Thousands Come Out to Celebrate Merrimack

Saturday was a day spent celebrating  a way of life in a vibrant community. Starting with the Merrimack Fall Festival and Business Expo, and concluding with Merrimack Rocks, thousands of people stepped out on a gorgeous fall afternoon to be a part of the festivities.

The first part of the day included the Fall Festival and Business Expo, which was an opportunity for local businesses and crafters to showcase to the community the wonderful things happening in Merrimack and surrounding communities. 

It included vendor exhibits and demonstrations, music, dance performances and more.

Event organizer Dave McCray estimated the festival to be the biggest turnout they've had and said vendors told him they'd doubled business from the previous year. Gray, periodically rainy weather plagued the last two festivals, so McCray said the warmth and sunshine was a welcomed change.

About an hour after the festival, Merrimack Rocks kicked off with the full hitch of Clydesdales from Budweiser marching from Town Hall to the Fire Station and over into Watson Park were an estimated 800 people came out to witness the gentle giants and snap photos with them. 

When the horses left, the celebration continued with music by Tristan Omand and later the classic rock group "The Shotz." 

Hundreds of people pulled up chairs and blankets in the park to listen to music and watch two recognition ceremonies. 

The first was for Arthur "Pete" Gagnon receive a lifetime achievement award for his 39 years of volunteer service to the community, and his continued good will toward the town and the residents in it.
 
The second ceremony was to honor the life and legacy of Marine Cpl. Timothy Gibson who was killed while serving overseas in Iraq in 2005. Read more here.

By the time the final capper of a brilliant fireworks show rolled in, the park was packed.

I think it went wonderfully," McCray said, of the first production of Merrimack Rocks. He couldn't guess the number of people who'd turned out for the free event, as people had been coming and going all day. He said he knew there were at least 800 or so for the Clydesdales and he expected there were at least that many through the park all evening, enjoying dinner from the D.W. Diner, listening to music while kids played and packing in for the fireworks.

McCray said he and co-organizers Dan Dwyer and Mike Malzone had spent at least 250 hours planning the event.

"We'll definitely do it again," McCray said. "I don't know that it will be an annual event but at least every few years. We've got a big thing to top here."

The event was made possible not only by the volunteer man hours, but through the generous donors who contributed. Platinum sponsor ESPN New Hampshire and the Monahan Companies were instrumental in making this event go off with a bang. As was gold sponsor Veteran Chimney.

Additional sponsorships came from:
Silver sponsors – The D.W. Diner, All Basics Stove Shop, Bellavance Beverage, the Motta Family and Dunkin' Donuts, Lindt Chocolate Shop at the Merrimack Premium Outlets, Lettering Design Company, and Silver Chariot Transportation.
Union Sponsor – Local No. 12 of the New England Police Benevolent Association (the Merrimack Police Union)
Flower Sponsor – Merrimack Flower Shop and Greenhouse.