Wolfeboro NH 4th of July Parade

There is nothing like a small town parade! Wolfeboro’s parade is a mixture of politics, local businesses, and just plain funny people. Oh, and a few celebrities in the crowd watching. I have lived in Wolfeboro for 9 years and have attended every 4th of July parade. Our friends and relatives from out of the area clamber for “reservations” at our home so they can go too.

Every year you have some of the staples, The Arm Chair Band, a group of men and women that march with webbed outdoor arm chairs. They chant songs along the way and stop every now and then to perform a routine. The crowd goes wild! Then there is a past female Olympic skating champion who marches in tights and a red, white & blue sequined dance outfit tossing a baton. I don’t know how she doesn’t faint from the heat. Because it is almost always very hot and sunny the day of the parade. Some large trucks are in line from an excavating company. They hose the crowd down every now and then just for fun. The kids enjoy it, but the adults not so much. “The Elvises”, a group of at least 15 teachers and students dressed as Elvis from Brewster Academy, have a truck that blares Elvis songs as they all imitate his dances and movements are always are a hoot. The list goes on and on, too many funny “acts” to mention.

We are fortunate to have The Wright Museum, a World War II museum that is packed with memorabilia and vehicles from that era, participate. Patriotic songs ring out from a tank and a man dressed as Jimmy Durante sings his favorites from one of the trucks. Of course all the local retired and active military march in uniform which brings a somber note to the event.

The Cal Ripken Major League team winners are always asked to march in uniform. 6 years ago, I had the pleasure to see my son Ben walk by as a Miller’s Brave. He was the winning pitcher so that made it even more special.

As for political figures, the most famous, Mitt Romney and his family often march. Last year it was only his wife. I think he will be too busy to come this year! Jeb Bradley, Carole-Shea Porter, and Jean Shaheen always have a presence from their staff or in person.

As for celebrities, Jimmy Fallon and his wife Nancy Juvonen are usually in the crowd watching. Nancy’s family has a home in town and she has spent many summers here in the past. She is a film producer and she and Drew Barrymore (who often comes as well) own the production company Flower Films. Another well know figure, Wyc Grousbeck, owner of The Celtics, owns a home on Lake Winnipesaukee and shuttles his friends and family to the parade along Sewall Road to Main Street in a little smart car.

So take some time this summer to visit the Lakes Region to get a taste of small town life in “The Oldest Summer Resort in America”, Wolfeboro, NH.