ANDOVER — Planning is underway for Olde Home Days, an event that attracts thousands to the small town of Andover, which has a population of just 752. Open spaces throughout town will be filled with festival events and exhibits on August 1, 2, and 3.

Chairperson Sharon Hutchins shared that Andover resident Betty Farrington introduced a new idea at a recent meeting: Blind Sulky Races. Hutchins explained that the event involves one person sitting on a sulky or horse-drawn carriage, while their blindfolded partner clings to the shaft beneath them. The shaft rider will collect items along a designated path with guidance from their partner.

It’s going to be funny,” said Hutchins of the event that will be held on the Andover ballfield uptown.

In other news, a wooden guitar built by Jeff and Tracy Farrington will have it’s own raffle for the event. “What a wonderful gift,” said member Pete Coolidge. “It comes with a hard shell case, tuner, capo, strings and strap. This is an authentic, certified Fender Telecaster kit,” he said. They are raffling the guitar for $10 per ticket (separate from the button raffle). You do not have to be present to win. Tickets are available at Pete’s Hardware in Andover.

“Pete said, ‘it plays like a dream,'” said Hutchins of the guitar.

Other plans

Hutchins said last year, her first at the helm, not one committee person backed out, “the support was incredible.”

This year, attendees can look forward to a band on Friday night at the Common and a Saturday night dance at Lone Mountain Campground. The organizer of the antique tractor pulls has confirmed, and the lawnmower races are also likely to be included. Ellis River Riders will host a horse show at their stables on Airport Road. Hutchins hopes to bring back the Mountain Misfits Highland Games, which performed last year.

She emphasized that many plans are still in the works, as it’s still early in the planning process.

Other anticipated activities include the sale of event tee-shirts, the annual morning road race, and potentially a bouncy house, although space for activities is limited. While some details are still pending, Hutchins is confident that the library will host its traditional open house, and the fire department’s barbecue is expected to take place.

The photo contest, led by Todd Bishop is underway, as well.

Buttons

The $1 Olde Home Days pins also called buttons, are like raffle tickets, the more you buy the better your chances of winning. Last year they sold nearly 4,000 pins.

She said the stores that sell them start with 100. At the bottom of the bucket is Hutchins’ phone number. The proprietor calls her when they need more. Aubuchon alone sold 400, said Hutchins.

This year they ordered 4,000 again. “Sometimes it’s ok to leave them wanting more,” she said.

Hutchins plans to take the pins to all the same businesses as last year – Mill’s Market, The Andover Library, Lone Mountain Campground, Aubuchon Hardware, and Todd’s Discount and Gifts in Mexico.

Last year Olde Home Days earned $4,000, overall, that amount along with $2,000 from the Town is in the kitty as future seed money.

Reflecting on last year’s success, Hutchins remarked, “Considering we were flying by the seat of our pants as new organizers, we did a pretty good job.” She added that much of the event’s organization is passed down from year to year, and everyone steps up to do what’s needed. “That’s what I like about being a committee chair – you say what needs to be done and [they] run with it.”

As for the long-running celebration, which has been held annually since 1976, Hutchins expressed optimism. “I’m hoping everyone is as helpful, ambitious, and excited as we are. But I’m sure they will be – it has been going on all these years!”

The Olde Home Days Committee meetings are on the fourth Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall, 17 Stillman Road. All are welcome. Members are: Chair Sharon Hutchins; Assistant Chair Dave Jacques; Pete Coolidge; Amber Cooper; Service Club members Judy Michaud; and Andrea Savitz,