Try to imagine yourself back in 1942 with the cloud of war hanging over our nation and many of our young men leaving to defend it. It’s probably hard for you to imagine what it must have been like. Perhaps you have an elder family member who can tell you about it. If you aren’t fortunate to have someone from that era still in your family, or, even if you do, you should come to our movie night in the AE/MS gym on Saturday, July 1st at 6 PM to take yourself back to the early 1940’s. In spite of the cloud of war hanging over them, folks still needed to laugh. A great example of that is our first movie, “Buck Privates”, a comedy starring Bud Abbott and Lou Costello as well as The Andrews Sisters and other famous actors. The second movie is “Hollywood Canteen”, a musical starring many famous stars such as Eddie Cantor, Jack Benny, Bette Davis, Roy Rogers & Trigger and many others. Movie admission is free and traditional movie refreshments, such as hotdogs, popcorn, and soda will be on sale. Come have supper while you watch!
Programs are out and available around town. If you would also like to take home a bit of Andover Fourth of July history, the committee has worked hard to create a keepsake photo booklet. These will be available for sale at the movie and also on the day of the 4th celebration. You will be surprised at what you see!
Once you are in the 1940’s frame of mind, you can easily think about our American freedom and what it means to all of us. How fortunate we are! It makes us appreciate how important Andover’s Fourth of July celebration is to its citizens and those from neighboring towns.
This year will mark 75 years of restating our patriotism here in Andover. So let’s tip our hats to Etta Haughton, Olive Seavey and the Blackwater Grange, who started this yearly tradition. What began as a small supper and dance at the top of Lawrence Street has grown to an all-day event which Andover is proud of. Remember, in the event we have hurricane winds and rain on the 4th, we have a rain date for selected events on July 8th (details on page 2 of the program). This is an open invitation to bring yourself back to the 1940’s. There is still plenty of room on the Village Green for vendors and still time to create a float.
Many Parade entries have already been registered. However, if you want to participate but haven’t registered, you can still be included in the parade if you arrive at Proctor Field House at the registration desk on the 4th by 10 AM SHARP!! Remember there is a $250 Grand Prize for floats this year, as well as the usual prizes.
Attendance at our last committee meeting was spectacular! Thanks to all who came! We can always use more volunteers. If you have questions, call: Parade Entries, call Donna French, 735-6131; Market on the Green, call Doug Phelps, 802-310-1045; Children’s Parade, call Beth Frost, 735-5562.