Paul Bass Photo
Freddy Fixer attendees in 2017.
The Freddy Fixer Parade has been rescheduled for noon on June 3
That’s the latest news about the parade that had to be postponed because of impending storms that ultimately didn’t arrive last Sunday.
Mayor Toni Harp’s office announced in a press release Tuesday that not only will the parade take place, but a planned Freddy Fixer neighborhood festival also will be rescheduled and moved. Instead, the Freddy Fixer neighborhood festival will be held June 9 starting at 11 a.m. and it will be held on the New Haven Green as a kickoff for the International Festival of Arts & Ideas.
New Haven Fire Chief John Alston will be one of the parade grand marshals, which was the original plan. It’s unclear if the legendary radio host Tom Joyner will make an appearance again.
If you have any questions or need more information contact Petisia M. Adger of the Elm City Freddy Fixer Parade Committee at 203 – 687-0548 or by email at ecffparade@gmail.com
Below is an earlier letter from Mayor Har about the postponed Freddy Fixer.
I’m eager for your readers to know the frustration I share with them regarding Sunday’s postponement of the Freddie Fixer Parade. This iconic showcase and celebration of African-American talent, culture, and pride is a highlight on New Haven’s special events calendar each year.
We were all looking forward to this year’s edition.
But the weather forecast included a strong prospect for thunderstorms associated with a cold front set to slide through the region. With fresh images of the devastation caused by last Tuesday’s severe weather, and with keen sensitivity to the potential for more harm from another round of strong, springtime storms, the decision was made to exercise abundant caution, postpone, and reschedule.
Some have suggested the postponement had something to do with a busy weekend at Yale and resulting crowded city streets. Please know, had that been the case, no one would’ve waited until the last minute to reschedule the parade.
The City of New Haven issues parade permits in large part to ensure proper public safety planning for these large-scale events. With the threat of severe weather yesterday, the City’s concern for public safety outweighed the desire many people felt to go ahead as planned.
A rescheduled parade will be announced and promoted as soon as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Sincerely,
Toni N. Harp
Mayor – City of New Haven