HOOKSETT – The Old Home Day Committee has rejected a request that Republican Presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani and an elephant be allowed to appear in the Old Home Day parade Oct. 6.

"The concern was, pardon the pun, it could turn into a circus," Police Chief Steve Agrafiotis said.

Arizona Gray, who says he's co-chairman of the Giuliani campaign in town, asked the committee a month ago if Giuliani could ride and wave from a convertible during the parade, preceded by an elephant to represent the Republican Party. Gray suggested there could be elephant rides after the parade.

Gray said he only approached the committee because the parade already was in the works.

Giuliani's campaign was unaware of Gray's request.

"Although we value New Hampshire's great tradition of local parades, this was not a request that the campaign made," Jeff Grappone, Giuliani's New Hampshire campaign spokesman, said last night.

Old Home Day in Hooksett is an annual event, billed as a "non-political, low-cost, family-oriented event where the community can enjoy a day with neighbors and friends," said committee chairwoman Nancy Van Scoy.

Old Home Day events are free and include entertainment, a petting zoo and a children's "bounce house."

Gray said he never heard back from the Old Home Day Committee about his request. But on Aug. 1, a committee member met with the police chief, fire chief and town administrator, explaining Gray's request.

Van Scoy told the town council there were concerns about cost and safety.

"Certainly a political candidate adds a lot of work for volunteers and a police department that's already stressed during this type of event," she said.

During the 20 years she's lived in Hooksett, Councilor Pat Rueppel said candidates have never marched in the parade.

"I am in favor of keeping this a family affair," Councilor Stuart Werksman said. "This is no place for politics. It will be a mess. We are asking for problems."

Gray questioned if the decision is legal.

"Tell them to read the Constitution to do that, because once it's town-sponsored, you cannot disallow a politician," Gray said.

Although participation in the parade is by invitation only, everyone is welcome to attend the event.

"If Hillary Clinton and her security detail, or any other candidate, wants to come down to the Hooksett Old Home Day, that's fine," said Agrafiotis.

Grappone said he did not know if Giuliani planned to attend the event.