To the Editor:

The 77th 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.

Ruth Garner a young 97-year-old from Potsdam grew up in Norwood. She attended the very first Norwood July 4 parade. Ruth was the Grand Marshall of this year’s parade.

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, Kemptville and 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, N-N Figure Skating Club, 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 and their Democrat Party friends, 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, Gardner’s Garbage, Snow Skippers, Don LaBarge, Justice for Garrett, MOPS, Breezy Maple Farms, Webster’s, Potsdam High School Red Cross Club, Ole Smoke House, Knapps Station Community Church, Bear’s Den, Lawrenceville VFD, Occupy 99 percent, Structural Wood Corp., Upstate Doors, St. Law. County Dairy Princess Group and The Parishville Area ATV Club.

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

The float parade judges had a very difficult time selecting the top 3 floats winners as over 27 floats were very impressive and crowd pleasers. The parade theme for floats was “Magic Kingdom.” Cornerstone, Hometown Café and Wood Structural Corp. captured first, second, and third place prizes, respectively. Next year’s 2013 parade theme will be: “From the World of Dr. Seuss” The Norwood VFD says “thank you” to all who participated in any way to make this year’s parade an outstanding success.

Bob Haggett

Parade Chairman