The Andover Fourth of July and Events Committee is making plans for the 71st annual Fourth of July celebration. The Quahog Fife and Drum band will be returning this year. We missed their appearance last year. Their period costumes and music add a very patriotic feeling to our parade.

We are pleased that the New Hampshire Pipe and Drum Band will also be marching in the parade. Their plaids, pipes, and drums add that Scottish flair. They will also be performing on the green after the parade. The Kearsage Community Band will once again entertain us in the morning on the Village Green.

We expect all the usual activities to take place on the Village Green, as well as the flea market, the Andover Lion’s Club breakfast, and the Firecracker 5K footrace. We are working to bring all our old favorites like the Andover Lions’ stagecoach, Leapin’ Lena, Captain Morrill, and the Bektash band to Andover on the Fourth.

We are hopeful that the Air National Guard Band of the Northeast will be able to appear this year. We are still in the negotiation process.

We should have decided on the theme by the next issue of the Beacon, so folks who wish to enter a float can make plans. Remember, there are money prizes for various entries in the parade.

For insurance purposes, the Fourth of July Committee has been appointed as an advisory committee to the Town of Andover. We have been working for several months to work out the details. Our operations will remain much the same, except for certain functions. We will not be a line item in the Town budget, so we will still be looking for donations to support this event.

Insurance requirements have also increased. Now all vehicles in the parade will have to provide proof of insurance. As most people have it, all it requires is a little advance planning. We hope this will not deter entries to the parade.

We as a committee are working very hard to keep the Andover Fourth of July Celebration, that was started so many years ago, a yearly event.