For a long time, Keach Park had a flagpole. And just about every year the Concord Grange would furnish a new flag to gently flap in the wind.
But somewhere along the way the flagpole failed to exist. Grange president Dick Patten isn’t quite sure what happened, so naturally many conspiracy theories have cropped up. As of now, we’re pretty sure it wasn’t stolen, because there’s no official police investigation that we know of and it would require some kind of movie-style getaway with something so large. But that’s all we can say for sure.
So with the Grange celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2014 (the official date was May 11), it set out to have a series of events and community service projects to mark the joyous occasion. And July 22, the Grange is hosting a flag raising extravaganza to celebrate the installation of Keach Park’s newest attraction after a successful fundraising effort.
“We wanted to do something special, something for the community,” Patten said. “We always try to do something on the Heights end to make a difference.”
The city must give the final okay for the project before the flagpole can be installed, but who doesn’t like things for nothing? We’re pretty sure Concord is in to free stuff – just like we are when it comes to food and jokes. Over the course of the last few months, the Grange has received donations from near and far, totaling $2,000, which will pay for the 25-foot pole, a new flag and lighting.
“We got donations from people who just wanted to donate and aren’t even connected to the Grange,” Patten said. “We’re a community organization, a non-profit, and we like doing what we can to improve the community.”
There’s also a plan to add a monument to commemorate the pole. We sure do hope to get some recognition for this great story outlining the evening, although it’s unlikely we’d be included on the plaque. Good thing we also accept thank yous.
But the flagpole dedication is just the cherry on top of the evening. The Grange is hosting a picnic at 5:30 p.m., followed by the third annual Splash Bash at 6 p.m., where children in grades 3 through 6 can swim free for an hour and a half. The bash will include cookies (one of our favorites), popcorn, and balloons.
“We all love helping out. That’s what we do,” Patten said.
At 6:45 p.m., the Nevers’ Band will take to the band stand for a musical performance followed by the flag raising with the Concord Fire Department and VFW color guards. And, fingers crossed, the Grange cookbook – with more than 100 recipes and plenty of Grange history – should be all set for purchase.
“It’s going to be a really nice event,” Patten said.
During the flag raising portion of the event, ice cream will be scooped and a hot dog guy will be there to bun up one of our all-time favorite summer time grillables. One thing you might want to bring is a lawn chair for maximum comfort while enjoying the free festivities.
“It’s just a night to celebrate the Grange and all we do,” Patten said. “And we’ll have something for everybody.”
