Andover Colonial Days offers special events

Highlights of Andover Colonial Days on Saturday, June 7, and Sunday, June 8, include guided bus tours to 13 of the village’s historical sites and the “Musical Salute to Veterans.”

The bus tours will be offered from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on June 7. Passengers will board at the Andover Historical Museum. Narrating the tours will be the village’s founder, Ithamar Pillsbury, portrayed by Jens Rehder, Andover.

The tours will feature stops at the museum and park; American Woman’s League Chapter House; the village’s oldest business; Colony Presbyterian Cemetery; Anderson Colony House; Pillsbury’s home; the site of the former Presbyterian Church; and the site of the mill and Andover Inn, which housed the world’s first Swedish Methodist parsonage.

Also on the tour are the largest cucumber magnolia tree north of Springfield; Jenny Lind Chapel, where the Swedish soprano, portrayed by K. Krewer of Orion, will greet guests; the former Lutheran parsonage; the former Methodist Church; the former Andover school; and Augustana Lutheran Church.

The musical salute to veterans will be at 3 p.m. on June 7 on the west side of Andover Lake Park. The program will include the presentation of colors and the National Anthem  sung by Deanna Swanson of  Lynn Center.

Area military units and veterans’ color guards have been invited to participate in the event.  Bruce Anderson, Orion, will be master of ceremonies.

Providing special music will be Russ Anderson playing a calliope and Derrick Grant playing a bagpipe. The program also will include numerous choral selections.

At the conclusion of the program, parachutists will bring the American flag to the site.

Military displays will be featured in the park from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 7. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., veterans will share their stories at the American Woman’s League building west of the park.

People planning to attend outside events should bring their own lawn chairs.

Saturday, June 7

8 to 11 a.m.—Coffee and bake sale in the American Legion Building.

9 to 11 a.m.—Fishing derby for ages 4 to 15 at Andover Lake.

9 a.m. to 4 p.m.—Military equipment display, arts and crafts, and food vendors on west side of Andover Lake Park. For information about setting up arts and crafts or food booths, call (309) 521-8456 or (309) 521-7060. 

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.—Quilt show in American Legion Building. For information, call (309) 937-2271.

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.—Military veterans’ war stories at American Woman’s League Chapter House.

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.—Andover Historical Museum, 40th anniversary open house.

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.—Betty White’s doll museum, upstairs at the south entrance of the Doll House Restaurant.

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.—Jenny Lind and a Civil War Union Army captain at Jenny Lind Chapel.

11 a.m.—Pie and sandwich stand, west park shelter.

11 a.m. to 2 p.m.—Guided bus tours of historic sites, boarding in front of historical museum.

11 a.m. to 2 p.m.—Horseshoe demonstrations on west side of park.

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Smart Bus for kids on west side of park.

1:30 p.m.—Spoker (bike) Fun Run for ages 7-13 at ball diamond in Andover Lake Park. Riders must wear helmets.

3 p.m.—“Musical Salute to Veterans,” ball diamond area of park.

5 to 6:30 p.m.—Pork chop supper, east shelter in park. Tickets must be purchased by May 29 at Doll House Cafe or Central Bank, Andover. For information, call (309) 476-8228.

5 p.m.—Ice cream social, east shelter.

6:30 to 8:30 p.m.—Tony Hamilton Orchestra’s big band sounds at the bandstand in the park. In case of inclement weather, the orchestra will be at Augustana Church.

Sunday, June 8

7 to 11 a.m.—Pancake breakfast in the east shelter of the park.

10 a.m.—Community worship service featuring music by the Aardvaarks of the Quad Cities, east side of park. In case of inclement weather, the service will be held in Augustana Church.