Special Events

Our yearly calendar displays dates that celebrate our ethnic diversity, its history, and the legends and legacies of our founders and heroes. In true New Hampshire spirit and fortitude, you will find annual events that even celebrate adversity and poke fun at the hardscrabble survival from discovery to recovery, because we can- and we'll share it with you! Visit our Events Calendar often for additional events, times and places, posted by our collaborative Chambers of Commerce.

 

Winter

 

Christmas Around Franconia Notch 
The Franconia Notch region is the perfect place to celebrate the holidays. Cut your own tree, visit beautifully decorated inns, homes, shops and craft fairs.  The holiday Parade on the Friday after Thanksgiving on Littleton NH's Main Street is always a highlight of the start of the season's activities and a special holiday shopping day in the area. One-of-a-kind stores will answer your need for unique gifts for family and friends.  No one says Christmas better than the Rocks Estate in Bethlehem, NH- Wagon and Dog Sled Rrides, market place with 40+ New Hampshire artisans, "Eco" Santa for children and other weekend activities throughout November's end and all month long in December.  

 

Spring

 

The New Hampshire Maple Experience (Weekends: March 13 – April 3, 2010)
The Rocks Estate has expanded its Rite of Spring Maple Season for 2010. Each weekend will feature several educational and hands on experiences for entire families from 10:00am - 4:00pm. Get your sweet tooth ready! Maple sugaring marks the end of a long New Hampshire winter and brings bright thoughts of spring. Join us  to hear the legend of how maple sugaring began, why sap flows, and how to ID a tree. Enjoy a horse-drawn wagon, help tap a maple tree and learn the process of how sap changes to syrup. Tour includes a donut, sour pickles and maple syrup. New this year is the New Hampshire Maple Museum which is included in the cost of entry. A rotating exhibit of Maple artifacts can be viewed throughout the year in the newly renovated 1906 building. This year come for breakfast with Polly’s Pancake Parlor at the Rocks Estate and shop in the
newly expanded Market Place at the Rocks. Reservations for the tours are advised. Cost: Adults $10, Children $7.  

 

Old Man Legacy Fund and Profile Awards (May 16, 2010)
Seventh Annual Profile Awards to be announced in Franconia May 16, 2010. 
CONCORD - Honoring the Old Man of the Mountain has become a springtime tradition in Franconia Notch, and this year the Old Man of the Mountain Legacy Fund will host the annual Profile Awards Festival on Sunday, May 16.  The event takes place from 3-5 pm at the newly-expanded Peabody Lodge building at Cannon Mountain.  It is free and open to the public, and includes music and refreshments with cash bar.
   The Profile Awards were established in 2004 as a way to memorialize the Old Man of the Mountain, the extraordinary rock profile that was New Hampshire’s official symbol.  It was viewed by millions of visitors to Franconia Notch State Park before its fall in 2003.

   The Profile Awards are given annually in three categories honoring an individual, an organization and a community.  The 2009 winners, Frumie Selchen, a North Country Arts promoter, the Granite State Ambassadors, and representatives of the town of Conway will be on hand to help present the custom-made birch, glass and granite awards to this year's honorees.
   Profile Award winners are chosen for their contributions to the state in preserving New Hampshire's land, heritage, culture, resources, traditions, and history.  Jane Difley, member of the Legacy Fund and President/Forester of the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, and John DeVivo, manager of Franconia Notch State Park, will co-host the event.

   Dick Hamilton of Littleton, chair of the Old Man of the Mountain Legacy Fund, will share progress toward the construction of the Old Man Monument to be located on the shore of Profile Lake.  Seven new stainless steel “Profilers” will be installed that will allow visitors to see the outline of the Old Man of the Mountain against the granite ledge 1500 feet above the floor of the Notch.  A memorial pathway and pavilion, laid with granite pavers and benches, will surround these structures.  The final design for the pavilion will be unveiled at the Profile Awards event, and attendees will be given the first opportunity to purchase a paver and have it inscribed with up to three lines of text.  A limited number of pavers will be sold for this phase of the project.  Subsequent phases will include five granite monoliths that, when viewed in exact alignment, will form the outline of the Old Man’s profile. A commemorative gateway honoring the many volunteer caretakers of the Old Man is also planned.  The Back Shed String Band of Monroe will perform their original song, Goodbye Old Man, Goodbye, as well as entertain guests at the reception following the awards

30th Annual Wildflower Festival at Rocks Estate  June 5, 2010 
The Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests invites wildflower enthusiasts to kick off the annual Fields of Lupine Festival June 5th at the Rocks Estate. The day will mark the 30th Annual Wildflower Festival, with a full slate of fun activities planned at the turn-of-the-century Estate. From photography to crafts and floral identification to use as a food, wildflowers will be highlighted on this early summer day. Several workshops and tours are planned to keep visitors engaged with all aspects of flowers from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Forest Society staff and volunteers will lead walks on the beautiful Mile Path, a hidden woodland trail from a bygone era. The Mile Path Walks are limited (only 20 per walk) and fill quickly, so reservations are strongly advised. The cost for the day-long Wildflower Festival is $10 for adults and $5 for children and covers all programs, including sampling the floral edibles. 

 

Annual Lupine Festival (June 4-20, 2010)
The Fields of Lupine Festival is a time honored event sponsored by the communities of Franconia, Easton, Sugar Hill, Bethlehem, Littleton and Lisbon to showcase this colorful pageant. The lupine carpets local fields and pastures in a rolling sea of vibrant purples, pinks, blues and whites. The long-lasting blossoms attract equally dazzling butterflies and create a breathtaking floral display against the majestic backdrop of the Franconia, Presidential, and Kinsman Mountain ranges. Tour guide books are available with daily events throughout the month, weekend specials and includes hospitality and shopping coupons for use throughout the festival. Filled with entertainment and other activities as well as an award winning photo contest.

 

A Taste of the North Country (June 12, 2010)

Summer

 

Annual Garden Tour
An event sponsored by WREN of Bethlehem, NH and local Garden Clubs in the area. Plan an exciting day of touring a selection of fabulous North Country gardens. The tour takes visitors through some of the loveliest old Inns and homes where award winning gardens and landscapes have enhanced these locations for generations, such as Adair Inn in Bethlehem, NH.

 

Old Home Day (July 3, 2010)
Easton Sugar Hill and Franconia. Sponsored by the Lafayette Lions Club, celebrated annually the weekend of the Fourth of July. Activities include a 4th of July Patriotic Parade, activities and concerts on the Dow Field, joined Fire Department Chicken Bar-B-Q, Duck race, prizes and contests, Book Sale.

Annual Poetry Festival at the Robert Frost Place 
Poetry Reading Series - Summer 2010; Readings in The Henry Holt Barn at the Frost Place. All readings are free and open to the public. 
Festival and Conference on Poetry July 8 – 14, 2010 — Readings 8:00 p.m.
July 8    Howard Levy and Peter Wood
July 9    John Murillo and Blas Falconer
July 10  Martha Carlson-Bradley and Tom Healy
July 12  Gregory Pardlo and Martha Rhodes
July 13  Lightning Flash Readings - Festival Participants Reading

Frost Day – July 11, 2010
2:00 p.m. A special talk by Sydney Lea on Frost's poetry
3:15 p.m. Readings by Pamela Bernard, Robert Farnsworth and Adam Halbur, and Resident Poet 2010
8:00 p.m. Sydney Lea and Baron Wormser: Tribute to Donald Sheehan

The Frost Place Advanced Seminar
August 8 – 13, 2010 — Readings 8:00 p.m.
August 9   Readings of Favorite Poems
August 10 Fred Marchant
August 11 Jeanne Marie Beaumont and Adam Halbur, Resident Poet
August 12 Gray Jacobik

 Hayseed Bluegrass Festival  (July 17, 2010) 
A celebration of local music, food and fun in the gazebo on the Dow Field. Bring chairs, coolers. Tents with souvenirs and foods align the field. Featuring local and regional well known groups, players and recording artists of this genre of folk and country music as they mix it up contempory style and renew old acquaintances.  Fun, festive atmosphere and fabulous food  will be added to the festival by "Girls Who Grill"- great treats and recipes from the best of local ladies!  To partifcipate, or learn more, contact Cindy Burnell at 603-823-8013 / 603-991-8403  or email here.  

 

Feel'n Top Notch - Outdoor Expo & Wellness Fair  (August 7, 2010)
The Annual Feel’n Top Notch Outdoor Expo and Wellness Fair is held on the Dow Field, downtown Franconia, NH. the same day as the Top Notch Triathlon, spomsored by Franconia Parks & Recreation.  The combined events offer affordable activities for the entire family in the Franconia Notch Region of New Hampshire, thus increasing participation in both events. Littleton Regional Hospital, Franconia Parks & Recreation and Franconia Notch Chamber of Commerce, partners to create this family oriented summer event. The Expo and Wellness Fair provides numerous opportunities for people to learn outdoor skills and wellness tips in a fun and exciting environment.  The Triathlon attracts bikers, hikers and swimmers from all over New England as well as "Triathlon alumni" from greater distances who plan their vacations and reunions around this unique triathlon. (See below)  The Expo features hands on activities, exhibits, and demonstrations on topics including fishing, hiking, biking, wilderness first-aid, Hike Safe Program, maps and compasses, moose-myths & facts and information for every hiker. The whole family can enjoy demonstrations and hands on activities including a climbing wall, Smokey Bear, forestry trucks, forest fire prevention, and fly casting, to name a few. The wellness fair is held from 10:00am - 4:00pm and includes FREE health screenings including blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose screenings, and body mass analysis.  Fitness tips and healthy eating demonstrations will be included to promote healthy lifestyles for children and adults. Holistic medicine techniques and demonstrations will be a part of this exciting event. Admission to the outdoor expo and wellness fair (only) is FREE.  Vendor space is welcomed at the Expo event- interested businesses should contact Gail Clark, Director of Development & Community Relations, Littleton Regional Hospital, at 603-444-9304 or e-mail here.

Top Notch Triathlon  (August 7, 2010)
The 17th Annual Triathlon (Mountain Biking, hiking, swimming) begins in the picturesque mountain village of Franconia, NH, Leg one of the event mountain bikes along 3 miles of paved road before embarking on a wooded uphill trail climb to the top of Franconia Notch. Along the way, expect to encounter mud, rocks, roots, and more. The next leg will be a plunge ahead into pristine Echo Lake (average August water temp: 65°) for a brisk swim. Last, but not least, is an ascent up the ski trails of Cannon Mountain. Loose gravel, ledge and wild life may all be encountered on the 2 1/2 mile trek. Your vertical rise from lake to the summit will be 2280 feet. The grand total vertical climb from start to finish will be a phenomenal 3320 feet! "Take the Challenge!" Registration ,including a release liability form, is from 7-8:30am at Lafayette Regional School, 149 Main St., Franconia,NH. Pre-Race Meeting is at 8:45 at Lafayette  Regional School, race starts at 9:00am. Training time on lake must be before 8 am or after 6 pm. Any athlete under 18 must have parent or legal guardian present. Click here for a link to 2009 results and pictures, an event map and slide show of the race, a link to register on-line or to download the 2010 registration form.  For additional information or questions, call Kim Cowles at 603-919-8925 or e-mail here.   

Bode Bash '10  (August 17-19, 2010)
Sponsored by the Turtle Ridge Foundation (supporting Health, Diversity & Sustainable Living"). A weekend-long charity event with world champion skier Bode Miller at his organic farm and home. Includes tennis at Tamarack Trennis Camp, 111 Easton Valley Road, Easton, NH, golf tournament at Maplewoode Golf Course, Route 302, Bethlehem, NH, live music, great food and much more.  Our mission is to support innovative and progressive adaptive and youth sports programs,and to focus our efforts in a specific direction that will be most effective. The adaptive and youth sports sector is what we most identify with and have the ability to make a difference in. The Turtle Ridge Foundation’s Board of Directors has agreed to make a real push and create a movement incorporating some of Bode's sponsors to use their resources and expertise to make improvements in the equipment that adaptive sports programs are using. Your generosity and support will help to make this happen and TRF can’t thank you enough! Click on BodeBash '10 for complete info and registration forms!

 New Hampshire (Scottish) Highland Games  (September 17-19, 2010)
Loon Mountain Resort, Route 112, Lincoln, NH. Known for its diverse program, highlights include the Gathering of the Scottish Clans, with over 60 clans and societies, 30 Pipe Bands from Canada and the United States appear over the three days, Sheepdog Trials, Celtic World Music Concerts, the New England Regional Scottish Fiddle Championship, Heavyweight Scottish Athletics, National Highland Dance Competition, Solo Piping & Drumming, Scottish Harp (Clarsach) & other instrument competitions. A favorite venue for most of the World's top Heavyweight athletes to compete. Watch both amateur and professionals.  Click here for links to 2010 partidcipants, events and more information.

 

Fall

 

Annual Autumn Festival in Sugar Hill (September 25-26, 2010)
Main Street, Route 117, Sugar Hill, NH. This festival provides a grand array of outside vendors, demonstrations and entertainment throughout the festive weekend. Booths align both sides of the street, featuring home made goods, foods and creative gift ideas. Demonstrations in "lost" arts of homemade materials, wool spinning, weaving, pottery and such, vary year to year. Entertainment from local well known musicians and others specifically for children are timed throughout the weekend. Local specials at Harman's Cheese and Country Store, Polly's Pancake Parlor and others add to this great fall weekend festival at the height of foliage in a quintessential New England village with 360 degree vistas from its Main Street and side roads.

 

Sugar Hill Antiques Show  (September 25-26, 2010)
Sugar Hill Meetinghouse, Route 117, Sugar Hill, NH. This annual event combines the best of Northern NH-VT antique dealers offering unique collections and items from the days of early settlers through generations of lifestyles depicting centuries of utensils, household goods, luxuries, clothing and entertainment. Dealers also available for discussions and assessments within the expertise of their antique arenas. Held the same weekend as Sugar Hill's Annual Autumn Festival for a total Main Street event in historic Sugar Hill.

 

Reach the Beach Relay 
Cannon Mt. to the Seacoast, Start: Franconia Notch State Park (Cannon Mt.) finishes at Hampton Beach on the coast. The longest distance running relay race in the United States. Consists of (a maximum of ) 12 person teams that rotates through 36 transition areas that covers approximately a 200 mile distance. Each relay team member runs 3 legs of varying lengths and difficulty and covers an average total distance of 16.6 miles. Ultra Distance division that will have a team limit of 6 members where the average distance covered per Ultra Distance Team runner is 33 miles. Runners rotate in a set order once the race begins and will be obligated to follow this rotation until the final runner Reaches the Beach!  Click here for a printable description of all relay legs and here for degailed maps of this fall classic relay event.

 

OktoberFest
Loon Mountain, Route 112, Lincoln, NH. Celebration of old German traditions of beer making and tasting and contests among the taverns and Inns in the Lincoln area among some of the best New Hampshire breweries in the Lincoln-Woodstock and Waterville Valley area.