty. Thanks to all the float entries.

Many Fire Departments marched in our parade as well and Colton Fire Department was rated and awarded first place, followed by the Norfolk Fire Department in second and Potsdam Fire Department in third place.

Also, best appearing fire department honors went to Waddington Fire Deptartment and Brockville Pipe and Drum Band received best music.

The grand finale on the 4th was a huge fireworks display.

The parade committee of Richard Norman and Danielle Garrow are already starting preparation for next year’s event and it promises to be even bigger and better than this year.

The number one goal is more music. As for the theme, you’ll just have to wait until spring when it will be announced.

Tim Donahue, treausrer

Norwood Volunteer Fire Department