The annual Push-n-Pull Parade will be held at a new location in town on Sunday, July 4, 2021. The parade will start at 10:30 a.m. at Darien High School, go down Noroton Avenue and end up at the Darien VFW Post 6933 at 205 Noroton Ave.
— This article combines information from a Darien police announcement, which was sent to Darienite.com, and a Darien VFW announcement, which wasn’t (we snagged it from elsewhere). They, and anyone else, can send announcements to dave@darienite.com.
The parade location has changed for 2021. It will step off from the Darien High School at 10:30 AM sharp, proceed south on Noroton Avenue, ending at the VFW located at 205 Noroton Ave.
he Darien VFW Post 6933 is proud to host the sixteenth annual July 4th Push-n-Pull Parade.
Drivers are advised to avoid Noroton Avenue north of West Avenue during the parade. Middlesex Road between Edgerton Street. and Libby Lane. will be detoured for a period of time. Police officers will be present ensuring traffic is re-routed which may cause delays. Please seek alternate routes.
In keeping with what has now become an annual tradition for Darien, the patriotic parade will comprise children riding bikes, scooters, wagons and non-motorized vehicles.
According to the Darien VFW, which is now hosting the parade, the route has changed because of “the pandemic and timing for approvals.”
Families are encouraged to arrive at Darien High School from 9:45 to 10 a.m. The parade will end at the VFW Post 6933, at 205 Noroton Ave. (in the parking lot adjacent to the Noroton Heights Fire Department and McGuane Field).
The VFW post’s Color Guard will lead the parade, which drew close to 3,000 residents in 2019 and is now in its 16th year.
As in prior years, there will be a contest in which participants will have a chance to win honors in multiple categories, including a “best decorated” category for a vehicle with wheels (e.g., a tricycle, bicycle, scooter or wagon), a “best decorated” category for a float, and a “most patriotic” dressed family category.
All vehicles must be non-motorized. Winners of the contest will be announced at 10:20 a.m., and they will lead the parade as Honorary Grand Marshals.
The parade will travel down Noroton Avenue to our Post, where there will be food vendors and live entertainment, including Rockin’ Rhythms with Mr. Ray. There will also be a number of children’s activities taking place there, including face painting and a selection of removable children’s tattoos.
In its announcement, the VFW said: “This event is free and open to the public, with a suggested donation of $20 per family, payable at the VFW to support the Post and its headquarters, the former Chapel of Fitch’s Home for Soldiers and their Orphans (the first veterans’ home in the U.S. that was established right here in Darien just after the Civil War). We encourage you to stop by the Post on the day of the parade so we can show you around.”
Businesses sponsoring the parade include the Rucci Law Group, LLC; Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP; and Day Pitney LLP.
In addition, the VFW thanks the Noroton Heights Fire Department, the Police Department, the Darien and Noroton fire departments and the town government for their assistance.