To The Editor:
First, as the representative of the Mad River Valley Rotary Club, volunteer producers of the annual Warren Fourth of July parade, I would like to thank the townspeople of Warren for graciously opening their village for the 73rd annual parade, featuring grand marshals, Win Smith and Maggie Smith.
While the weather was perfect, there were some glitches that have already been identified and rectified for 2023. It was not until several days after the event that I was made aware of the exuberance of the security staff regarding the cement bridge and the ability to cross it. It has been made clear to the security service that people may cross the bridge when it is safe to do so, but may not stand on the bridge for parade viewing. I apologize to anyone caught on the wrong side of the bridge at the parade start, and to those who were crowded out because of it.
There will be more food service at Brooks Field in 2023. There was confusion with one food vendor whose boss wasn’t clear they were to set up at both the Brooks Field and the village – instead setting up both food tents in the village. By the time it was discovered, it was too late to move them.
There are still posters available should one desire to have one commemorating this year’s event. A donation would be welcome to cover the small shortfall in this year’s budget. Please contact
Thank you to all the floats, marchers, revelers, dancers, musicians, judges, street cleaner-uppers, sign makers, gatekeepers, and food vendors. A special thanks to The Warren Store and Pitcher Inn and neighboring businesses for being the perfect backdrop to a magnificent village street dance following the parade. The musicians and kids’ activities were fantastic at Brooks Field. If you don’t know about that check it out in 2023!
Susan Klein,
MRV Rotary, and parade producer
Fayston
