A time-honored tradition…
The Amherst 4th of July Celebration is a time-honored tradition where the community comes together as one to mark the birth of the nation. At this quintessential New England affair, Amherst citizens enjoy fireworks and family-oriented activities along with a traditional old-time parade on July 4th. These events are brought to all by the Amherst Fourth of July Committee, a 501 (c)3 town committee and through the generosity of local businesses, groups, families, and individuals who help bring the celebration to life.
While the town of Amherst provides the committee a stipend of $8000 for the celebration, it falls to the 4th of July Committee to raise the remaining $24,000 necessary to fund the event. The committee works hard to raise funds by selling items such as stickers and memorabilia, food at the fireworks and on the Fourth, and holding fundraisers. In addition, the committee collaborates with local sponsors whose generosity allow us to keep costs down so that the community can enjoy the celebration without financial stress.
Here is a list of recent cost increases and things that you may wish to sponsor:
Fireworks increased by $4000
Roaming Railroad cancelled due to cost of $1000
Mini-car Patrol increased by $100
Pipes and Drums increased by $250
Colonial war re-enactors increased by $200
Mounted Horse Guard increased by $250
Marching bands Increased by $2,250
Our goal is to raise funds to offset the increased cost of entertainment, such as the increased cost of fireworks increased by $4,000 and marching bands by $2,250 between 2019 to 2023. The committee has made hard decisions around where to cut costs and what kinds of entertainment were integral to the event. It is our hope to raise enough funds to continue to host the fireworks while inviting all entertainment back to join us for the parade.
As we near the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, celebrations like ours become increasingly important. It is integral for us to continue to come together as a community and a nation to celebrate our shared heritage and past.
OUR PLAN
The July 4th Celebration continues to be a well-attended event that is the highlight of the summer for many an Amherst resident. The objective of the committee is to continue to organize family friendly activities to celebrate the 4th of July in Amherst where each year, approximately 5,000 people come together to enjoy the festivities as a community.
The festivities start with fireworks and family entertainment including a magician, a juggler, face-painting, hot-air balloon rides and live music at Souhegan High School.
The celebration continues with a parade on the Fourth filled with bands, special events, local marchers, floats, fire trucks, antique cars, politicians, and a special children’s bicycle parade. Additionally, the community can enjoy activities on the Amherst Town Green including clowns, children’s games, animals, artists, artisans, and booths sponsored by local clubs and organizations. At the end of the parade local dignitaries often speak at the event. Finally, the Lions Club presents the Citizen of the Year award to a community member for outstanding public service.
We hope you will consider a donation to this long-standing tradition for with your help, we can continue to mark the birth of the nation together at this quintessential New England affair. Thank you in advance for your kindness, generosity, and willingness to help make the Amherst July 4th Celebration a great time for the community.
FOR INFORMATION ON HOW YOU CAN HELP
For more information on how you can help, please email the Amherst Fourth of July Steering Committee at amherstnh4th@gmail.com
Please note that donations made through the Amherst Community foundation are tax deductible while donations made directly to the town on behalf of the committee are not. Tax deductible pledges or donations may be mailed to the address below or by clicking on the link below:
Donate Online Here:
Amherst Community Foundation
PO Box 256
Amherst, NH 03031
Please reference “Fourth of July” on the memo field if you choose to send a check. Thank you in advance for your kindness and generosity.
Thank you in advance for your kindness, generosity, and willingness to help make the Amherst July 4th Celebration a great time for the community.
With many thanks,
Deb Polatchek, Kim Ayers, Tom Darnall, Liz Boskee and Chris Sylvia
The Amherst Fourth of July Committee