Summer

30th Annual Wildflower Festival at Rocks Estate June 4, 2011

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. 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.

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. .

9th Anniversary of the Signature unveiling of the public art Pollyanna sculpture. The Annual Celebration & Festivities: welcome wave, annual group photo, rub Pollyanna's hightop shoe for luck...plus, lots of time to be glad! be cheerful, and eat cake! Visit - New Hamsphire's Most Welcoming Attraction - Pollyanna of Littleton in her welcoming pose at the Library on Main Street, Historic Downtown Littleton. The day is highlighted by presenting the Signature Award that honors individuals who exhibit the character and spirit exemplified in the personality of Pollyanna- living positively and inspiring gladness in an outstanding way.

The Old Man of the Mountain Legacy Fund will hold two Grand Events this year- A Monument Dedication Ceremony at the Profile Lake Viewing Area and the Eighth Annual Profile Awards at Peabody Lodge at the Cannon Mountain Ski Resort, exits 34B and C off I-93 in FRanconia Notch State Park. This long-awaited event in the continuing historic preservation of New Hampshire’s 15,000 geological rock formation of the Great Profile discovered in 1805 is here! The Monument, when completed, re-creates the same experience of viewing the iconic, unique granite slabs naturally placed in perfect profile formation for future generations of Granite Staters and visitors, as viewed by past generations from 1805 – 2003. The Monument Dedication Ceremonies begins at Noon on June 12th at the Profile Viewing Area with fanfare and music that echoes throughout the Notch, color guard procession, remembrance ceremony conducted by veterans and protective services of 9/11, remarks from Commissioner George Bald, President Dick Hamilton, dedication of a monument to Veterans and the future involvement of veterans in Legacy Fund activities. The highlight of the ceremony will be the unveiling of the new Monument to the Old Man of the Mountain with Legacy Fund board members, sculptor Ron Magers, and Paver owners who are invited to stand on their pavers. Everyone one interested in preserving the history of New Hampshire's world-famous icon has the opportunity to make a statement of their history and legacy by purchasing a Paver while there is still time to have it engraved and be part of the original dedication on June 12th! Go to www.oldmannh.org, follow directions thru links and order now. The second ceremony, the Seventh Annual Profile Awards, will be held at the Peabody Lodge Building. The Profile Awards, established in 2004 as a way to memorialize the Old Man, are given annually in three categories honoring an individual, an organization and a community. Annual winners are chosen for their contributions to the state in preserving New Hampshire's land, heritage, culture, resources, traditions, and history. The afternoon includes all the ceremonies, presentations, special entertainment, food and cash beverage bar. A silent auction of priceless gifts, mementos, adventures and New Hampshire hospitality will go to the highest bidders All is free and open to the public. The best way to attend would be to stand on your very own Paver-piece of history – or on a memorial for someone you love, someone who made a difference, as a gift, or maybe your business- there is still time to make it happen. To order a paver, interested folks may also Email msdoone@aol.com.

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

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. .

Poetry Reading Series - Summer 2011; Readings in The Henry Holt Barn at the Frost Place. All readings are free and open to the public.

Conference on Poetry and Teaching 2011 June 26 - 30, 2011

Festival and Conference on Poetry 2011 July 7 - 13, 2011

Advanced Seminar 2011 August 7 - 12, 2011

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.

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.

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.

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!

At the 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.

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.

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 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.

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.