Sunshine, seniors and songs Old Home Day festivities off to a rousing start

Londonderry

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Jarrod Thompson
Jarrod Thompson

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August 15, 2008

By Suzanne Laurent

LONDONDERRY — The evening sun beamed down on close to 200 seniors and guests at the opening festivities of Old Home Day on Wednesday. It was the perfect start to the town's annual five-day event, which ends Sunday, Aug. 17.

Members of the Londonderry Lions Club got a head start on their barbecue skills as they grilled up hot dogs and hamburgers for the hungry crowd. The Lions will be back manning the grills on Saturday during the busiest day of festivities.

While 182 seniors signed up for the free barbecue and organizers tried their best to plan for the amount of food, the potato salad was scooped up quickly, leaving some disappointed. To make up for it, free treats were offered when the ice cream truck pulled up. This is the second year the truck visited the Lions Pavilion, and it was again a big hit.

"This is one of the nicest Old Home Days I've ever seen," said Susan Prowell who drove the truck and served up the confections. Prowell said she was originally from Londonderry and now lives in Hillsborough.

After filling up on burgers and conversation, the crowd crossed over to the Town Common to enjoy a concert by the Windham Swing Band.

John Robinson entertained the crowd with a countdown of "oldies" including tunes from Elvis and Alvin and the Chipmunks while the band was setting up. The concert was open to all and a dozen or so families spread out blankets to enjoy the show which began with the big band tune, "Sing, Sing, Sing."

Thursday night was the 7th annual Kidz night featuring live entertainment including performers from Madco, the Londonderry Dance Academy and the Lancer Drum Line.

Tonight (Aug. 15) come out and see the family concert featuring the Souled Out Show Band from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on the front lawn of Londonderry High School. A fireworks display will follow, weather permitting.

Saturday is the day to come out and see all your old neighbors and friends during all day activities including a parade at 10:30 a.m., free bingo at 3:30 p.m. at the Lions Pavilion, and much more. The first annual Applestock concert will take place on the Common from 8 to 10:30 p.m. The event is sponsored by Londonderry High's Student Council and features performances by Punkpod, Outsiders and Geeks in Jeans, plus surprise guests.

Sunday closes the Old Home Day Celebration with a contemporary Christian concert on the Common from 3 to 6 p.m. sponsored by the Old Home Day Committee and Londonderry clergy.

For a full schedule of events, pick up a copy of Wednesday's Derry News or visit www.oldhomeday.com.