Well, the 2026 Andover Olde Home Days has come and gone and the calendar has changed to August.
My friend Amy traveled up from Standish and took in all the events with me last weekend.
Friday evening the weather was absolutely perfect to take in the two music acts, Brad Hooper and James Rice, on the common. Lots of talent between those two gentlemen. In between those performers was the hilarious blueberry pie eating contest. The winner of that contest was Andover native Robin Palmer.
Saturday morning dawned bright and beautiful so we headed up early to get a good parking spot; if you wait they are hard to come by. Coffee and breakfast from Mills Market was first on the agenda, followed by a stroll on the common to check out all the vendors. Then a visit to the photography contest. I had one Honorable Mention on a picture from Ireland that I had entered. There were a lot of beautiful pictures this year. A big thanks to Chad and his crew to keep this tradition going.
Sharon Hutchins was the Parade Marshal this year. The parade entered town a bit after 10 am with Mr. Larry Costa’s assorted military equipment, area fire trucks and ambulances, a few horseback riders, atv’s, political candidates and floats. Quite a few participants were throwing candy much to the children’s delight. I may have snagged a Tootsie Roll or two myself.
We then strolled to the antique, classic, and hot rod car show. That is always a favorite of mine, and judging from the amount of people, it was a favorite of theirs too. The food trucks on and around the common made it very hard to choose what to have for lunch!
We stayed until the prize button drawings were complete, sitting comfortably in the shade with our camping chairs, then it was home to enjoy the ac and cool down.
Here are the winners of the 73rd annual flower show:
SINGLE SPECIMEN:
1st: Patty Flaherty
2nd: Claire Sessions
3rd: Sabrina Kurtz-Rossi
BROAD STRIPES BRIGHT STARS
1st: Sy Littlehale
2nd: Jan Peaslee
3rd: Sabrina Kurtz-Rossi
PURPLE MOUNTAINS MAJESTY
1st: Sy Littlehale
2nd: Jan Peaslee
3rd: Jordan Chase
AMBER WAVES OF GRAIN
1st: Sy Littlehale
2nd: Joan Faulkner
3rd: Joan Faulkner
HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA
1st: Jeremy Bourque
2nd: Mark Lewis
3rd: Sy Littlehale
BEST IN SHOW
Sabrina Kurtz-Rossi
Judges Award
Sy Littlehale
The society had 11 participants and 25 arrangements, five more arrangements since the 2025 show.
The photography contest winners were: Overall Grand Prize/Best in show was Ice Cream Dog by Dawn Grondin. Most Creative/Unique-Angelo Kaltsos award was Daisies by Dawn Grondin. Top Honorable Mention was Black Blobs by Katie Chambers.
The winners of the floats in the parade were: 1st place Jeff Wardwell with Camping Through the Years and 2nd place was the Ellis Pond Sidekicks with their fun and funny beach themed float...congrats to all!
On Sunday, August 9, 2026 From 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM at the (Frye Cross Over Bridge Roxbury Maine) Roxbury Community Historical Society will be hosting a Bridge renaming / Dedication to “Roxbury / Frye Veterans Memorial Bridge.” The location is the Frye Cross Over Road Roxbury, Maine. Sounds like a wonderful event to attend and remember, just for a moment, those brave veterans and their service to our country.
The Andover Summer Concert Series continues this week with the Cobblestones performing this Friday evening August 7th at 6 pm on the Andover Common. These folks are always a crowd pleaser. Bring a lawn chair, a blanket or even a picnic and enjoy some music in the most beautiful location.
A reminder that the Town Office will be closed on August 10, due to elections at the Town Hall from 2 – 6 p.m. that day. The election is for the empty selectman’s seat.
Try and stay cool in the warm weather that is upon us and send any news or events my way. diananadeau@ymail.com
PS I was fortunate enough to meet another Western Maine Neighborhood News columnist Wally Ritz at AOHD. She was there with my friend Tracy’s mom Debbie. So nice to have seen you in person Wally!