Don’t Miss the 122nd Sandwich Fair, one of New Hampshire’s Finest

The annual Sandwich Fair is one of New Hampshire’s most exquisite rural shows.  This year the fair will be held October 9 – 12, with competitions for horse pulls, farm animal shows, children’s tractor races, carnival rides, local New Hampshire food sampling, 4H exhibits, photography, crafts, and more.  Located right in the heart of the Town of Sandwich, it is three days of fun and excitement for the entire family!

As with many of New England’s fairs, the Sandwich Fair started out as an agricultural event that became an annual market day for local farmers to trade and sell their cattle.  In 1886, area farmers exhibited 184 yoke of oxen at the fair.  Those farmers would be proud to know the fair is still going strong after 122 years.

The Sandwich Fair remains at the top of my list as one of my favorite fall activities.  It has everything from livestock exhibits to tractor pulling and carnival rides.  I have to be honest though – what draws me every year is the fabulous fair food:  spicy Italian sausage, fried dough, cotton candy… the list goes on.  My mouth is watering just writing about it.  There is nothing like an old fashioned New England fair!

The Sandwich Fair is truly one of the Lakes Regions greatest events.  Nestled in the quintessential New England town of Sandwich and held during one of the most colorful times of year, this event simply must be on your calendar.   During the course of the Fair’s four days starting Friday October 9, there will be a never-ending schedule of live music and fun activities for the whole family to enjoy.  If you can’t make it all four days, Sunday might be the best pick with the annual running of the Sandwich Fair Parade at 1:00.   But don’t let me decide.  Check out all the great things going on at this year’s fair at www.thesandwichfair.com.

Meredith Fall Craft Fair, Mills Falls Marketplace, October 3-4

Didn’t get a chance to visit the Meredith Craft Fair at the end of this past August?  No worries, the Mill Falls Marketplace is holding its 11th annual craft fair the first weekend of October.  Artisans from all around will gather in the Mill Falls Marketplace parking lot to peddle their wares on October 3rd and 4th from 10 to 5.

There is always a treasure to be found at the fair, and once you’ve found it, there are few places in the Lakes Region as pretty as Meredith to enjoy the magic of fall.  There is always much to do and see in the picturesque town of Meredith, with numerous fine restaurants and dozens of great shops and galleries, all just a short walk from the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee.

So spend the day or the entire weekend – you will not be disappointed!  If you get a chance to visit the Craft Fair, drop us a line and let us know how you liked it.

The New Hampshire Marathon kicks off its 17th Year on October 3, 2009

As if running 26.2 miles is not challenging enough, The New Hampshire Marathon is considered one of the toughest marathon courses in New England.  On Saturday, October 3rd as many as 175 people from up to 45 states will line up at the starting line in Bristol, NH and give it their best.  

Not only is this course considered one of the most difficult, it’s also one of the most beautiful.  Starting in downtown Bristol, the course winds around Newfound Lake on one of the most scenic routes around, and with fall colors typically in full bloom this time of year, it doesn’t get much prettier.

If you’re not up to the task of running the full 26.2 miles, there are some shorter courses available.  Held the same day are a 10K road race and a 5k race walk.  And if running is just not your thing, come on out to show your support.  The Newfound Lake area and the surrounding Lakes Region is simply spectacular this time of year!

The mission of the NH Marathon is to promote a world class running event, as well as to aid child-centered organizations in the area.  Proceeds from this event help support the Tapply-Thompson Community Center, Mayhew, a character-building program for at-risk boys, and The Circle Program, providing socially and economically disadvantaged New Hampshire girls with the skills, courage and confidence they need to handle the challenges in their lives.

To learn more about the race visit www.nhmarathon.com