Labor Day Parade watchers who turned out for Monday’s annual celebration probably didn’t equal the throng of 12,000 that filled the Oval area back in 1959, but several longtime attendees agreed it was one of the better crowds in recent memory.

The parade, a classic example of small-town Americana launched in 1946 to celebrate the homecoming of the nation’s World War II soldiers and its workforce, showcased the town’s police, fire and medical first responders, civic and community organizations, musical ensembles and church groups, plus a floats and displays that paid tribute to Milford’s agricultural heritage.

That heritage gave rise to this year’s theme, “The Year of the American Farmer.” And as is always the case, especially in an election year, office-holders and hopefuls for local, state and federal posts walked the route to greet as many prospective voters as possible.

The robust attendance can be attributed at least in part to renewed efforts to find funding for the parade since 2011, when the event came close to being canceled due to lack of funding. Lyndeborough resident Brendan Philbrick, whose father, Bob Philbrick, is a longtime town moderator and parade organizer, is credited with drumming up enough contributions to save the 2011 parade.

That started a trend, and this year the town appropriated $5,000 and two local foundations – the Kaley and Keyes – grew the budget to $10,000 by pledging $2,500 each.

What everyone – politicians, musicians, go-kart-driving Shriners, clowns, military veterans and the audience – had in common Monday was searching for ways to stay cool against the blistering heat and thick humidity that settled in the Souhegan Valley. Groups huddled under shade in the Oval, while others sought shelter in the gazebo, the vantage point from which Town Moderator Pete Basiliere carried out his duties as parade announcer.

Spotted among the spectators on the Union Street side of the Oval was former longtime selectman Rosario “Sarooch” Ricciardi, a nonagenarian who is among the most recognizable personalities in town.

This year, leading the participating politicians was Gov. Maggie Hassan, who is nearing the end of her two-year term and is running for re-election.

Later in the parade, Republicans Walt Havenstein and Andrew Hemingway came through the Oval, both walking out ahead of a sea of sign-
toting supporters. The pair will face off in next week’s primary for the opportunity to challenge Hassan in November.

Meanwhile, one of the larger armies of supporters belonged to U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, who likewise waved and shook hands along the route.

The three Republicans running in next Tuesday’s primary – former Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown, former U.S. Sen. Bob Smith of New Hampshire and former state Sen. Jim Rubens – marched Monday with their supporters. They all hope to defeat Shaheen, a Democrat, on Nov. 4.

Dean Shalhoup can be reached at 594-6443 or dshalhoup@nashuatelegraph.com. Also follow Shalhoup on Twitter (@Telegraph_DeanS).