Concert & Fireworks Alton Bay July 2nd

[upthesaukee]

The annual Fourth of July fireworks in Alton Bay, normally held on the night before the Fourth will be held on Saturday July 2nd, due to a scheduling problem. Rain Date is July 9th.

There is a concert at the Alton Bay Bandstand featuring Pony Express, a country and western band (wait til you hear Karen sing "Patsy Cline" songs) from 7-9 PM. Following the concert there will be :

FIREWORKS at 9:20 PM FROM A BARGE!!!! Unlike in past years, the fireworks will not be from the Alton Town Beach, but rather from a barge anchored just outside the No-Wake Zone near the bandstand in the bay. Boats will be permitted inside the NWZ south of a line from Shibley's at the Pier towards Gillen Marine and Downing's, including the town docks; and northward from the markers (red tipped and black tipped) just out from the Rte 11 Bridge to Back Bay. Vehicle parking will be along Rte 11 and in Alton Bay.

Spend an evening in Alton Bay, celebrating the Fourth Of July. See the calendar of events on this website. The event is shown under my user name, but a HUGE thanks to Rattlesnake Gal for her very creative editing on the event. Thanks to Don Z. for making this type of info possible, and thanks to RG for all the work she does supporting the site. Here's the link:

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/calendar.php?do=getinfo&day=2005-7-2&c=1

Come by boat, by car, walk if you're close enough, but join us in Alton Bay. I'm excited about the night, and I hope you will be too!!!!!

[Mee-n-Mac]

Will they still be closing Rt 28A as has been done in the past ? If so, do you know when ? Last year instead of taking the boat out we watched from the town docks and, given the low ceiling, got quite a show ! This year I think we'll do the same thing although I now wonder if moving the launch area will make it possible to see the show from our dock .... hmmmm :coolsm:

[BroadHopper]

The Pony Express band is very danceable. Will there be a dance floor for those who likes to 2 step, line dance or swing? This will be fun as I will wear my boots etc. :banana:

[Frdxplorer]

I am really excited about this. I was pretty disappointed that I was going to miss fireworks on the lake this year because I will be returning to DC mid afternoon on the 4th. (I am, however, very excited to see our Nation's birthday in our capital). This will give me a chance to take the boat over and watch fireworks over the lake. (Fireworks over water are always better for some reason). I normally do the Wolfeboro fireworks. How does Alton stack up??

[trfour]

I'm realy going to try to make it to Alton for this one!... Being involved in the construction buisness here in the Lakes Region, everyone knows that we only have a very short window to get the work done... I started work this morning at 6:00 AM, got out at 6:30 PM.. Not very easy for me to make any plans. With brakedownes and such, I have to be there, even if it should include a hollyday weekend... Picture this!.. I am looking foward to meeting all of the Forum Folks, They are so very Special!

Love,
T.

[upthesaukee]

M-n-M: I would anticipate that rte 28A will remain open. The reason it has been closed in the past is the very close proximaty to the Town Beach and the fireworks on the ground. With the Fireworks being shot off from the bay and just outside the "floating bandstand" at that, I would think that vehicular traffic would not be stopped.

BH- Pony Express is indeed very danceable, and the parking lot in front of the bandstand is cordoned off for people to sit as well as dance.

FE: Alton has always had good displays, but I have thought that the Wolfeboro display has been better (longer and more actual fireworks). Last years old home weekend display was a particularly good display IMHO. We have a new company this year and I am excited to see how it all turns out. Look for the 19 foot bowrider with "Upthesaukee" along the side.

TR4: There was a guy that did a really big construction job, and he even found time to rest on the 7th day :) but then again, he may have been able to control the weather;) . Hope you can make it.

[Frdxplorer]

Upthesaukee,

Great. I will be sure to keep an eye out for you. I am going to try to decorate our 20' Whaler with a big flag off the back and several smaller flags flying from the bow. If you happen to spot us, pop on bye and say hi. I will do likewise.

[NHKathy]

We will be up at the Lake for the 4th of July weekend. As we are in Moultonborough, we usually go to the Center Harbor display on the 4th and sometimes the Weirs Beach display on the 3rd @ midnight. However, this year, seeing how the Alton Bay display is on the 2nd, we are thinking of going to see that display too.
I'm not all that familiar with the Alton area though. What is the easiest way to get there from Moultonborough? I assume we should travel down the west side of the Lake, by Weirs Beach and Gilford as opposed to the east by Wolfeboro. Also, any road blocks that I should divert from? Also, where is the best place for parking (I don't mind if there's a walk involved).
Any imput would be greatly appreciated :)
Thanks!

[Mee-n-Mac]

I am really excited about this. I was pretty disappointed that I was going to miss fireworks on the lake this year because I will be returning to DC mid afternoon on the 4th. (I am, however, very excited to see our Nation's birthday in our capital). This will give me a chance to take the boat over and watch fireworks over the lake. (Fireworks over water are always better for some reason). I normally do the Wolfeboro fireworks. How does Alton stack up??

I'm going to disagree w/UTS here. Having done both the Wolfeboro and Alton fireworks (by boat) over the last few years, I'm going to say Alton is better. Perhaps it's because I've been closer the the action in Alton or perhaps it's the hills, which contain and reverberate the sound, but I prefer the Alton show. Given it's a new company this year it's impossible to say whether history will repeat itself. Luckily we can do both so there's no need to choose. :)

UTS - thx re: Rt28A info. I was hoping that given the new launch site this would be the case. Guess we'll see.

[upthesaukee]

M-n-M -- I think that in the past it has been relatively easy to get "up close and personal" at Alton, with the confines of the bay being quite narrow and Wolfeboro being quite wide open. I will totally agree that the hill sides in Alton offer an excellent sounding board for the really big booms and for noise, Alton has it all over our neighbors to the North and East.


I just felt that the overall length of the program for the past 4 or 5 years has been 10-15 minutes longer on average in Wolfeboro than here in Alton and that would give the nod to them. I have always thoroughly enjoyed our fireworks here and I thought last years Old Home fireworks were nothing short of spectacular. I look forward to our new "shooter" this year and hope it will be better than ever.

KathyNH. 6 to one, half dozen to the other which way you come. You can run into a mess of traffic either way,but I would probably opt to come into Alton from the west (the weirs). When you cross the Weirs channel bridge, take the left on 11A towards Gilford. Follow that to rte 11 (Patricks Pub on your right.) and take a left on Rte 11 to Alton. Parking is permitted on Rte 11 coming into the bay, and the earlier you get there, the shorter walk you will have. There are restaurants in the Bay (Pop's Clam Bar, Shibley's at the pier = sit down type meal, Shibleys ice cream has food as well, JP china for chinese, and Dockside on the east end of the bay. OOPs forgot Sandy Point on Rte 11 about a mile and a half from the end of the bay. Hope you can make it and enjoy!

[NHKathy]

Great directions, thank you! :)
I'm familiar up to Patrick's, then it will be new to me - about how far on Rt.11 from where Patrick's is until Alton Bay? Also, will it be noticable as to when we should start trying to find a spot to park? And finally, where should we stand/sit for the best view? Is there a beach area / park /or field of some sort and how would I find it?
Thanks so much !!!
-NHKathy

[trfour]

M-n-M: I would anticipate that rte 28A will remain open. The reason it has been closed in the past is the very close proximaty to the Town Beach and the fireworks on the ground. With the Fireworks being shot off from the bay and just outside the "floating bandstand" at that, I would think that vehicular traffic would not be stopped.

BH- Pony Express is indeed very danceable, and the parking lot in front of the bandstand is cordoned off for people to sit as well as dance.

FE: Alton has always had good displays, but I have thought that the Wolfeboro display has been better (longer and more actual fireworks). Last years old home weekend display was a particularly good display IMHO. We have a new company this year and I am excited to see how it all turns out. Look for the 19 foot bowrider with "Upthesaukee" along the side.

TR4: There was a guy that did a really big construction job, and he even found time to rest on the 7th day :) but then again, he may have been able to control the weather;) . Hope you can make it.

I hear you about the the Big Guy taking the 7th day off, and I do believe that my Boss,.. knows Him as well!.. Whowever, in todays market when building a Large building here, there are deadlines on completion involved, and when a critical piece of equipment brakes and could impede this goal,..guess what?... trfour has to fix it!... ( Want to be a Service Manager, in the Lakes Region? ).... :)
I will do my best to attend and am looking very much foward to meeting you.

Love,
T.

[Mee-n-Mac]

Great directions, thank you! :)
I'm familiar up to Patrick's, then it will be new to me - about how far on Rt.11 from where Patrick's is until Alton Bay? Also, will it be noticable as to when we should start trying to find a spot to park? And finally, where should we stand/sit for the best view? Is there a beach area / park /or field of some sort and how would I find it?
Thanks so much !!!
-NHKathy

From Patricks Pub to Alton Bay is about 20 mins or about 10 - 12 miles. Once you go by the Mount's loading dock and Olde Train Station (will be on your left) there's parking on your right and in a lot on your left. The latter is fairly large but will fill up if you're late. You can sit out on the lawn around the parking lot (bordering the bay) or do as we did last year, sit down along the railing at the town docks. This seems to be a secret ;) Going across the bay there's a beach that used to be to launch site and might now be open. Going further up Rt28A is all private property so no luck there. Pretty much when you drive in park as close to Shibley's lot as you can and walk to where the music is. Find a place to sit and enjoy. Nothing really tricky. :coolsm:

UTS - Could be the Old Home fireworks, which are really stupendous, are coloring my thinking :D Those are worth a trip from anywhere !

[NHKathy]

Thanks Mee-n-Mac! Very helpful! :)
One last thing though, what time would you recommend getting there so as to possibly get a spot in one of those lots? I know the fireworks are @9:20, but theres also music earlier, how early do people get there?
Thanks again!!

--NH Kathy

[GrandmaBig6]

Anything happening in the Meredith area? If so, where is the best place to sit, if not - oh well....

[NHKathy]

Anything happening in the Meredith area? If so, where is the best place to sit, if not - oh well....

GrandmaBig6 :
I think Meredith has something on the 4th, but I'm not sure, but Center Harbor has a display on the 4th.
--NH Kathy

[mcdude]

I often forget myself....but....just check the winnipesaukee.com calendar! (http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/calendar.php?do=getinfo&day=2005-7-4&c=1)... Duckie Races, Foot Races, Parades.....lots going on this 4th in the Meredith / Center Harbor area! I'm going to check out the Wolfeboro Parade (Monday the 4th at 10:00) as I hear the LAWN CHAIR BRIGADE (http://www.granitestaters.org/lawnchair.htm) will be marching. If you have not seen this group they are hilarious. Synchronized folding and unfolding of various lawnchairs, while marching in outrageious "parrothead" type outfits!
http://www.granitestaters.org/brignj7.jpg

[Mee-n-Mac]

I often forget myself....but....just check the winnipesaukee.com calendar! (http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/calendar.php?do=getinfo&day=2005-7-4&c=1)... Duckie Races, Foot Races, Parades.....lots going on this 4th in the Meredith / Center Harbor area!

To help out I looked in the calendar but didn't see a specific mention of fireworks for Meredith. That said, there should be a display (as usual) according to http://www.nhliving.com/events/4thofjuly/index.shtml

NHKathy - I can't really give you a good arrival time for the Alton show. Previously we always (last year excepted) did the boat thing and so parking wasn't a big concern. ;) I'll guess an hour beforehand will certainly get you a spot, maybe even a good one. There's stuff happening and Shibleys ice cream stand is open so if you're bringing kids they shouldn't get too antsy waiting. (dunno if the mini-golf is open that time, that night) Hopefully UTS can give you a more informed answer.

ps - for anyone coming down perhaps we could meet, have a micro-FF II ? :D

[upthesaukee]

M-n-M Hey wow, did you hear the rumor...Barbeque and open bar at Mee-n-Mac's on July 2nd followed by fireworks!!!!!! See the invitation

ps - for anyone coming down perhaps we could meet, have a micro-FF II ? :D
__________________
Mee'n'Mac

Or perhaps I read too much into the above:( :) :laugh:

Shifting gears back to Alton Bay...the times we have done the on shore thing, we have walked down (about a mile and a half.) and drove back (left a car down at the bay during the day.) Not sure myself what would be the best time, but I would think a couple of hours before would be better. Blue Jay mini golf should be open, Shibley's for ice cream as well as Pop's for ice cream. Concert from 7-9.

[NHKathy]

Thank you both for all the info - it will really help, we'll probably get there by 5 or 6, maybe have dinner, then see the concert & fireworks - thanks again!!
-NHKathy :D

McDude - I too have seen the Lawnchair Brigade crew - and YES they are great and so entertaining!! :laugh: Saw it at the Wolfeboro parade 3 or 4 yrs ago. I'll be there this year too!

[nj2nh]

I am really excited that I will get to see the Alton fireworks for the 4th this year. We will be going back to Jersey (to catch our local fireworks) on the 3rd, so the schedule change is great! I haven't seen them in years although we have seen the Old Home Week ones in August the last couple of years. They seem even better than when I was a kid. I love being so close to them!

I remember having to get to the bay by 5pm or so just to get a parking space, but that was back in the days of the water skiing show they used to have. And, then, there was the Pavilion to hang out in as well. We would eat, watch the roller skaters, catch the ski show, eat ice cream and then settle in for the fireworks. It was the highlight of my vacation and even my summer when I was a pre-teen.

Jersey Girl

[upthesaukee]

Just an update on rte 28A on the east side of the lake. One of the reasons for having the fireworks off of TWO barges is that by not being on the beach, there will be NO ROAD Closures. (There you go Mee-n-Mac)

[upthesaukee]

but about a half hour late.

We decided that it would not be the best of rides from West Alton to the bay in our 19 footer, so we played all 18 holes of golf, had supper, and then went home and changed. A short ride to our daughter's house followed by a short walk to the bay, and we caught the last 40 minutes of Pony Express. Saw W. D. and JLongchamp at the docks, and when the concert ended, went back to our chairs and waited...and waited. Don't know the reason for the delay, but crowd on the shore, and there were many didn't seem to mind too much.

One quick burst and a short wait thereafter, and then they started. It was certainly a different view looking out the bay, and it was definately worth the wait. Basically a nonstop show, there was display after display and then the grand finale. Not a long show we thought, but then again, the barges were not that big (Thanks Lakes Region Marine Construction). But then they continued and continued, and then there was the grand finale.

Between my wife, daughter, two grandchildren, and myself, we all felt that last night's display was one of the best, if not the best in recent memory. Nice job to the "shooters" for job well done. Hope others enjoyed the show as much as our family did.

Happy Fourth of July 2005 to all, and a special remembrance to those who are servicing our country, where ever they may be.