Go Back   Winnipesaukee Forum > Winnipesaukee Forums > General Discussion
Home Forums Gallery Webcams Blogs YouTube Channel Classifieds Calendar Register FAQDonate Members List Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read

Closed Thread
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 06-28-2010, 01:55 PM   #1
DC Pointer
Member
 
DC Pointer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Wolfeboro
Posts: 40
Thanks: 18
Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts
Default Wolfeboro 4th of July Parade

Is it worth it to drag my 5 year old to this? Thinking of going by boat and getting there real early..any experienced folks?
DC Pointer is offline  
Old 06-28-2010, 02:30 PM   #2
Grove84
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 85
Thanks: 18
Thanked 41 Times in 20 Posts
Smile 4th in Wolfeboro

I have heard that it is quite a parade and it begins at 1:00 p.m.

I have the same question about traveling by boat over from Gilford, as to the availability of dock space.
Grove84 is offline  
Old 06-28-2010, 02:48 PM   #3
Argie's Wife
Senior Member
 
Argie's Wife's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Alton
Posts: 1,908
Blog Entries: 1
Thanks: 533
Thanked 579 Times in 260 Posts
Default

Haven't gone by boat, but I don't consider any parade, especially one celebrating our Independence, to be one worth missing.

I can think of pleanty of reasons to "drag my 5 year old"* to the parade: patriotism, flags to wave, candy to catch, antique cars, fire trucks, etc. - good times.

Start 'em young.



(*I really do have one of those too... he loved the Memorial Day parade in Alton.)
Argie's Wife is offline  
Old 06-28-2010, 02:50 PM   #4
Long Pine
Senior Member
 
Long Pine's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 93
Thanks: 12
Thanked 33 Times in 12 Posts
Default

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.
Long Pine is offline  
Old 06-28-2010, 05:15 PM   #5
Lakepilot
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 446
Thanks: 70
Thanked 57 Times in 40 Posts
Default

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.
Lakepilot is offline  
Sponsored Links
Old 06-28-2010, 05:33 PM   #6
camp guy
Senior Member
 
camp guy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: formerly Winter Harbor, still Wolfeboro
Posts: 1,134
Thanks: 284
Thanked 480 Times in 271 Posts
Default Wolfeboro 4th of July Parade

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.
camp guy is offline  
The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to camp guy For This Useful Post:
beaner (06-29-2013), old coot (06-28-2010)
Old 06-28-2010, 06:28 PM   #7
Jmo77011
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 86
Thanks: 60
Thanked 21 Times in 19 Posts
Default Yes!!!

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!
Jmo77011 is offline  
Old 06-28-2010, 06:45 PM   #8
jack1706
Senior Member
 
jack1706's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Ft.Laud.,Fl & Winter Harbor
Posts: 150
Thanks: 40
Thanked 19 Times in 17 Posts
Thumbs up

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 ....
jack1706 is offline  
Old 06-28-2010, 08:03 PM   #9
secondcurve
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,084
Thanks: 1,267
Thanked 557 Times in 286 Posts
Default

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.
secondcurve is offline  
Old 06-28-2010, 08:12 PM   #10
NHKathy
Senior Member
 
NHKathy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Moultonborough when I can / RI
Posts: 699
Thanks: 180
Thanked 38 Times in 22 Posts
Default I couldn't agree more!

Quote:
Originally Posted by camp guy View Post
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!!!
NHKathy is offline  
Old 06-28-2010, 08:31 PM   #11
Heaven
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 516
Thanks: 126
Thanked 94 Times in 66 Posts
Default

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.
Heaven is offline  
Old 06-28-2010, 09:42 PM   #12
pcmc
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 412
Thanks: 211
Thanked 106 Times in 73 Posts
Default

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
pcmc is offline  
Old 06-28-2010, 10:29 PM   #13
NHKathy
Senior Member
 
NHKathy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Moultonborough when I can / RI
Posts: 699
Thanks: 180
Thanked 38 Times in 22 Posts
Default

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...
NHKathy is offline  
Old 06-29-2010, 06:34 AM   #14
tis
Senior Member
 
tis's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,404
Thanks: 719
Thanked 1,379 Times in 955 Posts
Default

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.
tis is online now  
Old 06-29-2010, 07:10 AM   #15
Lakesrider
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,129
Thanks: 380
Thanked 1,016 Times in 345 Posts
Default

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....
Lakesrider is offline  
The Following User Says Thank You to Lakesrider For This Useful Post:
DC Pointer (06-29-2010)
Old 06-29-2010, 08:04 AM   #16
pcmc
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 412
Thanks: 211
Thanked 106 Times in 73 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Lakesrider View Post
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.
pcmc is offline  
Old 06-29-2010, 09:46 AM   #17
Heaven
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 516
Thanks: 126
Thanked 94 Times in 66 Posts
Default

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.
Heaven is offline  
Old 06-29-2010, 04:40 PM   #18
beagle
Senior Member
 
beagle's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Wolfeboro
Posts: 172
Thanks: 177
Thanked 24 Times in 20 Posts
Default Ends on South Main

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 is offline  
Old 07-04-2010, 05:41 PM   #19
Jonas Pilot
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Wolfeboro, New Hampshire is my home, 24-7-365
Posts: 1,686
Thanks: 1,047
Thanked 336 Times in 189 Posts
Default A great parade in Wolfeboro.

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.

Jonas Pilot is offline  
The Following User Says Thank You to Jonas Pilot For This Useful Post:
winnisummergal (07-06-2010)
Old 07-07-2010, 03:26 PM   #20
Grady223
Senior Member
 
Grady223's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: New Hope, PA & Barndoor Island
Posts: 464
Thanks: 93
Thanked 24 Times in 18 Posts
Default

It was a great parade! 2 1/2 hours long!
Grady223 is offline  
Old 07-07-2010, 04:53 PM   #21
Jonas Pilot
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Wolfeboro, New Hampshire is my home, 24-7-365
Posts: 1,686
Thanks: 1,047
Thanked 336 Times in 189 Posts
Default If anybodies interested...

...I posted more images in this album.

Wolfeboro Fourth of July Parade.

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


Jonas Pilot is offline  
The Following User Says Thank You to Jonas Pilot For This Useful Post:
Yosemite Sam (07-07-2010)
Old 07-07-2010, 08:22 PM   #22
mg2107
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 169
Thanks: 0
Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts
Default

I thought it was one of the worst . 2/3 of it was comprised of various political candidates and their minions. Too much already.
mg2107 is offline  
Old 07-08-2010, 06:41 AM   #23
tis
Senior Member
 
tis's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,404
Thanks: 719
Thanked 1,379 Times in 955 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by mg2107 View Post
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.
tis is online now  
Old 07-08-2010, 06:48 AM   #24
Jonas Pilot
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Wolfeboro, New Hampshire is my home, 24-7-365
Posts: 1,686
Thanks: 1,047
Thanked 336 Times in 189 Posts
Default Wolfeboro Parade.



Jonas Pilot is offline  
Old 07-08-2010, 06:54 AM   #25
Jonas Pilot
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Wolfeboro, New Hampshire is my home, 24-7-365
Posts: 1,686
Thanks: 1,047
Thanked 336 Times in 189 Posts
Default Wolfeboro Parade.


Jonas Pilot is offline  
Old 07-08-2010, 12:40 PM   #26
KBoater
Senior Member
 
KBoater's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Wolfeboro
Posts: 521
Thanks: 10
Thanked 29 Times in 15 Posts
Default You caught the spirit

Thanks for the pictures and editing out the politicans. You caught the spirit of the 4th in Wolfeboro.
__________________
Home Permanently in NH
KBoater is offline  
Old 07-08-2010, 12:53 PM   #27
Jonas Pilot
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Wolfeboro, New Hampshire is my home, 24-7-365
Posts: 1,686
Thanks: 1,047
Thanked 336 Times in 189 Posts
Default

Thanks FLboater.
No politicians were edited out. As soon as I saw that the best part of the parade had passed I left. I thought it was pretty nice of the organizers to group them all at the end.
Jonas Pilot is offline  
Old 07-08-2010, 06:22 PM   #28
Heaven
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 516
Thanks: 126
Thanked 94 Times in 66 Posts
Default

Unfortunately Jonas Pilot, you thought it was the end like many others, but there was still local groups coming behind like the Boy Scouts and others that missed out on having a large crown enjoy their efforts. About half the crowd left midway, I confess, I don't understand the line-up this year. I agree, some decoration should be required.
Heaven is offline  
Old 07-08-2010, 06:42 PM   #29
Jonas Pilot
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Wolfeboro, New Hampshire is my home, 24-7-365
Posts: 1,686
Thanks: 1,047
Thanked 336 Times in 189 Posts
Default

That's too bad to hear. When I left I was afraid of that, because my plan was to capture the whole small town Americana parade experience. I agree that those with political agendas should be separate and left behind those with nothing more than pure intentions. I'm sorry that I missed the Scouts and anybody else marching that just wanted to celebrate the birth of our country.
Jonas Pilot is offline  
Old 07-08-2010, 08:17 PM   #30
Heaven
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 516
Thanks: 126
Thanked 94 Times in 66 Posts
Default

It would be great if more floats had music, then the politicians could be used as "spacers" to keep the musics from running together : )
Heaven is offline  
Old 06-28-2013, 09:28 PM   #31
NHKathy
Senior Member
 
NHKathy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Moultonborough when I can / RI
Posts: 699
Thanks: 180
Thanked 38 Times in 22 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by beagle View Post
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?
NHKathy is offline  
Old 06-29-2013, 11:41 AM   #32
Barbara
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 251
Thanks: 48
Thanked 113 Times in 64 Posts
Default

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.
Barbara is offline  
Old 06-29-2013, 05:27 PM   #33
NHKathy
Senior Member
 
NHKathy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Moultonborough when I can / RI
Posts: 699
Thanks: 180
Thanked 38 Times in 22 Posts
Default Oh no....

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!!
NHKathy is offline  
Old 06-29-2013, 07:08 PM   #34
beagle
Senior Member
 
beagle's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Wolfeboro
Posts: 172
Thanks: 177
Thanked 24 Times in 20 Posts
Default

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!
beagle is offline  
The Following User Says Thank You to beagle For This Useful Post:
NHKathy (06-29-2013)
Old 06-30-2013, 10:17 AM   #35
mcdude
Senior Member
 
mcdude's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Rock Haven Lake - West Newfield, ME
Posts: 5,359
Thanks: 374
Thanked 1,041 Times in 489 Posts
Default

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!
__________________

mcdude is offline  
Old 06-30-2013, 10:32 AM   #36
tis
Senior Member
 
tis's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,404
Thanks: 719
Thanked 1,379 Times in 955 Posts
Default

Yes, Judy was in it last year anyway. She doesn't lead it though, she is just in it.
tis is online now  
Old 07-01-2013, 07:53 AM   #37
CateP
Senior Member
 
CateP's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Wolfeboro
Posts: 868
Thanks: 584
Thanked 540 Times in 210 Posts
Default PARADE IS AT 10 a.m.

Hi Everybody-- Just want to make sure everyone has the correct parade start time. According to the Chamber of Commerce, the parade with be on July 4th and start at 10 a.m (as usual)

Theme is "Home Town Pride."

Here is a full list of Wolfeboro events this summer:
http://www.wolfeborochamber.com/comp...ist/Itemid,62/
CateP is offline  
The Following User Says Thank You to CateP For This Useful Post:
NHKathy (07-01-2013)
Old 07-04-2013, 06:48 AM   #38
tis
Senior Member
 
tis's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,404
Thanks: 719
Thanked 1,379 Times in 955 Posts
Default

Just so no one misses the parade, the paper said it ends at Center Street so you don't want to go down as far as the hospital. In the past few years, I thought it ended at Brewster but didn't want to say anything here because I wasn't positive. So if you do go on the south end of the parade make sure you are by Brewster or closer. I will be on the north side.
tis is online now  
Old 07-07-2013, 07:57 PM   #39
NHKathy
Senior Member
 
NHKathy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Moultonborough when I can / RI
Posts: 699
Thanks: 180
Thanked 38 Times in 22 Posts
Default

Love this parade!!!
So sad to not see the Lawn Chair Drill Team, but on a bright note - I did get to shake Mr. Romney's hand!
Attached Images
        
NHKathy is offline  
Old 02-01-2014, 08:46 PM   #40
NHKathy
Senior Member
 
NHKathy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Moultonborough when I can / RI
Posts: 699
Thanks: 180
Thanked 38 Times in 22 Posts
Default Mitt Romney & Jimmy Fallon talk about the Parade!

Mr. Romney was on Jimmy Fallon last week and Jimmy starts off the conversation (at 20:40) with talk about Lake Winnipesaukee, Wolfeboro, and the 4th of July Parade - they both agree that the Lawn Chair Brigade is the best part of the parade - such a shame that the Brigade is no more... Hopefully it can somehow get started back up

http://www.latenightwithjimmyfallon....4-2014/n45556/
NHKathy is offline  
Old 02-01-2014, 09:08 PM   #41
NHKathy
Senior Member
 
NHKathy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Moultonborough when I can / RI
Posts: 699
Thanks: 180
Thanked 38 Times in 22 Posts
Default

Just realized someone already posted this in a new thread...
But here's a better video, just the clip with no commercials...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w89NE...be&app=desktop
NHKathy is offline  
Closed Thread

Bookmarks

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:11 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.

This page was generated in 0.30759 seconds