Fourth of July in the Upper Valley
As a highlight of sophomore summer and a national holiday (meaning classes are canceled), the Fourth of July brings with it no shortage of celebrations both on and off campus. As you begin to plan your Independence Day festivities, make sure to carve out time between trips to the river and barbeque hopping to check out a few of these events in the area on the Fourth:
Hanover Parade and Festival (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.) The 21st annual Old-Fashioned Fourth of July party features a parade through Hanover, along with live music, a pie eating contest and pony rides on the Green.
Old Vermont Fourth of July (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) Located only 30 minutes away in Woodstock, Vt., the Billings Farm and Museum offers a reading of the Declaration of Independence, an egg toss, spelling bees and flag-making crafts for those seeking celebrations beyond campus.
Fourth of July Celebration at Moosilauke Ravine Lodge Feast on a homemade, all-American meal of pulled pork sandwiches, corn on the cob and strawberry shortcake. After dinner, hike up Mount Moosilauke to watch the firework displays in nearby towns.
Pie Sale, Road Run and Fireworks in Lebanon (Pie sale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., road run at 10 a.m., fireworks at 9:30 p.m.) The Rotary Club will be selling pies at the Upper Valley Senior Center, but before you dig in, consider going on a one or six-mile run in Colburn Park. The park will have live music all afternoon, followed by a fireworks show at dusk.
Parade and Festival in Orford, N.H. and Fairlee, Vt. (11 a.m.) Celebrate the Fourth with a “roaring ‘20s” parade, along with chicken barbeque, homemade pies and ice cream. Grab a spot on the grass by Lake Morey before the fireworks show at dusk.
Patriotic Sing-Along and Pie Sale in Enfield, N.H. (11 a.m.) Be sure to bring a flag to wave for the sing-along of classic American songs in the Mary Keane Chapel, then splurge on delicious homemade pie.