Columbus Day Weekend – The High Point of Autumn in NH

Visitors to the Lakes Region of NH are in for a treat this weekend, as the weather is predicted to be warm and sunny, and the fall foliage is starting to display its brilliant, changing colors.  It’s the perfect time for a drive to the White Mountains or around Lake Winnipesaukee!

“This year’s fall foliage show is a little different, in that its splash has been steady, rather than an explosion of color we’ve seen in other years,” says Jayne O’Connor, president of White Mountains Attractions.  ”What this means for visitors is that there will be a long patchwork of yellows, oranges and, of course, the bright reds that are the signature of the season.”

The high point of fall in NH has long been Columbus Day Weekend, when peak colors often coincide with the three-day holiday.  For many local businesses and attractions, the foliage combined with the nice weather should provide a boost in this year’s tourist season, which weathered a few challenges over the summer.

“For many of our attractions, the summer of 2011 was on track to be above what it was in 2010,” O’Connor says.  ”July and August were very strong, but that momentum was sidetracked when tropical storm Irene paid a visit.   It took us a couple weeks to repair roads and replace bridges, but everything is open and we are back on track welcoming visitors for the foliage season.”

Travelers can find the best colors by taking the scenic routes.  “Fun itineraries for visitors include following the color along what used to be called ‘shun-pikes,’ like Route 153 through Madison, Route 112 through Kinsman Notch, or Route 117 over Sugar Hill,” says O’Connor.  A good resource is also New England Times online foliage tracker, which has been updated recently to show changing to peak colors throughout the state right now.

Visitors to the Lakes Region of NH can also enjoy the Sandwich Fair while on their foliage excursion.  This annual tradition has taken place for over a century, and is one of the biggest fairs in New England.  With dozens of 4-H exhibits, food contests, tractor shows, and even a poetry reading, Sandwich Fair truly has something for everyone.  All the fun is listed on the fair’s website here.

Wherever you decide to wander this weekend, you are sure to experience the quintessential, picture-perfect New England fall.  Don’t forget to share your stories and photos with us!

Carrie Reed
The Mill Falls Blogging Team

Image credit: Glass_House at Flickr.com

The Sandwich Fair Celebrates its 100th Year this Weekend

It’s that time of year again…  The Sandwich Fair will be held this Columbus Day weekend, October 9, 10, and 11, in the quaint village of Center Sandwich, NH, and to celebrate its 100^th anniversary, organizers have planned more fun than ever before!

The Sandwich Fair has been a New Hampshire tradition for more than 100 years, actually dating back to the 1880’s when farmers organized a market day to trade and sell cattle.  This gathering turned into an annual event, and in 1886, 184 yoke of oxen were exhibited.  In 1887, the occasion started to become more of a fair with the addition of a band and a baby contest!  Eventually, the fair became the official agricultural phenomenon New Englanders have been enjoying for a century now.

As always, the Sandwich Fair will have all your favorites, including horse and oxen pulls, 4-H exhibits, antique tractor shows, arts, crafts, carnival rides, music, and lots of amazing food!  In celebration of it’s official 100^th year, the fair will also have a new Lumberjack Competition featuring professional woodcutters and skidders from New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, and beyond!  Another intriguing new event is the Women’s Skillet Throw, which will be open to any woman who would like to pitch some steel!  Both of these exciting additions to the lineup will take place on Monday, the 11^th.

A poetry contest is also underway for the fair’s special anniversary this year.  Poets of all ages have entered pieces that honor the Sandwich Fair in various forms, and prizes will be awarded in the different age categories.  The results promise to be quite special!  Of course, the parade on Sunday is one of the fair’s most popular events.

There is truly something for everyone at the Sandwich Fair, so take the whole family on a trip to the Lakes Region this weekend to admire the colorful fall foliage along with this classic New England tradition, and be sure to check out all the fun on the fair’s website here.

Carrie Reed
The Mill Falls Blogging Team

photo courtesy of The Sandwich Fair

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.