July 4th, 2016

Barkhamsted, CT – The Lion’s Club held its annual Independence Day parade today which was met with a large attendance that consisted of local residents and area enthusiasts who enjoy this Norman Rockwell style event, that is a throwback to true Americana. The Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee float had State Senator Kevin Witkos and First Congressional candidate Matthew Corey on board. Witkos is serving his fourth term as the representing senator of district 8 and is also the Senate Minority Leader Pro Tempore in his caucus with the Connecticut General Assembly. The senator also owns a restaurant in Canton and holds a part-time position with Northeast Utilities.

Matthew Corey, is a businessman who runs two companies, a bar in downtown Hartford, McKinnon’s, which Corey opened in 2002, and a skyscraper window washing firm, Advanced Services International which was created in 1990. He is challenging embedded democrat John Larson for a second time as the Republican nominee, but first faced Larson in 2012 as an Independent. Corey is also a navy veteran.

The parade also had floats from the American Legion’s Riverton Post 159, local churches, the Barkhamsted Historical Society, of course, the Lions Club, and a variety of others, many who were new to the line. First Selectman Don Stein (D) also participated and made the rounds.

Following the fire engines which traditionally close the parade and are driven by Barkhamsted’s finest, the event closes with music played by the star band, a group of volunteer musicians who only meet on this one occasion each year to play patriotic songs that include the “Star Spangled Banner” and “America the Beautiful.”

Tribute was given to the Barkhamsted Baseball Youth League and a prayer was recited by the Pleasant Valley Methodist Church minister.

Thanks to veteran RTC member Ernie Little, Mark Carotunti for the use of his Dodge Ram heavy duty truck, and former RTC Chair, Dave Moulton, for helping decorate the float today…as well as my son and his good friend for throwing candy to the crowd.

GOD BLESS AMERICA!