Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
Date: 5/3/2022
HADLEY – The Hadley Memorial Day Parade is slated to return on May 29 after a two-year COVID-19-driven hiatus. The day will begin with ceremonies to honor our veterans at each of the six cemeteries in town with the community invited to attend, and the parade line-up will start at the American Legion and in the Library and Senior Center parking area at 1 p.m. before the parade starts at 2 p.m.
Hadley Historical Commission member and Memorial Day Parade volunteer Denise Barstow Manz said the Memorial Day Parade is a longstanding community event dating back decades at least. Barstow Manz said this is her first year helping organize the parade, but preparations have been smooth despite the recent loss of long-time “Parade Chairman, community member, businessman, and generous in spirit John Kieras who passed in December of 2021.”
“Everyone is welcome to be either in the parade or a spectator,” Barstow Manz said. “Each year we send out invitations to past participants which totals over 150. We always get a good showing of local businesses, town committees, social clubs, antique car and tractor owners, and local farms. Town members come out for this true community event, lining up lawn chairs along Route 9 and historic West Street as marchers and riders make their way through the center of town and end at the historic site of Hadley’s first 1665 meetinghouse for a short ceremony. All are welcome after the parade back at the Legion for refreshments.”
While it is still early to register for the parade, Barstow Manz said that as of April 28 the registered participants include State Representative Daniel Carey, Barry Roberts of Muddy Brook Drafts, the Hadley Senior Center and Barstow’s Dairy Store and Bakery. This is the parade’s first year with an online registration option which can be found along with additional info at www.hadleyparade.com.
“I’m grateful to be working with the new Parade Chairman and legion representative Richard Buckowski, and dedicated leader and organizer, Jean Baxter,” Barstow Manz said. “Jean and John have been the primary organizers for the last two decades and it shows. Small community events like this have a tendency to soak up the energy of the people who plan them which is why this parade is so warm, welcoming and community-driven. So many people volunteer their time and resources to make this day happen. It really is my favorite day of any calendar year.”