Lilac Family Fun Festival and Fireworks scheduled for July 9

ROCHESTER — To celebrate the 300th anniversary of the Town Charter, Mayor Paul Callaghan announced the return of the Lilac Family Fun Festival and Fireworks. The combination event will take place at Spaulding High School and the James W. Foley Memorial Community Center on Saturday, July 9, from 4 to 9 p.m. (Rain date is Sunday, July 10, from 4 to 9 p.m.)

There will be free kiddie carnival rides, games, food trucks, vendors from all over the region, family-friendly activities, live entertainment, and much more. Best of all, the night concludes with what Callaghan describes as “the best fireworks show in New Hampshire.”

“After two years of COVID, we need a reason to get together, have fun with our families, and celebrate our history,” said Callaghan. “2022 marks the 300th Anniversary of Rochester’s Town Charter and our way of honoring that occasion is to revive the Lilac Family Fun Festival. We hope our vendors will run with that ‘300’ theme and offer activities that acknowledge the anniversary in some way.”

The festival, which originally ran from 1993 to 2008, was a popular event for families. It featured similar offerings, nonprofit vendor booths, and activities geared toward children and families, at little to no cost for attendees. 

“We will be keeping some of those traditions alive, while adding a few new ones of our own, most especially the fireworks,” Callaghan continued. “We want the kiddie rides to remain free and we want to welcome our greater business community to participate as vendors.”

Since parking is limited, COAST will be offering a free shuttle service for several downtown spots, including City Hall, Bank of America, and a temporary stop on Columbus Ave. near the Opera House/Police Department. Organizers encourage attendees to find parking downtown and take advantage of the pick-up and drop-off locations.

Event organizers are actively accepting vendor applications but space is limited. A vendor packet is available online. Contact Nicole Lee at 603-332-4120 for general inquiries.

Visit www.RochesterNH.net/fun for more event information, an up-to-date list of vendors and activities, and to download a vendor application.