Submitted Photo Pictured is a rendering of the Town of Hanover’s 250th Commemorative Statue purchased through community donations.

HANOVER — The year 1776, a year memorized by students in every American history class throughout generations, will be brought to life this weekend in Hanover.

That very year in history, 250 years ago, will be the main focus of their parade and celebration on July 4. There will be no motorized vehicles, no bands, no bounce houses. They will have in their parade a drum and fife team, 16 re-enactors representing the signers of the Declaration of Independence,  horses and buggies. Anyone dressed in 1776 themed attire is welcome to join in the parade. 

The desire to plan a celebration came from an experience in 1976, the 200th celebration in the village of Forestville, when a little girl in a long dress made by her grandmother walked in that parade. That memory inspired that little girl to plan a parade 50 years later. 

“I wanted today’s youth to have the same experience I had in the 1976 parade, in the hope they too will be inspired to have a parade 50 years from now,” said Traci Domenico, Chairwoman of this 250th Town of Hanover event.

The parade begins on Park Street in Forestville at 10 a.m., with bells ringing throughout all of Hanover, just as they did at the first July 4 celebration in Philadelphia back in 1777. Once the bells ring 13 times, representing the 13 original colonies, a cannon made by the Boy Scout troop 262 will be ignited and will blast out confetti to initiate the start of the parade.

A Hanover banner held by two girl scouts will lead the parade,  followed by the Forestville American Legion Honor Guard, a drum and fife team, town officials, 16 signers re-enactors in 1776 attire, four Forestville High School Drummers, and horses either ridden, driven or being led.

The parade ends at the Forestville American Legion, but a ceremony will continue the festivities that includes former Buffalo Sabres anthem singer Doug Allen singing the National Anthem. Pastor Pollock from Smith Mills will do the Invocation.

Commander Tom Halicki from the Forestville American Legion will be the emcee of the event. Hanover Town Historian Vince Martonis will read part of the Declaration of Independence. Lou Pelletter, Hanover Town Supervisor and Village of Silver Creek Historian, will give a talk about history and George Washington. Hanover Town Clerk Elizabeth VanCheri will announce the winner of the Town of Hanover Logo and Slogan contest. Hanover Town Councilmember Aimee Rogers, the President of Imagine Forestville, will introduce the 16 re-enactors of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and invite them to the special stage to recreate the famous painting of what is popularly known as the Signing of the Declaration of Independence. The event will end with Doug Allen singing God Bless America and the closing Benediction by Pastor Pollock.

There will be a welcome tent with greeters in front of the American Legion, right next to the road to answer any questions. Guests may also purchase lunch tickets, small flags, bracelets, and pins, as well as a 250th Commemorative Book. Guests can also sign up for contests and sign the official signature book for attendees. Donations are also greatly appreciated.

The Commemorative Book covers the events of the weekend, but also the up-to-date history of the communities that make up the town of Hanover along with many photos. Only 250 copies are available, so there is a limited supply. The books sell for $10 and serve as a souvenir of this historic event in our nation’s history.

After the ceremony, there will be a lunch from noon to 1 p.m., a pie contest at 1 p.m. (preregistry is required), a 1776 attire contest for men, women and children at 2 p.m., and an art contest at 3 p.m. There will be a sawdust treasure hunt and 1776 crafts for the kids. From noon to 6 p.m., there will be several historical displays in the American Legion, along with student art work and the Town of Hanover logo submissions. From 4-6 p.m., a contra band will be playing music, the kind that was enjoyed in 1776. After the dancing, everyone is encouraged to go enjoy fireworks at your favorite location!

To complete the weekend celebration, on Sunday, July 5 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., cemetery walks will be offered. Eight of the 22 cemeteries in Hanover have a Revolutionary War Soldier buried there. Those cemeteries will have information at the entrance of the cemetery.

Hanover has 20 soldiers buried in town, including one each at Smith’s Mills, Rathbun, and Ball Town; two each at Doty and Glenwood; three each at Nashville and Hanover Center; and seven at Pioneer Cemetery. Madelyn Bradigan will be a guide at the Pioneer Cemetery to help locate the gravesites. In honor of this special occasion, the Pioneer Cemetery will have the old fountain uncovered for visitors to see.

Then at 7 p.m., the Town will have the unveiling of the 250th Commemorative Statue next to the flag pole in front of the Hanover Town Hall. This statue was purchased by generous donations from the community. It is a bald eagle representing our National symbol that has a fish in its claws which represents our beautiful Lake Erie, which is the northern border in the Town of Hanover. The statue unveiling will be at this temporary location until the completion of the Military Memorial Park that will be dedicated on Veterans Day. This eagle will be in the center of the park and will have a time capsule with various items from the schools and other organizations, buried under it. More info about the dedication in November to come.