Wolfeboro 4th of July Parade

DC Pointer · 06-28-2010, 01:55 PM

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?

Grove84 · 06-28-2010, 02:30 PM

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.

Argie's Wife · 06-28-2010, 02:48 PM

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.)

Long Pine · 06-28-2010, 02:50 PM

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 · 06-28-2010, 05:15 PM

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 · 06-28-2010, 05:33 PM

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 · 06-28-2010, 06:28 PM

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 · 06-28-2010, 06:45 PM

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 · 06-28-2010, 08:03 PM

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 · 06-28-2010, 08:12 PM

Quote:

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 · 06-28-2010, 08:31 PM

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 · 06-28-2010, 09:42 PM

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 · 06-28-2010, 10:29 PM

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 · 06-29-2010, 06:34 AM

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 · 06-29-2010, 07:10 AM

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 · 06-29-2010, 08:04 AM

Quote:

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 · 06-29-2010, 09:46 AM

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 · 06-29-2010, 04:40 PM

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 · 07-04-2010, 05:41 PM

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 · 07-07-2010, 03:26 PM

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

NHKathy · 06-28-2013, 09:28 PM

Quote:

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 · 06-29-2013, 11:41 AM

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.

06-28-2010, 01:55 PM	#1
DC Pointer Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Wolfeboro Posts: 40 Thanks: 18 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	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?

06-28-2010, 02:30 PM	#2
Grove84 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 85 Thanks: 18 Thanked 41 Times in 20 Posts	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.

06-28-2010, 05:33 PM	#6
camp guy Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: formerly Winter Harbor, still Wolfeboro Posts: 1,135 Thanks: 284 Thanked 480 Times in 271 Posts	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.

06-28-2010, 06:28 PM	#7
Jmo77011 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 86 Thanks: 60 Thanked 21 Times in 19 Posts	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!

06-29-2010, 04:40 PM	#18
beagle Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Wolfeboro Posts: 172 Thanks: 177 Thanked 24 Times in 20 Posts	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!!!

06-28-2010, 02:48 PM	#3
Argie's Wife Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Alton Posts: 1,908 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 533 Thanked 579 Times in 260 Posts	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.)

06-28-2010, 02:50 PM	#4
Long Pine Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 93 Thanks: 12 Thanked 33 Times in 12 Posts	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.

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

The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to camp guy For This Useful Post:
beaner (06-29-2013), old coot (06-28-2010)

06-28-2010, 06:45 PM	#8
jack1706 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Ft.Laud.,Fl & Winter Harbor Posts: 150 Thanks: 40 Thanked 19 Times in 17 Posts	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 ....

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	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.

06-28-2010, 08:31 PM	#11
Heaven Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 516 Thanks: 126 Thanked 94 Times in 66 Posts	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.

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

06-28-2010, 10:29 PM	#13
NHKathy Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Moultonborough when I can / RI Posts: 699 Thanks: 180 Thanked 38 Times in 22 Posts	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...

06-29-2010, 06:34 AM	#14
tis Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 6,410 Thanks: 719 Thanked 1,381 Times in 957 Posts	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.

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	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....

The Following User Says Thank You to Lakesrider For This Useful Post:
DC Pointer (06-29-2010)

06-29-2010, 09:46 AM	#17
Heaven Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 516 Thanks: 126 Thanked 94 Times in 66 Posts	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.

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	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. View image in gallery

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winnisummergal (07-06-2010)

07-07-2010, 03:26 PM	#20
Grady223 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: New Hope, PA & Barndoor Island Posts: 464 Thanks: 93 Thanked 24 Times in 18 Posts	It was a great parade! 2 1/2 hours long!

06-29-2013, 11:41 AM	#22
Barbara Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 251 Thanks: 48 Thanked 113 Times in 64 Posts	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.