It's time once again for Ashland's small town, one-of-a-kind July 4th celebration here in the Center of the Universe! The Hanover Arts & Activities Center, sponsor of the event, has many activities to ensure your patriotic celebration starts with a bang.
Plan to either participate in or spectate in the Center's non-motorized walking parade with Grand Marshall Josh Merkel, head basketball coach of the
national champions at Randolph-Macon College. In addition to the parade's traditional
bicycle, patriotic pets, COTU Marching Band (anyone can join), and lawn chair
brigades, new parade units this year include dancing, costumes,
and music. Quirkiness and small-town humor abound!
Parade participants should line up at Henry Clay Elementary School/War
Memorial parking lot at 10:15 am. The
parade steps off at 11:00 a.m. and heads down shady and tree-lined Hanover
Avenue winding its way to end at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center
where music, food, old-fashioned lawn games await, and friends will gather. A rousing patriotic concert and sing-along
featuring the Hanover
Concert Band will close out the day's festivities. Bring a blanket or chairs and a picnic lunch or buy hot dogs,
hamburgers, and snow cones.
The Friends of the Ashland Library Book Sale will be held inside the Center, beginning at 9:00 am where you can pick up some great summer reads for a great price. Enter the Apple Pie Baking Contest and win culinary bragging rights.
All entries should be dropped off at the Center between 9:00 am and 10:30 am. on July 4th. Winning pies will be auctioned, and prizes will be awarded.
Think you have the most Patriotic Pet in the Center of the Universe? Bring your patriotic fur friends to the contest tent on the lawn at 11:45 am!
The parade route, including suggested parking, is posted on the Center website, along with more information on new parade units, Apple Pie and Pet Contest
rules, and entry forms. Please email info@hanoverarts.org with any questions.