The town of Andover, New Hampshire on the Fourth of July is somewhat like Punxsutawney, PA in the movie Groundhog Day, in that the very same things recur in identical fashion. Today's page recycles some images and text from previous Fourths. Be sure to check out Barnyard Bingo.
The Town of Andover's Independence Day observances are so steeped in tradition that they become indistinguishable in one's memory. Once again, thousands swarm the village. Then there's the pony pull... At ten, a state rep starts bleating over the loudspeaker. We sing the National Anthem. There is prayer. The town green is a flea market: dozens of tables covered with antiques and junk. When the temperature reaches 100 there's a parade. Andover's crack unicycling team--the One Wheelers--steals the show.
If you haven't read "Barnyard Bingo" and "Tribute to a Hero" (July 12, 2001) I suggest you check them out at once. This year's cow was much more cooperative, sparing dozens of bettors from heat stroke.
Another tradition is the gurgitation of hundreds of hot Italian sausages decked out with onions, peppers and mustard.
The firemen's muster on Leonard Field...the ham & bean supper at the elementary school...fireworks at dusk.
