By Carolyn Leblanc
Seems like we just had a parade but here we go again, planning our 151st Alumni reunion weekend kick-off parade. Our parade last year was a huge success even though it took place in October. We look forward to returning to our traditional reunion which has always coincided with graduation in June. The parade this year is shaping up to again be a spectacular event. 5-year classes have been a little slow getting floats registered but now they seem to be getting into the spirit of planning their reunions. What better way to start the weekend off than entering a class float in the parade? Who knows, maybe even win one of the 5 cash awards sponsored by the following businesses, Golden Cross Ambulance, NFR, Stringer Funeral Home, the Insurance Center and LaValley Building Supply. Their continued support shows they are proud to be a part of Stevens Alumni association.
The parade will showcase units such as the Yankee Doodle Band, St. Andrews Pipe Band, the Boston Windjammers, the traveling Ho Bo’s Jazz Band, The Vermont Civil War Hemlocks, Continental Fife and Drum, Marlborough Fife and Drum, The Firehouse Six Dixieland Band, Hill’s Band Wagon, the backwoods Axe Co. band, Dreams in Motion dance studio, Bruce Streeter and his team of horses, trams, and of course no parade would be complete without the Bektash and Shriner units. These groups are such wonderful entertainment, and their fees go to the Children’s hospitals, a great cause. Leapin’ Lena will again join us with her humorous antics and the Stevens high school band will join with the Junior High band to lead off the parade.
There are more entries too numerous to mention so plan to be here June 11th to watch this parade march thru the streets of Claremont one more time. We don’t think you will be disappointed. These units are not free and the cost to organize and book units for this parade is over $14,000 every year.
After the parade, we will have our annual business meeting and luncheon at the high school cafeteria. Leo’s Market has been contracted to make the salads, finger rolls etc., and Tami Joslin, Uptown Bakery for desserts. Coffee, punch, and water will be provided. The luncheon cost is just $5.00 a person.
Steve Smith from Radio Station WCNL in Newport will be the Emcee; the viewing stand will be located in front of The Village Pizza Restaurant on Pleasant Street.
The Backwoods Axe Co. band will provide entertainment for your listening and dancing pleasure at the American Legion upstairs from 8:00 to 11 p.m. Admittance to the dance is free to Alumni members and open to the public. Do come and enjoy this upbeat group!
DJ Ed Skarrett wil provide those “oldies but goodies” tunes” downstairs for those of us who would like to dance to those 50’s and 60’s songs we remember so well from 8:00 to 11:00 p.m. This event is open to the public and is free of charge. Donations are always welcome to help defray the cost.
If anyone would like more information about the parade and how to take part, contact our Parade Chairman, Dick Girard at 603-543-6398.
Carolyn LeBlanc, Stevens Alumni Association
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