To the Editor:

Even though Mother Nature did not give full cooperation, the 78th annual July 4th field day celebration held in Norwood was a huge success. This year’s parade had over 70 units in it due to the involvement of many individuals, businesses and organizations.

This parade was in honor of two past members of the Norwood VFD. Marlyn Edwards and Emmett Regan organized the July 4th parade for many years.

The members of the Norwood Volunteer Fire Department wish to thank the following parade participants: The American Legion Veterans who escorted “Old Glory” at the beginning of our parade. This 10’ x 19’ flag will always begin this annual parade.

We also want to recognize Barrett Paving Materials Inc., Northern New York Lawn Mower Racers, The Norwood Brass Firemen, Edwardsburg Ontario VFD’s, Tupper Lake VFW Color Guard, Norfolk VFD, Norfolk Rescue Squad, What Cheer Lodge from Norwood, Norwood American Legion Post 68, Hannawa Falls VFD, Madrid VFD, Madrid Rescue Squad, Colton VFD, Norwood Beach, Potsdam VFD and the Potsdam Rescue Squad.

Also, The Hometown Café, Trevor Arquiett Race Car, N-N Minor Hockey, Waddington VFD, Massena Post 79 “Lancers”, The Media Shriners “Ups and Downers,” West Stockholm VFD, Perry’s Big M Supermarket, The River Rat Rhythm Project, Brookfield Power, Louisville VFD, West Potsdam VFD, The Red Knights Motorcycle Club, Parishville VFD, Cubby T. Clown and Co., Brockville Pipe and Drum Band, Sallie and Tom Brothers, North Lawrence VFD and The Northern Chapter of Antique Trucks of America.

Rounding out this great parade, we wish to recognize Cornerstone Services, Talking Trash, Norwood Library, Snow Skippers, Don LaBarge, MOPS, Breezy Maple Farms, Potsdam High School Red Cross Club, Knapps Station Community Church, Lawrenceville VFD, St. Law. County Dairy Princess Group, NYS Maple Queen, Mr. Stilts, N-N Youth Basketball, N-N Youth Baseball, Pack 40 Norwood Cub Scouts, Potsdam Cub Scouts, Norwood Episcopal Church Youth Group, SeaComm, Red Hats- Red Hens, Rico’s, Garrett Roberts, Auto Glass, Tim Brown, The Parishville Area ATV Club, St. Law. Power & Equip. Museum and politicians representing both Democrat and GOP Parties.

We also want to thank the Northern New York Vol. Firemen’s Parade Judges in selecting Colton, Hannawa and W. Potsdam as the top three “Best Appearing” marching units, respectively.

The float parade judges had a very difficult time selecting the top three float winners as over 27 floats were very impressive and crowd pleasers. The parade theme for floats was “From the World of Dr. Seuss”. Hometown Café, N-N Youth Basketball and Perry’s Big M captured 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes, respectively.

Bands for next year’s parade have all ready been hired. The 2014 parade theme will be: “Once Upon A Time”

The Norwood VFD says thanks to all who participated in any way to make this year’s parade an outstanding success.

Bob Haggett, Parade Chairman