ANDOVER — We took a couple of months to catch our breath, but now the Andover Fourth of July Committee has begun planning the 2025 Independence Day celebration. 

Donna Smith is preparing to send out parade registration forms for key parade participants (think Leapin’ Lena, etc.), as well as getting the word out about the 2025 Parade Theme: Sports in the USA. Think about entering a float, animal, automobile, etc., in the parade and be eligible to win the $500 super grand prize! 

The Children’s Parade, whose seed was planted in 1942 and now has grown into what we experience today, will start from the Fire Station for another historic journey down Main Street. Anyone who has participated in the Children’s Parade has a treasured memory that reflects the warmth and community spirit we all experience on Andover’s big day. 

We’ve also begun planning activities for the Market on the Green. This includes soliciting entertainment as well as vendors. We’ll be contracting the Kearsarge Community Band and Bow Junction, a dynamic bluegrass band we’ve been lucky enough to have with us before. Within the next month, Adam Rand will be sending out notices and registration forms for vendors who will attend the Market on the Green. 

Along with our loyal nonprofit food vendors, we’ll have a new food vendor on the Green serving a variety of food, including items that we haven’t seen on the Green for a few years. The children’s games on the Green were a big hit last year, and Justine Puliafico is planning another fun time with the kids.

The contract for another exciting Fireworks display has been signed. Kevin Goodwin will soon be contacting prospective food vendors to bring refreshments to Carr Field for the lead-up to another regional favorite: Andover’s Fireworks Display. 

Helping to put on our town’s Independence Day celebration is a rewarding experience. We have a wonderful group of citizens who work through the year to make Andover’s Fourth of July event something to be proud of. Helping with the planning or simply lending a hand during the celebration is guaranteed to bring great memories and a sense of community spirit that is important to us all. 

Contact Doug Phelps (802 310-1045), Donna Smith (603 998-0683), or Beth Frost (603 455-2882) to participate.