A few seconds of television fame and the chance to promote the downtown brought out hordes of local residents and business owners last Friday morning, July 18, as Boston television station FOX25 filmed its morning show live from Andover.
During the summer, the station visits different communities for shows it calls "Zip Trips."
Co-host Kim Carrigan, traffic reporter Doug Meehan and news commentator Doug "VB" Goudie broadcast live from the Park at Chestnut and Bartlet streets from 6 to 9 a.m.
Andover was ready for them. About 25 folks waved behind Carrigan when the show kicked off at 6 a.m. More local people and businesses kept arriving after that.
Lyn Dwyer of Andover was there at 6 a.m. holding a large color photograph of her son, Connor.
"He loves this show and e-mailed them a lot asking, 'When are you coming to Andover?' and now they are here," Dwyer said.
The only problem: Connor was not. The 11-year-old was at overnight Boy Scout camp in New Hampshire and could not make the show. He was disappointed, so his mom put his picture on television.
"Well worth it," Dwyer said. "I have friends and family taping this so Connor will see it, and he will be so happy."
Claire Barry, of Andover, is another fan of the show. She showed up 15 minutes before filming started and secured a prime location.
"This is my favorite morning show and I wanted to be part of this," said the grandmother of four.
So did Sue Grant of Andover, who was with her two young sons.
"I didn't think so many people would be here," Grant said as she surveyed the crowd at 6:15 a.m.
Just 45 minutes later, the crowd had easily quadrupled and included scores of business owners who brought all sorts of goodies to entice the hosts. Elm Street Automotive gave away T-shirts, Ballardvale Cafe had a plate of blueberry scones, Perfecto's gave away french toast bagels and iced-coffee samples, while Andover's hot dog man, Don Cowan, had his cart parked close to the filming.
Rick Pruneau, owner of Park Street Pub, known for his help with the annual firefighters' parade, added some local color as he was dressed in a bright red shirt and Santa stocking hat.
ATA Academy offered martial arts demonstrations and Selectmen Alex Vispoli, Ted Teichert and Brian Major made sure a goodie basket presented to the hosts had T-shirts and hats emblazoned with "Andover." Town Manager Buzz Stapczynski was on the air live. State Rep. Barry Finegold was the "lifeline" when Youth Services Director Bill Fahey played a trivia game about Andover on the air.
Fire Chief Mike Mansfield was also in the Park with a crew from the local fire department talking to people about a debt-exclusion override that would be needed for a new firehouse to replace the current Ballardvale station.
Palmers Restaurant & Tavern had a table of goodies as did Hometown Seafoods and the Cupcake Boutique. Sign-wavers from Memorial Hall Library were plentiful and the Butler Bank mascot had balloons.
By 7:30 a.m., the Park was bustling.
"Wow! What a great turnout," said host "VB" Goudie, sporting a yellow hat that said "Andover" in blue letters.
At 9:01 a.m., the equipment breakdown began and the show's hosts were zipping back to their studio in Boston.
But this live television show from 01810 clearly made a lasting impression on some.
"It was awesome," said Shawn Lina, a teenager there for the entire three-hour broadcast. "I love the show and I feel like I learned something from this. It was like being behind the scenes and seeing how a television show is done. That was pretty cool."
