2009 Memorial Day Parade Saturday, May 30, 2009 beginning at 6:00 pm Mayor Timothy T. Stewart and Richard Lorch, Chairman of the Parks and Recreation Commission along with the Veterans' Commission announced today that the New Britain Parks and Recreation Department will be hosting the 2009 Memorial Day Parade in honor of all the brave men and women who served and are currently serving in the United States Military. Mayor Timothy T. Stewart stated, ³The City of New Britain is proud to continue our tradition of honoring the sacrifices and contributions of our servicemen and women through our annual Memorial Day Parade.² The Memorial Day Parade will take place on Saturday, May 30, 2009 beginning at 6:00 p.m. The Parade will begin at the top of Broad Street and Burritt Street. The line of march will be East on Broad Street, South on Main Street to the dispersing point at Main Street and Franklin Square. The reviewing and Grand Stands will be on the west side of Main Street on the north side of Central Park. Parks and Recreation Director Bill DeMaio said, ³All the city residents should make it a special point to watch this year's parade. It promises to be the largest parade in several years. We have booked more bands, clowns, stilt walkers and entertainment than in the past.² This year's parade will include the Shriners Motor Patrol, classic army vehicles, jugglers, seven marching bands including New Britain High School Golden Hurricanes, Fife and Drum organizations, clowns and much more. Numerous local organizations including the Fagan and Walicki Baseball Leagues, YWCA, New Britain Lions Club, New Britain Police, Fire and EMS organizations, the Falcons Club and New Britain Youth Soccer will be marching in the Parade as well. As a new addition this year, the New Britain Parks and Recreation Department invites everyone to attend a Ceremony following the Parade which honors the visit of New Britain's Sister City Dignitaries. There will again also be a post-parade festival at Franklin Square following these Ceremonies featuring such free entertainment as inflatables, clowns, face-painters, jugglers, and a DJ Dance Party. Hot dogs, soft drinks, popcorn, cotton candy, and more will also be available for purchase. ³The festival afterwards is a culmination to a very special event in New Britain,² states DeMaio, ³It allows the entire community to continue to celebrate a day that recognizes the sacrifice of so many brave men and women and their efforts in making this country safe.² For more information on the Memorial Day Parade, call the Parks and Recreation Department at 826-3360.