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AMHERST – Lorraine Alice Hamilton of Amherst, New Hampshire, Beach Haven, New Jersey and Rancho Mirage, California died June 14, 2020 from pancreatic cancer at her home in California. She was 73 years old and a participant in the trial of a new cancer drug at NYU Langone in New York City since April 2019. She hoped that results from the trial would improve care for other patients who develop this cancer. She was with her family when she died and was
Fourth of July
The second half of the Fourth of July
celebration will take place on Tuesday, July 4 in Amherst Village, with a parade and activities on the Village Green. The parade and activities on the Village Green will only be canceled if there is thunder and lightning. The cancellation would be announced on WMUR. There is no rain date.
Handicapped Parking
The BMA Architectural Group parking lot at 12 Middle Street will be available for handicapped parking. There is handicapped seating on the adjacent lawn facing the reviewing stand on Main Street.
Information
At the Information Tent on the main walkway of the Village Green you will find pertinent information, water sales, and commemorative stickers.
Bathrooms
Bathrooms are available in the Amherst Town Hall, the Brick School, and at PortaPotties, located near Town Hall at the far end of the gravel parking lot to the left of the building. ITo access the bathrooms at Town Hall, go to the door behind the building. The bathrooms are located on the lower level.
The Parade and Parade Route
The parade will step off from the Wilkins School at 10am. The parade will then proceed up Boston Post Road, turn right on Foundry Street, left on Davis Lane, left on Main Street and will end at Town Hall. Parade vehicles, other than classic cars and floats, will turn right immediately after the Amherst Town Hall and exit by way of Manchester Road. Classic cars and floats that will be on display will continue around the Village Green to designated parking areas.
Fire Engines
The police and fire departments will lead the parade.
Dignitaries
Each year our state and local leaders are invited to march as New Hampshire Dignitaries. These include State Representatives, State Senators, Executive Counselors, Town Administrators, School Representatives and the Amherst Selectmen.
Citizens of the Year
The Citizens of the Year, riding in cars, will follow the dignitaries.
Classic Cars
Classic cars will assemble from 8:15 to 9:30am on New Boston Road opposite the Wilkins School. Period dress and US flags are encouraged. Award categories to include: Best Overall, Best Pre-WWII car, Best Pre-1968 car, best convertible and best performance car,
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Preliminary Information provided by the Amherst Fourth of July Committee
Lions Club Bicycle Parade
It’s time for the crepe paper! The children’s bicycle parade will start at 10am from Knight’s Field, at the beginning of Main Street, two houses away from the Library. The parade will travel to Town Hall. Judging will take place at 9:45am. State law requires bicycle riders to wear helmets.
Bands, Special Events, and Marchers
Bands will include the American Legion Band, the Campbell Highlanders, Contraband, the Fountain Square Ramblers Dixieland Band, and NHPA Pipes and Drums. The parade will also include mini-cars, the First New Hampshire Regiment, the New Hampshire Fifth Regiment, Flying Gravity Circus, clowns and much more.
Floats
Organizations with floats this year will include the Amherst Democrats, the Amherst Republicans, the Amherst Garden Club, the Amherst Lions Club, CERT, and Manchester, NH Police Mounted Patrol.
The Village Green
Activities at the green will be varied. There will be farm animals, including goats, bunnies, chickens, ducks, sheep and alpaca located at the Middle Street end of the Village Green. The Pocket Ladies will roam the Green, giving small gifts to children. Crikey the Clown and her clown friends will make balloon animals.
Art Show and Old-Time Craft Demonstrations
Stroll down artist’s alley along the Church side of the Village Green to enjoy the amazing fine art talent. Old-time craftspeople will include a blacksmith, a beekeeper, period musicians, spinning and weaving among other local artisans.
Organization Booths
Many local organizations will hold booths on the green where they will have information about their group. Several will also offer unique items for sale. Stop by to support and learn more about the local organizations that are integral to the community.
Food and Drinks
The Fourth of July Committee will sell hamburgers, hotdogs, pizza, slushies, ice cream and drinks. The AAUW will sell cold soups, including gluten free options. The Amherst Democrats will sell rootbeer, Messiah Lutheran Church will sell cotton candy and the Lions Club will sell popcorn. *As internet service is spotty, all sales will be cash only.
Water
The Fourth of July Committee will sell water at the Information booth, at a booth next to the ice cream and slush as well as at the food table. *As internet service is spotty, all sales will be cash only.
Reviewing Stand Ceremony
Reed Panasiti will lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence, Doug Kirkwood will play Amazing Grace and other melodies on the bagpipes and Souhegan Valley Chorus will sing the National Anthem along with other patriotic songs. State and local dignitaries will be introduced and the Amherst Lions Club President will announce the Citizen of the Year.
Patriotic Puppy Contest
American K9 Country will sponsor a Patriotic Puppy Contest, which will take place on Knights Field (at the beginning of Main Street, two houses away from the Library) at 9:30am with the winner presented to the crowd from the reviewing stand at 10:am. Dress your puppy or dog in patriotic colors; may the best dog win!
Historical Museums
Visit the Historical Society’s Chapel and Wigwam museums, located on Middle Street.
Sponsors
A special thanks to our major sponsors who helped make the event a reality. Thank you to: Bangor Savings Bank who sponsor the fireworks, Moulton’s Kitchen and Market who sponsor the food on the fourth, Ciardelli Fuel who host our propane fundraiser, Dovetail Dental Associates who help sponsor the entertainment, HPM Insurance who sponsor the face painting, American K-9 Country who sponsor the puppy contest as well as Fidelity Investment and the Lion’s Club for their generous donations.
Support
Many thanks go to the Town and Schools and the Recreation and Public Works departments that do so much to make the 4th of July celebrations a success. Also thank you to the Amherst Town Hall and the Brick School for the use of their restrooms; to Rolf Biggers for the use of the BMA Architectural Group lot for handicapped parking; to the animal owners and crafts people who give up their day to add to their celebration and to the many volunteers who man booths, march in the parade, make floats or help with the events. So many Amherst people make this a community event to celebrate.
Fourth of July Committee
The Fourth of July Committee is a group of community minded people who give their time and energy to contribute to this celebration. Members include: Kimberly Ayers, Deb Polatchek, Tom Darnall, Cerise Boston, Katherine Lockwood, Elizabeth Boskee, George Bower, George Coddington, Janelle Beaudoin, Jim Janson, Lori Ashooh, Rich Ashooh, Nancy Head, Peter Moran, Stacey Gillespie, Susan Deschenes, Chris Sylvia, Terri Behm, Victoria Parisi and many others who helped along the way.
