July 4 in Andover: Hot air balloon rides added to holiday party

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June 26, 2008

By Sarah Hallowell

Andover is just a one-week fuse away from the ooohs and aaahs of its annual fireworks display.

The town's Fourth of July festivities will kick off Thursday, July 3, with fireworks at Andover High School. The fireworks will start at dusk.

While there was some concern that the explosives could not be lit at Andover High anymore because they might damage the new artificial turf field, town and state safety officials have created a plan that will keep the show at Andover High.

The next morning, on Friday, July 4, the Department of Community Services will host the annual Fourth of July Celebration in the Park at the corner of Bartlet and Chestnut streets.

Something new to the celebration will be rides in the Re/Max Hot Air Balloon, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., weather permitting. The balloon will touch down behind Doherty Middle School. Balloon rides will cost $5 for both adults and children and will benefit the Department of Community Services summer fund.

"We are always looking for ways to get to know people in the town of Andover, and this event is a fantastic way to give back to the community in which we work," said Sherry Smith, office manager of RE/MAX Partners, in an e-mail.

The hot air balloon was at the recent Smolak Farm Strawberry Festival in North Andover to raise money for charity.

The celebration kicks off at 8 a.m.with a pancake breakfast. Along with pancakes, sausage, coffee and juice will be served until 10.

At 9:30 a.m, the Horribles Parade will commence. (Line up is at 9 a.m.) The parade route will travel down Bartlet Street, Punchard Avenue, Main Street, Park Street and Whittier Street and end back in the Park.

The Blair Bettencourt Jazz Band will be performing from 8 to 11 a.m. and then will lead off the Horribles Parade.

The Middlesex Concert Band will play from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

From 10:30 a.m. to noon, games for the kids will be available in the Park. Children's activities in the Park will include a moonwalk, bean bag toss, ring toss, face painting and temporary tattoos.