Arnold Mills Parade Association makes annual call for sponsors

CUMBERLAND — The Arnold Mills Parade Association, a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization, is seeking sponsors for its 92nd annual Fourth of July Parade and 50th annual Arnold Mills Race.

Sponsors can be individuals, companies or an organization.

Since 1927, the Arnold Mills Parade has been held in Cumberland to celebrate the nation’s birthday. It is currently the second-oldest Independence Day parade in Rhode Island.

The Arnold Mills Parade Association is made up entirely of volunteers from across Northern Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts. It hosts a four-mile road race sanctioned by the New England Athletic Conference and a four-division parade, as well as a free concert on the holiday for the citizens of the Blackstone Valley. Each year thousands of people from across the Blackstone Valley and Massachusetts attend the parade and road race, while over 500 runners participate annually in the road race. All age groups and demographics come to these events. Many families have been attending the parade for several generations (and sit in the same area along the 1.3-mile parade route).

As a patron of the Arnold Mills Parade, a company would gain exposure to more than 30,000 people who annually view the road race, the parade or hear/see the live broadcast on radio/cable through WOON Radio in Woonsocket. The success of this event credited largely to the sponsors, who lend their names and financial support to the event. The money raised each year goes to the road race, the various bands and musical groups from across the state and the country, and for awards and trophies for runners and parade float winners.

A $1,000 donation has the sponsor’s logo printed on the road race T-shirt, which is given to each runner with his or her registration. Additionally, a banner with the company’s logo is prominently displayed at the beginning/end of the road race.

The cost of banners/signs are included in the sponsorship payment.

For more information on how to become a sponsor, contact AMPA President Joyce Hindle Koutsogiane at jhindlekoutsogiane@gmail.com or call 401-333-1381.