Press Kit
Your guide to July - August 2019 events in Mt Washington Valley, NH
Good news from Mt Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce – May 22, 2019
Contact: Marti Mayne, 207-846-6331 or PR@mtwashingtonvalley.org
PREVIEW OF SUMMER EVENTS IN MT WASHINGTON VALLEY, NH
North Conway, NH – With Memorial Day around the corner, all eyes turn to summer. The unofficial kick off to summer, Memorial Day weekend ushers in thoughts of hiking, biking, tax-free shopping, golf, family attractions and much more in Mt Washington Valley, NH. Add to that a packed events schedule, and it’s no wonder visitors are planning their summer vacations to the Valley already!
Stay tuned to the Mt Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce’s online calendar of events. This clearinghouse of regional events is updated regularly and is the best resource for scoping out area events. For those who’d like to plan ahead, consider this sampling of events coming up this summer.
July, 2019
Mondays, July 1-August 26: Solar Gazing at Castle in the Clouds: Disobey your mother and look at the sun… through a hydrogen alpha telescope. Marc Stowbridge of the NH Astronomical Society will set up his telescope in the field by Shannon Pond. Stop by, have a look, and learn about what you’ve never really seen. This is a free program and you do not need to register in advance. This event is weather permitting. In the event of overcast skies, the event will be cancelled for that day and will resume the following week. For cancellation notifications, follow our Facebook Page or call our offices at 603-476-5900 the day of the event. Info: Click here.
Wednesdays, July – August (July 3 – Aug 28): Wednesdays at Wildcat: Wildcat Mountain and the Tin Mountain Conservation Center are once again offering the “Wednesdays at Wildcat” summer naturalist program every Wednesday in July and August from 12 noon - 2pm. Program topics change weekly and range from learning about the flora and fauna of the forest and fresh water ecosystems to those of the higher alpine environment, including wildflowers, mosses, waterfalls, frogs, and moose to the geology of the surrounding mountains and Presidential Range. Meet at Guest Services in the Wildcat Mountain base lodge around 11:45am. Please note that the “Alpine Adventure” portion involves a trip on the Wildcat Express scenic gondola to the summit which will require a lift ticket. Round-trip Wildcat Express scenic gondola tickets are $17 for adults, $13 for children ages 6-12, $13 for seniors ages 65+, and ages 5 and under ride for free. A 17-18 winter season pass allows the passholder a free ride on the scenic gondola. Complete info and schedule: https://www.skiwildcat.com/tin-mountain/.
Fridays & Saturdays in July & August (July 5 – August 17): Children's Summer Theater Series: Presented at Theater in the Wood on Fridays at 5pm and Saturdays at 10am, each week the Summer Children's Theater Shows will be performed by professional actors alongside Theater in the Wood's Youth Campers. See each magical journey come to life on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings. Tickets: $5/person suggested donation. Net proceeds from the Children's Summer Theater Series will benefit Believe in Books Literacy Foundation's Healthy Readers Program. Info: www.believeinbooks.org/children-s-summer-theater-series.html.
July 4: Independence Day Celebration: Enjoy a good old fashioned July 4th fair in Schouler Park in North Conway Village along with fireworks at night. Info: www.mtwashingtonvalley.org.
July 5, 12, 19, 26: Sensory Friendly Fridays on Conway Scenic RR: New for 2019, Conway Scenic RR is offering regularly-scheduled departures for children on the spectrum. The rides will depart from the main station in North Conway Village at 4:00 p.m. on each Friday in July, using the rail-diesel car, the Millie. It will travel through the Pudding Pond conservation area along the Redstone Branch of our line, returning to the station at approximately 5:00 p.m. The Millie is air-conditioned, so there will be no open windows, and all crossings will be hand-flagged to reduce or eliminate the need for the train horn’s use. Travel speed is about 10 mph. Each child will be given a gift bag with quiet activities (coloring books, temporary tattoos, etc.). Info: https://www.conwayscenic.com/blog/sensory-friendly-fridays/.
July 6: Castle Car Show: View stunning examples of antique cars dating from the turn of the 20th century in an equally stunning setting. Prizes will be awarded for the people’s choice in the featured category (this year’s featured category is the 1940’s), and the people’s choice outside of the featured category. Food and beverages will be available for purchase in the Meadows by Shannon Pond, where the show will take place. The Carriage House Restaurant will also be open from 11:30am – 3:30pm, seating on a first-come, first-serve basis. Admission to the Car Show is included in the price of regular admission ticket to tour Castle in the Clouds. For those coming for the Car Show ONLY, a $5 spectator fee (cash only – please be prepared!). Info: www.castleintheclouds.org/event/castle-car-show/.
Saturdays, July 6 – Labor Day: 7th Annual Mountainside Summer Music Series at Attitash: Enjoy local bands from 3:00-6:00pm during these free outdoor concerts. There is limited seating, and shade so feel free to bring your camping chair, sit back, and enjoy free outdoor live entertainment The Cantina Bar will be open with an assortment of beer, wine and special elixirs. Info: www.Attitash.com.
July 8-12: AMC Presidential Traverse: Join AMC on this hut-to-hut adventure and explore the Presidential Range from North to South. Beginning with dinner and a comfortable night's lodging at AMC's Highland Center; gear up for your backcountry adventure. Start with a hike up the Airline Trail to Madison Spring Hut. The next day traverse the rocky northern Presidential Range to Lakes of the Clouds Hut giving ample opportunity to explore the ridge in full summer glory. From Lakes of the Clouds Hut, continue along the southern Presidential Range to Mizpah Spring Hut. We end our hike by descending the historic Crawford Path to the Highland Center. Info and full details: Click here.
Tuesdays, July 9th - August 27th: M & M Assurance Summer Mountain Bike Race Series: A weekly mountain biking series from 3:30 – 7:00 p.m. every Tuesday involves riders competing against the clock in this fun, easy going series at Great Glen Trails. With a mix of carriage roads, three courses to choose from, and the most beautiful scenery, mountain bikers will want to do this weekly. This series is open to all ages and abilities. Complete 5 out of 8 weeks to become eligible for the prize lottery. Register online or in person. Info: www.greatglentrails.com/events-list.
Thursdays, July 18-Aug 15: Arts Jubilee Summer Concert Series at Cranmore Mountain Resort: Featuring live performances from folk to pop to symphony. Bring friends and family plus your own picnic blanket or lawn chairs. An early concert by area performers, is at 6:00pm, the featured main performance is at 7:00pm. The Arts Jubilee concert Series is a rain or shine event. Concert goers are encouraged to come prepared as they would to any outdoor event. Tickets are Adults: $12, Seniors: (65 and up) $10, Students: $5, Children (12 and under): Free. Schedule: July 18: Chris Collins & Boulder Canyon: A Tribute to John Denver, July 25: The Duke Robilliard Band, Aug 1: Piano Men – Tribute to Billy Joel and Elton John, August 8: Pops Concert & Fireworks, Aug 15: Barnes, Grady & Walsh – Bluegrass & Folk. Info: http://www.cranmore.com/Summer-Fall/Events/Arts-Jubilee-Summer-Concert-Series .
July 12: Art Night at Settlers Green: Artist compete for prizes during a live plein-air art competition. Plus, grab a brush and make your mark at the interactive art installation. Info: www.SettlersGreen.com.
July 13: Coasting for Kids at Story Land: Ride roller coasters all day for a great cause! All money raised goes to Give Kids the World (https://www.gktw.org) . Info: https://www.storylandnh.com/.
July 19-20: Seek The Peak Hikeathon: Seek the Peak is the nation's premier hiking event and the largest annual fundraiser for the nonprofit Mount Washington Observatory. ... Registration for Seek the Peak 2019 is now open! While many hikers will choose the challenge of summiting Mount Washington, others will opt for alternative mountain treks, or may even prefer a short “nature hike”. Some may just want to support the Observatory as “virtual hikers,” or simply join for the weekend festivities. Amazing prizes, comradery of other hikers. Fabulous after party at the base of the Mt Washington Auto Road. Gather in the White Mountains of NH for a weekend filled with hiking, observatory tours, two parties and an amazing gear giveaway. Info: www.seekthepeak.org.
July 20: Food Truck Festival at Black Mountain: Food Truck Festival: Dine at 7 different food trucks during this family friendly festival from noon to 5:00pm. There’ll be live music, games and more. Info: click here.
July 20: The 6th Annual Wildcat Mountain Trail Race & Wildcat on Tap: This is a tough "up and over" mountain run using the Wildcat ski trail system. There will be two races run (hiked) simultaneously, the 5K course cuts across mid-across mid-mountain along the rolling "Catwalk" while the 5 mile course keeps climbing to Wildcat's 4,062 ft summit before heading back down on the Upper Catapult - both courses finishing along the "Wildkitten". In addition, Wildcat Mountain is hosting WILDCAT ON TAP on the same day! For an additional $5 (normally $10), gain admission into Wildcat On Tap: A Celebration of Summer with live music, BBQ, local breweries, lawn games and more! Info: https://www.skiwildcat.com/event/wildcat5k/.
July 21: Summit Salute: Celebrating service members, veterans & military families at Mt Washington Auto Road: Join other service members, veterans, & military families for this special FREE event at the base of Mt. Washington Auto Road. Share stories, play outdoors, eat great BBQ food, food and enjoy a Mt. Washington sunset. Info: http://mtwashingtonautoroad.com/events/summit-salute.
July 19, 20, 21: The Circus on Conway Scenic RR: Take an old-fashioned train ride to an old-time circus in Conway. Free of exotic animals, this circus is full of funny clowns, stunts, gravity-defying acts, and entertainment the whole family will enjoy. The show is approximately 90 minutes long, with intermission. Look forward to seeing clowns, juggling, silks, Rolla Bolla acts in the air. There are shows at 2:30 & 6:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday and an additional 6:00 show on Friday. Info: https://www.conwayscenic.com/blog/the-circus-at-conway-scenic-railroad/.
Tuesdays, July 23 – August 13: Movies on the Green at Settlers Green: Offered on successive Tuesdays, this four-week movie series is sure to bring the family together for an evening of yard games, face painting, and weekly special guests, topped off with a family-friendly movie at dusk. Activities begin at 6 p.m. “on the green” near Timberland. Info: www.SettlersGreen.com.
July 25 – Christmas In July on Conway Scenic RR: Santa and his elves will be on the Valley Trains with milk and cookies to spread a little Christmas cheer in the middle of the summer. Info: www.ConwayScenic.com.
July 26-Aug 4: Annual Mall Wide Tent Sale at Settlers Green: Headlined by the New Balance Store, now is the time to do some back to school shopping with lots of extra value at stores throughout the mall. Info: www.SettlersGreen.com.
July 27 & August 10-11 Attitash Mountain Bike Megabowl Downhill – Best of 2: Attitash Mountain Bike Megabowl is an open invite to amateurs, and pro’s alike. There will be cash prizing for Pro categories, and sponsor prizing for Amateur’s. Downhill will be timed with Ski Club Timing Software, and Enduro races will be timed by the Sportident Chip Timing System. Complete registration information and schedule: https://www.attitash.com/event/megabowl1/.
August, 2019
August 3: 8th Annual Blueberry Festival: This event includes a Cornhole Tournament, Face Painting by Mt Washington Valley Children's Museum, Blueberry Pie Baking Contest, Blueberry Pie Eating Contest, and an assortment of Blueberry BBQ, Treats, and Elixirs, all topped off with a live performance by CRUSH, a Dave Matthews Tribute Band. It is FREE to attend, although Attitash Resort Summer Attractions Park Tickets are an additional cost. This is a rain or shine event. In the case of poor weather, all activities and entertainment will be held inside the Main Base Lodge and Ptarmigan's Pub. For a complete schedule of events: https://www.attitash.com/event/blueberryfest/.
August 5: Art in the Park: Shop for beautiful handmade artworks under the big tents in Schouler Park. Sponsored by the MWV Arts Association. Info: https://www.facebook.com/MWVArts/events/
August 5: Summit Salute: Celebrating service members, veterans & military families at Mt Washington Auto Road: Join other service members, veterans, & military families for this special FREE event at the base of Mt. Washington at Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center. Share stories, play outdoors, eat great food and enjoy a Mt. Washington sunset. Info: http://mtwashingtonautoroad.com/events/summit-salute.
August 6 & 13: Movies on the Green at Settlers Green: Offered on successive Tuesdays, this four-week movie series is sure to bring the family together for an evening of yard games, face painting, and weekly special guests, topped off with a family-friendly movie at dusk. Activities begin at 6 p.m. “on the green” near Timberland. Info: www.SettlersGreen.com.
August 7 - Conway Scenic Railroad’s 43rd Birthday Celebration: Celebrate 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: www.ConwayScenic.com.
August 18: Back-To-School Blitz at Settlers Green: Enjoy great kids activities including arts & crafts, music, yard games and a special 45-minute live variety show street performance from 10am to 2pm. Info: www.SettlersGreen.com.
August 17: Mt Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb: The original bicycle race up the Mt. Washington Auto Road. Deemed the Toughest Hillclimb in the World. Info: Click here.
August 18: Back to School Blitz at Settlers Green: Enjoy great kids activities including arts & crafts, music, yard games and a special 45-minute live variety show street performance, 10:00am-2:00pm. Plus have the chance to see the latest in back to school fashion from some of your favorite retailers. Info: www.SettlersGreen.com.
August 28: GOACC Golf Tournament Scholarship Fundraiser: The 19th Annual Great Ossipee Area Chamber of Commerce Open is open to everyone! Registration begins at 7:00 am; Shotgun start is at 8:30. Proceeds of the Greater Ossipee Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual golf tournament have enabled the chamber to award scholarships to local students pursuing further education. Info: https://www.ossipeevalley.org/scholarships.html.
August 31 & Sept 1 - Railfans’ Weekend: Join friends at Conway Scenic RR as they celebrate railfans with special demos, freight cars, cabooses and other trains on Saturday. The Notch Train will run as usual on August 31. On Sunday, in addition to the regularly-scheduled Valley Train excursions, there will be a special train with steam locomotive #7470 in the lead over all the former Maine Central Railroad track operated by Conway Scenic. Info: https://www.conwayscenic.com/blog/railfans-weekend/.
With so much happening in Mt Washington Valley for the summer, it’ll take more than one trip to take it all in. For complete vacation planning resources, please visit the Mt Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce at www.MtWashingtonValley.org or call 800-367-3364 to talk to a vacation concierge. Want to learn more about visiting New Hampshire? Go to www.VisitNH.gov for complete vacation planning info. And for a complete guide to events in Mt Washington Valley for the rest of 2019, click here.
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For photos, visit Mt Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce’s online Flickr photo albums. Simply click here for access.
Or contact Marti Mayne at PR@mtwashingtonvalley.org with specific requests.