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.

Windy Ridge Story Hour 2012

Windy Ridge Orchard

 Summer Story Hour 

with Clarissa Elliott & Johnna Kendall

Please Join us for our Weekly Adventures in Movement & Music

We will meet under the tent from 10 am until 11 am on Wednesday Rain or Shine

Windy Ridge Orchard ,1775 Benton Road(Rte. 116), North Haverhill, NH

July 11th: Bubbling Over with Happiness!

You may want to bring a change of clothes, since we will have a mornng filled with creating bubbles and engaging in water play! Children will learn about wind and the weather through bubble movement, as well as wind socks.

July 18th:  We Love Bugs!

Children will enjoy listening to stories about some of their favorite insects. They will also enjoy some fun children's songs about a love for bugs! Since many rocks look like ladybugs, turtles and other creatures, they are perfect for painting. Come and join us and create your own amazing rock creature.

July 25th:  Meet the Windy Ridge Marching Band!

Children will listen to two books based on music, instruments and dinosaurs! Then they will create their own tambourines and play in their very own marching band. The focus will be on how fun music can be and how music can act as an outlet for creativity.

August 1st: Yoga Day!

Wear your comfortable clothes and come play yoga! It's a story hour about keeping our bodies healthy and learning some new yoga moves! The children will try out some animal yoga poses and also talk about gardening. After children discuss the different vegetables and fruits that can be grown in our own local environment, they will be given the opportunity to take their creativity to paper. There will be many different parts of fruits and vegetables that will be available to paint with to create a beautiful work of art.

August 8th: We've Caught the Dancing Fever!

Dancing is the theme of the day. After listening to stories, children will make balloon bean bags and dance to the Bean Bag Boogie! This day will focus on both gross and fine motor skills, as well as teaching and reviewing the body parts.  This day is about encouraging every child to love to dance, no matter their gender.

August 15th: Dress Up Party Day!

Celebrating the last story of the Summer, children will be invited to dress up as one of their favorite chracters from a book.  After listening to books about some of their favorite characters, they will enjoy a fancy picnic lunch. Caregivers are invited to dress up too!

2012 Summer Attractions Operating Dates

2012 Operating Dates

Attitash Route 302, Bartlett 03812 603-374-2368 • www.attitash.com Mountain Coaster, Alpine Slides, Mountain Biking Weekends ONLY May 26-June 9 & Sept. 8-Oct. 8. All summer attractions Open Daily June 16-Sept 3. (Weather permitting)

Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway I-93, Exit 34B, Franconia Notch 03580 603-823-8800 • www.cannonmt.com Open Daily May 25-October 14.

Clark's Trading Post Route 3, Lincoln 03251 603-745-8913 • www.clarkstradingpost.com Weekends ONLY May 26-June17 & Sept 8-9. Daily June 22-Sept 3 & Sept 15-Oct 14. Gift Shop Daily at 9AM May 19-Oct 14.

Conway Scenic Railroad Route 16 & 302, North Conway 03860 603-356-5251 • www.conwayscenic.com Weekends ONLY April 14-May 5. Daily May 5-Oct 28. Day Out with Thomas - July 6-8 & 13-15. Pumpkin Patch Express Oct 19-21, & 26-28. Weekends ONLY Nov.3 - Dec 23. Santa's Holiday Express Weekends Nov 23-Dec 23. Vacation Week Trains Dec 26-31.

Flume Gorge Route 3, Franconia Notch 03580 603-745-8391 • www.flumegorge.com Open Daily May 11-Oct. 21. (weather permitting)

Hobo Railroad Route 112, Main St., Lincoln 03251 603-745-2135 • www.hoborr.com Weekends ONLY May 26-June 10. Daily June 23-Sept 2. Weekends Sept 8-9, Oct 20 & 21. Daily Sept 15-Oct 14. Santa Trains Weekends Nov 23-Dec 16 at 1pm.

Loon Mountain Route 112, Kancamagus Hwy., Lincoln 03251 603-745-8111 • www.loonmtn.com Open Daily June 23-October 8.

Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves 1712 Lost River Rd, Route 112W, North Woodstock 03262 603-745-8031 • www.lostrivergorge.com Open Daily May 11-October 21 (weather permitting).

Mount Washington Auto Road Route 16, Gorham 0358 603-466-3988 • www.mtwashingtonautoroad.com Open Daily May 12-October 21 (weather permitting).

Mount Washington Cog Railway Route 302, Base Rd., Bretton Woods 03589 603-278-5404 or 800-921-8825 • www.thecog.com Weekends ONLY April 28-May 21, Open Daily May 26-Dec 2 (Weather permitting).

Polar Caves Park Off I-93, Exit 26, Route 25, Plymouth 03264 603-536-1888 • www.polarcaves.com Open Daily 9am-6pm April 14-September 3(last ticket sold at 5pm) and 10am-5pm September 4-October 14 (last ticket sold at 4:30pm) (weather permitting).

Santa's Village Route 2, Jefferson 03583 603-586-4445 • www.santasvillage.com Weekends ONLY May 26-June10 & Sept 8-Oct 7. Daily June 16-Sept 3. Halloween Special Oct 20 & 27. Christmas Season Nov 17,18,23,24,25 & Dec 1,2,8,9,15,16 & 22. New Year's Eve Partybration December 31 4:00PM- 9:00PM.

Six Gun City & Fort Splash Route 2, Jefferson 03583 603-586-4592 • www.sixguncity.com Weekends ONLY May 26-June 10. Daily June 16-Sept 3. Six Gun Haunted on October Weekends.

Story Land Route 15, Glen 03838 (Next to Heritage NH) 603-383-4186 • www.storylandnh.com Weekends ONLY May 26-June10 & Sept 8-Oct 8. Open Daily June 15-Sept 3.

Whale's Tale Water Park Route 3, Lincoln 03251 603-745-8810 • www.whalestalewaterpark.net Open Daily 10am-4pm June 6-28, 10am-6pm June 29-Aug 25, and 11am-5pm Aug 26-Sept 3.

Wildcat Mountain Route 16, Pinkham Notch 03846 800-255-6439 • www.skiwildcat.com Weekends ONLY May 26-June 9 & Sept. 8-Oct. 8. Open Daily June 16-Sept. 3. (Weather permitting)

Lipizzan Stallions coming September 9-11, 2011

The Herrmanns' Lipizzans present a widely varied program. Watch as these graceful yet powerful horses put on a show that will amaze you and your family. Classical dressage on long lines and an exquisite Pas de Trois (wherein three stallions are presented in a drill of balletic grace and precision) combined with the dramatic and difficult Airs Above the Ground make up this 90 minute experience.

Watch exceptionally difficult maneuvers such as the Courbette, the Capriole, and the Levade, all highly refined leaps performed only by stallions of great strength, intelligence and endurance.


*Please note, shows are held rain or shine and tickets are non-refundable due to inclement weather. CASH ONLY at the gate. Thank you.

Farmers Markets in Region

There are numerous Farmer's Markets in the White Mountains and just South in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire.

Bethlehem
Local Works Bethlehem Farmers’ Market: Main St., Bethlehem, May -Oct., 10am-2pm, Sat. Local produce,
baked goods, meat, fish, dairy, crafts. Entertainment. Rain or shine,(603)869-9736

Campton
Campton Farmers’ Market: off Exit 28, Rte. 49, Campton, Fri., May 27-Oct. 7,
3-6 pm, rain or shine. Vegetables, fruits, flowers, plants, meat, dairy, maple, baked
goods, crafts. 536-1299

Jackson
Jackson Farmers Market: Next to the Snowflake Inn Field, end of June-Oct., Sat. 9am-1pm. Vegetables, fruits,
plants, baked goods, maple, flowers, meat, dairy, crafts. Entertainment. Rain or shine, 520-4974

Lancaster
Lancaster Farmers’ Market: Centennial Park, Sat., May-Oct., 9 am.-noon, rain or shine. Vegetables, fruits, flowers,
plants, maple, baked goods, meat, crafts. 802-328-4060

Lisabon
Lisbon Farmers’ Market: Rt. 302, No. Main St., Lisbon, Sat., 9 am-Noon, rain or shine.
Vegetables, fruits, flowers, plants, crafts. 838-2200

Littleton
Littleton Farmers’ Market: Littleton Senior Center, 77 River Glen Lane., Littleton, Sunday,
June 12-Oct. 9, 10 am-2 pm, rain or shine. Vegetables, fruits, flowers, plants, dairy, maple, baked goods,
meat, fish, crafts. 444-0248

Newfound Lake Area/Bristol
Newfound Farmers’ Market: Lake St., Bristol. May-Oct., 10am-1pm, Sat.
Vegetables, fruit, flowers & plants, baked goods, eggs, meat, crafts. Rain or
shine, 934-8146

New Hampton
Stone Gardens Farmers’ Market: 1012 Straits Rd, New Hampton, June-Sept.,
Mon. 3-6 p.m. Vegetables, fruits, flowers & plants, dairy, maple, baked goods,
meat. Rain or shine, 279-5720

Plymouth
Plymouth Community Farmers’ Market: 263 Highland St., Plymouth, Thurs., June 2- Sept. 8, 3-6 pm, rain or
shine. Vegetables, flowers, plants, dairy, baked goods, meat, eggs, crafts. 536-3823

Sanbornton
Sanbornton Farmers’ Market: Rte. 132 across from Lane Tavern. June24-Oct.7, 3-6pm, Fri. Vegetables, fruit,
flowers/plants, maple, bakery, meat, fish, crafts. Rain or shine, 286-8700

Sandwich
Sandwich Farmers’ Market: Town Green, Center Sandwich. May-Nov., 9am-12pm, Sat. Vegetables, fruit,
flowers/plants, dairy, maple. Special events during Old Home Week in August. Rain or shine, 284-7163

Tilton
Exit 20 Farmer’s Market at Tanger Outlets: Tilton, June 22-Sept.21, 3-6pm,
Wed. Vegetables, fruits, maple, flowers/plants, baked goods, meat, fish, crafts.

Rubber Ducky Regatta on Labor Day

This is one event you won’t want to “duck”. The Lincoln-Woodstock Chamber of Commerce will host its 15th Annual Labor Day Rubber Ducky Regatta on Monday, Sept. 5 at Cascade Park beginning at 10 a.m.

The Rubber Ducky Regatta is the centerpiece of the event, but is far from the only thing going on. The free festivities begin at 10 a.m. Kids can enjoy “ducky” games, face painting, and play in the Bounce House.

The ducks will dive in... to the Pemigewasset River at 11am and their swim will take them through the rapids as crowds line the river bank to cheer them on! The Lincoln-Woodstock Chamber of Commerce has lined up a virtual river of prizes for those who want to “Adopt a Duck” or Ducks and at noon the prizewinners will be announced at Cascade Park.
You can adopt your ducks at many local businesses in the Lincoln-Woodstock area, including the Chamber of Commerce. You can even adopt your ducks at Lincolnwoodstock.com. You need not be present to win any of the prizes.

All proceeds benefit the Lincoln-Woodstock Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Fund. For more information, call (603) 745-6621

Papermill Theater opens on July 1, 2011

The Papermill Theater will open for the season on Friday July 1, 2011 with a performance of "I love you, you're perfect, now change". Performances for this year's Mainstage Productions will take place at the Gov. Adams Lodge located at Loon Mountain in Lincoln, NH

For the schedule of when each performance is happening please click here.

Here is information for all 3 of the Papermill Theater productions for 2011.



This celebration of the mating game takes on the truths and myths behind that contemporary conundrum known as “the relationship”. Act I explores the journey from dating to love and marriage, while Act II reveals the agonies and triumphs of in-laws and newborns, family car trips, and growing older. This hilarious revue pays tribute to those who have loved and lost, to those who have fallen on their face at the portal of romance, and to those who have dared to ask, ”What are you doing Saturday night?”


On a cold, clear, moonless night in the middle of winter, all is not quite what it seems in the remote, mythical town of Almost, Maine. As the northern lights hover in the star-filled sky above, Almost’s residents find themselves falling in and out of love in unexpected and often hilarious ways. Knees are bruised. Hearts are broken. But the bruises heal, and the hearts mend-almost-in this delightful midwinter night’s dream. Non-musical comedy.

Jonathan Larson’s Broadway musical based loosely on Puccini’s opera La Boheme follows a year in the lives of seven friends struggling to live and pay their rent in New York’s East Village. ”Measuring their lives in love,” these starving artists strive for success and acceptance while enduring the obstacles of poverty, illness, and the AIDS epidemic. One of the longest running shows on Broadway, RENT was the winner of the 1996 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and 4 Tony Awards.

2011 July 4th Celebrations in White Mountains

Lincoln/Woodstock, NH July 4th Celebration
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, NH 4th of July Weekend Celebration

Friday, July 1st
Events
Free: Movie under the Stars (Ashland Ballfield) 9:00 p.m. Approx
"On Golden Pond" 30th Anniversary
Sponsored by: Squam Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce
Rain Date: Saturday, July 2nd

Sunday, July 3rd
Events
Midway opens 5:00 p.m.
Pre Fireworks Entertainment 5:00 p.m. (Ashland Ballfield)
Fireworks 9:30 approx.

Monday, July 4th
Events
Pancake Breakfast 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. (Common Man Restaurant)
Parade 10:00 a.m.

Bethlehem, NH
Sunday July 3, 3011 6pm-8pm at the Bethlehem Gazebo
Blues,swing & rock The Wicked Smart Horn Band
Rain or shine
Corner of Main St. & Prospect St.
Pack a picnic,bring the family,sit back,relax and enjoy the Music & Fun

Bretton Woods, NH
Sunday July 3 @ Mount Washington Hotel Dusk (9:45pm)
Parking is along Route 302 Plan according

Franconia, NH
Click on this link. The information states 2010, but the town calendar mentions the same events for 2011. I am not sure if it is Saturday or Sunday, but would lean towards Saturday.

Jackson, NH
Friday July 1st at 9:00pm
Jackson Village & the surrounding communities come together to celebrate Independence Day... join us as we light up the sky with a spectacular fireworks display Friday July 1st, 2011 at approximately 9 PM.

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 as well as other local businesses and residents.


North Conway, NH
Monday July 4, 2011 at 9:30pm
The 4th of July Fireworks will be held at 9:30p.m. in Schouler Park, North Conway Village. Come enjoy a wonderful event!

Waterville Valley, NH
July 4th at 9:30pm
Annual fireworks show over Corcoran's Pond. Come early for great seating! Grab a drink or dinner in Town Square.

River Day Festival & Wingzilla June 18, 2011

Berlin, NH – Don’t miss the Northern Forest Heritage Park’s River Day Boat Float on Saturday, June 18th! Canoes, kayaks, motorboats, rafts and anything else that floats are all welcome! Ferg Lea from the Androscoggin Watershed Council challenged, “Let’s see how many boats we can get out to enjoy and celebrate our mighty Androscoggin! Last year, the people down river in Bethel managed to get about 22 paddle craft on the river, so it would be great to beat that as we celebrate the river.” Phoebe Backler of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail added, “And why not decorate your boat with the “Luck of the Draw” theme for the River Day festival?”

Registration costs $10 per boat, includes one free t-shirt and will take place at 8:30AM at the Nansen Wayside Park north of Berlin on Rte. 16. Participants can also register online at www.androscogginwatershed.org and clicking on events. Motor boats will depart at 10:00 AM and paddle boats will follow at 10:30AM. Shuttle services will be available to allow paddlers to park their vehicles at the Heritage Park before the Boat Float begins. A limited number of canoes and kayaks will be available at no cost this year, but please bring your own if you have a boat.

Boaters will finish at the Northern Forest Heritage Park. Dick Huot, Director of NFHP, reminds everyone that the Park will be humming with River Day/Wingzilla activities that include seminars, workshops, aquatic displays and a selection of films from Northern Forest Canoe Trail's film festival. Shortly after the Boat Float arrives, Berlin’s Mayor Paul Grenier will proclaim that the third Saturday of June will celebrate the river and its fascinating history. There will also be plenty of delicious food thanks to WINGZILLA, a BBQ Chicken Wing Cook Off competition. And you can even try your hand in the “Luck of the Draw” Horse Shoe Tournament.. The family friendly Block Party continues into the evening with entertainment by Plan B!

Challenge your friends, relatives and co-workers to decorate their boat or other floatable device– see who has the most interesting. Is your Camp Owner’s Association active? What pond or lake will have the best representation; Lake Umbagog, Success, Nay, Cedar, Millsfield, Akers Ponds? Who will have bragging rights for best float? Or for human powered craft, challenge them to a friendly race to the finish. Or see what wild and crazy idea you can come up with for something else that floats.

And for paddlers out there, don’t miss the Paddlefest on the Connecticut River on July 25th (visit www.greatnh.org for more info). A free raffle for a paddle jacket donated by L.L. Cote will be drawn for those who participate in both paddling events! But don’t forget, in the River Day Boat Float, motorized craft are also welcome and encouraged to join us. A raffle for a half day Whitewater Trip donated by North Woods Rafting and a Pontoon Boat Tour by Northern Forest Heritage Park will be drawn from all participants in the Boat Float. Organizers also noted that there is always bragging rights for the best decoration or the winner of a race against relatives or friends. Ferg Lea added, “And if more than 22 show up, there’s also bragging rights to most boats on the Upper Androscoggin for any organized, well semi-organized event.”

Registration for the Boat Float will be at the Nansen Wayside Park north of Berlin on Rte. 16. For information on the schedule for the day, visit www.northernforestheritage.org or call NFHP at 603-752-7202.

Meet the Artists of the Lupine Festival

Meet the Artisans of the Lupine Festival: Watercolors, Wool, Wood and More . . .

The 18th Annual Fields of Lupine Festival gives you a wonderful opportunity to meet many talented folk by providing several venues where you can visit with these artisans and observe how they turn their talent into a finished product and even (at some locations) try your own hand at it.

One of the most obvious locations is the Annual Art Show sponsored by The Arts Gallery of Lisbon on June 4th and 5th, the first weekend of the Lupine Festival. This year the show is an Arts & Crafts Show and you will find craftsmen demonstrating painting in many mediums along with artists of pen & ink and photography. You’ll also find stained glass, fiber arts, pottery, beadwork, basketry and surprises like chair caning. If you find yourself needing some sustenance to keep you going, you’ll discover that many of these artisans are pretty good in the kitchen and they will have lunch available for you (check out The Art Gallery’s cookbook). This year the show has been moved to the Carolina Crapo Memorial Building next to the Sugar Hill Museum. After visiting the show, take a few minutes to see the lovely exhibit that was created by the museum’s talented folk, admission is free but donations are always welcomed. This year’s new exhibit is a celebration of Sugar Hill Blooms. The exhibit will take you back to the beginnings of Floradale Gardens and Sel Hannah’s Ski Hearth Potatoes. You also step back in time to peek in on a flower-ful wedding and in the museum’s barn; you are part of a horse-drawn funeral cortege that is waiting for a wheel to be repaired at the blacksmith shop. There is also the Cobleigh Tavern room; Meetinghouse clock exhibit, farm tools and as farmers weren’t all work . . . you’ll find a great exhibit of sleds. Browse the Museum’s gift shop with all sorts of lovely items, many made (or written) by local talent.

Continue your discovery of the Festival’s artisan venues with a visit to Polly’s Pancake Parlor. On the weekends, weather permitting, you will find Polly’s daughter, Nancy, and granddaughter, Deborah, out on the lawn. Their paintbrushes capture our local beauty in prints, cards and on the familiar hand-painted wooden plates and sugar scoops are synonymous with having a meal at the Parlor, which are the handiwork of Nancy. Deborah’s watercolor art blends her New England roots with a flair that just might be credited to her time spent in Texas. Her watercolor, Polly’s Barn, captures the essence of the Lupine Festival with bold lupines framing the familiar red structure.

The Lupine Festival has the artisans of the kitchens and dining rooms. You can sign up for sessions that include making French Apple Tarts, taking a whole fresh Salmon from shop to the dinner table, and learn about Red & White Wines at the Sugar Hill Inn with Owner and Chef, Steve Allen, along with his Executive Chef Val Fortin. Or try a creative lunch of wild edibles with The Rocks Estate at their Wildflower Festival Day on June 4th and again on June 12th. Near The Rocks Estate, you’ll find the Adair Country Inn & Restaurant where Chef Orlo Coots will share one of his recipe on June 5th and on June 10th, Chef Orlo will team up with Marshall Malone of Teasy Teas to have a Food & Tea Tasting. You will also find a taste of The Adair Inn at the Sugar Hill Lupine Festival Market along with other tastings. The Littleton Co-op is teaming up with The Back Shed String Band’s Mary Choate to bring you a taste of the Lupine Festival Tour Book because Mary’s recipe for Super Veggie, Black Bean and Quinoa Salad sounded so delicious. Stop by the Sugar Hill Lupine Market to sample this wonderful salad that is one of the 20 recipes of the Lupine Festival Tour Book. You’ll also find Sunset Hill House at both the Sugar Hill and Franconia Lupine Markets with their delicious (and large) gourmet sandwiches; showcasing their chef’s skill to take a sandwich to another level.

The Sugar Hill Lupine Market will host Tom Sears, best known in our area as the photographer of the Bears and I. On Saturday, June 11th, at 10 am; Tom will have a session on digital photography tips. Tom’s been photographing wildlife since 1955 when he first became enamored with bears and eagles in Alaska and in 1983 he joined the digital movement. He is thrilled to share his expertise and tips with the rest of us. Of course, you will want to hear first hand his story of the extraordinary 2007 photo that Tom took of Mother Bear with five cubs in an almost posed family scene. That is a feat in itself but in 2008, Tom went back and managed to photograph the entire bear family of six in another family pose before the yearlings set off on their own. If you miss this session on Saturday, stop by the market on Sunday as Tom will be there with his marvelous display of wildlife photography.

The Sugar Hill Lupine Market (June 11-12) and the Franconia Lupine Market (18-19) are going to be another of those one-stop venues where you can see many artisans at work. The North Country Spinners & Fiber Artists will be there. If you haven’t stopped to talk to this group, you are missing out; between them they have years of experience working with Fibers in spinning, knitting, weaving, felting, and more. Each spinning wheel or drop spindle they bring is unique and has a story; as does the different fibers they use. You might be surprised to discover that your cat’s shedded hair can be turned into lovely, soft yarn. This group loves sharing their knowledge of their craft (and of the area) with you. John Donovan brings his wood-working tools and invites you to try your hand at his skill of wood-carving in relief. He brings plenty of extra wood so that everyone can have a chance. His relief plaque of a sugarhouse and maple trees mixed with his patriotic themes give you a glimpse of his interests. From wood, you can move over to paper and watch Carolyn Guest demonstrate the Polish folk art of paper cutting, using sheep shears. This is a skill that really has to be seen to be appreciated. Carolyn cuts trees with those huge shears, making leaves made with the smallest of cuts. Or she cuts a rooster with such detail that you can’t imagine she used sheep shears. Nearby, you’ll also find Linda Lomasney weaving baskets; often she completes a basket during a market day. Linda offers classes in the area and welcomes you to learn this skill to make baskets that are not only beautiful but meant to be used. The market has other artisan demonstrations including traditional Wabanaki style beadwork by Rhonda Besaw. Rhonda is of both Eastern and Western Abenaki decent as her ancestors lived in southern Quebec and northern New Hampshire. She is one of a select few bead-workers that crafts in native and traditional styles. Her specialty is Wabanaki style beaded purses. Rhonda’s work has been noted and displayed in various galleries and museums around New England and New York (and even featured in an article in Great Britain).

Another artisan combines history with folk art. Sara Glines creates hand-crafted wooden figures based on seven generations of her family's history in northern New Hampshire. The figurines represent a moment in time of a real person in the Boothman Sisters’ family. You will discover New Hampshire stories and personalities of farmers, woodsmen, hotel proprietors, homemakers, carpenters, and photographers. Each figurine is complete with tools of his or her trade from miniature snowshoes to a miniature basket. Sara is sharing how wonderful NH is through her family's history through her folk art figurines. In 1995, she was honored to be part of the Smithsonian Folk Life Festival in Washington, DC. Sara will be at the Sugar Hill Lupine Festival Market on June 11-12, at the Franconia Historical Museum on June 18, and at the Franconia Lupine Festival Market on June 19. Stop by and watch as she creates these fascinating figures and shares each personality’s history and story.

As part of the Lupine Festival, Neskaya Movement Arts Center is inviting everyone to join their Family & Friends Fun Day on Saturday, June 12th. They share their expertise in circle dancing and drumming as well as provide fun, free activities for all ages: crafts, seed planting, face painting and more. Bring a picnic lunch and tour their most interesting building that brings the outdoors, indoors.

Still more talented folk are waiting to share their skills with you at the Lupine Festival. On June 12th, at The Rocks Estate; learn wildflower arranging with the Emily Herzig Floral Studio. Emily Herzig and her husband, David Alberini, are owners of this unique retail florist business and café, FloraLatte. They have been featured in several prestigious magazines for their wedding and event design. In this session, you have the opportunity to learn flower arranging tips from one of our most loved florists. The Rocks Estate also has Dave Duplessis. Dave’s talent is with a fishing rod and on Father’s Day he is going to give fishing lessons to those taking in the special events of the day at The Rocks Estate. I’m not sure Dave would consider being a fisherman being an artisan but for those of us that fish and don’t catch anything, we consider him one.

We’ve just touched on a few of the interesting and talented folk that will be part of the 18th Annual Fields of Lupine Festival from June 3rd to 19th. Come join us and meet many more.

Weeks Act Centennial Festival July 29th

The Weeks Act, passed in 1911, is marking its 100th Anniversary. The Weeks Act authorized the Federal purchase of land which has since helped to create 52 National Forests, including the White Mountain National Forest. These valuable forests now provide clean water, wildlife habitat, recreation opportunities, forest products and so much more.

We are celebrating this important legislation and milestone at the Weeks Act Centennial Festival on July 29th. There will be areas of activity to enjoy in several Pavilions at the base of the Mount Washington Auto Road.

The Main Pavilion will highlight partnerships in conservation, recreation, and a White Mountain Marketplace that showcases area services, products and attractions. The Main Pavilion will also host the stage where music, comedy and storytelling will be presented.

The Forest and Family Experience Pavilion will have many hands-on, family-friendly activities, including Hike Safe instruction, Junior Ranger activities and forest explorations. You will find forestry demonstrations from past and present, watch craftsmen create their wares from wood, and learn about all that the forests have to offer at the Woodlands Pavilion. Food and refreshments will be available all day long under the Festival Food Pavilion.

This free, public event is part of a coordinated New Hampshire effort celebrating the Weeks Act Centennial and honoring the tradition of conservation and partnerships exemplified by the Act.

Curious George Festival Aug 13 & 14, 2011

Curious George Festival August 13 & 14

at the Rey Center in Waterville Valley, NH

Curious George and the Man with the Yellow Hat will visit Waterville Valley August 13-14, 2011 for a weekend of fun for the whole family. The Margret and H.A. Rey Center’s fifth annual Curious George Cottage Family Festival will feature a weekend full of family-friendly activities including:
Banana Pancake Breakfast with Curious George
Live music by Vanessa Trien and the Jumping Monkeys
Live music by Landaya Ensemble - Rhythms & Songs of West Africa
BBQ Lunch with Curious George & the Man with the Yellow Hat
Mad Science Show and Fun Station
“The Night Sky” planetarium shows
Community Eco-Art Project with artist Cynthia Robinson
Rocket launching
Traveling Barnyard
Children’s games
Family nature discovery walk
StoryWalkTM featuring Elizabite by H.A. Rey
Curious George story time and cartoon viewing
Spaghetti Dinner with Curious George & the Man with the Yellow Hat.

For more information and tickets please click here