Conway invites participants in Fourth of July Parade

Lynore Wagner, of the Conway Recreation Department, and her colleagues have spent the past month planning a Fourth of July to remember."We want to encourage everyone to come out and be part of this year's parade," she said.All systems are go for this Wednesday with a day of events, including a parade, live entertainment, tons of food all capped off by a choreographed fireworks extravaganza.Miss New Hampshire USA, Laura Silva, will serve as grand marshal for Conway's Fourth of July parade, which will take place in Conway Village on July 4 at 1:30 p.m."We really want this to be a fun, family event and a day everyone can be proud of and will remember," John Eastman, recreation director, said. "We've been planning things for a while, but the big thing is we need community support whether it be floats, antique cars or children riding bikes in the parade. We want as many people as possible to get into the spirit of the day."Eastman, Mike Lane and Wagner have been working to come up with a fun afternoon and evening of entertainment. This past winter, Eastman and Wagner went to Windham High School in Windham, Maine, to attend a recreation department-sponsored entertainment showcase where acts from across New England were given 10 minutes to display their talents. From there, acts could be booked, and Conway Rec signed comedic illusionist Michael Menes and longtime musical group The Spectras, who will provide the main event in North Conway's Schouler Park on July 4.The day's events will kick off with the annual parade in Conway Village at 1:30 p.m. Participants in the parade will begin assembling at 1 p.m. on Hillside Avenue (opposite Laconia Electric). All local fire engines will gather next to the Swift River Covered Bridge."Anyone can walk in the parade or ride a bike, but other than that we're asking people to sign up with us in advance so we know you're coming and can reserve a space in the line for you," Eastman said. "If you're (operating) a float, an antique car or motorcycle, you need to fill out a form here at the rec department."Eastman hopes to have parade applications online (see www.conwayrec.com). The deadline for people to sign up for the parade is this Monday. There is no cost to register, but all floats must feature a protective rail around them for the safety of all participants.Political groups are welcome in the parade, but they are asked to notify the recreation department of their participation. The telephone number is 447-5680.Prizes will be awarded to the top parade participants in a variety of categories.The parade will flow down Washington Street onto Main Street and conclude at Kennett High School, where a special ceremony is planned at the veteran's monument located in front of the Kennett Middle School at approximately 2 p.m.The festivities will move to North Conway's Schouler Park from 4:30 to 9:45 p.m. with everything from music and dance to face painting, games and a variety of types of food.The action in the park kicks off as follows: 4:30 to 5 p.m. Edra Toth Academy of Dance. 5-5:30 p.m. Tina Titzer's School of Dance 5:30-6 p.m. MWV Theater Company 6-7 p.m. Michael Menes presents "Egadz!" 7:20-9:20 p.m. The Spectras 9:20-9:45 p.m. FireworksAccording to Eastman, "The Spectras are a nine-piece rock band that specializes in presenting the great songs of the 1960s and 1970s. They have an incredible history of local success, opening for such rock legends as The Doors, Led Zeppelin and The Beach Boys. They are an annual favorite of summer outdoor concert audiences in the Seacoast area of the Granite State. Their existing presentation of irresistible dance and concert music appeals to people of all ages."This year's fireworks should be spectacular. It will make the first time that they are choreographed to music. There is no rain date for the parade and other activities.Eastman said the recreation department is still looking for vendors. Among those on board to date are the Center Conway United Methodist Church, who will be serving strawberry shortcake and salads; the North Conway Fire Department, serving roast beef sandwiches and selling T-shirts; the White Mountain Waldorf School, offering face painting; The Edra Toth Academy of Dance, serving ice cream; the Lutheran Church of the Nativity, serving brownie sundaes; the North Conway Community Center, offering children's games and providing hamburgers, cheeseburgers and barbecue chicken; American Legion will serve meatball and steak and cheese subs; the Elks will serve chicken fingers and onion rings; Project Succeed will be offering glow sticks; Care Net Pregnancy Center will serve hot dogs, sausage subs and lemonade; and the Friends of Conway Rec. will be serving their "famous" french fries.Anyone with questions about the Fourth of July Celebration can contact the recreation department at 447-5680. Lloyd Jones can be contacted at lloyd@conwaydailysun.com.