It is the final countdown to the Andover Fourth of July celebration. A complete schedule appears in this issue of the Beacon. Programs with maps are also available at the East Andover Post Office and the Town Hall.

The Fourth of July committee has been working very hard to bring you a “Fairy Tale” experience.

We have had one disappointing piece of news this month. Due to the government’s sequester cuts, the Northeast Air National Guard Band will not be in our parade. For this year, their travel budget has been eliminated. We will try again next year.

On the up side, we had a very successful fundraising campaign. Thanks to all of you for your generosity. We hope to add to the fund with the proceeds from raffling the beautiful red, white, and blue quilt made by Rose Tilton and quilted by Linda Barnes of The Constant Quilter. It will be raffled on the Fourth of July after the parade. Tickets will be available on the Village Green.

We are still accepting donations to Andover’s annual Fourth of July celebration. Just give Irene Jewett a call at 735-5271, or call Wanda Smith at 735-5434.

Just a few reminders: There is limited space in the parade staging area, so only parade entries are allowed. There is designated handicap parking, so please do not park in these areas. There is a fine.

For safety’s sake, if you are in the parade tossing candy to the crowd, be sure to get it to the side of the road. Children are fearless when it comes to candy. Give your best pitcher the job.

For Flea Market space on the Village Green, contact Doug Phelps at (802) 310-1045 or DPhelps@nullus.ibm.com. For parade questions, call Judy Perreault at 735-5493. For other questions, call Bob Ward at 735-5061.

The Fourth plans to be a busy day. Come early, stay late, bring your friends, enjoy all the activities, and pray for a nice day!