BY RYAN O’CONNOR
Times are changing in Hopkinton.
Residents have spoken out against rising taxes, a new senior center is in its finishing stages, the town has a new recreation director, and now, after decades of tradition, the Fourth of July celebration is changing.
Gone is the Strawberry Festival at the community center and the typical parade route, replaced by an old-fashioned family fun day at Houston Fields and a new, improved course for the kiddie and town parades.
On July 4, the Hopkinton Recreation Department will unveil many of new activities, including games, live music, raffles, a pie-eating contest and a chili cook-off, as well as historical presentations from Ben and Jane Hampton of Goffstown.
“The Recreation Department had a vision and the community stepped up and helped put it together. and now we have a real family-oriented, good old-fashioned good time event that brings us all together,” said Louise Carr, chairman of the town’s recreation department, who noted the event will offer an inexpensive alternative for townspeople to gather on summer’s most festive holiday.
“I was really amazed at how this all came together,” she continued. “Everyone has been so flexible and enthusiastic about putting this all together. It sounds like it’s going to be a great event this year and hopefully it will grow every year. I think this is really going to take off.”
Prior to the noon to 4 p.m. fun day events, the town will hold its annual parades.
The town will also bring back a 5K (3.1 mile) road race, for residents to run or walk only, from the Contoocook fire station, up Pine Street to Bound Tree Road and back. The race begins at 9 a.m., though participants are encouraged to arrive 15 minutes early.
A canoe and kayak race will follow at 11 a.m., at Multi Weld on Riverside Road. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. and carries a $15 fee. Life jackets are required of those 12 and younger.
This year, rather than circling Contoocook Center, the kid’s parade will take place in the municipal parking lot behind TD Banknorth. Participants must arrive at the town gazebo by 11:15 a.m. for the 11:30 a.m. event and are encouraged to decorate their trikes and bikes in festive red, white and blue decor.
The Fire Department will then hold its Independence Day Parade, which, rather than beginning at Hopkinton Middle/High School, will start at HMC Corporation at 284 Maple St., at noon, and will travel down Maple Street, to Contoocook Center then turn up Pine Street toward Houston Fields. Those walking, driving or displaying floats will gather at 11 a.m.