Decoding the Vibe at Dover’s Apple Harvest Day, I could not help but relish the autumn ambiance of people gathering, apple pies, popcorn, hot dogs and politics.

I ran into Republican presidential candidate Bill Weld as he was walking along Central Avenue. When I asked him what he thought of Apple Harvest Day and the events happening in Washington, he remarked:

“The feeling on the street here is terrific. What‘s happening in Washington is awful.”

According to Weld, the actions by the current president are “quintessentially impeachable offenses. Two things must be addressed,” Weld said, “foreign interference and using public office for private gains.” Weld then mentioned that he’d worked on Nixon’s impeachment and, just like that, Apple Harvest Day took on a new meaning for me.

I wandered over to the Dover Democrats' booth and basked in the vibrancy of youth as I chatted with workers who canvas for presidential candidates Elizabeth Warren, Mayor Pete Buttigieg, Kamala Harris. All are pretty excited to experience their first New England fall and I told them Apple Harvest Day is the best way to embrace the first few days of fall foliage.

People walked past the booth, often remarking, “I’m still not sure who I’m supporting.” But the booth was full and the vibe felt fresh, strong, hopeful.

When I meandered down to the Republican booth, I happily ran into a student I’d taught over 20 years ago; he wore a red sweater and showed off his two beautiful children. When I asked him his thoughts on the Republican agenda, he said he’s “simply not a fan of taxes” and does not enjoy paying them.

We then discussed gun control and he noted that he is a fan of providing weapons to teachers.

I laughed and said, “You did note that it just took me 10 minutes to find a pen. I don’t know how I’d do with a gun.”

When I asked former Dover state Representative, Republican David Scott, for his thoughts on the current situations, he said: “The economy is good.” And then brought up the Clintons.

On that note, it seemed a good idea to continue my walk down Dover’s Central Avenue to bask in the fullness of a vibrant Saturday, to drink some fresh apple cider and to glory in Decoding the Vibe of a terrific autumn event in New Hampshire.

Susan Dromey Heeter is a writer from Dover who recently let her hair go au natural white. Writing has been her passion since her English majoring days at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. Dromey Heeter has lived in The Netherlands, Alaska and currently basks in all things New England, including the frigid winters. Her column appears courtesy of InDepthNH.org

