To the Editor:

I hope that I can use this media avenue to invite and express concerns about the July 4th parade held in Norwood. I started to organize this parade 6 years ago. In 2005 we had a parade consisting of one band (The Norwood Brass Firemen), three floats and 12 fire trucks.

Last year our parade consisted of 4 bands, 25 floats, numerous antique cars and trucks, 9 fire departments with marching units of firemen and another 6 departments being represented with fire trucks. Area rescue squads, civic groups, veterans of foreign wars, and clowns helped to compliment a parade with over 80 units. This one hour parade had over 850 people participating in the parade and was viewed by over 5,000 people.

Last year I had to turn away last minute offers from groups that wanted to be in this July 4th parade. This made hard feelings with some groups. I hope that this invitation will help new groups to contact me in advance to attend the 76th annual Norwood Firemen’s Field Day Parade on July 4th.

I will accommodate parade entries until June 15th. If you or your group wish to participate in our 2011 July 4th parade, please contact me at 353-8873 or email me at rhagget@twcny.rr.com

Bob Haggett

July 4th Parade Chairman