Be the Heart of the Parade!
There's nothing quite like the excitement of Northfield’s Labor Day Parade—where creativity, community spirit, and fun take center stage! From eye-catching floats and marching bands to race cars, clubs, and costumed crews, every entry adds color and energy to this cherished tradition. Whether you’re a local business, school group, nonprofit, or just a crew of spirited friends, we invite you to take part in the big event on Monday morning. It’s your chance to shine, share your story, and help bring smiles to thousands of spectators lining the streets. Don’t just watch the magic—be part of it!
Groups, Clubs & Crews
March, ride, dance, or drive! Whether you’re a sports team, local business, performance group, or community organization, the parade is the perfect way to get noticed and be celebrated. Rally your team and make some memories together!
Bring Your Vision to Life
From floats to funky costumes, there’s no limit to how creative you can get! The Labor Day Parade is your chance to turn an idea into something unforgettable—and roll it right through the heart of town. Big or small, polished or playful, every entry adds something special to the show.
Make the Crowd Smile
There’s no better feeling than hearing cheers from the crowd as you pass by! With thousands of spectators lining the route, it’s your moment to shine, share your story, and spread joy. Join us and be part of the tradition that brings the whole community together.
Labor Day 2026
Grand Marshals 2026
KAREN AND REED KORROW
NAMED GRAND MARSHALS
For Labor Day Parade Grand Marshals, it’s Oil in the Family
- by Dex Rowe -
You likely know their names. She is Karen Gillespie Korrow. “Her mother and father bought Gillespie’s in 1962.” That’s husband Reed Korrow. “In 1974 we moved back here [to Northfield] from Saranac Lake. I got a job at the school as a guidance counselor, and she worked with her mother at Gillespie’s.” And the business expanded.
“When (Karen) took over the business in the late 70s-early 80s there was one driver, her mother and herself. It was an oil business back then. Today there are more than 50 employees. (Karen) expanded the business into propane in the 90s.” Their sons took over the business 5-10 years ago, expanding into “excavation, and plumbing along the way.” Their head plumbing guy? “I had him in school when he was in 7th grade. One of Karen’s employees has been with her since she was 17.”
Reed has been active within the community. “When I was with the Rec Dept, July 4th was the big weekend. There used to be a big cookout. And the money that was made paid for the pool.” The town later took it over.
Reed has also driven buses for Green Mt. Transit, coached Little League, officiated football and basketball and, while a Northfield guidance counselor, coached Harwood 4-6th graders.
Their sons are also frequently in the Labor Day parade, driving Gillespie trucks carrying, for example, one of the Norwich hockey teams.
The couple has been married 56 years and many of their summers have included the Labor Day weekend celebrations. Most memorable? The parade, especially the floats. “The people (making floats) are very creative.”
On Labor Day, Reed and Karen will lead the Northfield parade as Grand Marshals. They’ll be in a 1929 Ford. Convertible? “It’s a truck. A converted oil truck.”The parade kicks into gear at 10:30 Labor Day Monday morning.