4th of July Celebration -- Productive, Fun, Harmonious!

Thanks to the generosity of key community partners, Sustainable Hanover (SH) had a productive and fun experience participating in Hanover’s 29th Annual 4th of July celebration. Our challenge was to highlight our values and priorities while embracing the theme of this year’s celebration – “Hanover in Harmony.” To promote waste reduction and recycling, SH showcased on a flatbed trailer five nearly life-sized musicians, decorated with flowers and American flags, created out of recycled metals by Ron Farr of Etna Ironworks.  These silent musicians were preceded in a truck by live musicians from the Upper Valley Music Center who treated us to well-loved patriotic tunes. Our musicians included long term Richmond School teacher Judy Pond on fiddle; Erin Smith, guitar; Siobhan Jacobson, accordion; Krista Licata, fiddle; Andy Smith, kazoo; and Emily Long, triangle. Geoff Colla of Connecticut River Capital generously loaned us the flatbed trailer and truck. Stan Colla kindly secured the metal musicians onto the trailer and drove the truck.

Accompanying our musicians on foot were members of SH holding a newly acquired banner as well as large posters that included a photo of our recycled musicians and touted many of the things

that are “Music to Our Ears.” Those things included but are not limited to:  Solarize, Window Dressers, Sustainable Landscapes, Electric Vehicles, WHO KNEWs, Community Power, Geothermal Exchange, Compost, the Community Yard Sale – August 30th, and, of course, Reduce! Reuse! Recycle!

Those in the parade were greeted by other SH volunteers on the green who had organized educational activities about waste reduction and recycling. Volunteers also carved up a huge, layered cake from Lou’s to share with the crowd.

As “icing on the cake,” Sustainable Hanover won first prize for its efforts to reflect the designated theme of this year’s celebration. The attached photo reflects the harmonious efforts of so many that made it happen! Thank you all!

Ron Farr, Etna Ironworks

UVMC Musicians