The Hippo Press

Kiddie Pool 26/07/09

Family fun for whenever

Blueberry season

• Blueberries imminent, is the message at many area farms offering pick your own blueberries. “We are shooting for next weekend the 11th or 12th for opening day!” said a post on the Facebook page of Berry Good Farm in Goffstown (berrygoodfarm.com) on July 2. Blueberries were on the “now picking” list at Brookdale Fruit Farm in Hollis (brookdalefruitfarm.com), according to a July 4 Facebook post. At Applecrest Farm Orchards, 133 Exeter Road in Hampton Falls, they will honor the season with a Blueberry Celebration on Sunday, July 12, with live music from Reunion Hill from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

On stage

• The Palace Youth Theatre Summer Camp, featuring performers in grades 2 through 12, will present The Music Man KidsFriday, July 10, at 7 p.m. at the Palace Theatre, 80 Hanover St. in Manchester, according to palacetheatre.org, where you can purchase tickets.

• The Palace Theatre’s 2026 Bank of New Hampshire Children’s Summer Series continues with Peter Pan Jr.Thursday, July 9, at 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. and Friday, July 10, at 10 a.m. at the Palace Theatre in Manchester, according to palacetheatre.org, where you can purchase tickets. Next week’s show is Willy Wonka Jr. with showtimes Tuesday, July 14, through Thursday, July 16, at 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. and Friday, July 17, at 10 a.m.

• RB Productions, which is a “non-profit community theatre organization founded in 2003 by Ryan Brown to provide experiential and educational theatre opportunities for youth and young theatre professionals throughout greater Concord and the state of New Hampshire,” will present Footloose Youth Edition on Friday, July 10, and Saturday, July 11, at 7 p.m. the Capitol Center of the Arts’ Chubb Theatre in Concord, according to ccanh.com, where you can purchase tickets.

• The Secret Garden, based on Frances Hodgson Burnett’s novel, will be presented by Majestic Productions at the Derry Opera House, 29 W Broadway in Derry, on Friday, July 10, and Saturday, July 11, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, July 12, at 2 p.m., according to majestictheatre.net, where you can purchase tickets.

Concerts for kids

• The Hampstead Public Library, 9 Mary E. Clark Drive in Hampstead, will host Mr. Aaron on Thursday, July 9, from 4 to 5 p.m. at the library pavilion (rain location will be inside), according to hampsteadlibrary.org. “He’s bringing an exciting musical extravaganza including synthesizers and plants (yes — plants can make music too!), bringing imaginative and interactive music making for all! Great for families and kids of all ages,” according to the website, which said reservations were appreciated but not required. See mraaronmusic.com for a look at Mr. Aaron’s videos.

• The Somersworth Festival Association continues its Kid Concerts at the Pavilion at Somersworth High School on Wednesdays, July 15, at 6 p.m. with Miss Julieann, according to nhfestivals.org. See missjulieann.com to see Miss Julieann’s videos and get a look at her new book, There’s A Dinosaur at My Door.

This Week 26/07/09

Friday, July 10

The Majestic Theatre presents The Secret Garden, the musical based on the 1911 Frances Hodgson Bernett novel, this weekend at the Derry Opera House, 29 West Broadway in Derry, according to a press release and majestictheatre.net, where you can purchase tickets. “Orphaned in India, 11-year-old Mary Lennox returns to Yorkshire to live with her embittered, reclusive uncle Archibald and his disabled son Colin. The estate’s many wonders include a magic garden which beckons the children with haunting melodies and the ‘Dreamers,’ spirits from Mary’s past who guide her through her new life, dramatizing The Secret Garden’s compelling tale of forgiveness and renewal,” the release said. Catch the show tonight at 7 p.m.; Saturday, July 11, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, July 12, at 2 p.m.

Friday, July 10

The Raymond Town Fair will be held today through Sunday, July 12, featuring “live music, fireworks, children’s activities, educational exhibitions, games & vendors,” according to facebook.com/RaymondTownFair. On Saturday, July 11, there will be a children’s parade, with registration at 9:30 a.m. at the middle school. On Sunday at 11 a.m., catch the dog parade on the common (register your dog at 10:15 a.m. at the middle school), a post said. The Hugh Holt Memorial Road Race, a 5-mile race, will also take place on Sunday, with registration at 7:30 a.m. at the middle school and the race starting at 8:30 a.m., according to the Hugh Hold Memorial Road Race Facebook page, where you can preregister.

Saturday, July 11

Shop the Concord Arts Market at Rollins Park in Concord today from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., according to concordartsmarket.org. Arts in the Park features local artists and makers as well as food vendors, live music and activities, the website said.

Saturday, July 11

Get more outdoor art at the Art Walk in the Garden today from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the NH Audubon’s Massabesic Center, 26 Audubon Way in Auburn, according to nhaudubon.org, where you can RSVP for the event. “This family-friendly gathering will feature local artists and delicious food truck eats from Cali Arepa,” the website said. A guided tour will take place from 10 to 11 a.m. and the Summer Camp Art Show will run inside the center from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the website said.

Saturday, July 11

The American Independence Center will hold the American Independence Festival in downtown Exeter today from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. featuring a live reading of the Declaration of Independence, demonstrations of historic 18th-century trades, reenactment groups, colonial games and music and more, according to aicnh.org/american-independence-festival.

Saturday, July 11

The Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum, 18 Highlawn Road in Warner, will hold its 25th annual Pow Wow today and Sunday, July 12, with gates opening at 10 a.m. and a grand entrance at noon, according to indianmuseum.org, where you can purchase tickets. “Experience the vibrant colors of regalia, powerful dances, heartwarming music, and over 20 traders with handmade crafts,” the website said about the event. Admission costs $17, $10 for children, with discounts available, the website said.

Wednesday, July 15

The Granite VNA Hospice Home & Garden Tour of homes on or near the waterfront of Lake Winnipesaukee will take place today from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., according to granitevna.org/ways-to-give/hospice-home-garden-tour, where you can buy tickets.

Save the Date! Monday, July 20
Catch Shinedown on their “Dance, Kid, Dance Act II” Tour at SNHU Arena, 555 Elm St. in Manchester, on Monday, July 20, at 7 p.m. with Coheed and Cambria, From Ashes To New and DJ Rock Feed, according to snhuarena.com, where you can purchase tickets.

Featured image: Shinedown

Quality of Life 26/07/09

Missing peregrine chick has been found

As reported by NH Audubon (nhaudubon.org) in a July 1 update on its website, Madi, the sole peregrine falcon hatchling this season from the falcon nest at the Brady Sullivan Building in Manchester, has been found after “fludging” (falling rather than fledging) from the nest last week. “[She] is safe and is with local rehabber Maria Colby,” the Audubon announcement read, “while she recovers from some dehydration. We will work with Maria for the best course of action to reunite her with her parents at the Brady Sullivan Tower.”

QOL score: +1

Comment: June 30 commentary from the log accompanying nest-cam footage from the falcons’ YouTube channel reported that a volunteer “flushed her [Madi] out on W. Salmon St. in the middle of the bridge access; some construction guys came over with an empty cardboard box to put her in until Maria Colby arrived…”

Something old, something new, something Manchester

According to multiple media reports, Manchester’s own Adam Sandler officiated the big event of the Fourth of July weekend: the Friday, July 3, wedding of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce at Madison Square Garden in New York City. According to People.com, Kelce had a cameo in Sandler’s 2025 movie Happy Gilmore 2.

QOL score: +1

Comments: TMZ also reported that Sandler sang an original song for the couple. Meanwhile, Sandler’s 1998 The Wedding Singer is streaming on YouTube TV and fubo and available for rent or purchase, according to JustWatch.com.

That 2026 Taco Tour green

According to a July 1 press release from the Greater Manchester Chamber, this year’s Taco Tour generated nearly a million dollars for the local economy. “On Thursday, May 28, more than 28,000 attendees filled the streets of downtown Manchester,” the press release read, “delivering a powerful economic boost to local restaurants, retailers, and service businesses. With more than 100 participating restaurants and vendors, Taco Tour Manchester generated hundreds of thousands of dollars in direct spending in just four hours. Accounting for the broader economic ripple effect, the event is estimated to have generated $700K–$1 M in economic activity.”

QOL score: +1

Comment: According to the Manchester Chamber, Taco Tour will have an ongoing effect on business in downtown Manchester. “81.7% of attendees surveyed were introduced to a restaurant they had not heard of before, and 87.4% of attendees are likely/very likely to return to Manchester’s downtown to visit a restaurant experienced at Taco Tour. 40% of surveyed attendees traveled from other NH destinations outside of Manchester. Additionally, overall attendance at Taco Tour Manchester increased by 25% from 2025.” Visit TacoTourManchester.com.

QOL score last week: 46

Net change:+3

QOL this week: 49

What’s affecting your Quality of Life here in New Hampshire?

Let us know at news@hippopress.com.

News & Notes 26/07/09

10-year plan

The National Park Service approved New Hampshire’s 10-year historic preservation plan, which is available to view at nhdhr.dncr.nh.gov, according to a N.H. Department of Natural & Cultural Resources press release on June 29. “According to the NHDHR, which serves as the state’s historic preservation office, ‘New Hampshire’s 10-Year Preservation Plan’ provides a snapshot of the current status of historic preservation in New Hampshire, looks back at what’s been happening statewide, and ‘looks forward with a vision vital to preserving New Hampshire’s identity,’” the release said. The plan identifies four goals: “increase public awareness and appreciation of historic properties and special places for their influence in the economic vitality, sense of place, and identity at the state and local level;” “Broaden content, availability and use of training opportunities, while expanding access to existing information and guidance;” “Incorporate and strengthen historic preservation as an element in local, regional, state and federal decision-making, ensuring its role as a critical part of interdisciplinary planning efforts,” and “Expand the use and availability of existing funding and incentives and promote the creation of new funding and incentives for historic and cultural resources,” the release said.

Make a game

Derry Public Library, 64 E. Broadway in Derry, will hold its “first-ever Game Jam” on Saturday, Aug. 8, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., according to derrypl.org, where you can sign up. “Join forces with others to make a team, and then work together to make your very own board game! After 5 hours of design up, compare notes with the other teams, and show off and play the games you’ve made! Lunch will be provided. Families are encouraged to attend together, but all children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult,” the website said.

Master class & concert

Broadway touring performer and Manchester Community Music School alumna Rachel Pantazis will be at the school to offer a master class and a concert performance on Thursday, Aug. 13, according to a school newsletter. Musical theater performers can register by July 15 at mcmusicschool.org to be considered for participation in the class, which will run from 4 to 6 p.m. on Aug. 13. The concert, “Rachel Pantazis: A Homecoming,” will take place Aug. 13 at 7 p.m., according to the website, where you can purchase “pay what you can” tickets. Pantazis “has built an exciting professional career as a New York City-based actor, vocalist, and teaching artist,” according to the newsletter. “Most recently, she completed the international tour of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory across Asia, performing as Grandma Georgina/Oompa Loompa Puppeteer and understudying Mrs. Teavee. She has also toured North America as Meg March in Little Women, performed in regional theaters across the East Coast, worked as a production singer with Carnival Cruise Line, and now teaches voice while inspiring young performers throughout NYC.”

The 10th Annual Swim With a Mission, which raises money for veterans services organizations, will take place Saturday, July 11, at Wellington State Park in Bristol featuring 1K, 5K and 10K individual swims as well as a 10K team relay and a 5K team memorial swim, according to a post on the organization’s Facebook page. See swam.org/swim26 to register and for details.

Center for the Arts in New London, centerfortheartsnh.org, will celebrate Arts Week 2026 from Friday, July 10, through Sunday, July 19, with events in the Lake Sunapee Region and the theme “Serenity, Joy and Roots,” according to a press release. This weekend’s events include trivia night at Hoptimystic Brewing in Sunapee Harbor on Thursday, July 10, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., and events at The Livery in Sunapee Harbor including an opening reception on Friday, July 11, from 5 to 7 p.m. of “Naturally New England Art & Photography Show”; a sing-along with the Ukudaylies on Saturday, July 12, from 3 to 5 p.m., and “Lake Nights & Gallery Lights: Ladies Night with Brooks Hubbard” on Sunday, July 13, at 6 p.m. (tickets required). See centerfortheartsnh.org/arts-week-2026 for a complete schedule.

Swim with a Mission will also take part in Mission 250, a celebration at Tuscan Village in Salem on Sunday, July 12, from 2 to 9 p.m. featuring military flyovers and demonstrations, a car show, a fireworks display, food trucks, live music, raffles and silent auctions hosted by SWAM and more, according to a press release. “Visitors can also test their strength, endurance, and determination during the Mission 250 Fitness Challenge, hosted by Drive Custom Fit at Tuscan Village from 3 to 5 p.m.,” the release said. See swam.org and tuscanvillagesalem.com.

Your Next Read — 07/02/2026

on the cover

Whether you’re headed for a summer vacation, a summer staycation or just a few moments’ break in the sun, we’ve got recommendations from local librarians, booksellers and others for books that help you escape. Grab your favorite lounging companion and start finding your next read.

Also on the cover New Hampshire cities and towns are celebrating the country’s big 2-5-0 with fireworks, parades and more. See a roundup of Fourth of July happenings on page 16. And if Independence Day is putting you in a historical (-ish) mood, check out the comedy The Complete History of America (Abridged) at the Winnipesaukee Playhouse through next weekend (see Michael Witthaus’s story on page 15). John also takes a look at the new bakeshop slated to open on Manchester’s West Side and their plans to offer gelato (page 18).

Read the e-edition

News & Notes 26/07/02

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Family fun for whenever

Summer of theater

• Catch the first production from a Palace Youth Theatre Summer Camp, featuring performers in grades 2 through 12, at the Palace Theatre, 80 Hanover St. in Manchester, on Thursday, July 2, and Friday, July 3, with Diary of a Wimpy Kid, according to palacetheatre.org, where you can purchase tickets. The production is a 60-minute version, according to the website.

• The Palace Theatre’s 2026 Bank of New Hampshire Children’s Summer Series kicks off the next week with Peter Pan Jr.running Tuesday, July 7, through Friday, July 10, with shows Tuesday through Thursdays at 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. and Fridays at 10 a.m., all at the Palace Theatre, 80 Hanover St. in Manchester, according to palacetheatre.org, where you can purchase tickets.

Game time

• The Nashua Silver Knights have several upcoming games at Holman Stadium in Nashua, according to nashuasilverknights.com, where you can purchase tickets. In addition to the 10:30 a.m. game on Saturday, July 4, against the Norwich Sea Unicorns, the Silver Knights will play the Lowell Spinners on Monday, July 6, at 6:03 p.m. and then face the Vermont Lake Monsters both Tuesday, July 7, and Wednesday, July 8, at 6:03 p.m., the website said.

• The NH Fisher Cats play a series of games against the Portland Sea Dogs Tuesday, July 7, through Sunday, July 12, according to milb.com/new-hampshire, where you can purchase tickets. Games Tuesday through Saturday start at 6:03 p.m. and Sunday’s game starts at 1:05 p.m. On Tuesday, July 7, and Sunday, July 12, the first 500 fans each day will receive bobbleheads #1 (July 7) and #2 (July 12) in the three-bobblehead Manchester Chicken Tenders series, the website said. On Tuesday the team plays as the Manchester Chicken Tenders and on Sunday the team will play as the Manchester Buffalo Tenders, the website said. On Wednesday, July 8, the first 500 fans can get a Coca-Cola Soccer Jersey, the website said.

Author: The Hippo Press

Kiddie Pool 26/07/09

This Week 26/07/09

Quality of Life 26/07/09

News & Notes 26/07/09

Your Next Read — 07/02/2026

Kiddie Pool 26/07/02

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