Having discovered that the 2021 Main Street Memorial Day parade was once again canceled due to Covid concerns, local residents have banded together to re-create last year’s vehicle parade through town. Organizer Brian Armstrong said, “We were all disappointed to find out that this year's Memorial Day parade was canceled, but as soon as we heard the news, we knew we had to bring back the Memorial Day Car Parade!”
Building on last year’s success, in which over 65 cars participated, Armstrong says he expects this year’s car parade to be even bigger and better. “Last year the idea came to me on the Friday before Memorial Day and we worked through the weekend to try to get the word out and make sure everything was a go for Monday. This year we had enough time to start promoting the event earlier, so I’m hoping more people have a chance to participate," he remarked.
Armstrong said, “Last year’s parade was a blast – everyone was in a great mood, laughing and smiling, and enjoying themselves; the cars all looked great, decked out in American flags and regalia, and some even had red, white, and blue balloons. And it was fantastic to drive through town and wave to all the people who had come out to watch. We want to try to recreate that magic. I would encourage everyone to take part, either as a participant or onlooker – it's a really fun and unique event!”
Additional Information:
For those looking to take part in the parade, cars will begin to assemble in the Ridgefield High School parking lot on Monday (Memorial Day), starting at 9 am. The parade will officially kick off at 10 am. The parade will wind its way south through Ridgefield and eventually turn up Main Street and conclude at Ballard Park. Like last year, all participants are asked to observe all normal traffic rules, including all stop signs and traffic lights, unless otherwise instructed by police. The parade will pause at St. Mary's Cemetery for a moment of silence, to honor the veterans, which is the true intent of the event.
Ridgefield Memorial Day Car Parade route:
LEFT (out of Ridgefield High School) on Ridgebury Rd
RIGHT on Ledges Rd
SLIGHT RIGHT on Barlow Mountain Rd
LEFT on North St (waive Hi to Shiek the camel - pause at stop sign to honor veterans buried at the cemetery)
LEFT on Copps Hill Rd
STRAIGHT across Danbury Rd to Farmingville Rd
RIGHT into Farmingville Elementary School
RIGHT out of Farmingville Elementary on Farmingville Rd
RIGHT on Lounsbury Rd
LEFT on Ivy Hill Rd
RIGHT on Florida Hill Rd / Ivy Hill Rd
LEFT on Branchville Rd
RIGHT on Nod Rd
RIGHT on Whipstick Rd
RIGHT on Wilton Rd East
MERGE on Main St
STRAIGHT to Ballard Park