A New Hampshire Labor Day Tradition Continues

September 2, 2010

Imagine being surrounded by the smells of Italian sausage loaded with peppers and onions, French fries fresh from the oil, fried dough caked in powdered sugar and cinnamon, and manure. Children are screaming from all different directions, cows are mooing, engines are roaring from across the field, and you can’t help but smile. You make your way through the crowds and pillars of smoke from the overcooked food, to the center of it all. Why? Well, because it’s a state fair and it only comes once a year.

A New Hampshire tradition now in it’s 95th year, the Hopkinton State Fair officially started today. The fair boasts five days filled with animals, wild shows, rides, demonstrations, food, and so much more. Fairgrounds open early, and close late, letting the thousands that come exhaust themselves, stuff themselves, and leave feeling completely content.

Events include Greg Frisbee, a new addition to the fair this year. The show amazes audiences with juggling, fire eating, mind reading, extreme balancing, audience participation, and comedy. Also, the Free Cycle Bikes and Skateboards will perform. Professionals will perform daredevil stunts choreographed to high energy music. Ron Diamond will also headline with two different shows. The Magic of Ron Diamond and Ron Diamond’s Hypnosis will amaze all with his feats of magic and illusion.

For farmers and animal lovers, several shows have been scheduled for the weekend. The Stock Farm Tractor Pull, The Horse Show Gymkhana, a few Horse Pulling demonstrations, and an Open Sheep Show will be today’s agricultural highlights. Also featured during the weekend will be 4-H Swine Shows, Cattle Pulling, 4-H Llama and Alpaca, Four Ox Working Hitch, Pony Pulling, and Draft Horse Farm Shows.

New this year is a one-day-only show; the Monster Trucks will perform in the Grandstand. Performing tonight at 7 PM, these trucks will surely pump up the adrenaline. The show has been described as an “incredible, ground pounding, car crushing, axle wrenching Monster Truck Show.”

Other special shows include the one-day-only Freestyle Motocross Bikes Competition. The competition will be held on Friday, September 3, at 6:30 PM on the Grandstand. “Don’t miss the opportunity to watch these mud-slinging bikes perform jaw-dropping turns, jumps, and ‘whoops’. Not sure what a ‘whoop’ is? Come find out. This show is a must see!” claims the fair. The Demolition Derby will perform both September 4, and 5, at 6:30 PM. Saturday’s performance will include full-size and Sunday’s will feature four-cylinder vehicles.

Throughout the rest of the weekend, a special Sand Sculpting demonstration will be held near Piggy Palace. The team of master sand sculptors will turn mounds of sand into works of art right before spectators eyes. A maple sugar house will show visitors how maple syrup is made, and will offer samples of one of New Hampshire’s oldest agricultural traditions. Charmingfare Farm will bring the classic barnyard animals for a special petting farm to entertain adults and children alike.

The Midway will feature rides to thrill anyone. Opening at noon on Thursday and Friday, and 10 AM on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, Fiesta Shows’ Midway has partnered with the fair to bring the best of the best in rides. Along with regularly priced tickets, the fair offers “Pay One Price.” This allows guests to ride unlimited rides for one price.

A short trip north on 93, through the tolls, and onto highway 89, the fairgrounds are just off Exit 7. Follow the signs, they’ll take you straight to the fun! Once there, parking in the fair’s lot costs only two dollars. If parking is full, several other private parking lots are in the area and cost anywhere from two to four dollars. Admission into the gates varies depending on days and ages. The prices are as follows:

Adults Age 12 and Up
Thursday and Friday: $8
Saturday and Sunday: $10
Monday: $5

Senior Citizens Age 60 and Up
Thursday and Friday: $7
Saturday and Sunday: $10
Monday: $5

Child Age 6 to 12
Thursday, Friday and Monday: $5
Saturday and Sunday: $6

Child Age 5 and Under
Any Day: Free

Grandstand shows require an additional admission fee. Prices may vary depending on shows and ages of children. Visit the Hopkinton State Fair website for more information.

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By Jacklynn Weeks | Posted in Around Town, Minutes from Home, Outdoors, Youth 0 to 6, Youth 10 to 18, Youth 6 to 10 | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Annual Balloon Festival is Back!

July 31, 2010

60 minutes from home, Londonderry New HampshireA weekend of sights, sounds and all the colors of the rainbow right in the middle of summer! Even more dramatic since this event is set on the banks of the Suncook River. It is not unusual for the pilots to take a morning dip in the still waters of the river at sunrise. Believe it or not passengers are happy to join them in this morning dunk in the river! Taking off at sunrise, since the air is still at that time, these hot air balloons often drift over the river. Dropping as close as they can to the water, the natural wicker baskets often “go under” for a moment. Clearly a demonstration of the skill these pilots have in controlling the lighter than air aircraft.

Like Old Home Day in Londonderry, this Balloon Festival brings visitors from all over New England to this small town. It is a great event for the entire family plus the local companies and organizations depend on visitors for revenue from this event. The Balloon Festival includes rides, food, hot air balloon rides, helicopter rides around the Pittsfield area, fireworks and of course the launching of the hot air balloons which occurs Friday evening, Saturday morning, Saturday evening, and Sunday morning most years (weather permitting). Wind plays a major factor in deciding if the hot air balloons will be allowed to launch. Even the smallest amount of wind can ground the balloons. Whether to launch the Hot Air Balloons or not is sometimes decided minutes before the scheduled launch of the balloons.

Dates and Times:
Friday – August 6, 2010: 4:00pm – 11:00pm
Saturday – August 7, 2010: 5:30am – 11:00pm
Sunday – August 8, 2010: 5:30am – 10:00am

Location:
Drake Field Pittsfield New Hampshire

Fees:
Entrance: FREE ($5.00 suggested donation)
Parking: FREE
Shuttles between parking lots and field: $1/Person (Each Ride)
Food, Beverages, Carnival Amusements, Helicopter Rides, & Tethered Hot Air Balloon Rides all have separate charges.

Rules:
No smoking, no pets (due to food being served). Bags, coolers, backpacks and other containers except for childcare and medical needs are not allowed. No cans, glass, alcohol, skateboards, bikes or weapons are allowed. All bags subject to inspection.

Hot Air Balloon Launch Schedule:
Friday: 5:00 – 6:00 pm Afternoon Hot Air Balloon Liftoff
Saturday: 5:30 – 6:00 am Dawn Hot Air Balloon Liftoff
Saturday: 5:00 – 6:00 pm Afternoon Hot Air Balloon Liftoff
Saturday: 8:30 pm Night Glow (Hot Air Balloons Light Up On Ground, No Launch)
Sunday: 5:30 – 6:00 am Dawn Farewell Mass Ascension Balloon Liftoff

Also this year, a Blues Brothers Tribute Concert featuring Soulhouse 7 will begin at 7 PM Friday evening. Live music will also be played on the main stage beginning at 3 PM Saturday. Kites Over NE Giant Kite Fly will run from 10 AM until 2 PM Saturday. Don’t miss the amazing fireworks show Saturday night!

For a complete schedule, click here. To find out more about the Pittsfield Balloon Rally, visit this website.

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Stratham Fair Offers Something for Everybody

July 22, 2010

What began as the 240th anniversary celebration of Stratham, and included just a Lobster Bake and Horse Pulling, has grown into a family event that pulls in more than 40,000 people each year. The summertime tradition of the Stratham Fair, located in the small town of Stratham, New Hampshire, will continue this year. Beginning Thursday, July 22, and running through Sunday, July 25, the fair will boast a number of rides, entertainment, and food.

Sticking to the motto “something for everybody at the Fair,” the fair offers just that. Spectators can watch horse pulls, tractor pulls, and live bands perform on the fairground’s two stages; participants can join in the family events like the potato sack races, egg tosses, hula hoop contests, and scavenger hunts; thrill seekers can ride on the many rides offered by Fiesta Shows; animal lovers can see the many 4-H shows and contests offered throughout the fairgrounds; both adult and children can participate in the the three different baking contests.

Wilbur, Sunnycrest Farm's (female) pig, won't be at the Stratham Fair. But many animals like her will!

The fair also acts as a major fundraising event for many organizations throughout the community. This year, the fair will benefit the Stratham Volunteer Fire Department. The fire department protects homes and businesses in the six square miles that is Stratham. Much of the equipment purchased for the fire department’s use has been paid for by the proceeds of the fair. The fair also helps defray tax costs to the residents of Stratham.

Many vendors will be selling different types of arts and crafts during the Stratham Fair.

Known as one of the oldest fairs in New England, the Stratham Fair began in 1967. The town of Stratham held a small celebration the year before, in honor of the town’s anniversary. When fun was had by all who came, the town decided to continue hosting this great event. Today, the fair is organized and run by a team of volunteers. These volunteers work together to transform the site of the fair from a blank field into a teeming “city.”

Parking for the Stratham Fair is free on the fairgrounds. Admission prices are as follows:
Daily:
Adult- $7.00
Children 6-12 and Adults 65 and over- $4.00
Children under 6- Free
4-Day Pass:
Adult- $20.00
Children 6-12 and Adults 65 and over- $12.00
Grandparent’s Day:
Thursday, grandparents get in free when accompanied by at least one child under 12.
Yellow Ribbon Day:
Friday, free admission for Military Personnel and dependents with ID.
Other discounts and specials are available. Check the website for more details.

To read Londonderry Hometown Online News’ recent article about the 4-H Foundation’s annual auction at the fair, go to Rockingham 4-H Hosts Annual Auction. To learn more about the fair, visit the Stratham Fair’s website.

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By Jacklynn Weeks | Posted in Minutes from Home, Outdoors | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Join Hudson Family for “Nate’s Race”

July 15, 2010

On Sunday, July 25, residents of Hudson, surrounding towns, and friends and family of Nathan Hergenhahn, will come together for “Nate’s Race.” This 5k walk/run is the first of many, and is being held in honor of Nate, who died just six days after his sixteenth birthday. Proceeds from the walk will go directly to the Nathan Hergenhahn Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Nathan was a young man who loved sports, specifically basketball. He was successful both athletically and academically, and was loved and admired by many around him. Nate celebrated his sixteenth birthday on July 24, 2006. Six days later, on July 30, Nate was traveling with a friend, when the car went out of control. Nate was pronounced dead on the scene, and alcohol was ruled out as a factor. The town of Hudson lost one of its star athletes, and a loving, caring young man in this tragic accident.

After years of discussing and planning, the family and friends of Nathan have put together this walk. As the first annual walk, special events include a guest singer singing the National Anthem, two dance performances by All That Dance Academy, and a music performance. Also, T-Bones has agree to cater the event. Local businesses have put together goodie bags for all the runners and walkers, and T-Bones will give each runner/walker $10 gift certificates.

The family plans to hold the walk on the last weekend of July, every year, as it coincides with both Nathan’s birthday and the date of the accident. This year’s walk will be held at Alvirne High School, and runners and walkers of all skill levels are invited to participate. Online registration will be open until Friday, July 23, and mail registration will be open until July 16th. Registration fees are as follows: Adults – $25.00; Children 12 & Under – $15.00; Families – $50.00. Runners and walkers will be separated by category, and first and second place winners of each category will be awarded. The 5k will begin at 9 AM.

To learn more about “Nate’s Race” visit the website.

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By Jacklynn Weeks | Posted in Around Nutfield, Around Town, Help, Minutes from Home, Outdoors | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Cooking with Kids in Derry

July 2, 2010

Gather in the kitchen to learn about healthy eating and the importance of family mealtime! Prepare and share meals together at Side by Side, a free six-week cooking and nutrition series for school-age children and families being offered at The Upper Room in Derry on six consecutive Tuesdays, July 13 through Aug. 17, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Terri Schoppmeyer, Educational Program Coordinator at UNH Cooperative Extension, will cover mastering family mealtime, grocery shopping on a budget, snacking and more. A local chef will share culinary secrets and cover basic cooking skills necessary to prepare healthy, low-cost meals. Have fun while learning and sharing food together. If you qualify for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, free and reduced lunch, WIC, or other types of financial assistance, then you qualify for free participation in Side by Side Cooking.

To register for Side by Side Cooking, contact Sue Schick at The Upper Room, (603) 437-8477 ext. 22.

Side by Side Cooking is sponsored by Operation Frontline, the New Hampshire Food Bank, UNH Cooperative Extension, Nutrition Connections, and The Upper Room.

UNH Cooperative Extension provides New Hampshire citizens with research-based education and information, enhancing their ability to make informed decisions that strengthen youth, families and communities, sustain natural resources, and improve the economy. For more information, or to learn about educational programs in Rockingham County, call (603) 679-5616 or visit their website.

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By admin | Posted in Around Nutfield, Local Deals, Minutes from Home, Youth 10 to 18, Youth 6 to 10 | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Yes You Can, Can

June 29, 2010

This approaching Tuesday, June 29, Claudia Boozer-Blasco will be providing a free food preservation demonstration. Called “Yes You Can,” the program will teach participants the most up-to-date techniques for canning fruits and vegetables in a water bath and pressure canner.

During the demonstration, participants will also learn safe canning techniques by making a tomato salsa. Appropriate canning equipment will be on display and recipes from the United States Department of Agriculture will be available.

Yes You Can will run from 6:30 PM until 8 PM at the UNH Cooperative Extension in the Rockingham County Complex. The complex is located in Brentwood at 113 North Road. Ms. Boozer-Blasco is an Extension Educator in Family and Consumer Resources with the UNH Cooperative Extension of Rockingham County.

The program welcomes both first time canners, as well as those who have been preserving food for years. It is open to the public, and handicap accessible. To register, call 679-5616 or email lynn.harrison@unh.edu.

Directions to the Complex in Brentwood are simple. Follow I-93 North to Exit 7, 101 East towards the Seacoast. Follow 101 East until Exit 8. Take a right at the end of the off-ramp, and follow for just under a mile. The complex will be on the right.

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By Jacklynn Weeks | Posted in Around Nutfield, Minutes from Home | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Comment (1)

Art Affair in the Country

June 25, 2010

Local artist Sheila Psaledas will be hosting an art show this weekend. Called “An Art Affair in the Country,” the show will feature some of Sheila’s newest pieces of artwork. “Art Affair” will take place at the Bedford Library in Bedford, New Hampshire.

The Affair will be the first outdoor show of the season. It will begin at 10 AM this Saturday, June 26th, and will last until 1:30 PM. The scheduled rain date for the art show is Sunday, June 27th.

Sheila Psadelas Painting; "Lemons" created with Oil and Paper

There will be plenty of parking at the Library, and admission will be free. The Library is located on Meetinghouse Road in Bedford. Directions are simple. Follow I-93 North to the I-93/I-293 Split. Take I-293 West towards the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport. Continue onto 101 West and then turn left at the lights to stay on 101 West. Follow for approximately one mile, and take a right onto Meetinghouse Road. The library will be on the left.

Join Sheila and other art fans to view unique and creative works!

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By Jacklynn Weeks | Posted in Arts, Minutes from Home | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Kayak Tours in the Great Bay

June 19, 2010

Would you like to launch from a put-in in a K-1 wearing your PFD? Or maybe you’d like to get underway on the flatwater in a K-2 with your gear lashed and your loved one astern. Or maybe you’d just like to find out what any of these terms mean.

The Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve has announced its new kayaking tours in the tidal waters of the Great Bay. Several tours are being offered, most ranging from 3 to 4 hours each, and varying degrees of difficulty. Most of the tours begin and end in Greenland, New Hampshire.

Never been kayaking? The Reserve will provide boats, all safety equipment, and basic instructional information. Participants will learn basic methods of entry and exit to the kayak and basic paddling techniques. They will also learn how to safely and easily do a “wet exit” on dry land.

Absolutely no experience is necessary for these trips, but kayaking can be a moderate to vigorous activity. About two and a half hours will be spent in the water. Participants must be at least sixteen years of age. You may sign up for one class, but if you’d like to do another, your name will be put on the waiting list.

Kayakers who bring their own boat will pay only $15. For those who do not bring their own, $25 will be charged for Great Bay Stewards members and $35 for non-members. Experienced kayakers with their own boats may pay an additional $10 for short paddles. Cancellation policy is as follows: 7 days prior to trip- full refund; less than 7 days- 50% refund; less than 24 hours- no refund; trip canceled due to bad weather- full refund.


View Larger Map

To register for a trip, call Education Coordinator Kelle Loughlin at the Great Bay Discovery Center at 603-778-0015. To see a complete schedule of kayaking trips, click read more.

Read More »

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By Jacklynn Weeks | Posted in Minutes from Home, Outdoors | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Derry Opens a New Farmer’s Market

June 18, 2010

Derry has announced the new site of their Farmer’s Market. The market, which is planned to begin this summer on July 7, will be located in the Pocket Park area on the corner of Manning Street and Broadway. The location was chosen from about six potential sites, and was pushed to the top of the list for it’s downtown location.

The surrounding Pocket Park, Benson’s Hardware and Derry Feed locations offer the market a great location and easy access. It will be located on both private and town property and is a prime example of private and public partnership. Shoppers can park either on the street or in the nearby municipal parking lot, further easing it’s accessibility.

Phil Ferdinando, a co-owner of J&F Farms, says the market will be good for both growers and consumers. “It will give the people with something to grow an outlet. It keeps things local. I think it will go well,” he said. Ferdinando’s family has been farming in Derry for more than a century, and he hopes they can be involved in the market this year. The family usually runs a farm stand on Route 102 every year.

The market is said to include not just farmer’s produce, but also products from local artisans and crafters, as well. Planners hope the success of the market will allow further expansion to include entertainment and children’s activities. They also hope the market will expand onto the sidewalks of downtown Derry.

The market will continue every Wednesday until October after it’s July opening. It will be open from 3 PM until 7 PM.

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By Jacklynn Weeks | Posted in Around Nutfield, Minutes from Home, Outdoors | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments (0)