WESTFIELD-Floats will be an integral part of the city’s 350th celebration in May and businesses and organizations interested in participating have until Nov. 30 to submit an application, according to Paul Nunez, chairperson of the Westfield 350 Parade Committee.
“As a lifelong resident of the city, I remember the parade in 1969,” said Nunez, who is retired from the Westfield Police Department. “Having grown up in the city and having worked here all of my life, I couldn’t say no when I was asked to volunteer.”
Paul Nunez, chairperson of the Westfield 350 Parade, is seen during a summer meeting with a group of volunteers who have been meeting for months on logistics for the 350th parade. (Submitted photo)
Nunez has a committee of 15 volunteers who are overseeing a daunting task – to coordinate logistics for all of the divisions that will march in the 350th Parade.
“We decided to create subcommittees with oversight from a committee member,” said Nunez.
Currently, Nunez said the subcommittees range from civic organizations, schools, businesses and nonprofits, to politicians, civic leaders, churches, and area municipalities. Additionally, subcommittees will include an antique car division, bands and musical performances including the Mummers, and city, state and national groups including the 104th Fighter Wing at Barnes Air National Guard Base and the Westfield Council on Aging.
“We will also have a special heroes of Westfield division,” said Nunez, adding, “We want to recognize past mayors, fire and police chiefs, political leaders, and people who have contributed to the city of Westfield.”
Nunez and his volunteers have been meeting monthly this year to review the intricate details that will ensure the parade steps off in style. Nunez anticipates the meetings will become more frequent as the May 19 parade date approaches.
“We want to ensure that everyone who wants to be a part of the parade can be, so it is important to submit an application as soon as possible,” said Nunez.
After Nov. 30, Nunez said he has assigned two parade committee members – Ken Davison and Mark DelMonte – to review all float applications and follow-up with the appropriate contacts. Davison and DelMonte are also co-chairing the antique cars division.
“Their job will be to speak to these individuals to see what kind of float will be done,” said Nunez. “At this time we have seven floats confirmed.”
Among those organizations planning a float include the Westfield Kiwanis Club, the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Westfield, and the Hampton Ponds Association.
For Nunez, overseeing the parade that is celebrating his hometown is a labor of love. The parade will begin at Stanley Park on Western Avenue and end at Park Square.
“I’m retired so I have free time,” said Nunez, adding, “We are all working together as a team. My biggest concern is we need to know as soon as possible who wants to participate since we have opened up the parade to the whole city.”
For persons interested in volunteering their time to help Nunez and his team on the day of the parade by coordinating the step-off time for divisions and other last-minute logistics – or creating a float, visit HTTP://bit.ly/westfield350. For complete details on the 350th celebration, visit westfield350.org.
