“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning to dance in the rain” (Vivian Greene). Mother Nature may not have cooperated this year, but the rain did not dampen the enthusiasm and spirits of many of those who attended Andover’s Fourth of July festivities. A special thanks to the talented Billyjack Braley for designing the cover to this year’s program booklet and to the many young artists featured throughout the pages.  

Starting at 7AM, nearly 300 people began their day filling their bellies at the Lion’s Pancake Breakfast. Seventeen enthusiastic volunteers, led by Jennifer Bent, assisted the Lions Club in making this beloved start to Andover’s big day happen.

Throughout the morning and early afternoon, the Town Green was swarming with visitors who were wet but smiling and enjoying the more than 35 vendors. The inflatable games for the kids were a big hit again this year. 

And don’t forget the raffle — it was amazing! There were over 50 items donated from the community and beyond. Many thanks to Judy Perrault and Betty Adams for all of the work they put into this fundraiser. 

Steve Smith and Jason Wood didn’t miss a beat and engaged the crowd from the grandstand. At noon, Andover’s eighth grader, Evian Powers, sang The National Anthem and the Rand children rang the bell in Maxwell Savage Hall, signaling the parade’s start. 

Following 81 years of tradition, the parade was led by the Children’s Parade, with a good turnout reported by Alita Phelps, the organizer. Twenty kids arrived to join in the fun. She was impressed this year by how well the kids decorated their bikes. The Miss New Hampshire title holders were well represented again this year.

Headed by Donna Smith and Betty Adams, and with Mike Evleth and Michelle Gage handling main parade line up, the parade was able to happen, with the exception of a few entries, including the Concord Coach. Next year, we hope the 2023 citizenship award winners (Aiden Sava and Ellie Keyser) will join the 2024 recipients for the ride in this piece of history. Rik Marley, who drove his classic VW bus in the procession, posted on social media, “As the parade rounded the corner onto Main Street, we were pleasantly surprised at the throngs of revelers who turned out, despite the rain! I can’t wait until next year!”

The prize winners for parade entries are as follows:
Floats
“Super” Grand Prize Andover Outing Club
Grand Prize E. Andover Village Preschool
1st Prize Freedom Farm
2nd Prize Andover Fish and Game Club
3rd Prize Belletetes

Antique Vehicles
1st Prize Larry Wilson — 1958 Monte Carlo
2nd Prize Ron Frost — 1916 GMC Truck
3rd Prize Rik Marley — 1968 VW Type 2

Other Vehicles
1st Prize Freedom Farm
2nd Prize No Entry
3rd Prize No Entry

Equestrian/Livestock
1st Prize Rene & Josie on Luke and Ruger, leading Rip
2nd Prize No Entry
3rd Prize No Entry

The next big component of the day was the fireworks. Carr Field was buzzing with activity early in the evening, with three new inflatable games getting heavy use. Andover’s fireworks display typically takes eight to ten hours to set up. At around 5 o’clock the weather looked like it was going to be clear for the fireworks and the pyrotechnician began loading the tubes. Just 45 minutes before the planned start of the display, a storm cell approached. 

Deputy Fire Chief Otis shared information via social media that the tubes were already filled with the fireworks and the show would go on. Weather delayed the display, pushing the start time out to 10 PM, rather than the planned 9:30. The Fourth of July committee regrets there was some confusion about the fireworks. The committee is dedicated to improving communication and will be working on a way to make sure that everyone attending the Fourth of July events is aware of any changes in times or cancellations of activities.

In the meantime, try to embrace the relentless rain we have been experiencing and, maybe if you’re feeling daring, step outside and dance. And if you do, please take a pic and send it to the Beacon. 

Thank you, Andover, for showing up and supporting this event and one another. Thank you Andover Emergency Services, Proctor Academy for the use of their facilities, Toby Locke for setting up the reviewing stand, Herbie Barton for delivering and removing the trash barrels, and local businesses, volunteers, and everyone for coming out to support this day. See you next year!