Brentwood Newsletter Editor-in-Chief, Jim Hajjar, poses in front of the Brentwood Newsletter’s Independence Day rocket float, holding the prize trophy awarded for Best Float in Parade.

Brentwood Newsletter Independence Day Rocket

The Brentwood Newsletter (BNL) entered a patriotic rocket-themed float in the 2023 Brentwood, New Hampshire, Independence Day parade. The BNL team and family members constructed, then paraded a fabulous red, white and blue rocket, seemingly in flight among a display of patriotic decorations. Masterfully constructed from a viarierty of material off-cuts and industrial cast-offs, the result was the clear star of the show, taking the prize for best float. There was even talk that it was, perhaps, the best ever float seen at the annual parade. The overall result of the BNL float and its participation in the parade was overwhelmingly positive for the unity and morale of the small, friendly and rural New Hampshire town.

Following below is the BNL article on the event written by Jim Hajjar, Editor of the BNL and main driving force behind the float and his “Salute to America.” Fantastic job, Jim! Then there are several photo galleries showing the construction of the rocket float and the actual parade. In addition there are a few videos interspersed that help to capture the unfettered enthusiasm and excitement of the event.

Beginnings and Early Construction

Luncheon of the Float Decoration Party

Independence Day Parade

“Possibly the best float ever in the parade“

Local Area Resident.

It had been threatening to rain all day, which probably would have played havoc with the cardboard rocket! As luck would have it the rain held off until the parade had ended. From the weather radar it looked like the precipitation split and went both north and south of Brentwood!

(Driving home in the rain…)

So the parade had ended (and just in time to miss the rain, which finally moved in). The float was dismantled and the rocket now resides, in various pieces, in a barn somewhere in Brentwood. Who knows what it may be reborn as next year…