By MORGAN WILSON
NEW LONDON — The distant sound of sirens and car horns signaled the slow approach of the parade before it was first visible along New London’s Main Street.
The road was lined on both sides by a thick crowd and children waited with anticipation, already grasping their candy bags.
Saturday was New London’s 94th Annual Hospital Day’s Parade. The theme this year was “Reflections of Our Community,” with a goal of 100 floats to celebrate 100 years of the New London Hospital. The procession of police cars, fire engines, floats, cars, and people followed the chronological history of New London and its local community from decade to decade.
“The parade theme was actually brought up as an idea in 2017,” said New London Hospital Special Events Coordinator Sarah Humphreys. “The Hospital Days Committee really liked it, but thought we should use for 2018 to celebrate the hospital’s 100th anniversary.”
“We had two new fantastic parade chairs this year, Heather McCarthy and Judy Sheon, who ran with the idea to ensure it really did reflect our community,” she followed.
Walkers held banners explaining significant local developments and events for each decade, and period-appropriate cars and costumes were present as well.
At the start of the parade, the New London Historical Society used a wagon pulled by oxen as their float.
The New London Barn Playhouse, always a staple of the parade, had a 1930’s themed float in reference to their production of “32nd Street.” It was delightful to see them cheerfully singing show tunes while dressed in garb from the decade.
Other highlights were colorful 80’s costumes, a 1950’s Chevy, a 1960’s hippie-themed car complete with flower decals, Leapin’ Lena from Newport, N.H., and local Hazel Nilson, who at 110 years is older than the hospital itself! It was also the first year that the New Hampshire State Police Motorcycle Unit participated in the event.
Attendance was high, even with the constant threat of rain. “We were fortunate the weather gave us a break,” said Humphreys. “Even when it did rain, people still turned out to support events such as the talent show. The New London Lions Club BBQ supper Friday night sold out even in a downpour.”
“The skies cleared just in time for the parade on Saturday, which saw the largest turnout in years.”
The parade theme wasn’t the only way New London celebrated the 100th year of the New London Hospital. They also brought back the tradition of raffling off a bride doll as a way to fundraise.
“The Bride Doll started in 1953 by Mrs. John M. Holton,” stated Humphreys. “She organized the raffle for 18 years, and the committee suggested bringing it back this year as a way to celebrate our centennial.”
It was also a great year for the triathlon, with more than 200 participants as both individuals and teams. Molly Lunn Owen from Manchester, was the top female finisher and Tim Downes from Norwich, Vt., took home first place for men with a speed of 43:53.
The race is one of Humphrey’s favorite events. “It’s fun to plan them all, but watching athletes cross the finish line at the Triathlon is special.”
The Hospital Day’s celebration is truly a labor of love. “I work with a committee of approximately 25 community members, organizations and NLH staff for eight months to plan Hospital Days and the Triathlon,” said Humphreys. “They’re amazing to work with and do everything they can to pull the Lake Sunapee community together to support this event.”
“The past two years we’ve had some days of great weather and other days of horrible rain and wind but despite that the community still comes out to have fun, enjoy good food, watch the parade and support the hospital!”
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