Wolfeboro 4th of July Parade

[Long Pine]

Regarding your first question about whether it is worth it to bring your 5 year old, here are my impressions of the parade. I went for the first time last year after hearing a lot about it. It seemed to me like there were a few clever/thoughtful/entertaining/quirky/funny parts of the parade that were positives (e.g. lawnchair brigade, a bunch of Elvis's, antique cars and boats, bus carrying the local nursing home residents, etc). However the downside for me was how many parade entrants were just looking for some free advertising - things like people driving their septic pumping truck or their landscaping truck with their signage on them. Maybe if they had gone to the effort of shining them up or decorating them? But looks like some came straight from job sites. That was the only downer for me - that part of the parade would certainly not be entertaining to a young child. All in all, I'm glad I saw it once but likely won't make it a regular thing.

[Lakepilot]

My wife has attended the 4th of July Parade since she was a tot. Our kids have attended since they were tot's and our grandkids have attended every year for the last 4 years. It's a great parade and one of the last vestiges of an era that was proud of what the 4th of July means.

Go by boat or go by car, but it's worth going to - unless you get our spot on the side of the road.

[camp guy]

The Wolfeboro 4th of July Parade is all about what a 4th of July parade should be - people everywhere along the route, people visiting friends, renewing annual acquaintances, parade entries of ALL types, lots of red-white-and blue patriotism in play, fire engines, big trucks, animals, and a lot more. AND, for those who have never experienced it, the star of the parade is always the lawn chair drill team performing their skillful and energetic routines. This is a highly acclaimed, self-governed, self-taught, and self-funded troupe of athletes who will do things with lawn chairs that you wish you had thought of yourself. The are worth the price of admission, which, by the way is 'zero', making them 'priceless'. They are the best.

[Jmo77011]

I was in this parade every year when I was a kid! My grandparent's owned a farm/bed and breakfast, and each year they would decorate my grandfather's pick-up, and my cousin's and I would ride in the back and throw candy. I haven't thought about that parade in years, but now, I'm thinking about bringing my own kids to it! Whatever you do that day, enjoy your family, your friends, and your freedom!

[jack1706]

D C Pointer

yes, and next year she will want to drag YOU there..

It's great for the kids...such small town awareness & genuine people.

kids line the Main St. all morning, waving to visitors from out of state..

quite touching if you come from big city life.

Make it a Good Day... it's

what you make of it. I'll be there ....

[secondcurve]

One thing to remember is that the parade starts at 1PM this year since the Fourth falls on a Sunday. When the Fourth falls on one of the other 6-days of the week it starts at 10AM. My guess is that the 1PM start will draw an even bigger crowd than normal. My kids love the parade. It is typically a great time.

[NHKathy]

Originally Posted by camp guy

The Wolfeboro 4th of July Parade is all about what a 4th of July parade should be - people everywhere along the route, people visiting friends, renewing annual acquaintances, parade entries of ALL types, lots of red-white-and blue patriotism in play, fire engines, big trucks, animals, and a lot more. AND, for those who have never experienced it, the star of the parade is always the lawn chair drill team performing their skillful and energetic routines. This is a highly acclaimed, self-governed, self-taught, and self-funded troupe of athletes who will do things with lawn chairs that you wish you had thought of yourself. The are worth the price of admission, which, by the way is 'zero', making them 'priceless'. They are the best.

I love, love, love parades! I really love, love, love the Wolfeboro 4th Of July Parade! Whenever I am lucky enough to be at The Lake for the 4th, this parade is a must! (this year is not a lucky year...) This parade is so fun, lively, and patriotic! The Lawnchair Brigade is awesome!!!
Who ever is lucky enough to attend this year - have fun!!!

[Heaven]

Worth it, oh yes, there is really nothing else like it. . . it is often long and has starts and stops, often an hour or more. Take it for what it is, walk along the route, get a drink for the kids somewhere as they probably won't want to stand or sit in one place for the whole parade. Take your camera for the picture of your child with Uncle Sam on a Segueway in the background.

[pcmc]

Could someone tell me about the parade route....start, end, and a nice place to watch from.

Also, are there areas to, and not to park.

I would like to have a little idea where to go, and what to expect driving.

Thankyou,
Peter

[NHKathy]

Coming down rt 109 from Moultonborough, we usually park on the side of the street near the cemetery that is not too far from town (we face the car back toward the way we came so its easier to get out); then we will walk a little ways down toward town and find a nice shady spot on the east side of the street and plop our chairs down...

[tis]

I love the parade too. It starts at Old Lakeview Terrace, at the top of North Main St. hill and goes through town to I think Clark Road but it might stop at Brewster Academy now but I don't think so. So anywhere in there is a good stop to see it. There are usually wall to wall people. The judges are in the center of town above Melanson's Many Facets so some groups will stop there to do whatever they do in front of the judges. You will have to walk if you don't get there very early.

[Lakesrider]

I agree with Camp Guy and others here in that the parade is not just about the floats and candy. It is to celebrate our Independence and to remind ourselves exactly why it is that we can actually have parades at all. We also need to remember the troops that are overseas fighting for the very same rights that we fought for so many years ago. Everyone should have a small flag (or a Big one) to wave at the parade. they are just a $1.50 at Lowes or any hardware store. Get one. Get two...wave them proudly and have a great time with your 5 year old. They grow up quickly....

[pcmc]

Originally Posted by Lakesrider

I agree with Camp Guy and others here in that the parade is not just about the floats and candy. It is to celebrate our Independence and to remind ourselves exactly why it is that we can actually have parades at all. We also need to remember the troops that are overseas fighting for the very same rights that we fought for so many years ago. Everyone should have a small flag (or a Big one) to wave at the parade. they are just a $1.50 at Lowes or any hardware store. Get one. Get two...wave them proudly and have a great time with your 5 year old. They grow up quickly....

+1^


Thankyou for the helpful advice everyone.

[Heaven]

Make sure to park on the side of town that you need to leave from afterward . . i.e., don't park near Brewster if you need to go to tuftonboro afterward, and vice-versa. And as mentioned, park facing "away" if you can. I can't imagine coming by boat, I have no idea if that would work . . especially this year where the parade is so late, there will be masses of boats picking their spots in the bay for the fireworks at 9:15 or so.

[beagle]

For the last 4 years, we have watched the parade on South Main just north of the hospital and police station. It is lots of fun! And I think 5 year olds (especially boys) would love the big dump trucks, army vehicles and antique cars and boats in the parade. And, you can have your picture taken with Mitt, if you are bold enough to ask! Afterwards, we enjoy walking into town to visit the shops and get a snack at the YumYum shop or Bailey's.
Happy 4th everyone!!!

[Jonas Pilot]

A large crowd turned out to watch one of the best parades Wolfeboro has ever had. A band, drum corps and various marching units performed for the appreciative audience.

View image in gallery

[Grady223]

It was a great parade! 2 1/2 hours long!

[Jonas Pilot]

...I posted more images in this album.

Wolfeboro Fourth of July Parade.

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopo....php?cat=15191

View image in gallery

[mg2107]

I thought it was one of the worst . 2/3 of it was comprised of various political candidates and their minions. Too much already.

[tis]

Originally Posted by mg2107

I thought it was one of the worst . 2/3 of it was comprised of various political candidates and their minions. Too much already.

You're not the only one complaining. It was long but not enough floats. If you are going to march you should at least be required to decorate --at least a little.

[NHKathy]

Originally Posted by beagle

For the last 4 years, we have watched the parade on South Main just north of the hospital and police station. It is lots of fun! And I think 5 year olds (especially boys) would love the big dump trucks, army vehicles and antique cars and boats in the parade. And, you can have your picture taken with Mitt, if you are bold enough to ask! Afterwards, we enjoy walking into town to visit the shops and get a snack at the YumYum shop or Bailey's.
Happy 4th everyone!!!

Beagle -That sounds like a good area to watch the parade from -- where do you park?

[Barbara]

I'm sorry to report that the Lawn Chair Drill Team is no more. I was a member of it for the last four years. Our founder and leader has retired from it after giving us a two year notice. Unfortunately, no one stepped up to the plate to take over leadership and we haven't been able to draft new young blood to participate. Many members who have been in it since it began are now up there in their 70’s. We all feel very sad about it.

[NHKathy]

This is so sad to hear; the Lawn Chair Drill Team was definitely one of the highlights of the parade...
Understandable though, considering the age of most of the members.

The team will be missed!!

[beagle]

nhkathy, we usually park in Huggins lot or behind the police station or library. We walk towards town and find an open place to sit/stand. We never arrive at 10, more like 10:30 or 11, because it takes awhile for the parade to get to that side of town. Hope you have fun!

[mcdude]

I always enjoyed the huge smile of this "majorette"....she looks like she is having a blast! Does she still lead things off? I haven't been for a while...

I'm so sorry to hear about the "Lawn chair Brigade"....One of my goals in life was to join up as soon as I retired and moved to the lake!