New Milford Parade July 1, 2007

New Fairfield Takes Home People's Choice Award In New Milford's 300th Anniversary Parade

By Nanci G. Hutson

STAFF WRITER

Danbury News times 

 

NEW MILFORD -- Descendants of the town's first settlers, Nancy Noble Blackman and sister Peggy Noble Addoms delighted in waving to the thousands lining the streets for Sunday's gala tricentennial parade which honored their ancestors' forebearance in making this once-remote frontier their home.

"Beautiful, wonderful,'' enthused the patriotic-attired, 83-year-old Blackman of Brookfield who, with four generations of John and Sarah Noble's relatives, rode at the front of the "Time to Remember'' 300th anniversary parade through the downtown.

 

"I've never seen so many happy people,'' said Addoms, 88, visiting from her home in Niagara Falls, N.Y. The sisters enjoyed driving by their former homestead, now the Webster Bank, at the corner of Bridge and South Main streets. "I had a marvelous time waving back to everybody.''

 

The flagship event of a yearlong celebration on a perfect summer day earned raves from young and old, newcomers and natives alike; with many spectators visiting from nearby towns and greater distances.

 

"How exciting!'' declared local resident Robin Davies, who with her husband, Stephen, rode their bikes from Merryall to downtown to avoid traffic jams and soak up the ambience. They stood just beyond the reviewing stand on the Village Green. "I'm so proud to be a part of it. And the turnout! It's like a Norman Rockwell scene. It gives me goosebumps.''

 

The parade started promptly at 2 p.m. on Wellsville Avenue with some 1,000 marchers and 70 organizations, many of them riding on decorated floats ranging from the Democratic Town Committee pulling a 300th birthday cake to the New Milford United Methodist Church sporting a "Christmas in July'' float to reflect 40 years of erecting lighted Christmas trees on the green. The New Milford Garden Club was represented with a giant sunflower float. In addition to Boy and Girl scouts tossing candy, dance troupes and baton twirlers, volunteer Fire Departments and veterans' groups, the parade also showcased the 2nd Company Governor's Horse Guard, a troupe of antique cars and motorcycles and local businesses.

 

Of course, Uncle Sam made a special appearance.

 

For a final touch, Republican Mayor Patricia Murphy arranged a surprise -- a real life Republican party symbol: an elephant.

 

"I think it's great to have such town spirit and to celebrate a really old, lovely town,'' said Harriett Gurak of Melville, Long Island, N.Y., who was visiting family in New Fairfield.

 

"I love a parade,'' echoed her husband, Marvin Gurak. "Just the sounds of all the joy expelled here.''

 

The Gurak's son-in-law Matthew Schwam was savoring the opportunity to share such a historic moment with his 10-month-old son, Gavin.

 

For New Milford architect Dan Lamb, the parade was an embodiment of "small town camaraderie.''

 

Even though New Milford has progressed much since its founding days, Lamb said this type of celebration is a way to reflect on the past, embrace the present and anticipate the future.

 

As for what those early founders would think of New Milford today, Lamb said he suspects they would be very surprised by all the luxuries and comforts that town residents today take for granted.

 

"Love it. I am not ambivalent,'' declared Sarelle Rosner of Sherman who enjoyed watching from a seat next to the downtown railroad station. "I appreciate all the time that these organizers put into this. And how about the weather? We would have come in the rain, but this is fabulous.''

 

Bagpiper Patrick Maguire who performed with The Celtic Cross Pipe Band was equally enthusiastic.

 

"It is wonderful,'' Maguire said. "A 300 anniversary doesn't come that often.''

 

At the reviewing stand on Main Street across from the public library, New Milford High School sophomore said she was impressed to see so many people across the community and beyond come to celebrate such an auspicious occasion.

 

"This is a very big deal,'' Lawson said.

 

As for what the early settlers and leaders would have thought about this remembrance, Lawson said, "They would be amazed.''

 

"They probably wouldn't recognize our town,'' Lawson said. "In 300 years, there have been a lot of changes.''