I would like to thank everyone who came, participated in, and donated to the 65th annual Concord Christmas parade.
Concord Grange 322 has been the main organizer for the parade for more than 40 years.
Major donors included The Stove Barn, the Rowley Agency, The Kiwanis Club of Concord, Capital City Business Center, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Bank of New Hampshire, and Havenwood-Heritage Heights, who were band and division sponsors.
I would like to thank all others who donated smaller amounts of money to help with the expenses. Each year the committee needs to raise at least $6,000.
WMUR estimated that 40,000 people lined Loudon Road to watch the parade. This was excellent and unbelievable. I would like to thank Richard Oberman, Kevin Tucker, David Hatch and Penacook Rescue Squad for the reviewing stand set-up and equipment. Thank you to DJ Nazzie for joining me to emcee the parade. The weather was perfect and we are looking forward to the 66th annual Christmas parade, which will be held Nov. 18, 2017.
I would like to thank the committee consisting of Co-chairman James Cusano, who this year had an entry form for the parade available on the internet and parade website; Tom Cusano who has been with me for 36 years; his wife Karen; my wife Debbie Patten, who is the treasurer; and DJ Nazzie and his wife Jenna for volunteering to be on the committee. Thank you to all the volunteers who came to staff the road closings and save us from being charged for more police coverage.
It was wonderful to have Governor-elect Chris Sununu participating in the parade. Thank you to the Insider for its excellent coverage, Nick Reid of the Monitor, and NH1 Binnie Media for helping to spread the word. I apologize if I forgot someone, but I am trying to keep a tradition going. I have enjoyed organizing this parade for 45 years and look forward to next year, my 46th.
Dick Patten, chairman of the Concord Christmas parade
Concord