Press Kit

August 2015 offers a packed calendar of events in Mt Washington Valley, NH



News from Mt Washington Valley, NH

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

From Blueberries to Bach, family-friendly events fill the schedule in Mt Washington Valley in August

Town of Conway continues 250th Celebration throughout August

 North Conway, NH – Mt Washington Valley rocks with everything from attractions to ziplines and everything in-between this summer.  August is the month for family fun, scenic hikes, natural swimming holes and one last getaway before the leaves start turning and kids return to school.  Add in all the great events including festivals, live performances and exciting competitions, plus the Town of Conway’s 250th Anniversary celebration, and you’ve got many reasons to visit Mt Washington Valley this season.  Here’s what’s on the events calendar in August.

Now through October: Conway 250th Display: View the Conway 250th Historical Display at Salyards Center for the Arts presented by Conway Historical Society. Covering all aspects of Conway's history, from the Native American period to the coming of the settlers in the 18th century; plus farming and 19th century artists whose paintings served as the first postcards of the region, drawing early tourists here; early transportation, including stagecoaches and the arrival of the railroads; logging, millwork and the evolution of the town as a tourist and shopping destination, this tour includes original paintings, maps, displays and more. Call 603-323-3359 for official hours. 

August 1:  Midnight Owl 15K Run: For runners, this race is as much about predicting your time as it is about the competition.  The run occurs under the full moon. It is a prediction run -- which means the race goes to the wisest -- and not necessarily the fastest -- runners. Winners are the first to cross the line at midnight, or as close to it as possible.  The race begins at Schouler Park, North Conway and ends at Ham Arena. Registration: $45.00 from 7/14/15 thru 7/31/15. Info: Click here.

August 1:  Annual 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. This is a family-friendly festival with live music, BBQ food, Craft Fair, cornhole tournament, a blueberry pie baking contest and, of course, a blueberry pie-eating 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 games and contests (limited number of spots available for pie eating contest).  Info: Click here.

August 2, September 6, October 4:  Red Jersey Summer Bike Race Series: Red Jersey Cyclery holds these races for all ages and abilities at the Trails in the Woods located near the Theater in the Wood in Intervale, on the first Sunday of the month.  Prizes and after-race festivities.  Registration begins at 9am on Race Day.  Info: 603-356-9980

August 3:  Celebrate CSRR’s Birthday:  Celebrate the Conway Scenic RR’s birthday with reduced fares.  Each passenger riding will receive cake and lemonade on the return trip. Other festivities and entertainment included. Info: 603-356-5251 or www.conwayscenic.com.

August 4, September 1, October 6: LGBT Friends Gathering: A monthly event supporting equality takes place on the first Tuesday of each month from 5 – 7pm at the Cranmore Inn in North Conway, NH (80 Kearsarge Rd.).  Mix, mingle, discuss new ideas, ask questions, and get to know others, relax and unwind in an accepting setting. Refreshments will be served.  Event hosted in association with the Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce. Info: 603-356-5502, www.cranmoreinn.com.

August 4, 11, 18:  Free Movies on the Green: Watch a free outdoor family-friendly movie at Settlers Green Outlet Village on the 16-foot movie screen on Tuesday nights through Aug. 18th. Activities from local partners start at 6:00pm and include face painting by the MWV Children's Museum and special events. Movies start at dusk. Schedule:

-          August 4: The Mighty Ducks

-          August 11: Into The Woods

-          August 18: Finding Nemo

-          August 25: Back to the Future

Full info, schedule, special events: Click here.

August 5, 12, 19:  8th Annual Science in the Mountains Lecture Series: This free series takes place on Wednesdays at the Mt Washington Valley Weather Discovery Center and will feature from both Mt Washington Observatory staff and other field experts.  All programs begin at 7pm and guests are encouraged to arrive early. 

-          August 5: Intertidal Ecology

-          August 12: Tracking Seasons and Climate Change in the Northern Appalachians

-          August 19: The WaterViz Project

Info: www.MountWashington.org.

August 5, 12, 19, 26:  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.  Schedule for August:

-          August 5: Pond Full of Fun

-          August 12: Alpine Discovery / Gondola Skyride to the Summit *

-          August 19: The Way of the Wildcat Trail to Thompson Brook Falls

-          August 26: Alpine Discovery / Gondola Skyride to the Summit *

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 10:00am. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. In case of inclement weather, the program may be held indoors using slide shows and interactive displays. Programs are free, however *programs (above) require a scenic gondola ticket purchase. Info: Click here

August 6, 13: Arts Jubilee Summer Concerts: Arts Jubilee concerts are held outdoors at the base of the North Slope at Cranmore Mountain Resort, North Conway. Bring your own seating. Picnic suppers permitted. Food and beverages also available on the Deck. Headline concert: 7:00pm; Early concert at 6:00pm. Family-friendly admission required.

-          August 6:  The Bluetones: Sugar Ray & the Bluetones, hard-swinging blues band

-          August 13:  Entrain - quintessential blues-calypso-zydeco-pop-rock-jazz-and a ton of drums band.

August 7, 14: Children’s Summer Theater: Fridays at 10:00am, children’s musicals performed at Theater in the Wood performed by professional theater companies. Kids will love the catchy original songs and wacky characters, all performed by the professional IMPACT actors! Tickets are $7.50/person - Ages 3 & Under are FREE. Info: 603-356-9980, www.believeinbooks.org.

August 12: Waltzing for Dreamers FREE Music Series at Stone Mountain Arts Center (SMAC): Featured Artist, Mandolin Orange, has been quietly gathering local and faraway fans since its debut album was released back in 2010. This show is free admission only by reservation. In the spirit of providing, attendees are asked to bring a donation for the Harvest Hill Animal Shelter or make a cash donation. This FREE concert series is made possible by Carol, Jeff and the Crew at SMAC in partnership with sponsorship of Poland Spring Water Company. Info: Click here.

August 15, September 19: Double Down Downhill Mountain Bike Series at Attitash: A mountain bike series open to all visiting mountain bike guests with a different course for each race. There will be a Pro division and two Amateur divisions. Prizes for Pros will be a cash purse and Amateurs will win prizes from participating sponsors. Entry Fee: $50 includes a Mountain Bike ticket. Registration: 10:00-12:00pm in the Dirt Trax Bike Shop. Race Start: 2:00pm.  Info: Click here.

August 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29, September 3, 4, 5:  M&D Productions presents SPAMALOT: Taking place at 7:30 pm at Your Theater in Willow Common, 1857 White Mountain Highway, North Conway, this funny show was lovingly “ripped off” from the classic film comedy MONTY PYTHON AND THE HOLY GRAIL. With Book and Lyrics by Eric Idle, SPAMALOT retells the legend of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table.  Tickets are $20.00 in advance and $25.00 at the door.  To reserve seats go to www.yourtheatre.com or call (603) 733-5275.

August 20-23 & August 26-30: Arts in Motion presents Into the Woods:  Presented at the Eastern Slope Playhouse in North Conway, at 7:00pm, the story follows a Baker and his wife who wish to have a child, Cinderella who wishes to attend the King’s Festival, and Jack who wishes his cow would give milk. When the Baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a Witch’s curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse. Everyone’s wish is granted, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them later with disastrous results. For schedule and tickets: http://www.artsinmotiontheater.com/box-office.html.

August 22-23:  Annual Bach Festival: Presented annually by the White Mountain Musical Arts at the First Church of Christ Congregational Church this 2-day festival features instrumental and vocal works of J. S. Bach and friends. Tickets are $20 in advance at The UPS Store and $25 at the door.  Info and schedule of performers: http://www.mwvevents.com/WMMABach.html.

August 27: Rustic Overtones at Stone Mountain Arts Center (SMAC): With special guests, Anna Lombard and Dave Gutter: ARMIES. Maine calls Rustic their own, but they have had national success as well. Show time is at 8:00pm, dinner available prior to the show with reservation.  Tickets are $25 (no credit cards accepted on site for food or beverages).  Info & link to order online: Click here.

August 28:  MWV Old Car Club Cruise Night at Mt Washington Auto Road: From 5:00 - 8:00pm at the Auto Road base parking lot, vintage cars gather and are on display.  Add in a BBQ and DJ. Plus you can show off your favorite ride too! Everyone’s welcome. Info: (603) 466-3988 or click here.

August 29: Paul Letarte XC Invitational: Great Glen Trails is hosting 20 high schools for the first meet of the season in honor of Berlin’s Cross Country coach, Paul Letarte, who passed away in 2011.  Come watch the best runners compete.  Free for spectators.  Trails will be closed for biking until noon. Info:  Click here

August 29, 30: vittoria Eastern States Cup Mountain Bike Downhill NH State Championship at Attitash: Attitash Mountain Resort will host the New Hampshire State Championship for this regional downhill mountain bike series on the weekend of August 29-30. Saturday come watch the practice runs, on Sunday watch the race. More information at easternstatescup.com.  For a complete schedule of events, click here.

To learn more about booking your August getaway to Mt Washington Valley, visit www.MtWashingtonvalley.org for complete trip planning resources.  If you’d like to talk to a vacation planning concierge, call the Mt Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce at 800-DO-SEE-NH (800-367-3364).  To plan your summer vacation to New Hampshire, visit www.VisitNH.gov.

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Photo:  Arts Jubilee Concert at Cranmore Mountain Resort.