About
Who we are
The Amherst 4th of July Celebration is a time-honored tradition that brings our entire community together in a way that is unique to New Hampshire. As we near the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, celebrations like ours become increasingly important. We look forward to coming together to enjoy this local tradition as we celebrate our shared history and heritage.
Our Mission
The Amherst 4th of July Committee is a 501c(3) town committee run entirely by volunteers. The objective of the committee is to organize family friendly activities to celebrate the 4th of July in Amherst, NH. Each year, approximately 5,000 people come together to enjoy the festivities as a community.
Along with the parade, there are various activities on the Amherst Town Green including clowns, children’s activities, animals, artists, artisans, face painter, magician and booths sponsored by local clubs and organizations. At the end of the parade local dignitaries, such as the Governor, Senators, or Congressmen speak at this event. Finally, the Lions Club presents the Citizen of the Year award to a community member nominated by fellow townspeople for outstanding public service.
The History
Let us give you a little background on the Fourth of July celebration. In 1963, the big Fourth of July celebration involved teenagers ringing the church bells. If you wanted to go to a parade, you went to New Boston.
The first Amherst parade was held in 1970 and it was sponsored by the Amherst Republican Women’s Club. The parade had antique cars, decorated bikes along with one float, one band and the fire department’s hand tub! That first parade took about ten minutes to pass by. There was no reviewing stand and speakers spoke from the steps of the Brick School. The celebration was such a success that the next year the town voted to support it with $300 and a tradition was born!
By the mid 1990’s, the celebration consisted of a band concert and birthday cake on the on July 3rd and the village green activities and parade on July 4th. In 1999, a committee was formed to plan an extended Fourth of July Celebration in Amherst. Over the years, the committee has worked hard to keep the Fourth of July Celebration a community event with a family emphasis and small-town feel. That is what the fourth is all about.
Board Members
Deb Polatchek
Lori Ashooh
Tom Darnall
Elizabeth Boskee
Chris Sylvia
Chair
Vice Chair
Treasurer
Secretary
Member