The residents of Northfield have suffered severe devastation from the storm and flooding. Roads and bridges are washed out, people are stranded and without power, and many families, have lost their homes and belongings.
Although the Labor Day festivities could be perceived as a bright spot to cheer people during this time of stress, the most important thing we can do right now as a community is put our time, energy and resources into helping our neighbors recover from this disaster.
The Northfield Observances Board has voted unanimously to postpone the event until next Labor Day weekend.
This was a very difficult decision, and was not made without considering all of the options.
The safety and well being of the community is the main concern.
Emergency services such as the ambulance, police and fire departments, need to focus their attention on the immediate recovery needs, and without those services able to devote their attention to the weekend, it would be impossible to insure a safe event.
Many members of the Labor Day board and committees have been helping with the cleanup of the homes in the Water Street and Union Brook neighborhoods, and the reality of the situation is very clear: volunteers are needed to help people get the mud out of their basements, get the wet sheetrock and insulation removed from their homes before it starts to mold, and collect, sort and deliver items being donated.
We need to come together as a community and create that bright spot by making the load a little lighter for those in need. Our neighbors are exhausted and can use a helping hand. Please use this Labor Day weekend to help with the cleanup, donate what you can to the Northfield Emergency Relief Fund, and enjoy Labor Day Weekend in
2012 knowing you made a difference.
Our theme this year is:
"Under the Sea"
This
years' dates are as follows:
Saturday, Sept. 3, 2011
Sunday, Sept. 4, 2011
Monday, Sept. 5, 2011
Please
visit our donate page for more detailed
information and to find out how you can help keep Northfield Labor Day Weekend a Vermont tradition for years to come...
Click
here for a parade application