Turning 100 is just one of those birthdays worth excessively celebrating.
Let’s face it, hitting triple digits is quite an accomplishment. That’s why the N.H. Audubon is throwing a party, one of many events planned for 2014.
On Saturday, the Audubon’s 100th Birthday Bash will be held at the McLane Center at 84 Silk Farm Road. And trust us, there will be plenty of cake to go around.
“It’s a birthday party, so you have to have cake,” said Ruth Smith, the N.H. Audubon Centennial coordinator. “You only turn 100 once, so you’ve got to live it up.”
The celebration is actually 11 days shy of the Audubon’s official 100th birthday, but the 26th fell on a Wednesday and wouldn’t be nearly as fun. This way, the Audubon can host the free event during the day on a weekend, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and make it more available to everyone. It’s going to be educational and fun for all ages. Did we mention there’s going to be cake – and lots of it?
“It’d be great if we got 150 people, but we might get more or we might get less,” said Smith.
There will be cupcake decorating and crafts for the kids, like making bird related puppets, hats and guide books. You will be able to learn about peregrine falcons, red-tailed hawks and barred owls as the actual birds sit right before your very eyes. Or take a guided snowshoe into the woods looking for wildlife tracks. Snowshoes will be provided.
“It’s very much a family-focused event,” said Smith. “It’s a hands on type of thing for families.”
Bird Tales, a puppet show, gives the audience a look at things from a bird perspective, as well as the opportunity to visit the outdoor muse to visit the Audubon’s permanent collection of birds. Have you caught on to the bird theme yet?
“They’re all permanently injured birds who can’t be released to the wild,” said Smith.
And what birthday would be complete with an original rendition of “Happy Birthday!”
But in order to sing, you need birthday cake, and like we said before, there will be plenty of it. The Red Blazer is making the birthday cake for the bash, so those who attend can grab a slice when the cake cutting commences around 12:15 p.m.
“It’s on the large size for a birthday cake,” said Smith.
That’s not it though. There’s also a decorated cake contest, where designers are charged with creating an Audubon inspired dessert. Registrations have been on going, so call Smith (224-9909, ext. 313) to see if spots are available.
“We’re leaving it open and up to people’s imagination,” said Smith. “We wanted people to have fun with it.”
For $10, cake makers can enter the contest and then take it home. Or for no charge, the cake can be donated for a raffle to benefit the Audubon. Raffle tickets will be available at the event for $2 per ticket, three for $5 or 10 for $10. There will be official judges, as well as a people’s choice award. Prizes, including gift certificates to King Arthur Flour and Chandler’s Cake and Candy Supplies, will be awarded to the winners. Cakes will be on display from 10 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., when the winners for the contest and raffle will be announced.
“If you really want a particular cake, you can put all your tickets in one basket or you can spread them out,” said Smith.
The first 100 people to attend will receive a gift bag. And this is one of many events celebrating the Audubon’s 100th birthday this year.
“When you have a big birthday, why not celebrate it all year long,” said Smith.
For a complete schedule of the day, go to nhaudubon.org/100th-birthday-bash.
“Some things will be going on throughout the day and other things will be on a schedule,” said Smith.
