Each year during the Epsom Old Home Day weekend, master of ceremonies Paul Morency announces the winner of the annual Citizen of the Year award.

A strange scenario unfolded last summer when Morency wasn’t allowed to announce the award. Epsom Select Board member Virginia Drew filled in because it turned out that Morency had been chosen to receive it. That’s why he hadn’t been told the winner beforehand, as was the normal procedure.

“He was quite surprised,” Drew said. “We had to keep it from him, but he always knew who the winner was, so he figured it out that he had won.”

His list of volunteer work includes youth sports coaching, researching town history and coordinating appearances by his church choir at Epsom Manor, a senior living community.

Even though the award isn’t given out until August, the town is seeking nominations now until May 24 to find residents who have made significant contributions to the town.

Drew had her own tale when she was honored with the award in 1993.

Old Home Day festivities include a parade, a barbecue, car show, live music and fireworks. One of the many fundraising activities is the dunking machine.

“Who would have thought I peaked in life 30 years ago,” Drew said. “I heard the announcement while I was being dunked and I was sitting in the dunking tank and I was called up to the bandstand. I knew as I was walking there that I had won. I just wish I had a blow drier with me at the time.”

Drew cited the perseverance and determination needed to keep this tradition alive. Even the pandemic in 2020 did not stop officials from presenting the award.

“It was sad because that recognition had to be made at their house,” Drew said, “but we did not let the pandemic spoil years of service to the community.”

Miriam Cahill-Yeaton was Epsom’s Citizen of the Year during the initial year of the pandemic. Former tax collector and longtime volunteer Edwin Bunker won the inaugural award in 1963.

To nominate someone as Citizen of the Year, go to the town’s website.