|
WAYNE NORMAN IN THE WILI BOOM BOX PARADE WILI'S morning man since 1971, Wayne Norman is the Grand Marshal of the annual WILI July 4th Boom Box Parade. In 1991 he started a tradition of wacky outfits and modes of travel to start the parade. Here are some of his costumes:
 In the inaugural Boom Box Parade in 1986, Grand Marshal Wayne Norman wore white shorts, red shirt, and blue suspenders. In the second parade in 1987, he drove a snazzy Mustang convertible. Mid-day man Ken Carson rode shotgun. That's a camera crew from WFSB-Channel 3 in Hartford in the back seat.
 The 1992 Boom Box Parade was the only one affected by wet weather. The parade began 45 minutes late to allow a soaking rainstorm to pass. Wayne Norman had planned to ride a horse, but the horse had other ideas. Wayne walked the first three blocks (L), then got on the horse the rest of the way.
 Frogman Wano in 1993 -- Randy Flaum photo
 In 1993, Wayne (center) dressed as one of the Frogs of Windham. He is flanked by John Tuite (L), Gordon Smith, Lynn Moebus, and Mike Morrissette.
 In 1997 Wayne led the parade on a motorcycle, complete with his boom box shoes.
 1998 was Wayne's all-time favorite. He rollerbladed on Main Street, towing the world's largest boom box, which looked strangely similar to a bus. Notice the radio dial on the side. Oh, and that's George Washington throwing candy from the top of the "boom box."
 In honor of the UConn Men's Basketball team winning the 1999 NCAA title, Wayne was dressed in center Jake Voskuhl's actual game jersey. Wayne is wearing "boom box shoes," is shooting a nerf basketball at a hoop on afternoon man Shawn Higgins' back, while towing a sled carrying the UConn Husky mascot. Wayne has been the radio voice of UConn Men's Basketball since 1981.
 Wayne was "Romantic Willimantic's" first "Cupid" in 1982. In the 2000 Boom Box Parade, he led the "Cupid Corps" of many subsequent Cupids. Seen behind Wayne are Cupids Shawn Maynard (L), Linda Riquier (with dog), "parade mama" Kathy Clark (with sign), and Bev York (R). Wayne is wearing a diaper and is carrying a bow and arrow.
 In 2001, Wayne kicked off the parade dressed as Uncle Sam on a scooter.
 In 2003, Wayne asked a question on many people's minds after 60 Minutes II portrayed Willimantic in a negative light.
 In 2004, Wayne enjoyed leading the parade so much in his "adult tricycle" and white jump suit that he pedaled back to the formation area.
|
|||||
|
||||||
