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Andover Day comes back around

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  Published in Food and Wine on Friday, September 19th 2025 at 7:11 GMT by Eagle-Tribune
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Andover Day Comes Back Around

For the residents of Andover and the surrounding towns, the return of the beloved community festival was a welcome relief after a two‑year hiatus. On Saturday, June 22, the small‑town charm of Andover, Kansas, came alive with music, food, games, and a parade that marched down Main Street like it had done every year for the past 27 years. According to the Eagle Tribune article titled “Andover Day comes back around,” the event was “as lively as ever,” drawing more than 12,000 people from across the county and beyond.

A Brief History

The Eagle Tribune traces the origins of Andover Day to 1995, when a handful of residents and the local Chamber of Commerce banded together to create a one‑day celebration of community spirit. “It started as a small gathering in the town square,” said longtime resident and event organizer, Marjorie Lewis. “Now it’s a full‑blown festival that brings together the entire region.” The festival, which has been held annually on the last Saturday of June, is scheduled to run for 12 hours each year, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The Tribune also notes that the festival has adapted over time. In 2012, the organizers added a “Kids Carnival” area with a small roller coaster and a petting zoo. In 2015, the city introduced a “Local Artisans Fair” featuring hand‑crafted jewelry, pottery, and woodworking. The most recent addition, announced in the article, is a “Green Market” featuring sustainable produce and locally‑grown goods. “We’re trying to keep the festival fresh and relevant,” said Lewis.

The Parade and Opening Ceremonies

The opening ceremony began at 7 a.m., with the mayor of Andover, Jason Baird, taking the podium and wishing everyone a safe and enjoyable day. The mayor’s speech was followed by a 15‑minute marching band performance by the Andover High School’s band, which had performed at the festival for 20 consecutive years. The parade that followed the music, featuring 10 floats, included local high school clubs, the volunteer fire department, a local youth choir, and a float that highlighted the town’s new solar‑powered street lights.

Activities, Vendors, and Entertainment

From the 7 a.m. opening to the 7 p.m. fireworks finale, the festival’s program was packed with activities for all ages. The article lists over 70 vendors, ranging from food trucks—such as “Stir‑It Up Mexican Cuisine” and “Brew & Bite” (a local micro‑brewery)—to craft stalls offering handmade soaps, painted ceramics, and knitted blankets.

In addition to the main vendors, the Tribune article highlighted a new “Pet Show” that featured dog agility courses and a “Bark in the Park” dog‑friendly space. The “Kids Carnival” offered rides, face‑painting, and a small obstacle course. The “Local Artisans Fair” showcased jewelry made from recycled materials, handmade quilts, and custom woodworking projects.

For adults, a “Music Corner” featuring local jazz and blue‑grass groups played throughout the day. A “Green Market” offered sustainable produce and local farm goods. And a “Storytelling Corner,” run by the Andover Public Library, entertained children with interactive stories and puppet shows.

Community Involvement and Sponsorship

The article explained that Andover Day is a community‑driven event, supported by the Andover Chamber of Commerce and local sponsors, including the Hays County Bank and the Andover United Methodist Church. Sponsorships provide free entry for all festival attendees, and the event relies on a volunteer workforce of about 200 people. The Tribune included a link to the Andover Chamber’s page that lists the official sponsors and a “Volunteer Sign‑up” form.

The festival also has a charitable component. Proceeds from the event go to two local charities: the Andover Food Bank and the “Help for Hikers” program, which provides outdoor education for low‑income families. The Tribune linked to the Food Bank’s website, where the festival’s contribution was highlighted as a significant boost for their upcoming summer meal program.

Economic Impact

Andover Day is more than a community celebration—it’s a significant boost for the local economy. The Tribune featured a short interview with city manager Sarah Allen, who said the festival brings “over $500,000” to the town each year, in addition to the intangible benefits of community cohesion. The article also cited a local survey by the Hays County Economic Development Office, which found that 80% of respondents reported increased sales at nearby businesses during the festival weekend.

Planning for the Future

Looking ahead, the article noted that organizers are already planning for next year’s festival. The “Green Market” is expected to expand to include a rooftop garden demonstration and a compost‑sharing booth. “We’re also looking into adding a technology showcase for local high‑school robotics teams,” said Lewis. “The goal is to keep the festival evolving, but still grounded in the community values that have made it a staple of Andover for decades.”

The Eagle Tribune concluded by reminding readers that the next Andover Day will be held again on the last Saturday of June. While the festival’s date remains unchanged, the article hinted that the city is considering adding a “Farmers’ Market Saturday” that would run the entire weekend to keep the town buzzing even after the fireworks.

Follow‑up Links

To explore the full schedule, participants can visit the official Andover Day website (https://www.andoverday.org), which provides a day‑by‑day breakdown of activities, vendor lists, and a downloadable map. The city’s website (https://www.cityofandover.org) includes a page dedicated to the festival, complete with volunteer sign‑up forms, sponsorship opportunities, and a photo gallery from last year’s event.

For the local charities, the Andover Food Bank (https://www.andoverfoodbank.org) and “Help for Hikers” (https://www.helpforhikers.org) both highlight their partnership with Andover Day, offering ways for readers to donate directly.

Through these resources and the comprehensive coverage by the Eagle Tribune, readers gain a full picture of how a small‑town festival like Andover Day can be a powerful engine for community spirit and economic vitality.