By Mary Fanelli
Danbury Grange

Sunshine and enthusiasm graced the day as fairgoers and participants of the 98th annual Danbury Grange Fair celebrated the parade theme, Heroes and Superheroes. At 11 AM, a long line of parade participants led by our local veterans marched from Restful Road through the center of Danbury and past the Danbury Grange Hall as spectators clapped and cheered along the way.

Many unique floats, vintage motorcycles and cars, and enthusiastic bicyclists followed by fire trucks from Danbury, Andover, and Alexandria kept the crowds entertained and satisfied many a sweet tooth with candy thrown along the parade route.

Early birds were rewarded with their pick of “attic treasures” that filled the American Legion Hall starting at 8 AM, and at 9 AM, vendors filled the parking lot across the street and adjacent to the Legion Hall sporting all kinds of wares from books to baked goods.

Coffee and donuts were served in the Danbury Grange Hall, and handcrafted items were on display along with items readied for the Dutch and live auctions that took place later in the day. Outside in front of the Hall, two tables were set up with 50 items offered in a Silent Auction that ended after the live auction that evening.

Over in the firehouse, the bounty of many gardens was on display, and prizes were awarded for vegetables, flowers, and canned produce.

A perennial favorite, The Lyme Town Band, entertained the crowd with familiar tunes after the parade while fairgoers satisfied their appetites with hamburgers, hot dogs, and other delicious fare offered by the Danbury Grange and the Andover Lions Club.

At 12:30 PM, the fun-filled bed races were held, and several teams competed for top place, the competition being so fierce that a couple of re-runs were held to determine the blue ribbon winners.

Independence Park was the site of a tight contest of horseshoes, another annual highlight of the fair that attracts many people cheering for their favorite teams and players. Alan Brownell, Dennis Phelps, and Mark Phelps organized the event.

To cap off the day, a delicious ham and bean supper was served followed by the music of Cardigan Mountain Tradition, a bluegrass band whose music has filled the Danbury Grange Hall for many a year. At 8:30 PM, a live auction with favorite auctioneer Doug Windsor provided many people with bargains galore.

All in all, the day was most successful, thanks to the many volunteers and supporters who give their time, monetary support, and talent each year.