Alton Bay Water Bandstand Celebration Day

If you have passed through Alton Bay, you likely spotted something unique: a bandstand in the middle of the water. You may have wondered what the town does with such a pretty structure. Is it simply for decoration? Is it just a conservation piece? Do bands actually perform in the bandstand, and if so, can you hear the music from the shoreline?

This summer the public will get a chance to see the bandstand put to good use at the Alton Bay Water Bandstand Celebration Day on Saturday, June 22. A hard working Alton Water Bandstand Committee has been organizing a day of events that will take place at the bandstand and also on land in Alton.

The purpose of the day is to celebrate the renovation of the bandstand. The iconic structure was built in around 1928 when a spirited and civic-minded group of men placed a cribbing of logs and rocks on the ice during the winter. When spring arrived, the crib seated itself on a shallow ledge formation in Alton Bay. The men went to work and built the platform and bandstand above the cribbing. In those days, the bandstand was the place where judging of boat races took place and it also was a great spot to hold band concerts for the enjoyment of all.

The bandstand, from its water location in Alton Bay, is a beloved symbol of the town and summer residents and locals know they are in the town when they see the pretty bandstand. But time took its toll on the structure and the committee, with the support of the town and citizens, has brought the bandstand back to its original glory.

The June 22 event will be a daylong celebration including events on the bandstand and on land as well. Events kick off at the Alton Bay town docks with the NH Boat Museum’s antique boat show from 10 am to noon. A fun cardboard boat race beginning at the town beach and sponsored by the Alton Business Association goes from 10 to 11 am. The Fire Department’s Touch a Truck takes place in the Alton Bay parking lot from 10 am to 5 pm. From 11 to 11:30 am the Police Department’s K-9 demonstration will be held in the new gazebo.

From noon to 1 pm, the NH Boat Museum’s Antique Boat Parade starts at the town docks. A community tailgate picnic will be held in the Alton Bay parking lot, followed by a 1 pm fly-over in Alton Bay by the Alton Bay Seaplane Base. 

The water bandstand dedication will be held at 1 pm at the land bandstand. At 1:30 pm, the Donna Marie Puppet Show happens, followed by a great waterski show by the Maine Attraction Water Ski Show Team.

A barbershop concert at the Alton Bay land bandstand starts at 4 pm with Lakes Region Chordsmen. From 5 to 7 pm, 104.9 radio broadcasts at the land bandstand presented by “Guido the Hawk.” The day of fun winds down with a water bandstand concert featuring Organized Chaos from 7 to 9 pm.

For information, contact Jonathan Downing at 603-767-4710.