Nansen Milan Winter Festival

January 26th Buring of the Greens @ 6:30pm

Bonfire, Ice Skating, Hot Cocoa and Music at the Milan Village Green near ballfield and Skating Rink. Bring your tree or drop it off in the pile ahead of time.

January 27th
at Milan Village School (11 Bridge Street, Milan, NH 03588)
and Milan Hill State Park (427 Milan Hill Road, Milan, NH 03588)
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

EVENTS AT MILAN HILL STATE PARK (Nansen Ski Area)

9:00AM -Registration opens.
Racers should park at Milan Village School and use shuttle.
SHUTTLE from school to State Park every 20 Minutes
9-12:30
9:00 - 12:30 -Dog Sled Tours at base of Park entrance.
($5.00 per ride)
9:00 - 12:30 -Sledding, Race viewing, and Hot Drinks/Snacks

Sledding at warming hut (a short walk in on groomed trail).

Watch racers from parking, sections of trail, Pavillion up by Fire Tower, or from Warming Hut.

Hot drinks/snacks available in parking area/shuttle stop/race start line.

All races are interval start
10:00 AM -Mens 14km classic race11:00 AM -Womens 14km classic race
11:30 AM -Locals 5 KM classic race
NOON -Junior Races (13 and under).

EVENTS AT MILAN VILLAGE SCHOOL

9:00 AM -Ski Movies & Prep
Vendors may set up, ski movies will be running and Shuttle starts to State Park
10:00 - 4:00 -Local vendors, Ice Sculpting, Movies in Gym
Farmer's Market vendors, food, clothing, crafts
10:00 - 12:00 and 1:00 - 3:00 -Kids Activities
Kids games, snow sculptures and activities outside behind school and inside cafeteria.
11:00 -4:00 -Heritage Ski Display Display courtesy of the Moffet House
12:00 - 1:30 -Lunch for Racers and VolunteersBuffet lunch in cafeteria for racers and festival volunteers.
1:00 PM - Broomball Tournament
Broomball tournament across street from school at Milan Ice Rink.
1:30 PM -Awards and Raffles
Ceremony for racer medals, raffles, and thank yous.
Racer Raffles to include: Black Mountain ski passes, North Woods Rafting certificate, Great Glen ski passes, Northern Oasis Massage certificate, Nansen Membership, T-shirt

RACE REGISTRATION:

Adults (18 and older): $20 pre-registration or $25 at the race
Children (17 and younger): $10 pre-registration or $15 at the race

Lumberjack Competition on September 30, 2012

The 13th Annual Lumberjack Festival & Competition features fast and competitive action. Last year’s event attracted 75 competitors in several challenging events.
The day will start at 6:00 AM with a Lumberjack Breakfast prepared by Tri-County CAP’s outstanding chefs from Bethlehem, NH's Friendship House! Events such as cross-cut, modified chainsaw, stock chainsaw, women and men’s axe chop, women and men’s axe throwing, standing block chop, 2 person log rolling and more are sure to thrill! There will be a Log Rolling (Burling) contest and metal fishing derby for children, along with other children’s games.

A $7.00 admission fee for 12 years and older will be charged at this event. Under age 12 admitted free while accompanied by a paying adult.

Farmer's Markets in Northern NH

2012 Farmers Markets

Berlin: Local Works Berlin Farmers’ Marketplace: Pleasant St./Rte. 16 S Berlin, Thurs., June 28-Sept. 20, 37p.m.Vegetables, flowers, fruits, maple, meat, dairy, baked goods, prepared foods, crafts. Winter market planned.
Rain or Shine, 723-1004, ljamisongal@gmail.com, www.wrencommunity.org, FaceBook.

Campton Farmers’ Market: off I-93 Exit 28, Rte. 49, Campton, Fri., May 25-Sept. 14, 36

p.m. Vegetables, fruits, flowers/plants, meat, dairy, baked goods, crafts. Music at most

markets, free popcorn!Rain or shine. 536-1299, pepper@eagle1st.com .

Canterbury Community Farmers’ Market: Elkins Library parking lot, 9 Center Rd. June 6-Oct. 3, Weds., 46:30pm. Fruits, vegetables, baked goods, dairy, maple products, plants, meats, dairy, candy, fiber, wine, baking mixes, crafts. Rain or shine, 783-9649, canterburyfarmersmarket@gmail.com, www.ccfma.net.

Colebrook Farmers’ Market: 84 Colby St. July-mid-Oct., Sat., 8 a.m.-noon. Vegetables,

fruits, dairy, baked goods, honey, yarn, soap, crafts. Rain or shine, 359-0279,

Lancaster Farmers’ Market: Centennial Park, Mid-May-Mid-Oct., Sat.,9 a.m.-noon, Vegetables, fruits, flowers, plants, maple, baked goods, meat, crafts. Winter market, Sat. before Thanksgiving and Sat. before Christmas at Town Hall, 9 a.m.-noon. Rain or shine. 802-328-4060, townmanager@lancasternh.org

www.lancasterfarmersmarket.net

Littleton Farmers’ Market: Littleton Senior Center, 77 Glenn River Lane., Littleton, Sunday, June 17-Oct. 7, 10a.m.-1p.m. Vegetables, fruits, flowers, plants, dairy, maple, baked goods, meat, crafts. Weekly music entertainment.Rain or shine. 674-9981, littletonfarmersmarket@gmail.com.

New Hampton: Stone Gardens Farmers’ Market: 1012 Straits Rd, New Hampton, June-Aug..,

Mon. 3-6 p.m. Vegetables, fruits, flowers & plants, dairy, maple, baked goods, meat,

fish, honey, crafts. Rain or shine, 279-5720, mail@karensgreenhouse.com.

Ossipee Farmers’ Market: Jct 16 & 25W, West Ossipee, Sat., July –Aug, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Variety of produce and local goods. Rain or shine, 539-4181, pjones@ossipee.org,

www.ossiopeemainstreet.org

Plymouth Community Farmers’ Market: 263 Highland St., Plymouth, Thurs., May 31- Sept. 6, 3-6 p.m. Vegetables,flowers, plants, dairy, baked goods, meat, eggs, crafts. Rain or shine.536-3823, cperk40119@aol.com,Facebook: plymouthcommunityfarmersmarket.

Sanbornton Farmers’ Market: Rte. 132 across from Lane Tavern. June29-Oct.5, 3-6pm, Fri. Vegetables, fruit, flowers/plants, maple, baked goods. Rain or shine, 387-5711, budgie@metrocast.net, www.lanetavern.com.

Tamworth Farmers’ Market: Unitarian Church parking lot in the Village. May-Oct., 9am-Noon, Sat. Vegetables, fruit, flowers & plants, dairy, maple, bakery, honey, fish, crafts. Artisan demonstrations and music. Winter

market, Nov.– Mar. Sat., 10a.m.-1 p.m. Rain or shine, 323-2368/2392, tamworthfarmersmarket@sunnyfield.us.

Tilton Exit 20 Farmers’ Market at Tanger Outlets: Tilton, June27 -Sept. 26, 3-6pm, Wed.

Vegetables, fruits, maple, flowers/plants, baked goods, meat, fish, garlic, crafts. 3875711,

budgie@metrocast.net.

2012 July 4th Fireworks Parades and more

A list of 4th of July Celebrations and Parades for the White Mountains of New Hampshire

Friday, June 29

Jackson: Jackson Village, 9 p.m. Jackson Village and the surrounding communities come together to celebrate Independence Day. The Fireworks will be going off from the greens of the Wentworth Golf Course making easy viewing throughout Jackson Village but we do recommend that you come early to get a good spot. There will be ice cream, popcorn, glow necklaces, balloons and other fun stuff available from the Jackson Fire Department. This spectacular display is sponsored by our Jackson Town Selectmen, Red Fox Bar & Grille, the Wentworth Golf Club, Lisa Gardner, Inc., Black Bear Realty, Badger Realty, Bernerhof Inn, J-Town Deli & Country Store, and White Mountain Puzzles as well as other local businesses and residents.

Tuesday, July 3

Ashland: dusk, L.W. Packard Ballfield.

Bretton Woods: July 3-5. This special celebration will salute all American soldiers from the American Revolution to present. Visit with former Presidents Washington, Lincoln and Roosevelt; enjoy demonstrations, musical performances and dance lessons, plus storytelling, barbeques, beverage tastings and family activities! The days will be full of exciting things to do including “The Battle of Wettysberg” water balloon challenge, our annual Firecracker Family Fun, 5k Firecracker Run. Wednesday evening will feature the Omni Mount Washington Resort's famous fireworks display!

Pittsburg: 10 p.m., Murphy's Dam.

Wednesday, July 4

Lincoln & Woodstock:

Join the towns of Lincoln and Woodstock as we celebrate the most patriotic day of the year...Independence Day, Wednesday, July 4th 2011.
Our 4th of July Celebration starts off with Family Games at the Kancamagus Recreation Area. Make sure to arrive on time as the games begin promptly at 10am and are immediately followed by a BBQ lunch that you won’t want to miss out on!
Get your flags ready by 2pm for the start of our Patriotic Parade starting in N. Woodstock and continuing on Rt. 112 through Lincoln. After the parade, make sure you stick around for the awards presentation to see if your favorite float won!
After the parade, grab dinner at one of the delicious restaurants in Lincoln or Woodstock and then march over to the Woodstock Common for a patriotic concert. This FREE concert begins at 7pm and is a great way to continue your Independence Day Celebration!
By dusk it’ll be time to settle on Main Street Lincoln to watch the fireworks display light up the sky! 

9:30 AM	Children's Theatre performance of The Little Mermaid, Jean's Playhouse, Lincoln
10:00 AM	Family Games begin at the Kancamagus Recreation Area, Lincoln - Immediately Followed by a Family BBQ
2:00 PM	Parade Begins at Alpine Village Resort No. Woodstock and Travels Rt. 112 to the Rivergreen Hotel in Lincoln
7:00 PM	Live Concert of Patriotic Music at the Bandstand in Soldier's Park, No. Woodstock
9:30 PM	Fireworks Display in Lincoln

Ashland: 10 a.m., 4th of July Parade. The 4th of July Parade route runs from Mill Street to West Street right down Main Street in Ashland.

Bretton Woods: dusk, Omni Mount Washington Resort.

Colebrook: dusk, Ball Field. 11 a.m. Parade. Rain date: July 5. 

Conway: 9:45 p.m., Schouler Park, Conway Village. Preceded by a parade at 1:30 p.m. on Main Street. Entertainment at Schouler Park from 4 p.m. until fireworks.

Gorham: 10 p.m., Town Common. Preceded by Kiddies Parade at 11 a.m. at Ed Fenn. and followed by a 2 p.m. parade from Dublin Street down Rt. 16 to Railroad Street. At 6 p.m., concert by Straightaway until fireworks. Midway and vendors from 11 a.m. Celebration begins on June 30-July 4 with activities over five days.

Laconia: 10 p.m., Opechee Park.

Lincoln and Woodstock: dusk, Hobo Railroad parking lot. Preceded by Patriotic Parade at 2 p.m., free Patriotic concert at 7 p.m.

Pittsburg: 10 a.m., Come up to the Murphy's Dam to enjoy a day of fun for the whole family. Browse the Flea Market, or bring your own table (no charge for sites). There will be plenty of food and vendors for everyone to enjoy. At the Lower Village Pond, let the kids (12 and under) enter the 'kids' fishing derby', pony rides for the kids, and ball games for all ages. At 6pm settle down for a chicken barbeque and listen to music until the fireworks begin at dusk.

Waterville Valley: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. - Independence Day Celebration, Town Square. Traditional 4th of July Parade, family activities, live musical entertainment, and fireworks at 9:30 p.m.

Weirs Beach: 12:01 a.m., "The First Fireworks of Independence Day" - Weirs Beach will be closed and the fireworks are launched directly from the beach. Great viewing can be had from along the boardwalk or even out on the lake itself. This means you have to be there on Monday Night  Rain date: July 5.

Saturday, July 7

Bristol: dusk, over Newfound Lake. Kelley Park.

Franconia: Fourth of July and Old Home Day Celebration. Bring the family to the historic village of Franconia and experience an old time Fourth of July celebration. Watch the parade on Main Street, browse through the flea market tables, and compete in the famous Rubber Duck Race along the scenic Gale River. After a full day of activities, what better way to spend a balmy summer evening than listening to music outdoors, under the stars. To make the celebration complete, enjoy the magic of the fireworks display. The Old Home Day Celebration and Parade for the Towns of Franconia, Sugar Hill, and Easton are a long-standing tradition that you won't want to miss! Fireworks at dusk, Dow Field.

Canada Lynx Documented in Northern New Hampshire

Male Canada lynx captured with trail camera in fall 2011 ©Peter Abdu and Cameron Ehle

CONCORD, N.H. – Fish and Game biologists have confirmed the presence of four Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) in northern New Hampshire. The fact that the lynx appeared to be kittens is evidence that the wild cats are breeding in N.H., an expansion of the population across the border in Maine.

In November and December 2011, four lynx were seen and photographed in two locations in Pittsburg, N.H., on two different dates. It is unknown whether the four individuals were the same on the two occasions, but it seems likely based on the close proximity of the sightings.

“The presence of lynx in New Hampshire demonstrates the effectiveness of the wildlife and habitat work that’s been done in this region over many years. It’s exciting!” said Fish and Game wildlife biologist Will Staats. “We expected the population to expand into the state eventually, and we’ve been seeing signs for a few years that they were at least passing through.” Since 2006, there have been seven cases where lynx tracks have been seen and photographed in New Hampshire’s North Country. In spring of this year, Staats himself witnessed an adult lynx crossing a rural road up north.

“Until now, we’ve considered lynx in New Hampshire to represent animals that were wandering from the larger lynx population that is present in Maine as a result of recent declines in snowshoe hare abundance,” said Anthony Tur, biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Lynx are highly reliant on snowshoe hare as a food source. There are an estimated 600 to 1,200 lynx in Maine, concentrated in the northern part of the state.

“Lynx are an amazing predator, and they were historically a small but significant part of the wildlife mix in New Hampshire,” said Steve Weber, Chief of Fish and Game’s wildlife division. In partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Weber stated, “We’re actively monitoring lynx in the state and taking steps to ensure the health and growth of the population.”

“Serendipitously, Fish and Game’s Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program recently received funding from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to initiate formal surveys for lynx,” John Kanter, Nongame Program coordinator, said. “The sightings add a note of excitement to our efforts. The Nongame Program’s recent fundraising appeal centered on the lynx project, and the timing of this discovery will hopefully help to engage more wildlife enthusiasts as supporters and donors to the program.”

Lynx are listed as “endangered” in New Hampshire and as “threatened” under the federal Endangered Species Act. They occurred in small numbers in New Hampshire through the 1960s; the last documented lynx in New Hampshire was a road-killed animal found in 1993.

At about 3 feet long and 15-30 pounds, Canada lynx are at least twice the size of the average house cat. They have long, strong legs; short tails; prominent ear tufts; and long sideburn-style hair on the sides of their face. Lynx are often recognized by their huge, furry paws, which help them travel over deep snow. Because of lynx’s reliance on snowshoe hare, their preferred habitat is young, regenerating forests that offer excellent hare habitat. New Hampshire is at the southern end of the Canada lynx’s natural range. More information on lynx in the United States may be found at library.fws.gov/Pubs/lynx.pdf.

N.H. Fish and Game is the guardian of the state’s fish, wildlife and marine resources. Visit www.wildnh.com.

Riverfire in Berlin on Oct. 22, 2011

Just as the nights are getting colder in New England, the City of Berlin will be warming things up with one of the best fall festivals around—RiverFire! On Saturday, October 22^th, come to “the city that trees built” to catch a full day of fun, ending with some dramatic fires on the river.

Voted “Best of NH 2007” by New Hampshire Magazine, RiverFire burns bigger and brighter every year, and this year there are some fun new activities for everyone. Starting at 1:00pm, the gates of the Northern Forest Heritage Park, 961 Main Street, Berlin, NH will open to activities and vendors for visitors of ALL ages. Admission to the park is FREE.

This year there will be hot air balloon rides, and a children’s bouncy village with inflatable houses. Admission to the bouncy houses, as well as many other children’s activities and a classic hayride will have a fee. For adventurous folks 13 and up, a 2-acre haunted village called “Horrorfest” will be presented by Theatre North. Enter if you dare for an admission price of $8!

At dusk, the Androscoggin River will be lit up with fires that appear to be floating on the water! The blazes will actually burn on the historic boompiers that dot the river. These piers were used during the height of the logging era, when they separated and guided the many trees that were sent down the river to the mills of Berlin. For RiverFire, these old piers will be stacked with skids, which when set aflame create a dynamic contrast of light over the dark waters. Take a walk along the bridge and admire the wonderful glowing carved pumpkins. It is a spectacle you won’t want to miss! FMI: 603-752-6060 or find RiverFire Berlin, NH on Facebook.

RiverFire promises to be the hottest event of the season!