The Harvard Press

It’s been a busy year for news and features at the Press, and as we prepare to take a break, we’re excited to bring you coverage of the town’s iconic Fourth of July festivities with this now-traditional full-color issue. If you need an extra copy or two for friends and family, you can find this week’s paper at Daigneault’s Liquors, the Harvard General Store, Westward Orchards, Bolton Orchards, Garrett’s Family Market (formerly Devens Rapid Refill), Ayer Shop ’n Save, and Ayer Jack O’Lantern.

What was predicted to be a scorchingly hot day had just enough cloud coverage and breeze to make the Fourth of July parade and field events safe and enjoyable. The festivities would not have been possible without the contributions of many people and organizations.

As we prepare for our summer break (July 10–Aug. 10), we would like to report what’s been happening at the Press in 2026—and to thank you for making all of it possible. The Press was thrilled to receive the general excellence award from the New England Newspaper and Press Association, honoring weekly newspapers in markets with circulation under 5,000.

I have been deeply involved with Harvard’s analysis of Devens for the past 15 years, starting with the Devens Economic Analysis Team in 2011 and continuing with the Harvard-Devens Jurisdiction Committee, where I have served since its inception in 2018.

Sir Erik’s retirement party The Harvard Alpaca Ranch, 58 Old Mill Road, will hold a retirement party for Sir Erik the alpaca Sunday, July 12, with tickets at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., and noon. Celebrate Erik’s 18th birthday with farm tours, alpaca walks, and cake and ice cream. Tickets sales will benefit the farm’s alpaca-assisted therapy program. $5 per person. (HarvardAlpacaRanch.com). At the library The Harvard Public Library is at 4 Pond Road.

Select Board community hour Come share your thoughts, ideas, and feedback with Select Board members Eve Wittenberg and Eric Ward Thursday, July 16, 10 a.m., at the Harvard General Store, 1 Still River Road. This is an opportunity to ask questions, learn about upcoming changes at the DPW, and engage directly with local leadership. Next month, community hour will be held Thursday, Aug. 13, 7 p.m., at the Harvard Public Library.

Aspen Ference holds the leads of Dusty and Cider, her miniature Highland cows, as 2-year old Spring smiles for the camera. (Photo by Lisa Aciukewicz) Jeremy and Ruby Haag eagerly awaited the start of the annual Fourth of July parade in a shady spot by the blinking light of Harvard’s “downtown” crossroads.

Buy Photos Katherine Evanowski (center) leads the migration from the decorating contest to join the parade. (Photo by Hannah Taylor) Holding the banner Ellen Sachs Leicher (left) and Staci Donahue lead the Harvard Climate Initiative members down Ayer Road. The day’s weather perfectly supported their message to act now as the climate becomes more extreme. The Westward Orchards float brings the farm to life in the parade, complete with Ella Green on a tractor and a planted vegetable garden.

Buy Photos Runners begin the 5-mile run. Anthony Chase (927) goes on to win, while Jett Johnson (910) becomes the overall runner up and under 18 winner. Harvard runner Micah Wiebe (939) stays with the lead pack. Oscar Bensle (center) along with Miles Bensle cool down with ice pops after the 1-mile run. Nick Rindenello finishes the 5-mile race as the first man from Harvard. Elouise Gutzler finishes the 1-mile race as the first girl from Harvard.

Caroline, Vivienne, and Elyce Gutzler, of the finish line cool down crew, create a rainbow as they cool off Jason Gutzler.