The 83rd Annual Laurel Parade is scheduled for Sunday, June 11, 2017, beginning at 2:00PM. The parade will be led by this year’s Parade Marshall Sheila Sedlack. Beginning with a line-up at Boyd Street (at 1:00PM), the parade will travel down Main Street to East End Park, where the 2017 Laurel Queen and King will be crowned. Contestants for the titles ride down Main Street in decorated vehicles.
The procession will include the 2017 Future Laurel Queen and King Float along with bagpiper Ken Storrs, The Gilbert School Band, and the Winsted Fire Department marching with the Mattatuck Drum Band. The crowning ceremony occurs at East End Park, immediately following the parade. In the event of rain, ceremonies will be held at First Church of Winsted at 95 North Main Street (at 3:00PM).
A number of businesses and individuals contribute financially to the event and scholarships. Winsted was given the nickname “The Laurel City” in 1930 when Frank H. DeMars and other citizens noted the abundance of mountain laurel, the state’s official flower, in the area. The first Laurel Festival was held in 1934 with Gladys Weaving crowned the first Laurel Queen.
Please click here for more information on the history of the Laurel Festival in Winchester.
