This time of year, I can't help but think back to the sage words of the public address announcer from 1993's seminal basketball video game NBA Jam. Few could forget the silky voice that once cautioned America: “He's heating up!”
Well, we're all heating up now. By the time you read this, summer will be at your doorstep, ready to burst in, turn up the temperature and melt your popsicles. Hey, maybe Katy Perry was onto something, too!
Anyway, in this Summer Guide issue, we've collected some of the coolest events from the Concord area and around New Hampshire to keep you busy through the summer months. Fairs, Fourth of July celebrations, workshops, walks and many more, all for the pleasure of our readers. Make sure you take notes on what you do, too – come September, your first assignment is a “What I Did On My Summer Vacation” essay.
JUNE
June 23
Granite State Music Festival
Concord’s first ever full-scale music festival! National and local bands will rock the stage at this two-day event. Assembly of Dust, the Chris Robinson Brotherhood, The Ron Noyes Band, Redwing Blackbird, The Ghost Dinner Band, Brasbe, Dusty Gray and many more. 11 a.m. Where: Kiwanis Waterfront Park, 15 Loudon Road, Concord. Info: granitestatemusicfest.org.
Spring Wild Edibles Workshop
Take a walk in the field and through the woods. Learn how to identify common wild edible plants and prepare them. Learn safety rules for plant collecting as well as environmental and conservation issues related to this fun hobby. Raindate: June 24. Pregistration required; enrollment limited to 15. Minimum age: 11; with an adult, minimum age 9. Event fee: $10 member, $15 non-members. 1 p.m. Where: The Little Nature Museum, 656 Gould Hill Road, Contoocook. Info: 746-6121,
littlenaturemuseum.org.
Windham Car Show
and Family Fun Day
Fun for the entire family! Kids area, bouncy house, games, activities, prizes, food, refreshments, door prizes, raffles and lots of cool cars. This is an event you don't want to miss. Rain date June 24. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Event fee: Free for spectators. Where: Windham High School, 64 London Bridge Road, Windham. Info: Terri Pessinis, 898-8099, crispy23c@comcast.net.
Sand Sculpting Competition
A Hampton Beach summer tradition! Twelve expert sand sculptors will construct masterpieces with the hopes of winning the $15,000 grand prize. Awards will be given at the Seashell Stage with fireworks to follow. Event Fee: free. Where: Ocean Boulevard, Hampton. Info: hamptonbeach.org.
June 24
Bead Weaving Class
Bead weaving comes in a wide variety of techniques, and many tribes used this stitch for decorative jewelry. Students will learn at least three different bead weaving techniques, and you will choose a project or two from these techniques.
Students will have enough time to finish at least one project, and probably enough to start another. Some of the fun designs you can choose from are a necklace, a bracelet, a choker and more. 10 a.m. Event Fee: The fee of $15 for members and $30 for non-members includes materials. Where: 18 Highlawn Road, Warner. Info: 456-2600, indianmuseum.org.
June 26
Wooden Top Making Demo at SEE
Experience how the Homestead Woodworking School makes perfect circles with a lathe. Alan Mitchell, the school’s founder and director, will demonstrate how to make spinning tops. Visitors may even score a souvenir. This is the first in a series of summer events held in conjunction with the “Secrets of Circles” traveling exhibit. Noon. Event Fee: Included with regular admission to the SEE Science Center, $8 per person ages 3 and up. Where: 200 Bedford St., Manchester. Info:
669-0400, see-sciencecenter.org.
Jammin’ with Berries: Learn
to Make Your Own Jam
with Seasonal Berries
What is better than homemade jam on your breakfast table! Experience a hands on canning workshop that covers jams to jellies. You will help prepare and process the food and take home samples of your results. Topics covered will include basic home safety practices, use of proper canning equipment, techniques for canning fruits and vegetables safely, and using current recipes. 5 p.m. Event Fee: $12 members, $13.50 non-members. Where: Canterbury Shaker Village, 288 Shaker Road, Canterbury. Info: 783-9077, shakers.org.
West African Drum Classes
with Namory Keita
Namory teaches traditional West African drum classes to beginner and intermediate students. Namory is the lead drummer for his village in Guinea, West Africa, and he has taught classes throughout Europe and the US. All are welcome! This is a drop-in class – come when you can, but pre-registration is appreciated. See namorykeita.com to register. Drums are available for use during class and are available for sale as well. 7 p.m. Event Fee: $20. Where: East Church, 51 Mountain Road, Concord. Info: 654-6042, info@namorykeita.com.
June 29
Brewery Open House
Gather at the brewery to celebrate the 11th brewer to complete the White Birch apprentice program, Geoff Burgess. Burgess brewed AKU, a California Common which is a hybrid of a German Lager and an American Ale. He’s honored the brewing tradition of the California gold rush by uniting the best of each style. The result is a flavorful ale that is nicely hopped, sessionable and ready for summer. As with every open house, there is no charge to attend, but positive ID is required from everyone that attends. Enjoy beer samples, snacks, tours and conversation with fellow beer lovers. 6 p.m. Event Fee: Free. Where: White Birch Brewery, 1339 Hooksett Road, Hooksett. Info: 206-5260, whitebirchbrewing.com.
June 30
New England Brewfest
At the eighth annual New England Brewfest, breweries from across the region will come together for sampling, live music, craft beer education programs, food and exhibits on all things brewing. 4 p.m. Event fee: $30 for general admission or $50 for a VIP package. Where: Lincoln Village Shops, 25 South Mountain Drive, Lincoln. Info: nebrewfest.com.
The New Hampshire
Food Truck Festival
Come and nosh at the New England Food Truck Festival. More than 50 trucks from all over New England will be participating. Participating trucks include Roxy’s Grilled Cheese, Bon Me, Staff Meal, Woodman’s of Essex, and Kickass Cupcakes. Noon. Event fee: Adults, $25-$40; children age 6-12, $10. Where: Rockingham Park, Rockingham Park Drive, Salem. Info: 617-782-7117, foodtruckfestivalsofne.com.
JULY
July 1
D Acres Farm Feast Breakfast and Open House/Open Trails
Come out to the farm for an all-you-should-eat farm fresh breakfast featuring their own organic eggs, sausage, potatoes, kale, maple syrup, and pancakes made with Vermont-milled flour. Stop by at 1 p.m. for a free tour of the gardens, grounds, animals, alternative construction, renewable energy projects, and permaculture homestead. Breakfast at 10 a.m. Event Fee: Breakfast: $5-15 sliding scale donation, tour is free. Where: 218 Streeter Woods Road, Dorchester. Info:786-2366, dacres.org.
July 4
Gilmanton Fourth of July Parade
For many years, the small community of Gilmanton has celebrated our Independence Day in a big way. The celebration is a traditional, small New England gathering with many local organizations participating. 10 a.m. Where: Gilmanton Corners, downtown Gilmanton. Info: 267-6434, gilmanton4th.org.
Hopkinton Family Events
The day of events kicks off with the Kids’ Parade at 11:30 a.m. and continues until 3:30 p.m. The afternoon will be filled with activities, a cookie bake-off, the main parade at noon, sack races, a pie-eating contest, colonial games, root beer chugging contest, face painting and more. Where: Hopkinton Village. Info: hopkinton-nh.gov.
Pittsburg Independence Celebration
Come up to 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.
Let the kids enter the fishing derby, pony rides for the kids, and ball games for all ages. At 6 p.m., settle down for a chicken barbecue and listen to music until the fireworks begin at dusk. Events start at 10 a.m. Where: Murphy’s Dam, 11 Murphy Dam Road, Pittsburg. Info: 800-698-8939, nccoc@myfairpoint.net.
An American Celebration!
A real old-fashioned fabulous 4th of July! Complete with children’s bike and wagon parade, giant kite fly, potato sack races, kids liberty treasure hunt, garden crafts, live music, historic garden tours, costumed role-players, colonial hearth cooking, basket weaving, hand-thrown pottery, food, and fun for all. 10 a.m. Event Fee: $15 for adults. Kids 17 and under are free. Active military, retired military and their families are free. Where: Strawbery Banke & South Mill Pond, Portsmouth. Info: 433-1100, strawberybanke.org.
July 7
On The Green Arts &
Crafts Festival
Don’t miss this spectacular craft fair on Lake Winnipesaukee. There will be almost 150 exhibitors with fabulous arts and crafts. Buy American – come and enjoy this craft fair! Some of the exhibits will include metal art, folk art, primitive art, glass art, fine art watercolors, handcrafted furniture, jewelry designs, leather goods, quilts, handpainted and personalized signs, Lakes Region photography, gourmet food items, handpainted clothing, florals, birdhouses, plants, kettle corn, fresh-squeezed lemonade and lots more! 10 a.m. Event Fee: Free. Where: Brewster Academy, 80 Academy Drive, Wolfeboro. Info: 528-4014.
Clydesdale Camera Day
The Anheuser-Busch Merrimack brewery offers guests the opportunity to bring a camera and pose for photos with a world-famous Budweiser Clydesdale. These gentle giants have been an Anheuser-Busch symbol of tradition since the first Clydesdale hitch and a red beer wagon paraded to celebrate the repeal of Prohibition in 1933. While visiting, enjoy a free tour of the brewery. 1 p.m. Event Fee: free. Where: 221 Daniel Webster Highway, Merrimack. Info: 595-1202, budweisertours.com.
Concord Arts Market
The award-winning Concord Arts Market is New Hampshire’s first market of its kind – a juried weekly, outdoor artisan and fine arts market. Guest artists from the New England region also participate, to bring shoppers the best variety of handmade goods our region has to offer. Admission is free, all are welcome – come out and support local artists. Every Saturday in summer. 9 a.m. Event Fee: Free. Where: Bicentennial Square, Concord. Info: concordartsmarket.com.
Concord Farmers’ Market
The Concord Farmers’ Market has enjoyed over 25 years in downtown Concord. The market has over 30 vendors with a perse selection of offerings. It features all manner of seasonal veggies, as well as meat that is organic and natural – lamb, pork, beef, chicken and venison. Bakers offer bread, cookies, muffins and more, and vendors that offer specialty items such as plants, seafood, herbs, honey, New Hampshire wine, flowers, jams and jellies, eggs, garlic, berries, home made soaps and more. Every Saturday in summer. 8:30 a.m. Where: Capitol Street, Concord. Info: 753-4799, localharvest.org/concord-farmers-market-m1509.
July 8
Children’s Days on the Farm
Join us for Children’s Days celebration and enter a kids’ pie eating contest, old-fashioned games, animals, and the most fun kids can have on a farm. 10 a.m. Event Fee: $7 adult, $4 child 4-17 years. Where: 1305 White Mountain Highway, Milton. Info: 652-7840, farmmuseum.org.
July 9
“Pliney Fiske: A
Civil War Mystery”
A Civil War mystery set in Concord is the fare for this evening! Mark Travis, formerly a reporter and editor for the Concord Monitor, and current publisher of the Valley News, presents his first novel, Pliney Fiske.
From filmmaker Ken Burns: “This is a wonderful novel, alive in the moment, from the first scene to the last. It rings true, too, free of the cloying sentimentality that afflicts most of our Civil War memories. This is a gritty, real world that Travis unpacks, one filled with characters particular to this story, but also universal in their familiarity and dimension. I felt like I was there.” 7 p.m. Event Fee: Free and open to the public. Gibson’s Bookstore, 27 S. Main St., Concord. Info: 224-0562, gibsonsbookstore.com/event/pliney-fiske.
July 14
Southern New Hampshire Brewers Festival
Ticket includes beer poured by the breweries, tasting glass, program, food from three great restaurants, plenty of drinking water and free parking. Tickets available at White Birch Brewing or online. 5 p.m. Event Fee: $60 for VIP, $45 for general admission, $35 for designated driver. Where: 1339 Hooksett Road, Hooksett. Info: 206-5260, snhbf.com.
Uplift Music Festival
Uplift Music Fest will feature local musicians and artists from the Monadnock region. Bands include ADEEM, Hi-Fidelity Soundsystem, Ghost Dinner Band, Willie J. Laws, The Youngest Sun, Redwing Blackbird, Sheepdip, Folksoul, Great Groove Theory, All Good Feel Good Collective, JT’s Damn Band, State of the Block, Otis and the Elevators. 10 a.m. Event fee: $15 advance, $20 at the gates. Where: Oak Park, 791 Forest Road, Greenfield. Info:
upliftmusicfest.org.
July 15
Fiesta de Musica – Drum &
Bugle Corps Competition
Annual outdoor music and marching competition sponsored by Manchester’s Muchachos Drum & Bugle Corps. An all ages, family event. 5:30 p.m. Event Fee: Adults $12; Seniors and kids under 12 $10. Where: Manchester Memorial High School, 1 Crusader Way, Manchester. Info: 978-743-9584, muchachos.org.
13th Annual Intertribal Powwow
Drumming, singing, dancing, storytelling, kids crafts, museum tours, food and craft vendors. Grand entry at Noon each day. 10 a.m. Event Fee: Free for members, $8.50 adult, $7.50 seniors/students, $6.50 children 6-12, family maximum of $26. Where: 18 Highlawn Road, Warner. Info: 456-2600, indianmuseum.org.
July 19
Market Days Festival
The annual Market Days Festival regularly attracts more than 40,000 visitors. This year, attendees will have access to more hours of programming than ever before. Eagle Square is a new entertainment venue, offering a daily singing competition and nightly music. Main Street north of Park Street, formerly home to the main stage, will now welcome the Concord Arts Market. Free family fun activities have grown substantially, as perse entertainment for all generations comes to the State House Lawn for extended hours. The Homegrown Music Stage in Bicentennial Square will produce a steady stream of terrific music for your listening pleasure, beginning daily in the early afternoon, and running through 10 p.m. The intersection of Pleasant and Main Streets is the venue for community programming from dance, roller derby, and martial arts demonstrations, to the Inaugural Fire Truck Pull benefit and Badge Ball Tournament on Saturday.
The 2012 Market Days Festival has a strong local focus, which will be on display in the new local food, wine and beer tent scheduled for South Main Street. Crowd favorites like the Red River Theatres outdoor movie will return, as will the car show and vintage motorcycle show. 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. July 19 – 21. Event fee: Free. Where: Downtown Concord. Info: intownconcord.org.
Northeast Delta
Dental International
Check out the future stars of the LPGA competing at Beaver Meadow Golf Course. See the stars of tomorrow – today! 9 a.m. Where: 1 Beaver Meadow Road, Concord. Info: beavermeadowgolfcourse.com.
July 21
Uncanoonuc Mt. Perennials
21st Annual Open House
Wander thru 2½ acres of colorful display gardens & stock beds. Enjoy the new rose garden. Extensive daylily collection in full bloom. Over 900 varieties of perennials, roses, vines, shrubs, grasses & berry bushes available. Prizes, refreshments. 9 a.m. Event Fee: Free. Where: 452 Mountain Road, Goffstown. Info: 497-3975, uncanoonucmt.com.
The Herbalist in the Field:
Height of Summer
Join clinical herbalist Maria Noel Groves as summer solstice brings the “sun plants” into full glory! Take advantage of the scenic gardens, fields, woodlands, and garden barn at historic Canterbury Shaker Village. Visit St. John’s wort, various rose species and blue vervain create your own herbal oils, scented hydrosol and flower essence. 10 a.m. Event Fee: $35. Where: Canterbury Shaker Village, 288 Shaker Road Canterbury. Info: 783-9077, shakers.org.
July 29
Miss Hampton Beach Pageant
Who will be crowned 2012’s Miss Hampton Beach? Beauties compete for the title on a beachfront stage. 2 p.m. Where: D Street and Ocean Boulevard, Hampton. Info: hamptonbeach.org.
AUGUST
August 1
Corn Mazes at Beech
Hill Farm Opening Day
Beech Hill Farm & Ice Cream Barn offers three different corn mazes every year complete with themed scavenger hunts. Open daily from Aug. 1 to Oct. 31 (weather permitting). It’s outdoor recreation at its best! 11 a.m. Event Fee: $5 per person for all three mazes, children ages 3 and under are free. Where: Beech Hill Farm, 107 Beech Hill Road, Hopkinton. Info: 223-0828, beechhillfarm.com.
August 3
Fusion Fest
Fusion Fest is held August 3-5 on the beautiful Page Farm in scenic Croydon, just a few miles from Lake Sunapee. This is a very unique festival with a laid back vibe. Artists include: Dopapod, The Breakfast, The Indobox, Sparkplug w/ Scott Murawski of Max Creek, Roots of Creation and more. Event Fee: Early tickets $75, tickets for $100 at the gate (or $90 with a donation of 5 or more non-perishable food items to Strangers Helping Strangers). Where: Sand Hill Road, Croydon. Info: fusionfestival.org.
August 4
League of New Hampshire Craftsmen Annual Craftsmen’s Fair
The Annual League of New Hampshire Craftsmen's Fair is a nine-day event that showcases the work of more than 350 craftspeople’s items made by hand. One-of-a-kind jewelry, glass, pottery, prints, metalwork, fiber arts, woodcarvings, weaving, sculptures, furniture, and leatherwork are on display at the Annual Craftsmen’s Fair. You can meet the makers, learn about their techniques, and purchase from them. Shop at craft booths and The Shop at the Fair. View three exhibitions: Living With Craft; CraftWear; and the outdoor Sculpture Garden. Enjoy craft demonstrations, workshops, tours, and seminars and daily musical performances. 10 a.m. Event Fee: Adults $10; students, seniors, active military duty $8; children under 12 free. Where: 1398 Route 103 Newbury. Info: 224-3375, nhcrafts.org.
August 9
55th Annual New Hampshire Antiques Show
ELLE Decor Magazine hails the New Hampshire Antiques Show’s Americana as “top notch.” Nearly 70 dealers of high-quality American antiques – from folk art to fine porcelain, country and formal furniture to paintings and prints – set aside fresh-to-market merchandise in anticipation of this must-see show. 10 a.m. Event Fee: $15. Free admission to anyone under 30 with proper ID. Where: Radisson Hotel Manchester, 700 Elm St. Manchester. Info: 876-4080, nhada.org.
August 10
Barbecue and Street Dance
Start out with a summer barbecue and follow it with a night of dancing to classic rock performed by Postage Due! 6:30 p.m. Event Fee: BBQ – pay as you eat, dance – donations welcome. Where: 40 Route 113, Holderness. Info: 968-2250, littlechurchtheater.com.
Backyard Pig Raising
Learn the basics of backyard pig raising, from food and housing to breeding and birthing! 1 p.m. Event Fee: $4, Please call to pre-register. Where: 218 Streeter Woods Road, Dorchester. Info: 786-2366, dacres.org
August 11
114th Annual Gilmanton
Old Home Day
Famous bean dinner, antique tractor and auto display, children's games, animals, crafters and more. All profits to maintain five buildings on the grounds of the Smith Meeting House, on the historic register. 10 a.m. Event Fee: Contact for details. Where: Smith Meeting House Grounds, Gilmanton. Info: 267-8151,
gilmantonnh.org.
August 18
Exotic Car Show
Exotic Car Show that benefits the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Rain date: August 25. 10 a.m. Event Fee: Free to spectators. Where: 221 Daniel Webster Highway, Merrimack. 595-1202, northeastexotic.com.
A Roost of Your Own:
Backyard Chickens Workshop
Join Dot Perkins, UNH Cooperative Extension Agricultural Program Coordinator, to discuss different housing options for your chickens, what to feed them, how to care for them and how to prevent problems. Discuss both layers and broilers as well as how to raise your own chickens for eggs or meat. 10 a.m. Event Fee: $10 CSV Members, $11 non-Members. Where: Canterbury Shaker Village, 288 Shaker Road Canterbury. Info: 783-9077, shakers.org.
Living History Event
New Hampshire
Join hundreds of reenactors from the French and Indian War and Civil War, Benjamin Franklin (portrayed by Dean Bennett), the 2nd South Carolina String Band, and many more talented musicians, storytellers, and performers. Take a horse and buggy ride, visit the President Franklin Pierce Homestead, try your hand on an antique tabletop printing press, pan for gold, watch a pottery or blacksmith demo, and eat some fine home cooking. 9 a.m. Event Fee: Adults $10; seniors over age 64, $8; youth age 6-17, $5. Where: Jones Road, President Franklin Pierce Historic Site, Hillsborough. Info: 464-5858,
livinghistoryeventnh.com.
Hay Day Family Festival
A fun-filled day for families. Enjoy children’s games, musical performances, demonstrations, live animals, and crafts – something for everyone. Food concessions available. 10 a.m. Event Fee: Free with site admission. Where: 456 Route 103A, Newbury. Info: 763-4789, thefells.org.
Fire on the Mountain Chili Fest
The 10th Annual Henniker Rotary Club Fire on the Mountain Chili Fest features two chili tasting competitions for area restaurants and amateur chili makers. Event fee includes chili sampling, hot dog and hamburger barbecue, beer tent, classic car show, activities for the kids, live entertainment, vendors featuring New Hampshire-made products, ice cream, music, hiking and many other family-friendly activities. 1 p.m. Event Fee: $10 adults, $5 children 10 and under. Where: Pats Peak Ski Area, Flanders Road, Henniker. Info: 568-1232, chilinewhampshire.org.
