ANDOVER – The 24th annual Andover Olde Home Days begins its three-day run Friday night at the common’s gazebo with a free concert by country western singers Leavin City Limits.
But that is just one of the musical performances that will be held during the summer event that draws people from all over, including many who grew up in Andover, then moved away.
“Many people come here with their families and plan their weekend around it,” said Vickie Meisner, co-chairman, with her husband, Marshall, of the three-day event.
The big day is on Saturday, beginning at 10 a.m. with a parade complete with horses, floats, local politicians, music and for the first time, clowns.
Lots of clowns are expected to take part. A mechanical music machine from Bryant’s Stove and Museum in Thorndike will provide unusual music in the parade, along with the drum corps from the Rumford Snowshoe Club. Grand marshal is Dora Morton, an Andover Wood Products employee and member of the Ellis River Riders horse club. Following the tradition of Andover Olde Home Days, she wears a tuxedo as she leads the parade from just outside of town along Route 5 to the commons.
New this year are two folk music performances by Roger Tincknell from Massachusetts who will perform at the town hall at 1 and 3 p.m. on Saturday. The second year of a blueberry pie eating contest for all ages begins at 11:30 a.m. in the downtown area. The Maine Blueberry Association provides the prizes for this event.
Other events throughout the day include horse drawn wagon rides by Harry Hutchinson of West Paris, raffles for more than 70 prizes donated by businesses from throughout the River Valley, a flower show and historical society open house, and a firemen’s muster.
A BYOB dance ends the evening at the fire station with music by Lewiston’s Paul Newton Band.
MeadWestvaco Corp. will provide shuttle rides to the downtown area from Grimaldi field on Route 120 all day on Saturday.
On Sunday, the Ellis River Riders will hold a horse show. And on Thursday, the vegetable and flower gardens of Andover residents will be judged and awarded ribbons.
A complete listing of events is available at various businesses in the town.
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