The Labor Day Parade

The Labor Day Parade

By: Daniel Cetrone

September 3, 2018

Marlboro Massachusetts has held a Labor Day parade each year since 1952. Yesterday’s parade was another example of the pride of Marlboro. It was two and a half hours long. Some of the participants included the Mayor of Marlboro, Arthur Vigeant, Boston’s Mayor, Marty Walsh and Massachusetts Governor, Charlie Baker.

Of course there were other politicians, marching bands, fire trucks, militia men firing off muskets, Abraham Lincoln, Cinderella and Uncle Sam. The army and color guards from various armed forces also marched along the route. But my most favorite attraction were the Clydesdales pulling a wagon from Haulmore. They simply are the most majestic horses, well behaved and brilliantly adorned horses I have ever seen.

It was sunny and hot so many of the marchers looked like they were stressed by the sun and heat of the midday parade. However, Marlboro’s first responders were ready for whatever would happen to people in the parade and bystanders watching it. One woman sitting near us had a medical event and the paramedics rushed into action. Another woman standing near us was stung by a bee.

Parades in America attract people both young and old, those from all classes and walks of life. So it should be because they are fun to watch. It is especially fun to watch the children watching and getting excited by the passing marchers, vehicles and all sorts of things like the Aleppo Shriners mini motorized cars. Why they even had a whole bunch of funny clowns all dressed up and performing kooky antics.

I sat there over two hours watching everything go by and at some points when nothing went by my eyes seemed to see what I was looking at go backwards slightly. I don’t know what causes that but it happens every time I go to a parade. I also go prepared with a folding chair, a cooler with drinks and snacks, a hat, some sun tan lotion, a camera (I take photos with one not a phone). I also bring cash because I may want to buy one of those cheap blown up things for a smiling kid who look like he really needs one!

You can do many things on Labor Day, especially on a sunny hot, sunny one like we had yesterday. I even had thoughts of being on a beach and jumping in the cool water as I sat through the long parade. But in the end, I was glad I was there, because there aren’t many opportunities to see a parade like the Labor Day parade in Marlboro, Massachusetts. It truly is a must-see event in your lifetime.

So, a year from now when you are thinking about what to do with your family on Labor Day, consider going to the parade in Marlboro. You may get a glimpse of the next elected governor of the state. My guess is that it will be Charlie Baker.