Tolland Memorial Day Parade Details Posted

TOLLAND, CT — Here is an announcement from town officials about the 2018 Memorial Day activities:

The Town of Tolland will hold its largest annual gathering, the 27th Annual Memorial Day Parade and Service, on Sunday, May 27th at 1:00 p.m. along the Tolland Green. The parade is organized by the Tolland Permanent Celebration Committee with the Town’s Veterans Recognition Commission and local veterans.

It will be held rain or shine.

The parade begins next to the Preschool of the Arts on Tolland Stage Road, traverses the Town Green, turns right on Old Post Road and ends at the Tolland Intermediate School at 104 Old Post Road. The theme of the parade is “Honoring our Fallen Heroes.”

Kathy Bach, President of the Tolland Historical Society, will be announcing the parade from the Old Tolland County Jail and Museum at 52 Tolland Green, and U.S. Army Veteran, Chris Prytko of Tolland will be announcing from in front of Town Hall at 21 Tolland Green.

In lieu of its former float contest, the committee this year is holding a new contest and expanding it to all parade units. Floats are welcome, but first, second and third place prizes will be awarded to the group whose float, vehicle or marching unit most reflects the parade theme. Groups are encouraged to be creative in how they reflect the theme, but they might do so by wearing red, white and blue, carrying a banner or signs or playing patriotic music.

This year, any business or other parade unit seeking to distribute items to the public from the parade procession must obtain prior approval from the committee by emailing its members at tollandpcc@gmail.com.
A solemn Memorial Day ceremony will follow the parade on the lawn of the Intermediate School, with U.S. Marine Veteran, Tom Farrish as the master of ceremonies and featuring music by the Tolland High School marching band.

Before, during and after the parade, the rear of Town Hall will be open for members of the public to view the Town’s Veterans Wall of Honor.

Parking will be available at Town Hall and behind and across from the Intermediate School. Any groups that would like to march should send an email to the Permanent Celebration Committee at tollandpcc@gmail.com.

Photo Credit: Jayme Kunze