Last year, the 50th annual Newtown Labor Day Parade had to be postponed due to Tropical Storm Irene. This year, the parade is stepping off as planned, albeit a little later than normal.
Parade Committee President Beth Caldwell says in addition to the noon start time, there were some new participants in the parade.
A mariachi band East Hartford, a Polynesian dance troop from Brookfield and the Newtown Juggling and Circus Arts Club from Newtown High School made their parade debuts. Lake Zoar Leaps of Faith, an organization that deals with adaptive sports for people with physical challenges, also participated. More traditionally, the Nathan Hale Ancient Fife and Drum Corps came to Newtown for the day from Coventry.
The grand marshals of this year's parade were Dr Michael and Joselyn Taweh, organizers of Kevin's Community Center. The couple along with the 10-year old center were being honored. The Tawehs started the service of offering free health care in honor of their son Kevin, who passed away 11 years ago.
Each year the parade committee selects an entry representative of the parade and the spirit of the parade for the "Legends and Pioneers" honor. This year, the recognition went to the local VNA.
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