Alumni Parade draws Super Heroes to Chester

Chester was filled with Super Heroes under warm blue skies on Saturday, June 9, as the annual Alumni Day Parade made its way through town, up from Town Hall, past the Jiffy Mart and the Green, which was filled four-deep with onlookers. An estimated 2,000 people enjoyed the 30-minute parade, filled with floats, music from the Green Mountain Union High Marching Band

Retired Principal Norm Stevens was honored as the Parade Marshal.

The Class of 1952 made a fine showing with their float celebrating lifelong learning. And the Class of 1977 thrilled with its Batmobile, Batman, cadre of evil-doers — including Penguin and the Joker — and walking “POWs.” For anyone who loved the kitschy 1960s television show,  the joke was evident. This float was awarded 2nd Place.

But it was the Class of 1983 that won yet another 1st Place award with its ornate float honoring the first responders to the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center buildings in New York City.  A cash prize was given.

The day also featured new alumni — the Class of 2012 entered a float; and those who will be alumni — the Chester-Andover Elementary School’s Spirit Squad.

The weekend of events included a golf tourney and a Friday dance and Saturday night dinner at the American Legion, all planned by the Chester High School-Green Mountain Union High School Alumni Association.

The Ludlow American Legion Post 36 color guard./All photos by Sharon Baker unless otherwise noted.

The Class of 1952 celebrates lifelong learning.

Pam Laffaye of Chester enjoys the parade with her granddaughter.

Horse back riders introduce the class floats.

Butch and Janet Barraby and their Appaloosas.

What a ride for the Class of ’62!

An antique Farmall tractor attracts a lot of attention.

Clowns on minibikes entertain the crowd./Photo by Angie Benson

Members of the Class of 72 with their float.

Another antique tractor, this one a beautiful John Deere.

The Class of ’83’s float honored the public servants and heroes of 9/11. Michelle Jasinski dresses as a police officer.

Class of ’92 Superman float./photo by Angie Benson

The Green Mountain Union High School Class of 2012 paid tribute to Marvel Comics.