Press Kit

CONTACT: Siiri Grubb, 603-356-5701 ext. 304, siiri@mtwashingtonvalley.org

HARVEST TO HOLIDAYS IN MT WASHINGTON VALLEY, NH

From fall festivals to holiday celebrations, Mt Washington Valley offers a packed schedule, October through December 2009

North Conway, NH (September 18th, 2009)--The Harvest to Holiday season is about to go into full swing in Mt. Washington Valley, NH. The vibrant colors of fall and first snowfall of winter make the perfect backdrop for the festivals, outdoor recreation and family activities that make Mt. Washington Valley the perfect one tank getaway. With scenic rides aboard a car, train or zipline, 13 ski resorts and cross country centers ready to kick off their winter seasons, and tons of special holiday celebrations we know you'll find something for everyone in the family in Mt Washington Valley, NH. For a complete list of up-to-date events in Mt Washington Valley, visit mtwashingtonvalley.org.

OCTOBER
September 19-October 31: The MAiZE at Sherman Farm
The corn maize at Sherman Farm in East Conway, NH challenges visitors' wits as they venture through a life sized puzzle. Available for the younger adventurers are the Moo Express, mini maze, corn boxes (like sand boxes but with corn kernels), hayrides, pick your own pumpkins and Al's Animal House with farm animals for petting. Don't forget to try the corn cannons and visit the concession stands. Ticket prices are $8 for adults ages 12 and up and $5 for children ages 5 to 11 (children under 4 are free).
Info: 603-939-2412.

October 1-20: Return of the Pumpkin People
Each year businesses and homeowners throughout Jackson decorate pumpkins and create displays of "pumpkin people" to create a one-of-a-kind Pumpkin People tour. These whimsical creatures can be found throughout the village of Jackson, NH and surrounding areas. Take a self-guided driving tour by picking up a map provided by the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce. This event is free. Info: 603-383-9356.

October 2, 3, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, 31: The Ghoullog at Cranmore
Visitors board the quad chairlift for a night-time ride to the summit for a haunted mountain-top tour at Cranmore Mountain Resort in North Conway, NH. Coming back for its third year, the Ghoullog will be bigger, scarier and even more fun with the addition of new haunts, animatronics, and an outdoor food court. Tickets are $25 per person, all ages. Not recommended for children under the age of 10. Need lodging? Book a Ghoullog package found under ‘The Holidays" for the month of October. Info: 603-356-5544.

October 3: 13th Annual Fall Festival at Settlers Green
Dozens of handmade, unique scarecrows compete for cash awards totaling $2,500 at this festival at Settlers' Green Outlet Village in North Conway, NH! Artists demonstrate the art of pumpkin carving and invite visitors to join in by carving their own pumpkins. Free pumpkins to the first 150 kids. A Pumpkin Pie Contest, free apple cider, horse-drawn wagon rides, face painting, live music and more round out the offerings. All events are free and open to the public. Hours are 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Info: 603-356-7031.

October 4-11: Fryeburg Fair
The Fryeburg Fair, Maine's Blue Ribbon Classic, is celebrating its 159th year of old fashioned country fun. This fair in Fryeburg, ME features eight days of great food, rides, livestock demonstrations and competitions, crafters and displays plus live entertainment and special events. Admission is $8 per person ($10 on Saturday) and free for kids under 12. Senior citizen day is Tuesday, October 6, when people 65-and-over are free. Need lodging? Book a Fryeburg Fair package found under "Fairs and Festivals" for the month of October. Info: 207-935-3268.

October 10: MWVCC's Village Artisan Fair
Come browse the unique offerings of the talented artisan's from throughout the Mt. Washington Valley area at the first annual Village Artisan Fair. This fair is located in the village of North Conway at the Mt Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce offices from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Info: 603-365-5701.

October 10-11: 11th Annual Oktoberfest at Attitash
A weekend-long traditional Bavarian celebration at the base of Bear Peak in Bartlett, NH. Enjoy games, entertainment, cultural activities and a full menu of traditional German food, cultural dances and activities for the kids. Take in the Bavarian music and Oktoberfest beer garden. The doors open at 12 p.m. each day and close at 6 p.m. on Saturday and 5 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $10 for adults 21 and over, $5 for kids ages 6 to 20 and kids 5 and under are free. Info: 603-374-2368.

October 16-18 & 23 - 25: Pumpkin Patch Run at Conway Scenic Railroad
Travel by train to the "Pumpkin Patch" where each child will receive a small pumpkin and a special Halloween treat. Costumes are encouraged. Reservations can be made online or by phone. Departures times are 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. each day from Conway Scenic Railroad in North Conway, NH - with an extra train at 3 p.m. on Saturdays only. Call for various ticket options: 603-356-5251.

October 22: 2009 The Polar Express Ticket Lottery
Applications for tickets to the Polar Express are due to the "Believe in Books" Literacy Foundation by this date. Tickets can only be purchased by lottery or through lodging packages. Be sure to check out our Polar Express lodging packages found under ‘The Holidays' in the package section. Info and application forms: 603-356-9980.

October 29-31: Halloween Dead Easy Night at Monkey Trunks
Think high-rope adventure courses are scary? Try them in the dark during this nighttime haunted high-ropes adventure from 6 to 10 p.m. at Monkey Trunks in Chocorua, NH. Follow the ‘route of no return' through Bloodbath Barn and over two fright filled courses ending with dinner in the Creepy Cafe. For ages 13 and older only. Ticket prices are $40 for ages 13-17 and adults over 60 and $50 for ages 18 and older. Info: 603-367-4427.

NOVEMBER
November 1-Dec 31: Harvest to Holiday Promotion in Mt. Washington Valley
Join businesses throughout Mt. Washington Valley, NH for a full line up of family and shopping events as they count down to the holidays. Area lodging properties offer special packages (found under "Shop Til You Drop - Tax Free") including a ‘shopping survival kit' brimming with coupons and special gifts from local retailers. Come see what's hot for the holidays and get an early start on your gift list. Enjoy a packed schedule of traditional and zany holiday events in MWV. Info: 800-367-3364 or www.mtwashingtonvalley.org.

November 5 & 6: "The Capitol Steps" at the Stone Mountain Arts Center
The musical cast of this politically satirical group is back again for an appearance and will have show goers rolling in the aisles! Stone Mountain Arts Center, located in Brownfield, Maine, opens its doors at 6 p.m. and shows start at 8 p.m. Tickets are $55 per person. Info: 866-227-6523.

November 9-12: Rotary Club of North Conway's 54th Annual Radio Auction
If you're in Mt. Washington Valley for holiday shopping, be sure to check out the featured auction items donated to raise money for Rotary Club efforts. A special insert will be featured in The Conway Daily Sun listing all of the items to be auctioned off. The auction will be held during four live evening broadcasts November 9 through 12 on the local radio station 93.5 WMWV. There are great bargains to be had during this four day auction, so tune in!

November 11: Veteran's Day
Join others as they salute the U.S Military heroes who've served in the war. Throughout the day, a Memorial Service, Flag Ceremony, Parade down Main Street and other events will be held to show respect for those who've served in the military. This event is organized by Post 95 American Legion. Special Veteran's Day packages are available, found in the ‘Veteran's Day" section of the package page. Info: 800-367-3364 or www.mtwashingtonvalley.org.

November 14: United States Navy Band Commodores
The Commodores, the premier jazz ensemble of the United States Navy, will be offering big band jazz at its finest with 19 of the Navy's top jazz musicians. The concert will be held at the Kennett High School Auditorium in North Conway, NH at 7:30 p.m. This event is free to the public. Info: 603-356-5701.

November 14: Historic Thanksgiving at the Remick Country Doctor Museum
Learn how the foods of the Thanksgiving feast have evolved over the centuries at Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm in Tamworth, NH. The event features demonstrations on how an early 19th century meal was prepared, from the farm to the table - including plucking and "dressing" the turkey. Sample delicious historic recipes and take home a new recipe to include in your own Thanksgiving tradition. Hours are from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for an afternoon of good food, a warm fire, and a taste of history. Tickets are $5 per person. Info: 603-323-9571.

November 21 & 27-29: Christmas Time at Santa's Village
Come visit Santa, his elves and the reindeer as they prepare for the busy holiday season at Santa's Village in Jefferson, NH. Take in the wonderful display of holiday lights, ride the rides (yes they are still open) and see the 3-D show; ‘A Tinkerdoodle Christmas.' The park opens at 11 a.m. (Open select days in December too).The admission for the 2009 season is $24 per person; children ages 3 and younger are always free. Info: 603-586-4445.

November 27 & 29: Traditionally Yours, Jackson
The classic White Mountain villages of Jackson, Bartlett, Glen and Intervale, NH invite folks to join them as they open their doors once again to share old and new holiday traditions. Come experience crackling fires in fieldstone hearths, the unforgettable scent of freshly baked goods, and the wintertime fun of skiing, skating and sledding.
Santa and his elves arrive at 4:30 p.m. on November 27 at the Jackson Village Gazebo. The Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony begins at 7 p.m. on November 29. The first 25 people to arrive at the tree lighting ceremony will be given a candle, candy cane and Christmas hat. Be sure to purchase your "Jackson Remembers" ornament which will ceremoniously be hung on the tree just prior to lighting it. "Jackson Remembers" ornaments are on sale at participating businesses and the Jackson Chamber of Commerce office for $15 per ornament. Info: 603-383-9356.

November 27-29: "Santa's Holiday Express" at Conway Scenic Railroad
Enjoy a relaxing "Valley Train" ride from the Conway Scenic Railroad in North Conway, NH, where Santa will be on board carrying a gift in his bag for each child. As a special bonus, the passengers on the November 28-29 trains will have the opportunity to participate in Conway Scenic's on board drawings with items from local merchants and the Brass Whistle Gift Shop. A special Santa's Express giveaway will include a special mid-week stay and other prizes for the same weekend. Departure times are: to Bartlett at 11:30 a.m., Conway at 1:30 p.m. with an extra train trip on Saturday at 3 p.m. Ticket prices vary. Reservations can be made by phone or online. Info: 603-356-5251.

November 27-28, December 3-6, 10-13 & 17-21: The Polar Express
The Polar Express is a truly unique journey to the North Pole, in a train full of children and adults alike, all dressed in their pajamas. Departing from the Conway Scenic Railroad in North Conway, New Hampshire, on specified dates throughout November and December, this experience includes a wonderful evening train ride, a sea of elves, and of course, Santa himself! The Polar Express adventure is based on the rendition of the children's book, The Polar Express©, written by Chris Van Allsburg and published by the Houghton Mifflin Company. The Polar Express event is one of the major fundraisers for the "Believe in Books" Literacy Foundation. Tickets can only be purchased by lottery or through lodging packages. The 2009 lottery date for North Conway is October 22. Be sure to check out our Polar Express lodging packages found under ‘The Holidays' in the packages section. Info: 603-356-9980. 

November 28: Great Glen Craft Fair
Over 30 crafters will be displaying their unique products under one roof at the Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center in Pinkham Notch, NH. The fair takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and includes demonstrations by the crafters as well as a raffle and bake sale to benefit the Androscoggin Valley Jr. Skiers. Come start your holiday shopping. Info: 603-466-2333.

DECEMBER
December: Conway Village Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting
Join residents and businesses of Conway, NH for a traditional evening holiday parade followed by visits and pictures with Santa. There's a free movie for the kids at the Majestic Theater, hot cocoa, tree lightings and caroling. Free and open to the public. Info: 603-447-2639. (Note: Date yet to be confirmed).

December 3-6, 10-13 & 17-21: The Polar Express
The Polar Express is a truly unique journey to the North Pole, in a train full of children and adults alike, all dressed in their pajamas. Departing from the Conway Scenic Railroad in North Conway, New Hampshire, on specified dates in December, this experience includes a wonderful evening train ride, a sea of elves, and of course, Santa himself! This adventure is based on the rendition of the children's book, The Polar Express©, written by Chris Van Allsburg and published by the Houghton Mifflin Company. The Polar Express event is one of the major fundraisers for the "Believe in Books" Literacy Foundation. Tickets can only be purchased by lottery or through lodging packages. The 2009 lottery date for North Conway is October 22. Be sure to check out our Polar Express lodging packages found under ‘The Holidays' in the package section. Info: 603-356-9980. 

December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 & 20: "Santa Claus Express" at Conway Scenic Railroad
Join the fun on the "Valley Train," at the Conway Scenic Railroad in North Conway, NH, where Santa will be aboard carrying a surprise in his bag for each child. Reservations can be made by phone or online. Departure times are: to Bartlett at 11:30 a.m. and to Conway at 1:30 p.m. Ticket prices vary. Info: 603 356-5251.

December 5-6; 12-13; 19-20; 27-29: Christmas Time at Santa's Village
Come visit Santa, his elves and the reindeer as they prepare for the busy holiday season at Santa's Village in Jefferson, NH. Take in the wonderful display of holiday lights, ride the rides (yes they are still open) and see the 3-D show; ‘A Tinkerdoodle Christmas.' The park opens at 11 a.m. The admission for the 2009 season is $24 per person; children ages 3 and younger are always free. Info: 603-586-4445.

December 5: 13th Annual Holiday Festival at Settlers' Green
Come enjoy beautiful holiday music, hot chocolate, free horse drawn wagon rides with Santa, the mini Cranmore Mountain snow-tubing park and festive tree entries decorated by area residents and businesses. Approximately 30 decorated trees will compete for cash prizes and Settlers' Green gift certificates. This holiday celebration is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Settlers' Green Outlet Village in North Conway, NH and is free and open to the public. Info: 603-356-7031.

December 6: Victorian Christmas at the Remick Country Doctor Museum
Take time out of your busy schedule and savor the old-time delights of the Victorian Christmas from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tour the Captain Enoch Remick House in Tamworth, NH, adorned with the toys and festive decorations of the Victorian era. Sip wassail and enjoy various homemade cakes from recipes dating back almost 200 years! Visit the museum center and learn how to make simple and beautiful Christmas crafts. Tickets are $5 per person. Info: 603-323-7591.

December 12-13: 13th Annual Inn-to-Inn Holiday Cookie Tour
Take a tasty tour of fabulous holiday cookies and candies as you visit inns throughout Mt. Washington Valley, NH all decked out in their holiday finery. Participants will receive a keepsake collection of recipes for the cookies they tasted, and get great decorating ideas from talented innkeepers. Gingerbread structures will be displayed at each inn. Vote for your favorite and help community non-profit organizations as cash donations are offered to favorites. Visit all the inns and take home a beautiful brass keepsake ornament. Participating inns offer lodging packages including tickets to the tour. It's been called "New Hampshire's best sugar high" by New Hampshire Magazine. Tickets are limited, and best assured through reserving a lodging package. Info: 800-233-8309.

By December 15: Mt Washington Valley ski resorts and XC Open
While Mother Nature dictates exact opening days, most of Mt Washington Valley's seven ski resorts and six XC Centers will be open with early season events by mid-December.

December 31: Happy New Year Cranapalooza
Come to Cranmore Mountain Resort in North Conway, NH for the New Year's Eve Cranapalooza celebration from 2 to 8 p.m. Enjoy live music, family entertainment, s'mores and other food venues and free fireworks at 7:30 p.m. Purchase the ‘Super Slider' ticket and enjoy an evening full of fun, with access to the Fun Zone adventure course, night skiing and night tubing all at one low price. Info and ticket prices: 800-786-6754.

December 31: New Year's Eve Family Celebration at King Pine Ski Area
Join in the New Years celebration at King Pine Ski Area in East Madison, NH and enjoy skiing and snowboarding until 10 p.m. The celebration will also include a torchlight parade, outdoor music, bonfire, ‘Family Challenge Fun Race,' ice skating until midnight, horse-drawn sleigh rides and snow-tubing until 9 p.m. Info: 800-373-3754.

For more information and an up-to-date calendar of events, visit www.mtwashingtonvalley.org or call 1-800-DO-SEE-NH (800-367-3364).
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