Thomas MacMillan Photo
New Haven’s Nation marched in the 2010 parade.
The annual Freddie Fixer Parade, which draws thousands of people from throughout the region to Dixwell Avenue, begins at 1:30 p.m. Sunday. Then, at 4 p.m., the seven Democratic candidates for mayor all plan for the first time to participate in a debate together, this one focused on economic development.
The annual Freddie Fixer Parade, named after the late neighborhood clean-up organizer Dr. Fred Smith, begins at Dixwell Avenue and Morse Street just over the New Haven-Hamden border, then continues down Dixwell through the Newhallville and Dixwell neighborhoods. Click here and here for stories about past years’ parades.
The parade follows several other related community events this weekend, including an annual Jazz breakfast at the Elks Club at 87 Webster St. from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday; and an annual “Drill-O-Rama” and competitions from 1 to 4 p.m. at Wexler/Grant School (55 Foote St.). For details check out the Freddie Fixer website.
Thomas MacMillan Photo
6 of the candidates at their May 7 debate.
Later Sunday, all seven Democratic mayoral candidates plan to participate in a debate on economic development issues, sponsored by the Ward 25, 26, and 27 party committees. It begins at Davis Street School (35 Davis St.) at 4 p.m. The Independent’s Paul Bass will serve as moderator.
The seven candidates are Hillhouse Principal Kermit Carolina, Alderman Justin Elicker, former city economic development chief Henry Fernandez, state Sen. Toni Harp, state Rep. Gary Holder-Winfield, plumber Sundiata Keitazulu, and former Chamber of Commerce prez Matthew Nemerson. They are seeking the party’s nomination in a Sept. 10 primary to succeed retiring 20-year- incumbent Mayor John DeStefano.