Grand Marshal Announcement
The Gilmanton 4th of July Committee is pleased to announce the Grand Marshal for the 2026 Parade. This year, the Committee has nominated Evelyn Jones Sanville.
Evelyn has been a lifelong Gilmanton resident raised on her parents’ farm near the back side of Loon Pond. As an only child, she developed a strong work ethic, a sense of commitment, and a reputation for kindness and dependable friendship.
Evelyn attended Gilmanton Academy and graduated from Laconia High School before completing studies at a business college.
While at the Academy she met her future husband, Tom. The couple married prior to Tom’s military service in Vietnam and established their home on family farm property, where the couple continued to assist her family in farm operations.
Evelyn pursued a long career with the Belknap County Sheriff’s Office in the Civil Cases department. Her work required precision and attention to detail; she was widely regarded as reliable, conscientious, and pleasant to work with.
Active in community service, Evelyn frequently assumed additional responsibilities to support local needs. In a small town this often entails taking on multiple roles, a responsibility she accepted willingly.
Her dedication to veterans prompted her to join the American Legion Auxiliary, Unit 102 (Ellis-Geddes-Levitt), where she serves as secretary. Noting the absence of a comprehensive list of veterans interred in Gilmanton, she undertook an extensive records search and conducted thorough cemetery surveys. Her efforts produced the publication Veterans At Rest in Gilmanton, NH, which is available through the Gilmanton Cemetery Trustees website: https://bit.ly/VeteransAtRestInGilmanton.
In addition, Evelyn serves as Secretary of the Smith Meeting House Cemetery Association, maintaining records and performing duties intended to ensure long-term preservation.
She is also member of the Gilmanton Community Church and, eight years ago, accepted a temporary appointment as director of the church Food Pantry & Thrift Shop. Although others contribute, her sustained leadership and daily commitment have made her a central figure in that effort.
In recognition of her community service, Evelyn was nominated by residents to serve as Grand Marshal of the Gilmanton Fourth of July parade. Her modest and independent character make her an exemplary choice to be the first individual woman honored in this role during the town’s 250th anniversary celebration of American liberty and independence.
Upcoming Events
It’s time for the 2026 Gilmanton 4th of July festivities. First off, thank you to the taxpayers of Gilmanton for supporting our warrant article for the fireworks this year. We cannot do this without your support! The events are:
6/27 – Fireworks at Crystal Lake Park – Gates open at 5:30pm
7/4 – Parade at 10am
Don’t forget that we need a Grand Marshall so click here to nominate someone from our community.
We’re looking for vendors for the events. If you want to be a vendor, click here to send us your information.
Want to help?
Have Questions?
Email the Association at info@gilmanton4th.com