A beloved tradition, join us each July Fourth for a day of fun celebrating our country’s independence! Featuring an endearing small town walking parade and a patriotic concert by the Hanover Concert Band on our lawn. There are old fashioned lawn games, a Patriotic Pet Costume Contest, cold snow cones, hot dogs and hamburgers and of course our famous Apple Pie Baking Contest and Pie Auction all in the Center of the best little town in the Universe!
Schedule:
9:30am - 10:30am Apple Pie Baking Contest Pie Drop Off
10:30am Parade Line Up at Henry Clay Elementary School
11:00am Parade Steps Off on Hanover Avenue and Ends at The Center
11:00am - 12:00pm Apple Pie Judging
11:30am - 12:00pm Patriotic Pet Costume Contest registration
11:45am Presentation of Colors, Hanover Concert Band Patriotic Concert on the Lawn
12:00pm Lawn Party (Food, Games, Patriotic Pet Contest Judging Begins)
12:30pm - 12:40pm Pie Winners Announced, Pies Auctioned, Pet Winners Announced, all prizes awarded
Brigades in our walking parade are one of the most charming aspect of our parade. Patriotic bikes and pets, Basset Hounds, The Cacophony of the Universe Marching Band, and of course the famous Lawn Chair Brigade are all staples of the day. Do you have a new idea for a brigade or would your organization like to be a part of our event? Submit a form at the link below so we can include you in our parade line-up!
*All brigades must have a patriotic theme: decorations, clothing, costumes, etc. No flags besides the United States flag are permitted. No politically themed brigade or campaigning is permitted. Thank you for your understanding. No profane brigades or handing out of materials (flyers, candy, stickers, etc.) will be allowed. All brigades are approved at the discretion of the board and any brigade not adhering to these parameters will be asked to refrain from participation.
Have a new brigade idea? Fill out the form below.
Apple Pie Contest Rules:
All pies must submitted by 11:00AM on July 4th at Hanover Arts.
Pies must be majority apple filling but other ingredients are permitted.
Participants will fill out a form for their submission upon arrival. All pies that do not win will be sold by the slice at Hanover Arts apple pie concession tent. All WINNING pies will be auctioned during the Lawn Celebration with proceeds tp benefit Hanover Arts.
Meet our FANTASTIC Judges:
Jeffrey Aquino
Henry Clay Inn
Pastry Chef
Jeffrey Aquino is a classically trained pastry chef with over 15 years of experience in the culinary world. A graduate of the South Seattle Community College culinary and pastry programs (2005–2009), Jeffrey distinguished himself early by competing in American Culinary Federation (ACF)-certified culinary school competitions at both local and regional levels. He earned a Silver medal for a cold plated dessert presentation and a Gold medal as part of a junior hot food team, where he led the dessert course.
He refined his craft at Seattle’s Le Fournil French Bakery before moving to New York City, where he worked in several acclaimed kitchens, including ABC Kitchen(s), Nougatine, and Jean-Georges—gaining valuable experience in Michelin-starred environments. At ABC Kitchen(s), Jeffrey was promoted to Pastry Sous Chef, and later became Pastry Chef at The Fulton by Jean-Georges, where he played a key role in opening the restaurant. He eventually went on to become Pastry Chef at The Mark Restaurant by Jean-Georges.
In 2024, Jeffrey and his wife moved back to Virginia to be closer to her family. He now brings his pastry expertise to Ashland, where he creates desserts for The Henry Clay Inn.
—
Nell Curtis
Just Desserts
Co-Owner
What began as a way to unwind after a day of teaching soon grew into a true passion for baking. After retiring, I started selling homemade baked goods at the Ashland Farmers Market and quickly found a supportive local community. Over the years, my treats made their way to Bart Shaw’s ice cream shop, The Caboose, and later to The Depot/Ashland Meat Company. While I’ve recently scaled back to care for my 90-year-old father and help our son and his fiancée plan their wedding, I continue to bake by request for family, friends, and loyal local customers.
—
Melinda Foster
Sugar Fix Bakery
Owner
Wife & Mom of Six Amazing Children & Mimi to 5 Beautiful Grand babies! Owner of Sugar Fix Bakery. When I am not at the bakery, I love spending time with my family. Baking Cookies & family time just go hand in hand.
Places:
1st (Best Overall)
2nd
3rd
Most Patriotic
Best Kids Under 11 Pie
Judges will judge pies between 11:00 and 11:30 with winners begin announced between 12:00-12:15.
*if you would like your pie plate returned, please label it on the bottom with your name and cell phone number.
Apple Pie Concessions are lovingly made by and Apple Pie Contest is sponsored by Bravo Bakeshop! Visit them at www.bravobakeshop.com and order some goodies today!
All pets are welcome! Judging begins at 11:30 on Cox Lane (Hanover Arts Lawn).
Bring your patriotic pet by our judging tent and put them in the running for a great prize from Fin and Feather Pet Store in Ashland!
Winners will be announced after the Apple Pie Auction.