Press Kit

News from Mt Washington Valley, NH – August 1, 2014

Contact: Marti Mayne, 207-846-6331, PR@mtwashingtonvalley.org

AUGUST & SEPTEMBER EVENTS BRING DOG DAYS, MUD FUN AND MORE

North Conway, NH – Join us in Mt Washington Valley for some fabulous August and September events.  From live music to farm-to-table dinners, along with Mud Bowl and scarecrows, you’ll find it all here in our little corner of New Hampshire.

                                                                                                      August, 2014

Tuesdays through August 26: Free outdoor movies at Settlers’ Green: Watch a free outdoor movie with your family on the 16-foot movie screen on Tuesday nights throughout August.  Activities from local partners start at 6:00pm and include face painting by the MWV Children's Museum. Movies start at dusk and are all family films. Comfy outdoor lounge chairs are provided for the first 30 guests or bring your own chair or blanket. Movies are weather dependent. Decisions to cancel a screening will be made just before showtime. For the latest information, call (888) 667-9636 or see visit their Facebook and Twitter page for updates.  For a full schedule of movies, click here: http://settlersgreen.com/events/upcoming-events#37.

Wednesdays through August: Live music at Cabin Fever Restaurant: Wednesday nights feature music with Simon Crawford & Kevin Dolan from 7:30-10:30 at Cabin Fever Restaurant in Bartlett. Nine craft beers on tap, wine, & more! Info: www.cabinfeverrestaurant.com .

Wednesdays through August:  Wednesdays at Wildcat Outdoor Tours: Wednesdays at Wildcat provide opportunities to explore Wildcat Mountain with a Tin Mountain Conservation Center naturalist learning about the diverse ecology of Pinkham Notch in the White Mountain National Forest. Program topics change weekly and include learning about the flora and fauna of the forest; discovering what lives within and contributes to the health of a fresh-water pond ecosystem; the high-alpine, summit environment; and the geology of the surrounding mountains and Presidential Range. Reservations are not required and programs are geared for all ages. For all programs, meet at Guest Services in the Wildcat Mountain Base Lodge shortly before 10 a.m. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and all persons should bring proper footwear and clothing and pre-applied personal sun protection and bug repellent if desired. In case of inclement weather, the program may be held indoors using slide shows and interactive displays. The programs are free but some itineraries require a scenic gondola ticket purchase. Info and full schedule of programs:  click here.

Fridays, through August 15: Children’s Summer Theater Series at Theater in the Wood:  Enjoy a family friendly live performance of such favorites as Cinderella, Beauty & the Beast and Princess and Pea presented by Papermill Theater on Fridays at 10am.  Tickets are $7.50 per person (children 3 and under free).  Tickets available at the door.  Info and complete schedule: http://www.theaterinthewood.org/,

Saturdays, through August 23: Attitash Mountainside Music Series: Get ready for some free live outdoor music on Saturday afternoons at Attitash Mountain Resort. Bands are scheduled to perform from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. In case of inclement weather, Attitash Mountain Resort will make the judgment call on the day of the event if it will be held outdoors on the stage or upstairs in the Attitash Main Base Lodge inside Ptarmigan's Pub, they will never cancel entertainment. Admission is free to all dates in the Mountainside Music Series. For a complete schedule of bands playing: www.attitash.com/summer-events.html .

July 27 & August 31:  Watch the sunrise atop Mt Washington: The Mt. Washington Auto Road will open early on July 27 at 4:00 AM and at 4:30 AM on August 31, allowing guests to arrive early enough to watch the sun come up over the Atlantic Ocean. Regular Drive Yourself rates and Vehicle Restrictions apply. The Mt. Washington Auto Road recommends not waiting until the last minute to arrive as you may spend a few additional minutes at the Toll House due to traffic. Info: http://mtwashingtonautoroad.com/drive-yourself/sunrise-drives/.

August 2:  Attitash Blueberry Festival: Attitash means “blueberry” in the Abenaki language, and what better time of the year than August, when there are plenty of blueberries for picking, to celebrate summer at Attitash Mountain Resort.  Visit Attitash for a family-friendly festival of good ‘ol fashioned American fun with live music, a Cornhole tournament, BBQ food, a blueberry pie baking contest and, of course, a blueberry pie-eating and pie-baking contest. The Dean Machine will be joining the fun for live music entertainment from 3:00-6:00pm. Free admission includes access to the Craft Fair and live music plus it includes free participation in all field games and baking contests. Use of Attitash attractions is a separate charge. Last call at 5:45 p.m., event closes at 6 p.m.  For a full schedule of events, click here.

August 2:  Hypnotist Stage Show: Michael Hathaway of the White Mountain Hypnosis Center will demonstrate the amazing power of the unconscious mind on stage at the Eastern Slope Inn Playhouse, Saturday, August 2 at 7:00. The family friendly show is fun and educational and will call upon volunteers from the audience to act as subjects. The show is part of a fundraising campaign launched by the White Mountain Community Health Center Teen Clinic and Community Outreach Program to support the Pathways to Success Youth Team as they travel to Arizona to attend Jack Canfield’s Breakthrough to Success live event August 10 through 14. The seven member team includes five Kennett High School students and alumni who have served as part of the center’s Teen Clinic Peer Education Team.

August 4: Conway Scenic RR’s 40^th Birthday Celebration: Celebrate Conway Scenic Railroad’s 40th birthday with half-priced fares all day (does not include the dining car)!  Each passenger will receive lemonade and cake upon their return to the station.  Balloons, live entertainment, and more! Info:  www.conwayscenic.com.

August 6, 13: Met Opera HD Summer Encore Series at the Leura Hill Eastman Performing Arts Center:  The Met will present Summer Encores, featuring select performances from the groundbreaking Live in HD series, in more than 400 movie theaters across the United States. One of those theaters is the Leura Hill Eastman Performing Arts Center < http://www.mtwashingtonvalley.org/maine/artsculture/leura-hill-eastman-performing-arts-center.cfm?SectionID=1> in Fryeburg, Maine. The 2014 Summer Encores series offers two more performances in August: La Fanciulla del West (August 6), and Gounod’s Romeo and Juliette (August 13). Tickets for the Met Opera HD Summer Encore Series are $18 for adults, $15 for seniors and $10 for students. Order online at www.fryeburgacademy.org/tickets or call the box office at 207-935-9232. 

August 7: Arts Jubilee presents Music of Hollywood & Fireworks: Mark the calendar for Aug 7th for New England Society Orchestra presenting Music of Hollywood and the Movies followed by fireworks! They're putting a new twist on this 32-year traditional pops concert with the lush sounds of the Capital Jazz Orchestra complimented by the romance of a string section under the leadership of our long-time pops concert friend, Clayton Poole. The Early Concert starts at 6:00pm and continues the tradition of presenting long-time friends of Arts Jubilee and the Valley’s own Celtic sounds of Dennis & Davey. Tickets: Adults $10, Seniors-$8, Students-$5, Kids Under 12-Free.  Info: http://www.mwvevents.com/artsjubileeConcert4.html

August 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, Arts in Motion Theater Company presents The Sound of Music: Capturing hearts as the world’s most beloved musical, The Sound of Music is absolutely perfect for the summer stage at the Eastern Slope Inn Playhouse! Showtime is 7:00 Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $20.00 and can be purchased online at www.artsinmotiontheater.com.  Info: 603-356-0110.  

August 9: 25th Annual Wildman Biathlon:  The Wildman Biathlon is a three-part running, bike, uphill run event for teams and individuals. Now in its 26th year, the Wildman is New England's toughest single day, multi-sport event, challenging individuals and two or three person teams who enjoy a variety of terrain and scenery. T-shirts are offered to all participants with trophies awarded to overall and category winners along with the numerous prizes given away through random drawing. Funds raised from this event benefit the Coos County Retired and Senior Volunteer Program. Held at Wildcat Mountain, this event is planned, organized, and run by employees and volunteers of Tri-County Community Action Program Inc. For more information and to register for the event, visit the Wildman Biathlon Event Page. Info: 1-888-SKI-WILD,  http://www.tccap.org/wildman.htm .

Aug 9, 23: Tours & Farm Dinners at White Gates Farm, Tamworth: Spend a unique evening touring a working farm and enjoying dinner on the farmer’s porch. Upon arrival at the farm you’ll be greeted with a glass of lemonade to take with you on a walking tour of the farm.  During the tour, you’ll be introduced to the farm’s biodiesel operation, the starter house and greenhouses, cows in the field, layer hens, broiler chickens in the field and chicks in the brood house. Tours will be conducted by the knowledgeable farmers themselves, who will entertain as well as inform.  After your farm tour, return to the farmhouse and stay for dinner prepared by a local chef and served on the farmer’s porch. It’s a dining experience unlike any other you’ll find, and a unique way to spend an evening in New Hampshire. Tour and dinner prices are $75.00 per person and held Saturdays August 9, August 23 and September 26th. All reservations are made online at the White Gates Farm website and are honored in order of being received.  Guests will receive an email confirmation upon acceptance with further details and directions.  Reserve here: http://www.whitegates-farm.com/farm-tours-dinners/.

August 9-10:  24 Hours of Great Glen Mountain Bike Race & Festival: Held at the base of Mt. Washington, 24 Hours of Great Glen is a weekend long mountain bike race and festival.  Racers choose to go for  12 or 24 hours solo or part of a team on the 8.5 mile course. Mixed with singletrack and carriage roads, the course gains and drops elevation with scenic views of the Presidential Mountain range. There is plenty to do for your support crew and bring the kids for games, the expo, contests, food and 24 Minutes of Great Glen a race for ages 0-12. Registration fees vary by dates, the earlier you register the better. Info: 603.466.2333, www.greatglentrails.com/events/24-hours-of-great-glen/ (or http://24hoursofgreatglen.com/)

August 9:  Art in the Park: From 10:00am to 4:00pm, Art in the Park 2014 returns to Schouler Park in North Conway Village, hosted by a dedicated team of Mt Washington Valley Arts Association (MWVAA) artists and volunteers.  All participating artists are currently juried members of the MWVAA or other verified Art Associations working in the mediums of fine art, photography, glass, ceramics, sculpture, fine crafts, etc.  Come browse under the tents for beautiful artworks.  It’s not too early to start thinking about one-of-a-kind holiday gifts created by talented artists.  Info:  http://mwvarts.org/art-in-the-park-2014/.

August 10: 5th Annual Putt for Pets Golf Day Sunday: Conway Area Humane invites golfers to putt for pups at Indian Mound Golf Course in Ossipee, NH and raise money to help support and adopt homeless animals. Registration at 11:30 and shotgun start at noon. $85 per player; includes 18 holes of golf, shared cart and lunch.  Info: http://www.conwayshelter.org/golf/index.html

August 12: Explore the Alpine Zone with AMC: Spend the day exploring the alpine zone on Mt Washington with one of AMC’s most experienced naturalists. Time will be spent identifying species that thrive in tundra-like conditions above treeline while noting the change in topography that support various plant communities on the Northeast’s highest peak. AMC’s Joe Dodge Lodge at Pinkham Notch serves as the starting point for a natural history overview and backcountry gear check. A quick ascent to the alpine environment comes courtesy of the Mount Washington Auto Road allowing for the most time above treeline to explore the ridge in varying bloom while searching for signs common alpine birds including American pipits, Bicknell's Thrush and Juncos. This trip involves moderate hiking on steep, rocky terrain. Weather can change quickly and          become quite cold and windy above treeline. Participants should be good hiking shape, have proper hiking boots and clothing and be prepared for an alpine. This hike is rated: Moderate. $ 75 for AMC Members; $95 nonmembers; Fee Includes: Instruction, trail lunch, round-trip ride on the Mount Washington Auto Road. Info: 603-466-2727. www.outdoors.org.

August 14: Arts Jubilee presents A Room Full of Blues: Get ready for the final in the series of Arts Jubilee concerts. The concert series will end with Roomful of Blues on August 14th. Their winning combination of jump, swing, blues, R&B and soul remains their calling card. The jumping, horn-heavy, hard-edged blues & R&B performance will be hosted by WMWV 93.5 FM’s own Roy Prescott of The Blues Summit. The valley’s own blues band: Mo’ Blues will be featured at the Early Concert at 6:00pm. Tickets: Adults $10, Seniors-$8, Students-$5, Kids Under 12-Free Info: http://www.mwvevents.com/artsjubileeConcert5.html.

August 15 & 16:  A rocking acoustic night with Peter Wolf (of J.Geils Band) at Stone Mountain Arts Center: Featuring Pete's stellar acoustic band featuring Duke Levine and Kevin Barry on guitars and Marty Ballou on bass.  Peter has graced Stone Mountain’s stage many times with his killer band, and he is always rockin' and this show will be no exception. He is also a great story teller...stories of a completely fascinating life. There will be some cool treatments of some familiar songs from his solo albums and his hits. The thing about Peter Wolf is that he is always evolving, and creating. Unlike some rock icons who rest on the laurels of their chartstoppers, Pete is writing some of his best material of his career and performing shows that leave the audience asking when he will be back. Info & ticket details:   http://www.stonemountainartscenter.com/ArtsCenter/Peter-Wolf-15.html.

August 16-17: White Mountain Arts Festival: On Aug 16-17: White Mountain Arts Festival in Jackson Village. Saturday August 16th & Sunday August 17th will be held in Jackson Village Park. This year's juried exposition features works by more than 40 artists presenting sculpture, glass, wood furniture & arts, ceramics, fiber arts, fine arts and jewelry for sale at all price points. Plus, live musical performances,delicious eats including BBQ foods, fresh lobster rolls, and more and Silent Auction Tables. Info: JacksonNH.com.

August 22:  Farmhouse Kitchen Country Dinner at Remick Country Doctor Museum:  A true farm-to-table experience where you’ll savor a homemade meal featuring meat and produce raised/grown on the Remick Farm. BYOB.  Vegetarian option and other dietary modifications may be considered if requested in advance. Advance registration required. Two seatings; 5:30 & 7:00pm $12 adults/$8 children under 12.  Info: (603) 323-7591.

August 23-24:  Mostly Bach Festival:  White Mountain Musical Arts presents the 26th Annual Mostly Bach Festival, a 2-day festival featuring instrumental & vocal works of J. S. Bach and friends at First Church of Christ Congregational.  Featuring choral and instrumental favorites from the Baroque Period, this two-day festival includes  instrumental and vocal works of  J. S. Bach and friends. Tickets are $25 and will be available at the door. For a complete schedule and information, go to http://www.mwvevents.com/WMMABach.html.

August 23: Permaculture Farm Series at Be Well Studios at Local Grocer, 10:00M: This hands-on farm series will lead you through a permaculture growing season.  You’ll learn techniques to turn your backyard into an interconnected food producing area for you and your family.  Please wear work clothes and bring water, sun protection, and bug repellant.  This series will be held at Mountain Flower Farm (The Local Grocer’s farm) on Hurricane Mtn. Rd. in Intervale and will be taught by the owners of The Local Grocer.  Today’s class:  Preserving the Harvest: part 1: A Hands-on demonstration of canning salsa and pickles and  pesto making.  Recipes shared.  Attend the September 13^th class for Preserving  the Harvest: part 2, including a hands on workshop and discussion of natural (lactic acid) fermentation preservation methods and health benefits. Kimchee and salsa will be made and recipes shared.  $25 per class. Info:  http://www.bewellstudiosnh.com/permaculture-farm-series/ .

August 24:  Nitty Gritty Dirt Band at Stone Mountain Arts Center: The iconic and profoundly influential Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, is often cited as a catalyst for an entire movement in Country Rock and American Roots Music. They are and will be Jeff Hanna, Jimmie Fadden, Bob Carpenter, and John McEuen. The band's successes include a cover version of Jerry Jeff Walker's "Mr. Bojangles". Albums include 1972's Will the Circle Be Unbroken, featuring such traditional country artists Mother Maybelle Carter, Earl Scruggs, Roy Acuff, Doc Watson, Merle Travis, and Jimmy Martin. A follow-up album based on the same concept, Will the Circle Be Unbroken: Volume Two was released in 1989, was certified gold and won two Grammy Awards and was named Album of the Year at the Country Music Association Awards.  Info and ticket details: http://www.stonemountainartscenter.com/ArtsCenter/Nitty-Gritty-Dirt-Band.html.

August 24: Summer Wedding Showcase at Hardy Farm: Whether you're getting married at the Farm or just thinking about it, we want to see you on August 24th for an evening of fun at Hardy Farm! Get the chance to meet with vendors from the Hardy Farm Preferred Vendor List, chat with them about your event, and sample their work in the space where you'll be getting married!  Registration required.  Click here to register.

August 29-Sept 1:  Back to School/Labor Day Sidewalk Sales at Settlers’ Green: Save even more on back to school and college apparel, gifts, housewares and summer clearance. Participating stores to be announced closer to event date. Info:  www.settlersgreen.com.

August 29, 30, 31: The Original Lippizan Stallions of Austria at Bretton Woods:  Witness the beauty and grace of Herrmanns' Original Lipizzan Stallions of Austria. Founded in the 16th century for the exclusive use of the Hapsburg Royal family of Austria, the Royal Lipizzans are unquestionably the rarest, most aristocratic breed of horses in the world! Bring your family and chairs to Bretton Woods for Labor Day weekend to witness for yourself this impressive show! Event Tickets: Adult: Advance $12, Gate $15, Child (6-12): Advance $9, Gate $12Info and schedule: 603-278-8989,  www.brettonwoods.com/activities/event/detail/662 .

September, 2014

Every Thursday through October 9: Salmon Fall Trail Run Walk Series at Great Glen Trails: Held at the base of Mt. Washington, the Great Glen Trails Salomon Fall Trail Run/Walk 6 week series is perfect for all ages and fitness levels. Run or walk the long 3 mi, short 2.5 mi or mini ¾ mi courses every Thursday between 3:30 and 6:30 p.m. Placement awards in each category. At the end of series awards party, competitors who complete 4 out of 6 weeks are eligible for the prize raffle with $1,000 in prizes up for grabs!  Info: 603.466.2333 www.greatglentrails.com/events/fall-trail-running-series/ .

September 1: Memorial Hospital Fun Run at Story Land: The Story Land Fun Run, presented by Memorial Hospital, is an event for kids up to 12 years old.  The event is a fundraiser for the Believe in Books Literacy Foundation and its goal of purchasing a new Storybook Bus for outreach programs. Registration is at 7:30am with the first race at 8:15am. Every runner will receive a FREE pass to Story Land good for race day only. All runners will receive an event T-shirt and a medal. Registration is $10/child. There will be four different races:

Ages 4 and under (Tot Trot - a short loop)
Ages 5 & 6 (1/2 K)
Ages 7 & 8 (1/2 K)
Ages 9-12 (1K)

Info: 603-356-9980, Click for more info: http://www.believeinbooks.org/KidsFunRun.html.

September 5- 7: Mud Bowl in North Conway’s Hog Coliseum: Mud Bowl, the championships of mud football, will celebrate a theme of “Muddy Game Shows” when it splashes off at Steve Eastman Memorial Field at North Conway's Hog Coliseum . The theme will be used by participants in the team and the open class for the 32nd Tournament of Mud Parade, set for Main Street Saturday, Sept. 6, at 10 a.m. Tickets will be on sale in advance at the North Conway Community Center, Hannaford, The Met, the Mt Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce and North Conway Day Care. Three-day tickets are $10; day tickets are $6 ages 14 and up, and $4 ages 6 to 13; family tickets (two adults, two children) are $15 per day. Proceeds benefit local charities, with more than $800,000 having been raised since the first games were played locally in 1976. The games feature two-hand touch football, played in knee-deep mud, with seven players per side. Ten teams from throughout New England play, including the hometown defending champion North Country Crocs and the 11-time champion Mount Washington Valley Hogs. Info:  Contact Jackie Howe at the North Conway Day Care Center at (603) 356-5213, Ryan Sommer at the North Conway Community Center at (603) 356-2096, or the Mt Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce at (603) 356-5701 or www.nccommunitycenter.org/mudbowl. 

September 7: Mt. Washington Valley Old Car Show at Settlers’ Green Outlet Village:  From 9:00am to 2:00pm, rain or shine, the 23rd Annual Mt. Washington Valley Car Show  is one event that families plan on each year. Three trophies are presented in each class, plus $100 cash prize for Best in Show. There is a $10 entree for show cars (i.e. driver and passenger). Dash plaques will be offered to the first 300 cars. Admission is $3 for spectators and children Under 12 for free. Proceeds to benefit the Settlers’ Green Scholarship fund. This event is hosted at Settlers' Green, but is operated by the Mt. Washington Valley Old Car Club. For more information, visit mwvocc.com.

September 9: August 12: Explore the Alpine Zone with AMC: Spend the day exploring the alpine zone on Mt Washington with one of AMC’s most experienced naturalists. Time will be spent identifying species that thrive in tundra-like conditions above treeline while noting the change in topography that support various plant communities on the Northeast’s highest peak. AMC’s Joe Dodge Lodge at Pinkham Notch serves as the starting point for a natural history overview and backcountry gear check. A quick ascent to the alpine environment comes courtesy of the Mount Washington Auto Road allowing for the most time above treeline to explore the ridge in varying bloom while searching for signs common alpine birds including American pipits, Bicknell's Thrush and Juncos. This trip involves moderate hiking on steep, rocky terrain. Participants should be good hiking shape, have proper hiking boots and clothing and be prepared for an alpine. This hike is rated: Moderate. $ 75 for AMC Members; $95 nonmembers; Fee Includes: Instruction, trail lunch, round-trip ride on the Mount Washington Auto Road. Info: 603-466-2727. www.outdoors.org.

September 12: Asleep at the Wheel at Stone Mountain Arts Center : Ray Benson and the hardest working' band in show biz is back for another night of country western swinging, toe tapping fun. They have won 9 Grammy awards and there are no signs of slowing down. Keeping the music of Bob Wills and alike, alive and well in one of the best live shows money can buy. Info and tickets: http://www.stonemountainartscenter.com/ArtsCenter/Asleep-at-the-Wheel.html.

September 13, 14:  Railfans Weekend at Conway Scenic Railroad: Join us as we celebrate Railfans’ Weekend with two great days of riding. Special demos, freight cars, cabooses and other trains will be running along with Saturday and Sunday trips to the Notch and beyond.  Info: 603-356-5251, Click for more info: www.conwayscenic.com .

September 18:  Special Book Discussion with Kate Haffner at White Birch Books, 7:00pm: Mother Daughter Me chronicles Katie Hafner's multigenerational living experiment with her elderly mother and teenage daughter that went awry after years of pent-up emotion regarding Katie's mother's alcoholism. Explore the complex, deeply binding relationship between mothers and daughters in an author-led discussion with Katie. Info:  603-356-3200,