If you just read the previous page (which you better have!), you know that there’s a traveling film festival headed to Red River Theatres this weekend. If you’re reading this page, you’re about to find out that there are two more coming, too, and although they’re a little farther down the road, they sell out quick.
Bikes of March
The first one of these popular festivals is the Bikes of March festival, presented by the Central New Hampshire Bicycling Coalition. This one will take place March 22 starting at 6:30 p.m. at Red River.
“It’s our get-psyched-for-spring-and-to-be-out-on-our-bikes event,” said board member David Sky.
Basically, it will be a showcase of all kinds of films that have something to do with cycling. Think of it as a “mish-mash of cool bicycling videos,” Sky said – such as people doing tricks, open streets concepts, mountain biking, touring, transportation cycling and so on.
Members of the coalition will be on hand to talk about what they’re doing with the group in terms of cycling. The Concord Coalition to End Homelessness will also be there to talk about a grant they received for a bike-sharing program.
Among other special guests will be the Friends of the Merrimack River, who will talk about the rail trail, and the Concord Police Department, who will discuss bicycle safety and etiquette. “I expect about a half-dozen exhibitors there,” Sky said.
The format of the night will go something like this:
Doors open at 6 p.m., and around 6:30 people will move into the theater for the first 30 minutes or so of clips. Then, there will be a short intermission where some of the presenters will speak. Then, it will be 30 more minutes of video, then a closing. There will also be raffle prizes, a 50/50 raffle and refreshments.
Tickets are free, but they go like hot cakes, so you should act now to secure your spot. To register, go to cnhbc.org/events and click the link for “Get tickets here!”
Wild & Scenic Film Festival
Once you’ve had your fill of bicycle films, keep the vibe rolling by checking out the Wild & Scenic Film Festival, a benefit for the New Hampshire Rivers Council.
This festival, which takes place March 31 at Red River, is a unique way for viewers to get energized and empowered to work in the community and to get involved in the council’s initiatives and other projects. It also provides environmentally conscious organizations an opportunity to showcase films as a way to reach into their communities and inspire people to effect environmental change.
This will be the seventh year the council has hosted the typically sold-out event, and this one is shaping up to be another packed house.
The event will include a reception; exhibits by national sponsors such as Clif Bar, Patagonia, Orion, Sierra Nevada, Klean Kanteen, Earth Justice and Barefoot Wine & Bubbly; as well as local business partners; the film screening; and door prizes. Music will be provided by J Street Extension.
The films will be Ace and the Desert Dog, The Wild President, China: A Skier’s Journey, Bring Back the Brooks: A Revival of the South’s Trout, Native Waters – Rio Grande, The High Divide, Dream Day, Guided and To Slow Down and Breathe.
The reception will begin at 6 p.m., with the films starting at 7.
Tickets are $15 for Rivers Council members or $20 for not-yet-members (includes a free one-year membership with ticket purchase) and can be purchased at nhrivers.org/film-festival.
To learn more, go to nhrivers.org.
