Resident appeals to councilors for citizen committee to plan parades

LACONIA — Following this year’s Independence Day parade for America250, city residents have voiced negative opinions online, and brought the issue before council on July 13.

During time for public comments about matters not on the agenda, Sue Higgins, of Ward 2, thanked all volunteers and participants who made the parade possible, but expressed concern.

“I believe future Fourth of July celebrations could benefit from broader planning and community involvement,” Higgins said. “Holding the parade at 4:30 in the afternoon may not have been the best time for families, particularly on a holiday when most people attend cookouts and gatherings throughout the day.”

Higgins was also disappointed in the city’s lack of events throughout the day, especially on America’s 250th anniversary.

“I believe the city missed an opportunity to create a full day of family-oriented activities, perhaps including events at the park before and after the parade. If the city is serious about attracting and retaining young families, community celebrations should be designed with those families in mind.”

Higgins said, on May 8, she sent a letter to City Manager Kirk Beattie, and was informed it would be forwarded to parks and recreation staff, but did not receive a response. In her letter, Higgins offered to assist with the event, and asked questions about the process for selecting the parade’s Grand Marshal, who was involved in the decision, and if there was a committee.

Others shared negative feedback about this year’s parade, taking to Facebook to express their disappointment. After many posts popped up in the days following the parade, Laconia resident Gayle Miller decided to take initiative. “The most important part is having the community take part in planning and putting on the parade they want,” Miller wrote.

She plans to gather a large group of community members to drum up participation, and will be creating a Facebook group.

“We would love to see participation from our local clubs, children’s groups, businesses, veteran groups, music, and fun!” Miller wrote. “I am also interested in having people decorate their homes and businesses along the parade route as a contest. But it is all in the early stages.”

Higgins requested council consider establishing an Events Committee to assist in parades, holiday celebrations, Grand Marshal selection, and other large-scale community events. “These events belong to the entire community, and their planning should be transparent, inclusive, and professional.”

Councilor Robert Soucy (Ward 2) was in the parade himself, handing out flags to children along the parade route. He agreed with Higgin’s comments.

“There were a lot of participants in the parade, but if it wasn’t a statewide political year coming up, it probably wouldn’t have been very many, because most of them were all in that format,” he said.

Soucy agreed with Higgins the city should have an Events Committee, consisting of around five people to take control of parades and large community events. He said there is no money for it in this year’s budget, but still thinks something should be done.

At the next city council meeting, on Monday, July 27, Beattie will bring a proposal for the Citizen Event Committee to present to councilors, at 7 p.m. at City Hall.