Park Road Parade
Saturday, October 5, 2024

In September of 1999, Richard Patrissi, owner of Patrissi Nursery and Garden Center, Angelo Faenza, owner of the Prospect Café, and Rob Rowlson, West Hartford Director of Community Services, spearheaded the idea of holding a parade to celebrate the completion of infrastructure improvements along Park Road.

Since then, this fun-filled, one-of-a-kind community event has become one of the region’s most popular fall traditions. It celebrates all that is special about Park Road, West Hartford, and beyond. Mark your calendar for the grand finale on Saturday, October 5.

Over the last twenty-five years, organizing the parade has grown into a nearly year-long volunteer effort. There is no guarantee that Mother Nature will cooperate by keeping inclement weather away. Expenses for the event are incurred each year, even if the parade needs to be canceled due to rain, as was the case in 2022 and 2023.

After much thought and consideration, Parade organizers have decided to pause future parades after this year’s event. The Park Road Association will instead focus its future time and energy on multiple events throughout the year designed to celebrate the Park Road Community and promote our neighborhood’s businesses.

This year, we are committed to making the parade as special and memorable as the first. This year’s Parade is dedicated to Rob Rowlson, who sadly passed away in 2022. Local radio and community service icon Renee DiNino will be the Grand Marshal, and all past Parade Grand Marshals will be invited to participate.

We encourage everyone to participate in the parade. There is no fee to participate. All you have to do is complete the sign-up form and email it to renee@westhartfordct.gov.

Each year awards are given to Best Float, Best Overall Performance, Best Costume, Best Musical Performance, and Best Community Spirit. Make your contingent the best it can be and win!

If you have any questions, call me at 860-561-7521.

A big “thank you” goes out to all of our 2023 and 2024 sponsors: