Local celebrations for America250 highlight small business, community

As the nation celebrates the 250th anniversary of American independence July 4, communities across the Lakes Region are marking the milestone in their own way.

Meredith debuts special Fourth of July parade

For Meredith, the biggest change this year is a brand-new Fourth of July parade — something the town does not typically host.

"We do not usually have a July 4th parade," said Chris Kelly, chair of the committee that organized the parade. "We wanted to celebrate America's 250th anniversary, and we could not be more excited about it."

Planning for the event has been underway since May 2025, with a committee of about a dozen volunteers working to organize the celebration.

The parade begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, traveling approximately a half-mile from LaValley Middleton Building Supply and ending near Plymouth Street.

According to Kelly, the parade has 83 registered participants.

Among the entries are floats from local businesses, St. Charles Borromeo Church, Trinity Episcopal Church, the Meredith Fire Department, a Belknap County Sheriff's Department SWAT vehicle, antique cars and trucks, miniature horses and several musical groups.

Three local judges will award ribbons to standout parade participants and floats. Serving as grand marshal is Bob "Doc" Jones, president of the Northeast POW/MIA Network.

For Kelly, the nation’s founding is something that should be remembered and celebrated in person.

"I think we're spending too much time texting and emailing, and not enough time being together to celebrate," Kelly said. "This is an opportunity to bring us together for something that is positive, and something that I hope people will be talking about for a long time."

Gunstock craft fair highlights American creativity

Gilford's Gunstock Mountain Resort will once again host its annual Fourth of July Weekend Craft Fair, from 10 a.m to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, featuring more than 100 artisans from across the region.

Joyce Endee, who has planned the event for roughly a decade, said this year's fair will place additional emphasis on live demonstrations.

Among the highlights are chainsaw carving, pottery wheel and woodworking demonstrations, the last by Bruce and Laura McEwen of 569 Woodworking, who will show visitors how handcrafted wooden American flags are made.

"There'll definitely be a lot of talent there," Endee said.

Visitors will also find handcrafted log furniture, stained glass, jewelry, pottery, skincare products, watercolors and other handmade goods. Live music by North River will be featured both days, along with food vendors, picnic seating and free admission and parking.

Endee said one of the most rewarding aspects of organizing the event is helping local artisans succeed.

“The Fourth of July Gunstock Craft Fair is like the USA in microcosm: celebrating the exhibitors is representative of the growth of our country in 250 years,” Endee said. “Small businesses are the backbone of our country.”

Endee hopes vendors will embrace the patriotic spirit through their displays and demonstrations.

"I certainly hope that this fair will help celebrate America's 250th anniversary," Endee said. "Mostly, I think people will realize how creative our country is. There are some amazing people who will be in this show, and I’m excited to celebrate them as well as their creativity."

Laconia expands fireworks for milestone year

Laconia's annual Independence Day celebration will remain largely the same this year, with one notable exception: a larger fireworks display.

"We're not doing anything really differently," said Amy Lovisek, director of recreation and facilities, and chair of the city's Fourth of July committee. "We have a great event every year. The only change is the fireworks. There are going to be more, and they are going to be bigger."

The celebration begins at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, with a parade from Laconia High School to Opechee Park, followed by live music, food and novelty vendors, inflatable attractions for children and an evening fireworks show at 10 p.m. over Opechee Bay.

Lovisek expects attendance to exceed the roughly 3,000 people who typically gather at Opechee Park, with many more watching the fireworks from around the lake.

Lovisek also noted additional food vendors have been added this year to better accommodate crowds.

"We're just looking to provide a nice, family-friendly activity that people can do for a relatively low amount of money," Lovisek said.

For Lovisek, community celebrations like this offer an opportunity to express civic pride.

"You need to have pride in where you live, and you need to show that pride," Lovisek said. "Coming to an event like this shows your pride."

Reflecting on the nation's semiquincentennial, Lovisek added, "I couldn't be more proud to be an American. This country has seen its ups and downs, but we will always be stronger in the end."