The Gilmanton 4th of July Committee is pleased to announce the Grand Marshall for the 2024 Parade. This year, the Committee has nominated Mark Sawyer.

Mark moved to Gilmanton when he was 22 years old and, at 84, he still resides in the same house on Frisky Hill that his father, Harry Sawyer, built. His family home once housed the Lower Gilmanton Library, where his mother, Ruth Sawyer, was the librarian. Soon after moving to town, he found his calling with the Gilmanton Fire Department. Mark was one of the founding members of the Gilmanton Rescue Squad and had the distinction of being the first lieutenant of the Rescue Squad at the Gilmanton Corners Station. Mark served with the Fire Department for over 60 years and in 2010 the Gilmanton Fire Department dedicated truck number 9T2 to Mark where his name is proudly displayed. In addition to his service to the town of Gilmanton, Mark has spent countless hours volunteering his time as a Cub Scout Den Father, Old Home Day, Labor Day events, Fire Department fundraisers, and spent 24 years on the Budget Committee.

Not that he had time for much leisure, but Mark is a member of the Gardner Cove Association, where he spends his time floating or kayaking on Loon Pond. Mark also enjoys traveling with his family and riding around in “Miss Grease”, as he affectionately calls his daughter & son-in-law’s 1956 Mercury Montclair. Mark loves to talk about the
car to people that ask about it… even at stoplights.

Mark will have the honor of being in the lead car of the parade.
Please join us in celebrating Mark Sawyer at the parade at 10:00am on July 4th.