MARCH
March 19
Moonlit Snowhoe Tours
Experience the wonder of a winter walk on the moonlit snow. Join an AMC naturalist guide on a guided full moon snowshoe walk. We will use our senses (and no flashlights) to navigate the trails. We will listen for owls calling and explore out senses as we explore the winter landscape by light of the full moon, 7 p.m., Route 16, Pinkham Notch, Gorham. Cost is $8 per person over 12, or $25 per family, free under 12. Info: e-mail mary@mt-washington.com.
Brewery Tours
Woodstock Inn Brewery is now offering brewery tours, rain or shine, daily at noon in the brewery. There will be a short demonstration and sampling to follow; Noon, 135 Main St., North Woodstock; $5 donation requested. For more information, e-mail relax@WoodstockInnNH.com.
Garden show
Atkinson Garden Club presents flower and art show, Petals and Palettes 2011, on March 18 from 1-7 p.m. and March 19 from 11 a.m. to-5 p.m. at the Atkinson Resort and Country Club, Country Club Drive. Local artists will have their works interpreted by garden club. Award-winning floral designers. For info contact Judy Sirois at 362-9256.
Pats Peak Pond Skim
Participate or watch the fun at Pats Peak Ski Mountain in Henniker. Try to skim across the man made pool of water; costumes are required to participate. There are prizes for best costume, best splash, and best skim. You can choose to either ski or snowboard across. Location: Flanders Road. Registration is 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.; events starts at 1 p.m. No entrance fee, but purchase of a lift ticket is required. For more information, visit patspeak.com.
March 20
Maple Festival Parade
See maple themed floats, beautiful horses, and the decorated beds for the inaugural bed race in North Woodstock. Fire trucks, police cruisers, and other emergency vehicles will be in the parade. The parade begins at noon. For more information, visit nhmaplefest.com.
Irish Heritage Day
This family-oriented event will celebrate the culture of Ireland with live music, dance and more. The event starts at noon and costs $8 for adults and children, $7 seniors, free for children under 1. Location: 6 Washington St., Dover. For more information, visit childrens-museum.org.
Cardboard Box Race
One of Loon Mountain’s best-known and funniest events, contestants must build a “racing machine” out of cardboard and attempt to race it down a smooth, groomed slope. Time: 8 a.m. Location: 60 Loon Mountain Road, Lincoln. Information: loonmtn.com.
March 26
Children's Arts Workshop
Attend five mini-workshops in drama, music, visual arts, dance, and language arts. All inspired by Fantastic Mr. Fox. For children in grades K-6. Location: Winni Playhouse, 50 Reservoir Road, Meredith. Time: 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Cost: $25 per child. Information: WinniPlayhouse.org.
Maple Sugaring
Come to the Remick Museum and Farm in Tamworth during Maple Sugar Producers weekend. See a timeline of Native American, colonial, and modern day sugaring demonstrations. Visit the historic maple sugar encampment, take a closer look at the tapped trees in the sugar bush, come inside the maple sugar house and see how the modern day evaporator works and sample pure maple syrup and sugar-on-snow. Scenic horse-drawn wagon rides pulled by the farm’s Belgian horses, Lady and Brandi. Location: Remick Museum and Farm, 58 Cleveland Hill Road. Time: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Cost: $5; children 4 and under, free. Information: remickmuseum.org.
Stonewall Farm Sap Gathering Contest
Learn more about the story of maple sugaring in New England. Each year, Stonewall Farm in Keene invites about 20 teams of draft horses and their owners to race along a course set up in the woodlands behind the learning center. They gather sap from old-fashioned buckets, which are then dumped into a large holding tank at the end of the run. Teams are judged for technique, time and quantity, and both spectators and participants have a blast. Location: 242 Chesterfield Road. Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Information: stonewallfarm.org.
Spring Mountain Madness at The Balsams
Vintage sleds from 1973 or older will compete in many events at the base lodge. There will be a timed race on a challenging specialty course filled with twists, turns, bumps and jumps. A classic hill climb will also take place. Attendees will have access to a BBQ lunch and a beer and wine tent. Event starts at 8 a.m. Cost: $5 per person. Location: 1000 Cold Spring Road, Dixville Notch. For more information visit, thebalsams.com.
The New Hampshire Maple Experience
Maple tours are back on tap at The Rocks Estate in Bethlehem. Discovering the history of maple sugaring, participating in the process of tapping trees and making syrup, horse-drawn wagon rides through the scenic Rocks property, and tasty treats have made these tours a favorite springtime tradition. Location: 4 Christmas Lane, Bethlehem. Time: 10 a.m. Event fee: $15 for adults, $9 for children. For more information visit therocks.org.
Spring Craft Festival
Indoor Arts and Craft Festival featuring over 150 booths of juried American made arts, crafts, specialty foods and live music. Time: 10 a.m. Location: 79 Rockingham Park Racetrack, Salem. Event fee: $5 for adults, children under 14 are free. For more details visit castleberryfairs.com.
Swing Into Spring Craft Fair
Spring craft fair with approximately 75 exhibitors displaying a variety of beautiful spring arts and crafts! Location: Crowne Plaza Nashua Hotel, Nashua. Time: 9 a.m. Event Fee: Adults, $2.50, seniors, $2, children are free. For more information, visit joycescraftshows.com.
Spring Antique Show
This annual spring antique show features 80 dealers specializing in quality 18th century to 1920 country, formal, painted furniture, and accessories including art, lighting, silver, glass, china, quilts, and linens. Come spend the day, enjoy the show and an available sit-down lunch including special deserts and treats. Location: Lebanon High School, Evans Drive. Time: 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Cost: $5. Information: 207-882-6302.
March 27
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The annual Manchester St. Patrick’s Day parade celebrates all things Irish. Bring your kilt and enjoy the bagpipes at this annual downtown Manchester event. The 2011 parade theme is “Helping Hands Feeding the Hungry.” Make sure to help out local food pantries by donating canned goods and non-perishable food items. Location: Elm Street. Time: 12 p.m. Information: 666-6600.
APRIL
April 1
Made In NH Expo
The Made In NH “Try It & Buy It” Expo is dedicated to showcasing the impressive variety of quality products and services made in the Granite State. With more than 150 exhibitors, the Made In NH Expo is sure to have something for everyone. Businesses of all sizes from across NH will be sampling and selling their wares, and hungry visitors can also partake in the vast array of food and beverages. Time: 1 p.m. Event Fee: $8 adults, $7 seniors, $3 children. Location: Radisson Hotel/Center of NH Expo Center, Manchester. Info: eventsnh.com.
April 2
Dark Sky Star Gazing Nights
Join us during the new moon for monthly stargazing nights at the Curious George Cottage at Waterville Valley to observe the stars just like H.A. Rey. Telescopes will be set-up and knowledgeable volunteers from the New Hampshire Astronomical Society will be your guide. Adults and families with children ages 5 and up. No charge, donations welcome. Time: 6:30 p.m. Location: 7 Noon Peak Road, Waterville Valley. Information: thereycenter.org.
Slush Pool Party
Celebrate spring with Loon Mountain’s famous slush pool party. Watch skiers and snowboarders try to skim their way across a man-made pond in front of the Octagon Lodge. Time: 12 p.m. Location: 60 Loon Mountain Road, Lincoln. Information: loonmtn.com.
April 4
Spring Feast Week
Spring Feast Week is downtown Nashua’s seasonal restaurant week that pairs incredible dining with incredible discounts. During Spring Feast.Week, diners enjoy the restaurants’ best deals of the year, delicious seasonal ingredients, and the talented chefs’ most creative dishes. Organized by Great American Downtown, visit http://www.downtownnashua.org for full details.
April 9
Intergalactic Cardboard Sled Race
The most intricate and professionally designed sleds you will ever see vie for bragging rights in one of Mount Sunapee’s premier events. Time: 12:30 p.m. Location: Mount Sunapee Resort, 1398 Rt. 103, Newbury. Information: mtsunapee.com.
April 10
Lakes Region Spring Craft Fair
Many different kinds of arts and crafts will be shown. Music, food, raffle for the NH. Humane Society in Laconia. Free admission and free parking. Time: 10 a.m. Location: Opechee Conference Center, 62 Doris Ray Court, Laconia. Information: joycecraftshows.com.
April 16
Spring into Healthy Living Fair
Celebrate spring with samples of local, natural foods and products, wine and other great treats. Listen to live music, pet barnyard, animals, and bring the kids for fun activities. Tree saplings and numerous giveaways will be available throughout the day. Time: 10 a.m. Location: Concord Food Coop, 24 S. Main St., Concord. Information: concordfoodcoop.com.
Hop into Our Haus Bunny Event
Hop into Kellerhaus for cookies (or carrots) and punch with the Easter bunny. Bring your family to watch candy being made and share some samples. Help bunny fill a giant Easter basket with your donation of a non-perishable food item to St. Vincent De Paul's Food Pantry. Time: 1 p.m. Location: 259 Endicott Street North, Weirs Beach. Information: kellerhaus.com.
Northern Lights Quilt Guild Show
Visitors will see over 200 quilts from a wide variety of traditional bed quilts to contemporary wall hangings made by a variety of talented local artisans and craftsmen. The event will feature a wide selection of unique and one-of-a-kind quilts, as well as demonstrations, a boutique, silent auctions and refreshments. Time: 9 a.m. Event fee: Adults $6, children and seniors $5. Location: Richmond Middle School, 63 Lyme Road, Hanover. Information: nlqg.org.
April 29
Annual Trade & Home Show
Working trade and home expositions, demonstrations, promotions and concessions. Under the tents on the Home Depot paved parking area. Time: 10 a.m. Location: Home Depot, 895 Meadow St., Littleton. Information: littletonareachamber.com.
April 30
Annual Shearing Day & Open House
An opportunity to work with us during the shearing event. Demos include knitting, spinning, weaving, Networking opportunity with public and other farmer folk. Time: 9 a.m. Location: 65 Pickard Road, Canterbury. Information: somedayfarm.com.
MAY
May 7
Dandelion Wine-Making
Learn to make wine from flowers with Regina Rinaldo. Time: 10 a.m. Location: D’Acres Farm, 218 Streeter Woods Road, Dorchester. Information: dacres.org.
May 8
Mother’s Day Weekend Craft Festival
Over 75 juried craftsmen from all over New England will display and sell their American made works including stained glass, original watercolors, pen and ink drawings, photography, embroidery, pottery, carved wildlife, folk art, hand-crafted soaps and more. Sample the culinary delights of herbal dips, maple products, roasted nuts, homemade fudge, kettle corn, cotton candy and more. Live musical entertainment each day. Time: Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Location: Hampton Falls Town Common, Hampton Falls. Information: castleberryfairs.com.
May 15
Hampton Beach Tow Rodeo
Enjoy the family fun and events at the 39th Annual NHTA Tow and Trade Show returning to Hampton Beach State Park. This popular event features a huge parade of trucks, vendors, a rodeo competition, food raffles, and family oriented activities. Time: 10 a.m. Location: Hampton Beach State Park. Information: nhtowingassociation.org.
Children’s Fishing Derby
Our stocked pond is filled for fishing for children 15 years old and under, with parental supervision. Trophies are awarded for biggest fish, smallest fish and first limit. Bring your own bait and tackle and a pail to carry your fish home. Two fish limit per child. Time: 10 a.m. Location: Cleveland Hill Road, Tamworth. Information: tamworthnh.org/clubs.html.
May 27
NH Boat Museum’s Season Opening Reception
Celebrate the NH Boat Museum’s season opening with entertainment and refreshments. Preview 2011 exhibits featuring Chris Craft, race boats, and the new steamboat history center. Time: 6 p.m. Location: 399 Center St., Wolfeboro. Information: nhbm.org.
May 28
Alton Weagle Day
A celebration of all the firsts at the Mt. Washington Auto Road. Alton Weagle had a passion for Mt. Washington. To show his passion, heclimbed the Mt. Washington Auto Road in a number of unique ways: by car, on foot, walking backwards, pushing a wheelbarrow full of sugar. This day honors his spirit and the spirit of all those from camels to unicycles to pogo sticks to autos who have been the first up the mountain. Time: 8 a.m. Location: Mt. Washington Auto Road, Rt 16, Gorham. Information: mtwashingtonautoroad.com.
Memorial Weekend Craft Fair
Come and enjoy this craft fair held outside rain or shine under canopy. Over 75 exhibitors with a variety of arts and crafts. Time: 10 a.m. Location: North Conway Community Center, Route 16, North Conway. Information: joycecraftshows.com.
Memorial Weekend Craft FestivalThe scenic Mill Falls Marketplace in Meredith will come alive with color, flavor and music for the Memorial Weekend Craft Festival, May 28 through May 30. Over 100 Juried Craftsmen and women will display and sell their work. Time: Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Monday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Location: Mills Falls Marketplace, Route 3, Meredith. Information: castleberryfairs.com.
Youth Fishing Derby
Kids, grab your parents and tackle for a fishing derby on the shores of beautiful Corcoran’s Pond! All entrants receive a T-shirt and cup ofbait. Learn about catch and release fishing and life in Corcoran's Pond. Prizes awarded across age groups. Sponsored by the Waterville Valley Recreation Department & Department of Public Safety. Time: 8 a.m. Location: 33 Village Road, Waterville Valley. Information: tsevents@waterville.com.
May 29
Chowder & Microbrew Fest
Area restaurants bring their chowders to booths at town square in hopes of winning the coveted prize of the Golden Clam Award. Admission fee gets guests ample-sized tastes of each chowder and a ballot to vote for their favorite concoction. Plus, Smuttynose Brewery folk will be on hand with seasonal brews under the brew tent. Live music and fun family activities all day for this event. Time: 12 p.m. Location: Town Square, Waterville Valley. Information: waterville.com.
Wildquack Duck River Festival
Food vendors, kids games and challenges, the Jackson Fire Department obstacle course, rubber duck race and more. TIme: 8 a.m. Location: Jackson Village Park, Rt. 16A, Jackson. Information: jacksonnh.com.
