Preparations are underway for the 75th anniversary of Andover’s Fourth of July celebration. We’ve made contact with some parade participants and bands are being lined up. We are also on a drive to bring in more floats this year. Vendors for the Village Green are being registered and kid’s games are in the works.
Who can forget the delicious food and refreshments that the town’s nonprofits prepare for the July 4th celebrants? Flashback to 1942: Think about spending 5 cents for a coke, keeping in mind that the average salary was $1,800 a year, or roughly $35 a week! While you’re at it, consider that the average price of a new car was $920 and gasoline was 15 cents a gallon! Wow! Times certainly have changed but not the excitement of the residents of Andover and the surrounding areas for the fun day that the dedicated Fourth of July Committee puts on.
What began as a small dance in front of the Blackwater Grange has become an all day event that continues to grow. Attendance is at an all-time high. In the spirit of having fun for all those who join Andover on the 4th, it continues to be an important fund raiser for the town’s nonprofits. To name a few, Andover Lions Club, Andover Snowmobile Club, Andover Youth Baseball, Andover Service Club, local churches, our libraries, Boy Scouts, Friends of the Northern Rail Trail, Andover/Salisbury/Webster Fire Explorers, Andover Cycling Club, and Andover Girls Softball.
Countdown! Starting on Saturday, April 1, there are 94 days until July 4th! Ninety-four days to think about a float; the theme is Remember When: 1942-2017. From pulling a little red wagon, to a large flatbed trailer akin to a Macy’s Parade float, anything goes. It doesn’t have to take a lot of time and/or resources to show your community spirit!
Ninety-four days until the pancakes melt in your mouth, a sausage grinder hits the spot and that strawberry shortcake wakes up your taste buds! Ninety-four days until the shopaholic in you browses the vendor booths. Ninety-four days until the patriotic songs ring in your heart, the Kearsarge Community Band kicks off a full day of entertainment on the Village Green, and the thump of the Bektash drums beckon everyone to the roadside. Ninety-four days until thousands of people look to the sky to see another spectacular fireworks display.
To help finance this event, the committee is currently selling raffle tickets. There are three choices for the lucky winners: Overnight and Breakfast for Two at the Highland Lake Inn, Italian Basket, and two $25 grocery gift cards. Look for ticket sales at various locations & events around town over the next few months.
If you enjoy laughter and the feeling of camaraderie, please contact one of our members and join our enthusiastic committee. You won’t regret it. Doug Phelps at 802-310-1045; Donna French at 735-6131; Bob Ward at 735-5061; and Beth Frost at 735-5562.
Anyone thinking of entering a float please contact Donna French at 735-6131 or e-mail her at dlfrench@nulltds.net for early registration. Another option is to send a message to Andover, New Hampshire Fourth of July on Facebook.