Good Weather for a Great Andover Fourth of July

David Jewett was honored in the dedication of the Fourth of July program for his many years of service as a Master of Ceremonies at Andover's Fourth of July celebration. He also rode in the Andover Lions Club's Concord Coach as Grand Marshal of the parade. Next to David on the left is Granite State Fellow Pat Cutter; seated above, next to the driver, is Granite State Fellow Dick O'Connell. Photo: Larry Chase — David Jewett was honored in the dedication of the Fourth of July program for his many years of service as a Master of Ceremonies at Andover’s Fourth of July celebration. He also rode in the Andover Lions Club’s Concord Coach as Grand Marshal of the parade. Next to David on the left is Granite State Fellow Pat Cutter; seated above, next to the driver, is Granite State Fellow Dick O’Connell. Photo: Larry Chase

The weather this year was a lot different from last year when we were “visited” by Hurricane Arthur and all that rain. This year the weather cooperated, and we had a good ole’ Andover Fourth of July Celebration.

There was good weather for the parade and festivities on the Village Green. A little shower activity developed in the afternoon and then cleared for the fireworks in the evening. Thank goodness the Fourth of July Committee did not have to activate the “rain-out drill” for this year, as all activities went off on schedule and as planned.

The Andover Lions Club pancake breakfast was a big crowd-pleaser and the activities on the Village Green were busy and successful as usual. The parade, with its theme “Summertime,” was enjoyed by a crowd that seemed a little larger than usual.

The Fourth of July Committee honored David Jewett for his years of service as Master of Ceremonies on the reviewing stand. David rode in the parade’s place of honor, the Andover Lions Club stagecoach.

It was a terrific parade, with many of the old favorites back in the parade line-up, like the marching band music provided by the Bektash Temple Drum and Bugle Corps and the New Hampshire Pipes and Drums. Other favorites, like Leapin’ Lenna and Captain Morrill’s cannon crew, were in the parade as well as a wonderful assortment of parade floats and classic cars. Then, of course, there were all the kids in the traditional Children’s Parade leading the way. Following the parade, music concerts on the Village Green were put on by various bands.

The Fourth of July Committee used feedback about last year’s fireworks to implement some big changes. The committee hired a new fireworks company to put on the show. The show location changed from Blackwater Park on Lawrence Street to a new location at Proctor Ski Area. Carr Field was the very best place to view the fireworks, and it was packed with people by the time the show started. Everyone seemed very pleased with the whole fireworks display.

That’s it for another Andover Fourth of July. The Fourth of July Committee wishes to thanks all the volunteers and organizations who helped to make this year’s celebration a success.

The Committee can always use some new volunteers and would greatly appreciate the help. Come to one of the Committee meetings at the Andover Fire Station meeting room at 7 PM on the first Wednesday night of each month starting in the fall. You will help to keep this great Andover tradition alive and well by joining the efforts of the Fourth of July Committee.