Alton Old Home Day: a Lakes Region Tradition

This weekend, the Town of Alton, NH will be celebrating its roots, and the entire community is coming together with a variety of events that the whole family will enjoy.  With a vintage boat show, a craft fair, a parade, and a free concert at the bandstand, the weekend promises to conjure summer celebrations of yesteryear.

On Saturday, August 13^th, Alton Old Home Day will begin with a 5K Road Race at 9am.  This run is on a USATF Certified Course featuring computerized timing, traffic control, and prizes to runners in various categories, not to mention one of the most scenic runs in New Hampshire!

If you missed the 38^th Annual Lake Winnipesaukee Antique & Classic Boat Show at Meredith Town Docks a couple weeks ago, you have another chance to see some beautiful boats this Saturday at the Vintage Boat Show, organized by The New Hampshire Boat Museum as part of the Old Home Day festivities.  Several classic boats will be docked and on display from 9am – 12pm.  Come and vote for your favorite in the 2011 People’s Choice Award!

The Alton Old Home Day Craft Fair will be held from 9 am – 5pm at the Alton Bay Community Center and Railroad Square Park.  Admission is free, and visitors can find a vast selection of handmade New England items, including fine wood crafts, candles, fleece, stoneware pottery, Native American jewelry, fabric art, quilts, doll furniture, scroll saw fretwork, and handmade soaps.  The craft fair continues through Sunday, as well.

New this year is a public trail opening on Saturday at noon.  The John Racine Recreational Trail is the newest addition to the public trail system linking Alton Bay to the Alton Traffic Circle.  This new trail is located off of Depot Street and is a scenic, wide trail that is great for bikes, strollers, walking and running.  Alton is a pedestrian- friendly town that encourages folks to “leave the car behind and get outside, enjoy nature and exercise for better health.”

“Remembering the Past” is the theme of the Alton Business Association’s Old Home Day Parade, which takes place at 2:30pm and winds through the center of Alton, ending in Alton Bay.  This is a “good old fashioned parade” featuring individuals and businesses from the local community with floats and walking exhibits.  There’s a good chance of seeing some classic and antique cars, too…

The day wouldn’t be complete without music, and The Echo Tones will be at the bandstand with some fun party music—their own mix of oldies, classic rock, country, and blues.  Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy this special summertime treat by Lake Winnipesaukee!

If you are visiting the Lakes Region this weekend, you might want to swing by Alton Bay on Saturday… a day like this is the epitome of summer in New England!

Carrie Reed
The Mill Falls Blogging Team