Press Kit

News from Mt Washington Valley, NH – August 4, 2015

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

SEPTEMBER BRINGS OLD CARS, LIVE ENTERTAINMENT, RACES AND PLENTY OF MUD FOOTBALL TO MT WASHINGTON VALLEY, NH

North Conway, NH – From Freedom Walks to a Walk for the Mt Washington Valley is alive with exciting events in September.  Home to Mud Bowl: The World Championship of Mud Football, Mt Washington Valley hosts a wide array of exciting events throughout September. 

 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. 

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.

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.

September 4 – 7:  Labor Day Sidewalk Sales at Settlers Green Outlet Village:  Not quite finished with back-to-school shopping? You’ll find everything you need in tax-free New Hampshire and Mt Washington Valley’s outlets.  Save even more on back to school and college apparel, gifts, houseware and summer clearance at Settlers’ Green Outlet Village. Info: 603-356-7031 or Click here.

Sept 5: Railfans' Day at Conway Scenic Railroad: Join in the fun as “trainiacs” celebrate Railfans’ Day with special demos, freight cars, cabooses and other trains will be running along with a trip to the Notch and beyond. Info: 603-356-5251, www.conwayscenic.com.

September 5, 6: Craft Fair at The Gibson Center in North Conway Village:  You’ll find the perfect early holiday gift for that hard-to-shop-for person on your list from non-juried artists and crafters at this fair intended to predominately showcase handmade arts and crafts.  Info: 603-356-3231.

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

September 7: Kids Fun Run at Story Land:  You’re in for a fun-filled morning and race your way around Story Land! There will be appearances from some of the Story Land Characters as well as a few other special guests! Registration is $10/child. Registration begins at 8:00am on Race Day, 8:35am race start.  All participants receive a race medal, t-shirt and a pass to Story Land to be used that day.  Schedule:

 Race 1: Tot Trot - Ages 4 & Under - Short Loop

Race 2: Ages 5 & 6 - ½K

Race 3: Ages 7 & 8 - ½K

Race 4: Ages 9 - 12 – 1 K

Info: 603-356-9980, www.believeinbooks.org

September 11, 12, 13:  Mud Bowl: World Championships of Mud Football: Get ready for a weekend of good clean fun in knee deep mud! Founded in 1975, 2015 Mud Bowl, the championships of mud football, is set to return to North Conway's Hog Coliseum Friday through Sunday, Sept. 11 through 13.  This year Mud Bowl will celebrate a theme of “Mud Bowl Takes a Muddy Look at Children's Books” during the Tournament of Mud Parade. The games feature two-hand touch football, played in knee-deep mud, with seven players per side. Three-day tickets are $15; day tickets are $6 ages 14 and up, and $4 ages 6 to 13; family tickets (two adults, two children) are $15 per day. Advance tickets can be purchased at the North Conway Community Center, and the Mt Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce. Three-day tickets serve as entry to two $500 prize drawings held Saturday and Sunday (one need not be present to win). Proceeds benefit local charities, with more than $860,000 having been raised since the first games were played locally in 1976. Tickets are available at the Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce. Info: (603) 356-5701 or follow Mud Bowl on Facebook. 

September 11:  America Salutes You Freedom Walk: The America Supports You Freedom Walk is a national tradition that calls on people to reflect on the lives lost on September 11, 2001. The Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual freedom walk on September 11, 2015 at the Jackson Covered Bridge, gathering at 5:00 PM. The walk will commence immediately following a few words from invited guests, a moment of silence, the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem song by Claire Glacken of Conway (approximately 5:20 PM). Immediately following the walk the Shovel Handle Pub will open their doors to Active Military, Police, Fire & Rescue Personnel for complimentary food (please have your ID). All others are invited to join in as well (food and libations priced accordingly). Info:  Click here.

September 12: The Tournament of Mud Parade:  Teams competing in Mud Bowl create zany floats and skits for their adoring fans.  Line up on Main Street in North Conway Village and enjoy the creativity of each team as they show off their float and driving skills. This year's parade theme is "A Muddy Look at Children's Books." The parade begins at John Fuller Elementary School at 10:00am and ends at Schouler Park. Judging will take place in the park and entertainment will follow.

September 12:  Sunset Soiree: Sunset Soiree on Mount Washington Road: A fundrasiser for the Mt Washington Observatory, festivities begin with a private wine tasting in the historic Douglas A. Philbrook Red Barn Museum at the base of the Mt. Washington Auto Road. Next, board a motor coach and enjoy a chauffeured drive to the summit of Mount Washington, where a sumptuous selection of desserts awaits. As twilight falls, head to the observation deck for a sunset champagne toast, then return to the base for an elegant dinner. The evening concludes with coffee, sweets, and an artfully curated silent auction featuring breathtaking photography and getaways. Tickets are $140 per person for Observatory members, $150 per person for non-members. Info: 603-356-2137 x 231, www.mountwashington.org

September 12, 19, 26:  M&D presents Voice of the Valley: M&D Productions will present a vocal competition, very similar in style and format to American Idol on consecutive Saturdays beginning September 12 and ending on September 26. Info: 603-733-5275, www.yourtheatre.com.

September 13: 25th Annual Mt. Washington Valley Old Car Show at Settlers Green:  From 9:00am to 2:00am, rain or shine, the 25th Annual Mt. Washington Valley Car Show event will take place at Settlers’ Green Outlet Village. Three trophies will be 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 given to the first 300 cars. For spectators there is a $3 admission for adults and children under 12 are free. This event is hosted at Settlers' Green Outlet Village, but is operated by the Mt. Washington Valley Old Car Club.  Info: Click here.   

September 18 – 20:  40^th Annual NH Highland Games: Don’t miss the 40th New Hampshire Highland Games and Festival celebrating the heritage and culture of Scotland.  The event includes competitions in Highland Dance, Piping, Drumming, Pipe Bands, Fiddle, Harp and Sheep Dogs.  Music on multiple stages, seminars on genealogy and history as well as whisky and beer tastings.  A Kilted Mile Race, youth program and so much more.  Three days of great family fun at Loon Mountain in Lincoln, NH. Info:
800-385-7268, www.nhscot.org.

September 18:  Waltzing for Dreamers FREE Music Series at Stone Mountain Arts Center: Featured Artist: The Lonely Heartstring Band, starts at 8:00pm.  Doors open at 6:00pm.  The Lonely Heartstring band is a five-piece bluegrass instrumentation band from Boston that plays original acoustic music, traditional bluegrass and, as the name suggests, a swath of Beatles covers. This show is free admission only by reservation. Donations in the form of cat or dog food, bleach, detergent, and "hardwood" pellets for the Harvest Hill Animal Shelter are welcomed. This free concert series is made possible by Carol, Jeff and the Crew at SMAC in partnership with the kind sponsorship of Poland Spring Water Company.  Info & tickets: Click here.

September 18-19:  Fairies and Magical Creatures: The MWV Childrens Museum will present its Fairies and Magical Creatures festival at Black Mountain. Enjoy a weekend of outdoor programs, including special dance performances, music, fairy workshops and creations, fairy house tours and much more! This Festival is a ticketed event open to families. Info: Follow the magic on the MWV Childrens Facebook page or online at www.mwvchildrensmuseum.org or click here.

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.

September 19:  AMC Monthly Guided Tour & Hike at Wildcat:  Join a naturalist from the Appalachian Mountain Club Pinkham Notch Visitor Center on a ride up the scenic gondola for an environmentally educational summit tour and optional guided hike down Wildcat Mountain. The program is free with the purchase of a Wildcat Express Scenic Gondola ticket. Info:  603-466-3326 or click here.

September 23, 24, 25:  Plein Air Painting with Aline Ordman: Ellis River Art Studios is hosting Aline Ordman, Master Pastelist with the Pastel Society of America and a Signature Member of the American Impressionist Society to present a three day workshop at 211 Main Street in Jackson Village. Enjoy painting in the beautiful White Mountains in either pastel or oil.  Aline will do a demo each day and give a lot of personal attention to each student as we explore the properties of color in terms of value, intensity and technique while painting the early fall landscape.  Info: 603-730-2143,
www.ellisriverartstudiosllc.com.

September 26:  100 Acre Challenge, a 5K Obstacle Adventure: Competitors will run, swim, crawl and climb as this 5K challenge takes them into the mud, water, over walls, rock piles and through the wood. It's all in fun with net proceeds benefiting the Believe in Books Literacy Foundation programs. Individuals and teams of two or four are invited and for kids 12 and under there is the Mini Acre Challenge featuring mini obstacles. The kids' race starts at 9:00am followed by their awards. Starting at 10am, heats for the individual competitors and teams of two and four will depart the starting line every 15 minutes. Winners from each category are determined by best time. Following the event, food and beer will be available. Prizes for first three places of each category.  Info: 603-356-9980, www.believeinbooks.org.

September 26:  Annual Walk for the Animals & Bark in the Park Pet Expo:  Join the Conway Area Humane Society for their biggest event of the year and the largest pet expo in Northern New Hampshire featuring demos, carnival games, dog show games, agility fun, vendors, raffles and more! The fun begins with the Walk for the Animals. Start early collecting your pledges either as a team or individually – there are great prizes for both categories. Following the Walk for the Animals is the Bark in the Park Pet Expo. 40+ vendors and sponsors will be on hand selling pet-related services and goods. The Main Event Ring will feature interactive games for you and your dog, and the carnival games will be ongoing all day where you can win prizes. For more information, click here.

September 26: Autumn Fall Festival at Settlers’ Green:  Celebrate the arrival of fall with a full day of activities including pumpkins, scarecrows and so much more.  Info: 603-356-7031 or click here.

September 27:  RunDanforth 25K Race Series:  The last in the series of 5K races at Danforth Bay Camping & RV Resort. This 5K walk /run will benefit the MDA of New Hampshire. Register at the Danforth Bay Depot. The race begins at 8:00am.  Registration is $20 and includes a t-shirt. Info: 603-539-2069, www.danforthbay.com/RunDanforth25K .

September is an ideal time to combine one of the many events in Mt Washington Valley with a getaway.  For complete trip planning resources, visit www.MtWashingtonValley.org or call 1-800-DO-SEE-NH (800-367-3364) to talk to a vacation concierge.  To learn more about visiting New Hampshire, go to www.VisitNH.gov.

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Photo by Jesse Mosston. Additional photos available upon request. 

Photo may not be used or reproduced without permission.