Press Kit

News from Mt Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce – June 16, 2015

CONTACT:  Marti Mayne, 206-846-6331, PR@mtwashingtonvalley.org

                           TOWN OF CONWAY CELEBRATES ITS 250TH ANNIVERSARY WITH A JULY 4TH EXTRAVAGANZA

North Conway, NH – When a town turns 250 years old, there’s reason to celebrate its legacy.  The town of Conway, NH has been celebrating its 250th birthday throughout the year with events, tours and festivities each month all themed around a “Conway Celebrates Legacy” theme.  One of the highlights of the anniversary celebration will come on July 4 when the town celebrates not only the birth of our country, but also the incorporation of the town.  From a world premiere film to fireworks exploding in the sky and a good ol’ red, white and blue New England parade, the town of Conway residents and visitors alike will be treated to a celebration of not just one century but two-and-a half.

For the past year, a dedicated team of Mt Washington Valley videographers and coordinators have set out to capture footage of illustrious and not-as-well-known members of the Conway community with the intention of creating a full-length video set to Pharrell Williams' song "Happy."  The Happy Conway video is a celebration of all the people that make the Town of Conway as grand as the anniversary it’s celebrating. The video will make its world premiere in Schouler Park on July 4th shortly after 9:00pm.

Another highlight of the July 4th Town of Conway 250th Celebration will be the “Hometown” Parade.  The parade will start at noon in Conway Village and proceed down Main Street. Chester “Chet” and Herbert “Bun” Lucy will serve as Grand Marshals of the parade. The two Lucy brothers represent the fifth generation of the Lucy family, who have lived in Conway since the 1700s, providing a link to the legacy that the town hopes to celebrate throughout the year.

Throughout the afternoon, live entertainment will take place in Schouler Park including both vocal and dance performances.  Additionally, the 2nd Annual Chili Dog Eating Contest to benefit Wounded Warriors will also highlight the afternoon schedule.  The night will be capped off with the Happy Video debut and a fireworks extravaganza.

Save the hassle of holiday traffic and ride the Conway Scenic Railroad to Schouler Park for all the entertainment. Visitors may board the regular Conway Valley Train in Conway at 2:00pm and 5:00pm. The 80-passenger Budd car will pick up passengers in Conway at 6:00 and 7:00 pm, and will return to Conway at approximately 10:15pm, following the fireworks. Seats are available by reservation only, and tickets will be sold in advance of the event. Reservations can be made by calling 603-356-5251. Tickets for children ages 5-12 and adults are $5.00 round-trip.  Children ages four and under are $1.00 each. 

Here’s the schedule to date for the July 4th Town of Conway festivities:

12:30pm: Parade, Main Street, Conway Village. After the parade: Tuckerman Brewing Co. tastings and tours (first 100 people to take a tour receive a free Conway 250th engraved beer glass.)

3:00pm: Entertainment in Schouler Park starting with presentation of Colors and National Anthem by Robin Croce, presented by North Conway Color Guard

3:15pm: Tina Titzer's Act One Dance Company recital

4:15pm: 2nd Annual Chili Hot Dog Eating Contest to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project
Sponsored by Big Dave's Bagel and Deli and Importech.

 5:15pm: Abby Miller band

7:00pm: Live music by Discount Gigolos from 7-9 p.m.

9:05pm: Debut of Happy Conway video

9:30pm: Enhanced Fireworks

For more information on the Conway 250th Anniversary and for a full schedule of the year-long events to celebrate the anniversary, click here.  Spend July 4th weekend in Mt Washington Valley, NH.  To plan your getaway visit www.mtwashingtonvalley.org or call a vacation concierge at 1-800-DO-SEE-NH (800-367-3364).  Planning a trip to New Hampshire?  Visit www.VisitNH.gov for all your vacation resources.

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Photo of the first annual Chili Dog Eating Competition in 2014 by Dan Houde/Wiseguy Creative Photography.