2010 Lakes Region Fine Arts and Crafts Festival Starts Tomorrow!

Wow!  Another year has gone by already and it’s time for the Annual Lakes Region Fine Arts and Crafts Festival.  This weekend, August 28^th and 29^th, come to Meredith, NH to enjoy beautiful original works of art and crafts, live music, and delicious food… this is an event you won’t want to miss!

Now in its 31^st year, The Lakes Region Fine Arts and Crafts Festival is sponsored by the Meredith Area Chamber of Commerce and is the area’s largest show and sale of fine arts and crafts.  This popular event is an outdoor, juried arts and crafts exhibition, featuring the high-quality works of over 110 artists and craftspeople.  Main Street in Meredith will be closed to traffic to make room for the show, which will be held among the Meredith Village Shops and the Mill Falls Marketplace.

This festival is always a great place to find treasures for yourself, or gifts for loved ones.  All of the exhibitors display and sell their own work, so you know you are supporting local artisans, and enjoying unique pieces.  Hope to see you there!

Carrie Reed
The Mill Falls Blogging Team

Images courtesy of the Meredith Area Chamber of Commerce

Ironman 70.3 Timberman Race and Festival in Gilford this Weekend!

Over 3,500 athletes from across the country and around the globe are coming to Lake Winnipesaukee this Saturday and Sunday to compete in the 10^th edition of the Timberman Sprint and Ironman 70.3 Timberman Triathlons.  Named the #1 “Must-do Triathlon Adventure” by Triathlete Magazine, Timberman has something for everyone, including Timber Camp for kids!

The traditional Ironman race is one of the most challenging sporting events in the world, with a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike, and a complete 26.2-mile marathon, all in succession.  The Ironman 70.3 triathlon is half the classic race, featuring a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike, and 13.1-mile run—still pretty tough!

The Ironman 70.3 Timberman is a scenic course that begins with a swim in the fresh waters of Lake Winnipesaukee, followed by a bike course that includes plenty of rolling hills, and finally a two-loop run that travels along the shores of the lake with spectacular views of the White Mountains.  The Ironman 70.3 will take place on Sunday, and offers the 2,200 competitors a chance at the $30,000 professional prize purse as well as 50 slots to the Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3, which will take place on Nov. 13^th in Clearwater, Florida.

On Saturday, over 1,300 athletes will race in the Timberman Sprint short-distance triathlon, which will take them on a .3-mile swim, a 15-mile bike, and a 3-mile run with the same beautiful setting.  Saturday afternoon will also give older kids a taste of the sport in the TimberKids Adventure Race.  All races will begin and end at Ellacoya State Park in Gilford, NH.

For children ages 3 – 13, Timber Camp will be the place to be on Sunday!  This special event will take place at Gunstock Mountain Resort, offering kids a “multi-sport” day of activities such as mountain biking, mini golf, and swimming.  There will also be paddleboats, kayaks, and a climbing wall!  The staff has planned a special activity to celebrate the success of the triathletes, and all campers will be able to win prizes in everyone’s favorite extreme water balloon toss, Winger!

The weekend-long TimberFest at Gunstock will feature a sports & fitness expo, seminars for both the novice and seasoned triathlete, the Ironman Champions dinner, and live music by Paul Warnick.  After the race on Sunday, athletes can kick back and enjoy the TimberParty Clambake & Lobsterfest!

Come to Lake Winnipesaukee this weekend to catch some world-class racing and cheer on these fine athletes, all while enjoying the beauty of NH in August.  You just might find some new inspiration!

Carrie Reed
The Mill Falls Blogging Team

photos courtesy of asiphoto.com

Ongoing Summer Fun in Meredith, NH

Music in the MIll Falls Marketplace

It seems there is always something going on in this town!  Whether you want to take a cruise on Lake Winnipesaukee, or catch some live entertainment, there is no shortage of culture in this quaint NH village…

Looking for something different to do with the kids?  Pack up your lawn chairs and take the gang to Hesky Park for an outdoor movie!  Every Thursday night at dusk, the Meredith Parks and Recreation Department shows a family-friendly feature under the stars.  A $2 donation is appreciated, and all proceeds from sales of concessions go to programs for local youth.

Every Friday night, the Mill Falls Marketplace hosts live music in the courtyard, featuring various local musicians.  Enjoy the music of Tom Robinson Creamsicle, The Craig Jaster Duo, Jared Steer Experience, and Casual Labor as you stroll through all the little shops.  Music in the Marketplace takes place Friday evenings from 5:30 – 8:30, now through the end of August.

The Summer Theatre in Meredith Village is featuring musicals this summer!  This recently renovated and air-conditioned theatre is dedicated to providing professional theatre experiences for all residents and visitors to the area, and will offer four Broadway hits in August:  “Chicago,” “My Way – A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra,” “Camelot,” and the hysterical new musical comedy “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.”

So get out and enjoy those summer nights while they last—if you’re in Meredith, there is no excuse for boredom!

Carrie Reed
The Mill Falls Blogging Team

Annual Street Dance & Family Fun Night in Meredith!

This Friday night, July 30^th, the streets in will be jumping—literally!  That’s when the Meredith Parks and Recreation Department will hold its annual Family Fun Night & Street Dance in downtown Meredith.  Bring friends and family for a great evening of games, crafts, and dancing to live music!

The fun begins at 5:30 in Hesky Park, where folks of all ages can enjoy family-friendly games, activities, and crafts.  For those who like ice cream, there will also be a make-your-own-sundae station!

Head over to Main Street at 7:00 to catch some classic rock and roll performed by City Limits.  Everyone will be dancing in the street!  This is a great way to meet the locals and visitors alike while you enjoy a beautiful summer evening on Lake Winnipesaukee.

So put on your dancing shoes and come to Meredith on Friday for this favorite community tradition!  (If it rains Friday, the event will take place on Saturday, the 31^st.)

Carrie Reed
The Mill Falls Blogging Team

Image Credit: Rhian vK at Flickr.com

Memorial Weekend Craft Festival in Meredith

Kick off the summer season at Lake Winnipesaukee this weekend with the 19^th Annual Memorial Day Weekend Craft Festival!  Meredith will be buzzing with over 100 craftspeople from all over New England, who will set up shop for three days of demonstrations, exhibits, live music, and great food.

The fair will take place throughout the parking area and walkways of the Mill Falls Marketplace this Saturday through Monday.  Artisans will have their creations on display and available for sale at this popular event, where all exhibitors will be selling only their own work, so you know each item is handcrafted and unique!

Show hours are Saturday 10am to 6pm, Sunday 10am to 5pm, and Monday 10am to 4pm.  After visiting the craft fair, take a stroll down to the lake or to one of the many great restaurants in town.  Meredith is beautiful at this time of year, when everything is coming alive and the sun is warm!  Happy summer!

15th Annual Community Yard Sale in Meredith This Weekend

For treasure hunters of all kinds, Meredith will be the place to be on Saturday, May 22^nd.  The whole village is coming together to hold their Annual Community Yard Sale, with proceeds from some of the sales to benefit local organizations.

The Meredith Area Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the event and will be providing maps that mark the locations of over 70 individual sales throughout the town.  In addition to the many yard sales at private homes, several businesses and organizations will also hold sales.  The Center Harbor Congregational Church and the Trinity Episcopal Church are both organizing group sales, and at the Community Center, The I-L Senior Center is teaming up with the Meredith Lions Club to host a variety of activities.  Other organizations, such as the Meredith Kiwanis Club and the NH Humane Society, will also be setting up shop, so to speak.

The whole town is getting in on the action!  Many local businesses are planning to hold special sales, and The Meredith Public Library will once again have several books available for purchase.  Enthusiasts will not want to miss the group sale at the Winnipesaukee Beach Colony Club.

The Community Yard Sale will take place on Saturday from 9:00am – 3:00pm, rain or shine.  Maps will be available from the Chamber of Commerce Information Center beginning at 8:00am the day of the sale.  Signs will also be posted at the individual locations to make finding the treasures a little easier.

For more information, please visit the Meredith Area Chamber of Commerce website or call 279-6121.

Image courtesy of the Meredith Area Chamber of Commerce

Celebrate the Season at the NH Boat Museum’s Spring Fling!

This coming Friday, April 30^th, The NH Boat Museum is hosting its annual Spring Fling in Wolfeboro at Club 59 at the Kingswood Golf Club.  The event marks the beginning of the museum’s 10^th season in Wolfeboro, and serves as a mini fundraiser for all the exhibits, programs, and activities the non-profit organization offers throughout the year.

The evening promises to be a real treat, with a cash bar and hors d’oeuvres at 6pm, followed by a full dinner at 7pm with your choice of entrée (indicated with your advance ticket).  A small live auction will be the highlight of the night, with many fun summer items generously donated by the community.  Some of the items up for grabs are a three-day get-away at a beachfront cottage at Goose Rocks Beach, Kennebunkport, Maine, a one-hour Lakes Region aerial tour, antique wooden boat rides, Jersey Skiff rides, gift certificates, and more!

According to their website, “The New Hampshire Boat Museum is an educational organization focusing on the boating heritage and life on the lakes and rivers of New Hampshire. We serve the local community and visitors by presenting exhibits and outreach programs, events, publications and hands-on activities.”  The museum is located just two miles from the center of Wolfeboro, “The Oldest Summer Resort In America,” and features many of the finest examples of vintage mahogany and antique boats.

There are still a few seats available for the Spring Fling, and ticket sales close at the end this Wednesday, the 28^th, so don’t miss this last chance to get on board!  For more information visit the NH Boat Museum’s events page, or call Bruce MacLellan at 603-253-9887 or Ann Sprague at 603-677-2196.

Image credit:  Let Ideas Compete at Flickr.com

1st Annual Great Northeast Boat Show coming to NH this Weekend!

Get ready to play on the lake!  The 1^st annual Great Northeast Boat Show is scheduled to take place this weekend, April 9 – 11, inside the Hampshire Dome in Milford, NH.  The event will be the biggest boat show ever held in NH and the largest spring boat show in New England.  According to the event website, the weekend promises to be a “celebration of the boating lifestyle featuring everything needed, wanted or desired by the boating enthusiast.”

The organizers are expecting representatives from over 50 companies that feature products for the boating lifestyle, from over 100 boats, to docks, accessories, and water toys.  The show is the only one endorsed by the New Hampshire Marine Trades Association.  “There is no other spring boating event in New England that offers boating enthusiasts the biggest, broadest and best selection of boats and boating accessories at the best deals,” said Suzette Anthony, show owner.  “The Great Northeast Boat Show will quickly gain a reputation as the best place and time to buy a boat, because you can buy it tax-free and enjoy it in the water right away.”

As part of the show, there will be seminars to educate and entertain both boating enthusiasts and families alike, such as a weekend-long boat-building demonstration of a wooden Adirondack guideboat.  On hand will also be veteran NH fishing guides Travis Williams, Sean Marzeraka and Glen Leathers, who will hold daily seminars teaching everything from safe boating tips to how to catch more fish.

If you’re in the market for a boat, or if you just want to see what’s new in the boating world, don’t miss this inaugural event!

Image credit:  red twolips at flickr.com

Celebrate Maple Weekend in New Hampshire!

Collecting the sap

It’s spring and the sap is running!  Maple sugaring time in New Hampshire runs from mid-February to mid-April, and this weekend, March 27-28, marks the 15^th year of New Hampshire Maple Weekend.  On Saturday and Sunday, sugar houses across the state will welcome visitors to taste free samples, eat a pancake breakfast, take a horse-drawn ride, help with sap collecting, and enjoy all kinds of entertainment.

At Kulharic Farm in Meredith, NH, Camp Maple will be serving homemade French crepes drizzled with fresh syrup, as well as doughnuts and coffee.  If there is fresh snow, a special treat of maple sugar on snow will be offered.  In nearby Gilford, NH, Bolduc Sugar House and Smith Farm Stand will both be hosting tours of their sap houses with demonstrations and refreshments.

Here are some maple syrup facts:

• It takes 30-50 gallons of sap to make one gallon of maple syrup.
• Maple syrup is boiled even further to produce maple cream, maple sugar, and maple candy.
• It takes one gallon of maple syrup to produce eight pounds of maple candy or sugar
• A gallon of maple syrup weighs 11 pounds.
• The sugar content of sap averages 2.5 percent; sugar content of maple syrup is at least 66 percent or more.
• Usually a maple tree is at least 30 years old and 12 inches in diameter before it is tapped.
• As the tree increases in diameter, more taps can be added – up to a maximum of four taps.
• Tapping does no permanent damage and only 10 percent of the sap is collected each year. Many maple trees have been tapped for 150 or more years.
• Each tap will yield an average of 10 gallons of sap per season, producing about one quart of syrup.
• The maple season may last eight to 10 weeks, but sap flow is heaviest for about 10-20 days in the early spring.

Celebrate this New Hampshire tradition by visiting a sugar house in your area, or head up to our neck of the woods for some local flavor!

Meredith Hosts First Annual Pond Hockey Classic Tournament

Get ready for another busy weekend in the village—The New England Pond Hockey Classic will be held February 5^th through the 7^th and will bring together 77 teams from across the northeast to compete on seven rinks that are ready on the ice of Meredith Bay.

Pond hockey is a form of ice hockey that is a traditional winter game played by pick-up teams on a natural frozen body of water in northern towns. “It’s going to be a throwback experience, like going back in time to hockey’s roots, to the real basics. People have a lot of good memories of pond hockey and that’s really how the game was born,” said Scott Crowder, tournament director.

The 3-day tournament will accommodate adult teams in five different age divisions.  Games will be played in a four-on-four, no goalie, round-robin format, with small, six-inch high goals. “That discourages slap shots and makes accuracy and passing a big part of the game,” Crowder said.  There will be no referees, but instead a rink monitor who will ensure that the competitive spirit of the players stays in place.

The New England Pond Hockey Classic (NEPHC) has partnered with four non-profits:  The Greater Meredith Program, Restore Hockey, Lakes Region Youth Hockey and the Special Olympics of NH.  All will be present throughout the course of the weekend hoping to raise some money to benefit their missions.  NEPHC will hold a silent auction and raffle in the Chase House Flagship Ballroom on Friday and Saturday from 9:00 – 5:00, with all proceeds going to benefit the non-profit partners.

NEPHC is also planning two socials to take place in the Flagship Ballroom.  On Friday evening, tournament participants and guests can be merry while watching the Hockey East game live on NESN, and at the Saturday night social, winners of the Silent Auction and Raffle will be announced.  Both events will have a cash bar and light fare provided by the Common Man Restaurant.

“We have received a wonderful response from participants, sponsors, and volunteers alike,” says Crowder.  “We currently have over 35 teams on a wait list for the tournament.  We have over 60 volunteers and a number of wonderful sponsors on board to help make this event a great success in its first year.”

Crowder, the founder of Ekal Excursions LLC, which was formed to promote the Lakes Region lifestyle year-round, says, “I couldn’t be happier to call Lake Winnipesaukee and Meredith my home.  Visitors during tournament weekend will truly feel like they have traveled back in time as they pull into the village with its charming character and old New England architecture and see a frozen lake filled with pond hockey rinks.”

Crowder says the New England Pond Hockey Classic is looking to run an event that will grow over the years and ultimately involve multiple locations around the lake for much larger tournaments.  “It’s nice to provide this opportunity for pond hockey players from New England.  We hope the Pond Hockey Classic will become an annual event for the players of this region for years to come.”

Can’t make it to the event? 
Thanks to InterLakes.TV, you can watch the 2010 New England Pond Hockey Classic from the comfort of your own home!  Some videos will be pre-recorded and others will be streamed live from Lake Winnipesaukee.
 Please visit www.interlakes.tv to watch the action!

Pond Hockey Tournament in Maine:

sources:

http://pondhockeyclassic.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pond_hockey

http://www.unionleader.com/article.aspx?headline=NH’s+Pond+Hockey+Classic+will+draw+hundreds+next+month&articleId=c39a1111-b9e8-4d25-a520-40e2103e7529

http://www.vacationlakesregionnh.com/ArticleView/tabid/310/smid/920/ArticleID/649/reftab/311/t/New-England-Pond-Hockey-Classic/Default.aspx