Category: Cover Stories

Justin Spencer talks about Recycled Percussion on their own stage and giving back

By Michael Witthaus
[email protected]

In 1995, Justin Spencer put together a three-man band called Recycled Percussion and entered a talent show at Goffstown High School. They finished in second place, but soon after that they began receiving appearance offers. This would become common for the pioneer junk rockers, whose drumming on trash cans, ladders and other non-instruments delighted audiences.

The group came in third on Season 4 of America’s Got Talent and parlayed that success into a Las Vegas residency, the only contestant to do that. For 10 years Recycled Percussion were regulars on The Strip; when that ended, the group returned to New Hampshire, Spencer’s home state.

Their thoughts were now focused on more than performing. They had a charity, Chaos and Kindness, along with a television series showcasing its deeds. The effort grew into a lifestyle brand, with two retail stores, one in Laconia, the other in Keene. Their crowning was The CAKE Theatre — the acronym stands for Chaos and Kindness Experience.

When Recycled Percussion played that 1995 talent show, it consisted of Spencer and two buddies who would not go on to be part of the band. The current lineup is Spencer, his cousin Ryan Venzina (who was 11 years old when the Goffstown competition happened, but joined three years later), Spencer’s wife Quinn, former Miss New Hampshire Ashley Marsh, Jimmy Luv and Davin Cox.

“There was no definitive original cast because Justin just had random friends playing gigs with him whenever someone was interested and we’ve been through over 20 members since then,” said Ryan Venzina. ”I always thought it was interesting that he chose non-drummers who were just really good friends to join the band instead of good musicians. It was always about fun and chemistry. I think I was the first person to join that was actually an experienced musician.”

In a wide-ranging interview at his Manchester home, band hangout and playroom, Justin Spencer looked back and forward, as the group prepares for its traditional “out with the old, in with the new” run of late December and early January shows across the Granite State.

What got you into playing and percussion? When was the first time you picked up drumsticks, do you remember that?

Yeah, yeah. So, my dad was a drummer. There were always drumsticks laying around the house and there’s pictures of me playing at 2 years old, of course I don’t remember that. There’s certainly the evidence that I was playing drums at a young age, and I can remember by at 5, 6 or 7 performing on stage with my dad — he was in a local cover band, and I’d go on stage and do drum solos. So I don’t really know a life without music. It’s been something I’ve done since I can remember.

Any other instruments you’re proficient with?

No, very much not so. I can’t do anything else besides drums.

But you’re really, really good at drums.

Yeah, but I have no other talents,

When you did the talent show, you came in second, which seems to be a trend in your life — you don’t finish in first place, and you go out and rule the world right after that.

My whole life I’ve been second.

It just makes you hungrier, right?

Yeah.

There was a period after that when you were contacted by different entities to perform. Tell me about that; was there a moment in time when you knew you were on to something special?

In the early days, even when I was still in high school, this was 1997, 1998, those years, we really spent a lot of our time going to elementary schools and middle schools and high schools, for a couple of hundred bucks here and there, doing assemblies. Really, that’s how we kind of got started. In 2001 we got a big break when we were able to perform a halftime show for the San Francisco 49ers. It was two days before 9/11 happened. Up until that point, I would spend my days after school calling a lot of schools — back then it was open a phonebook and find schools and call and say, ‘I have a band, Recycled Percussion, can I come perform at your school for two hundred bucks,’ or a hundred bucks or whatever. Sometimes we’d get paid in free lunch. We’d go to every school we possibly could. That lasted a few years before we got a break and started touring our show around the country.

So this was in San Francisco?

Yeah, it was a big deal for us. I remember they paid us five thousand bucks and we thought we were rich. We were excited. It was a couple of days before 9/11 and we got stranded there, and we had to drive home. It was a very interesting time, and even at that time we didn’t really have … you can have aspirations, but in the music world, it can end at any time. At that point it was like, yeah, we made it, we did a halftime show and it was really cool. I would have been content with that. It was bigger than anything I’d ever seen. Of course, being from a small town in New Hampshire, you don’t really think you have the ability to. Nowadays, with the advent of technology, it’s a lot easier to be seen no matter where you live, but back then if you didn’t live in a big city or have money there was no way people would ever see you.

What you do is so unique, too. Some kids start a band, you started something that no one was doing. The closest thing maybe was Stomp! Were you aware of that?

No, because I think we came before that or Blue Man Group, or maybe they came around that time, I don’t remember. Our inspiration came from a kid named Larry Wright. He was an African American teenage boy who had won the Buddy Rich Memorial Scholarship, which was given every year to an individual who had shown unique percussive talent. We had seen a VHS tape of him in 1994 or ’95 and I’d seen this kid playing buckets and thought this is really cool. Eventually I said why don’t we do something like that at our high school talent show, but three of us do it? At that time, I’d never seen anything like it. That’s really where we came up with the idea of RP, and we were only going to play one show. It was only for the talent show. That was it. It wasn’t until a few years later I heard of Stomp! and the Broadway show.

Fast forward to AGT, that was a back and forth, there was a moment where you thought it wasn’t going to happen, it was out of your hands and then it did. Then you lost—

We lost to a singer. At that point, it was Season 4, we were the highest non-singing act in the history of the show. Traditionally singers win, their stories are more — people are more compelled by singing in general. So, the guy who won, Kevin Skinner, had this great story, he was a chicken catcher, this very sympathetic, Middle America, Kentucky guy. Second place was Barbara Padilla, who had just come back from cancer, and she was an opera singer. Right when that was done, we moved to Las Vegas.

Right after AGT and before Las Vegas, you came back and performed at Goffstown High School and it was an event, I remember the energy. What are your recollections of that?

We’d been in Los Angeles for a few months filming AGT, and it was a very trying time emotionally for us. When we came back, we thought, we’re just going to do free tickets and we’ll go back to where we started, Goffstown High School, and I’ve always proclaimed that our last show will be at Goffstown High School, it will come full circle. I want my last show to be there, whether it’s this year or next year, the end is coming soon, at least for me, and when that time comes. So the right choice is to go back to Goffstown High School. I remember we said for people to go to Shaw’s for free tickets and my stepmom called to say they had to shut down the road because people couldn’t get tickets. It basically caused traffic jams; it was such a big deal at the time. Nowadays, these reality shows, there’s so many of them, it’s really based on social media anymore. Back then, AGT was getting 24 million viewers a night, it was a big deal. The show was at its apex. We were in one of the biggest seasons, the top three seasons in history of that show. Now hardly anyone even knows it’s happening anymore; it happens so often. But back then it was a year process to find that winner. So it was a big event at Goffstown, I’ll never forget it. It was like the Beatles, the volume of people screaming. It was one of my favorite shows that we’ve ever done. It was a celebration, it was crazy.

How did the Vegas offer happen, and how did you feel about it when it came?

It happened with a guy named Steve Levine, who is VP of ICM, one of the largest agencies, and Steve represents some very profound entertainers, Ellen, Chris Rock, Carrot Top. He’d seen us on AGT and showed up to say, of all the acts that are here, you’re the only one that could actually be a Vegas show. We don’t need a singer; we need someone who is diversified to be a performer. So, at that time, they said ‘we think you can be a Vegas show.’ So within those 48 hours — as you can imagine AGT has 300-page contracts, and Freemantle, which is owned by Simon Cowell, said the only act we are going to sign is RP, and we didn’t want to be signed because we knew we could go to Las Vegas on our own. In order to get out of that contract we said we’d go to Vegas for two months to perform in the AGT Celebrity Show. When that’s done, we want to open up our own show in our own name. Steve Levine brokered that deal with the MGM Grand, and we went and performed for two months like we said we’d do with AGT, and they started to realize in that time frame that some of the other AGT acts weren’t — a lot of these singing acts can be good on TV for two minutes or this guy’s a bow and arrow trickster for two minutes, but they couldn’t diversify. So they started to put RP with those acts. Kevin Skinner, who won, is kind of boring, so they have to put RP as his backing band. Then when that was done, we went to the MGM Grand for a year, and then we moved on to be at the Tropicana for the next six years and ultimately Caesar’s for five years. Once we got to Vegas, we were the only band that owned our own show.

And you were the cheapest when it came to equipment — you could buy it all at Home Depot.

Yes, but the production was not cheap; it took millions of dollars to build these stages. It wasn’t like we were playing bars in Vegas; we were a perennial headline show in big theaters. We did 5,000 shows.

I’d think the amount of time you spent on the road, paying dues and getting your 10,000 hours, made you Vegas-ready.

Once we got to AGT, we were 13 years in, we were prepared. A lot of those acts, they were discovered online, and we were already playing hour-long shows in other places. We knew how to really be prepared to run a show in Vegas. If you look at the shows we did on AGT, they were very complex, and we had to write those in advance. A singer had the whole week to do what? Find a song to sing. We had to write an entire new piece, coming off the ceiling with big water tanks and all that. We had to develop and build these enormously difficult things and that came into play when we went to Las Vegas.

How did Vegas end?

With exhaustion.

Did you decide it was time to go, was it a mutual thing?

It was me. I was dealing with a lot of mental illness at the time, something I’m a big advocate for. It’s something I’ve had to deal with for a long time, but 500 shows a year for 10 years … I wasn’t happy for the last couple of years. It wasn’t anybody’s fault. You also have kids and your family’s always in New Hampshire and you’re like how much longer am I going to be away from them? And my parents, I want my kids to be with their grandparents. It just had run its course. We’ve had multiple offers to go back to Vegas and perform but I don’t have the desire right now.

In the next chapter, Recycled Percussion became focused on philanthropy and helping people out. When did you decide to do that? Was it something you always wanted to do; did you see it growing to that point? What led you into Chaos & Kindness and the charitable things you do for people?

That really started back in Las Vegas. I wrote a book called One Life, One Legacy and the idea was here’s this kid, I didn’t grow up with money and grew up in a small town and didn’t always have the easiest path forward and I found a way to live my dream. I thought this is really cool, I think I can inspire other people to make their dreams come true. I’m a big believer in you only live once, what are you going to do with that life? I came up with this idea of helping people and I found it so rewarding. In Las Vegas it wouldn’t be uncommon on weekends that I’d pick up women and children from homeless shelters and bring them to my house and do pool parties. Every Christmas I’d give toys out to thousands of kids. I would donate thousands of tickets every year to people who couldn’t afford to come to shows, visit hospitals, visit people with cancer. It made me feel more alive, being kind, than even on stage. I kind of think that’s where it started. The Chaos & Kindness brand … we had a TV show that was going to be called Junk Rockers, and it was this idea that A&E was looking at doing on a national level. It was a very unique situation where our entire band, we all live in one house, with our family, wife and kids. I said what about kindness? They said, kindness isn’t going to sell. I said I just want to do this cool thing where half the show is these guys, we’re crazy, we’re in a rock band, we’re the kind of guys who’d go streaking one day and the next go help some guy with cancer. That’s how the idea of Chaos & Kindness came to be. I pitched it to WMUR, I said I’ll do the show for free; I don’t want to get paid for it, you just give me a 7 o’clock time slot and I’ll produce the whole thing myself. We’ve done over 106 episodes, all of them for free.

The production — I imagine it costs you because it’s a very well-produced show.

It does and it’s won over 20 Emmys now, and they’re everywhere. I gave some to my mom and dad. We do it all. I’m very fortunate that I’ve been able to follow my heart. It’s a very personal journey for sure.

What you’ve done with the brand is so impressive. There’s a kid named Viktor who was on the show, he’s autistic and he draws great pictures, which you put on the hoodies and shirts you sell. Was this part of it or did you just realize it would be a good way to raise money to donate to causes?

Chaos & Kindness is our clothing line, it’s more of a way of life that brings a lot of people together. We have a lot of different artists that create stuff for us. Through Covid we were able to keep a lot of print shops and things in business, because 90 percent of our items are made in New Hampshire, printed in New Hampshire, our candles, mugs are all New Hampshire-based companies, so we were able to give a lot of small businesses work. A lot of our random acts of kindness comes from that. Chaos & Kindness is the band, it’s like we wear different hats. They cross into each other a lot. Sometimes I’ll see someone and they’re like oh it’s the guy from Recycled Percussion, or sometimes it’s oh it’s the guy from Chaos & Kindness. They associate us with different things. Chaos & Kindness is so much bigger than us, it’s everybody in our band but it’s also got dozens of employees, we’ve got people with disabilities that work for us that get paid, we’ve got all genders … it’s a lot of different — I don’t even know what Chaos & Kindness is right now, we sell hoodies, we do all kinds of great things, it’s a great business.

What’s your favorite act of kindness of all the ones you’ve done?

One that hits home was there was a man named Michael, he’s passed away. We learned his story, he had terminal cancer, and he had these two amazing young boys, under the age of 10 or 11. We built a life-sized metal statue of him and his kids, and we surprised him and his family with it, and it now resides up in his favorite Chili’s that he used to walk up to in northern New Hampshire. His kids and their mother, Sharon, I still hear from them frequently, go visit often. Stuff like that. We went to Puerto Rico when the hurricane hit, and helped down there, and went to Houston when the hurricane hit there, we wound up literally carrying people out of houses. Sometimes it’s simple acts of kindness, you do something nice for somebody. I just hope people find ways to be kind to each other.

You set a good example. As far as chaos, you find some interesting ways, like having Ryan ride a boogie board on the Merrimack in the cold weather. What other chaotic things stand out? That’s got to be tough, 45 shows in one day, going around the world.

We performed 25 countries in seven days, and that was tough. It was dangerous because we were in Eastern Europe, Ukraine and Romania, those areas. That was kind of challenging. I was buried underground for 24 hours in a wooden box under 20,000 pounds of sand. That was not the greatest of my life, for sure.

One question: Why?

Well, we raised a bunch of money, and took a bunch of kids back-to-school shopping. Which is also great.

People are strange — that would motivate them to donate money, watching someone get buried alive.

Another thing I want to touch on is the return to New Hampshire. You don’t do anything small; you built your own theater in Laconia, The CAKE, for Chaos and Kindness Experience. It’s a great name. What led you to choose Laconia?

Well, I was born in Laconia, I still have a house there. I always found that area to be really beautiful. We’re the only band in the world that owns their own venue. Nobody’s ever done it. It would have made more sense to do it in Boston, a place where there were more people, but we’ve had it great. Every weekend, people come up there, it sells out. What’s really great about it is it’s just like Vegas. My whole idea was can we bring Vegas to a small town. We do about 60 to 80 shows a year ourselves. Can we bring people there? It’s been a rewarding experience. We spent a lot of time and money to build that place, it’s a state-of-the-art venue. I live down in Manchester during the week, because my daughter wants to go to school at Central. So we live here during the week, I go there on the weekends and we still travel and do shows. This is primarily where we’re based now, Manchester and Laconia are where we live.

It’s pretty remarkable … the whole downtown area of Laconia has been revitalized by the arts. Do people come from far-flung places to see you?

Every weekend people come to our show from out of state. It’s like a bucket list for them.

End of year, your residency at Palace is a thing, and a few other places. Tell me about plans for this year.

Yeah, so we’re going to do a record-breaking amount of shows at the Palace this year, 15 shows will take place right after Christmas. They always sell out, there’s always this big energy, this holiday and New Year’s Eve party that goes on for two weeks. We write a whole new show just for that, we take December off and spend three weeks in the creative process. Then we travel around New Hampshire, we go to Keene, Rochester, Lebanon, Claremont, Nashua, we go to some other places too. We basically take two months to travel outside of the CAKE, because Laconia is really busy in the summer. Then we take some time off, write new shows and then open back up. We’re always writing new stuff.

Are you off the road?

No, we still do shows around the country. We just got back from filming a few weeks in Cincinnati, Kentucky….

Chaos and Kindness?

Yeah, but we performed in Alaska a couple of months ago, we performed in Oregon. We go back to Vegas; we can pick and choose a lot. We don’t want to travel as much, but we can if we want to.

Are there other things ahead?

It’s always amazing to me the amount of people that have never seen us live. When we do a show, I’ll ask people, and half the crowd hasn’t seen us. What’s great is we have this show that does well for all ages. I think that’s because we like to pay tribute to a lot of the old classic rock and a lot of our entertainment, our humor is fresher and more exciting. We work seven days a week all year, I literally never stop working. We always believe the next show is better than the one before and I think right now we’re the best we’ve ever been.

Well, I don’t know many people on the planet with the kind of energy you have, Justin. Final question — of all that’s happened, what’s the most surprising to you?

All the friendships I’ve made. I’ve made some very rewarding friendships over the years. I’ve changed a lot as a person, and I have a lot of perspective. That’s the greatest gift, I’ve got great people around me and it’s not any one particular thing that was surprising. Nothing surprises me. We’ve performed at the Grammys, the Super Bowl, TikTok, in 50 countries. That doesn’t move my needle, that’s not what surprises me. But just the relationships we’ve made, with our fans. We have great friendships with our fans, we see a lot of people at a lot of shows, know them by name, know their problems and struggles. It’s great to see those people. Sometimes we don’t see faces and we say where’s that person? That’s probably been what’s most surprising is to have that intimate relationship with our fans.

One more question, because you are such an advocate for mental health. What do you want people to know about that?

I think the world could be a better place in how we think about each other. I think we cast too much judgment, certainly I’ve made million mistakes in my life, and you could judge me, like pretty much anybody in this world. When you have to live with that every day, it’s taxing, and it’s easy to sit behind a keyboard and say things, and those things hurt people. I think we could take a little extra time to realize there are people out there suffering. Going through difficult times. Your comments might make or break their life. Choose wisely. Every day you wake up and have to find that purpose. Money can’t buy you happiness — I’ve tried — or being on stage. You have to be surrounded by people that love and care about you and understand your value, and always be a better version of yourself. Hopefully, it will keep you alive and healthy.

Featured Photo: Courtesy photo.

Local artisans talk about making cool stuff — and how their hobbies became a business

Plus Shop for unique finds at craft fairs

By Angie Sykeny and Renee Merchant
[email protected]

In New Hampshire, the crafting scene is a testament to the passion and persistence of its artisans. From hand-completed diamond paintings to custom maps and repurposed fabric crafts there is a broad range of creations in the craft and fine craft category. These artisans, through a blend of traditional and modern techniques, have successfully bridged the gap between personal hobbies and entrepreneurship, contributing to the state’s vibrant local markets.

Michael Lindskog of Mountain Man Handpan in Milford

See mountainmanhandpan.com.

Describe your craft and what makes it unique.

My craft is taking flat pieces of sheet metal and then turning it into a singing-sound sculpture. The instrument’s uniqueness is, in part, the exclusivity that exists around the instrument. It was invented in the year 2000 in Switzerland. I’m one of only a few hundred makers in the world and the only one in New England. The sound that the instrument brings forth is one that truly has to be experienced in person in order to fully appreciate the acoustic nature of the instrument.

How did you first discover your passion for your craft?

I’m a self-taught musician from the age of 13, and I discovered the handpan in 2007. A friend of mine sent me a video of an instrument I had never seen or heard before. It intrigued me so much that I wanted to find out more about it. Where everyone [who plays] was located at that time … was a place called handpan.org, which is an online forum. Then it took me another several years after that and a long drive before I was able to hear one in person.

Could you walk us through your creative process and share any essential materials or techniques you use when crafting?

The instrument starts as a flat piece of steel, and it’s either hydroformed, air-hammered or pressed with a stamp to create tone fields that are then tuned and balanced … to make the whole instrument a cohesive piece. As far as building goes, it took me four years and thousands of hours to figure out how to do what I do. And really, ‘keep hammering’ was the … best advice I ever have received from other builders because you can’t really relay in words what the steel … can actually teach you about how it needs to be hit. … Just keep hammering and eventually ‘a-ha’ moments come along, and you take those and move on to the next.

Could you describe the process of turning your craft from a hobby into a business?

That’s honestly still a work in progress; 2023 is Mountain Man Handpan’s first business year, and I’ve taken several steps, [like] being juried and accepted into the New Hampshire League of Craftsman and marketing locally … to create more handpan enthusiasts. … We take it one instrument at a time and try to focus more on the quality and longevity of the instrument.

What challenges have you encountered with your craft business and how do you deal with those?

The primary challenge is there are next to no people that have come before me that can teach the way, so to speak. [Creating] an instrument that’s on par with the other best makers in the world is an accomplishment that was really the first major challenge that we’ve overcome.

Nurit Niskala of NuArt Jewelry in Londonderry

See nuritniskala.com and the Bedford High School Handmade Fair on Nov. 12.

Describe your craft and what makes it unique.

My jewelry is created from recycled metal scrap. … The professional old techniques and working by hand, using recycled metal then uplifting the look with patina make the designs stand out.

How did you first discover your passion for your craft?

From a young age I learned from my dad, who is a jeweler himself, how to create metal jewelry. I was drawing and playing with metal and other material from a young age; it’s part of me.

Could you walk us through your creative process and share any essential materials or techniques you use when crafting?

I use patina to uplift the look of my jewelry … using techniques [such as] forging, forming, texturing and shaping according to my inspiration. My pieces have a contemporary tradition of craftsmanship that was passed down to me.

Could you describe the process of turning your craft from a hobby into a business?

The transition from a hobby to a business requires dedication, hard work and a strategic approach. It’s essential to balance your passion for jewelry-making with effective business practices to achieve success. A few steps I went through [are] creating a business plan; opening a business account; and ensuring your jewelry pieces are of high quality and that you have a range of designs.

What challenges have you encountered with your craft business and how do you deal with those?

Marketing has been my most significant challenge. I pour my heart and soul into every piece of jewelry I create, so negativity has had a slight impact on my sense of self. … Creating a professional online presence [through] social media, a website and online marketplaces to showcase and sell your jewelry and networking … [through] craft fairs and local markets or partnering with boutiques or online retailers … is very important.

Amanda Cairns of Pure Pixie Dust in Manchester

See pure-pixie-dust.myshopify.com and the Hudson Fall Into the Holidays Craft & Vendor Fair on Nov. 4.

Describe your craft and what makes it unique.

I make fun beaded items that can be customized for almost any occasion … or theme. These items can include bookmarks, badge reels, pens, keychains, beaded wristlets and more.

How did you first discover your passion for your craft?

I am a serial crafter. I love to try new crafts and fail miserably! I am not an artist by any means, but something about the beaded items allows me to express not only myself but my clients. I love when a client gets a sassy pen that matches their energy, or a teacher gets something special to use that their kids love.

Walk us through your creative process and share any essential materials or techniques you use when crafting.

While I do think I am self-taught, I did a lot of research on where to buy materials such as silicone beads, nylon string, metal keyrings, etc. I also found joining an online community of people who do beaded items was essential to my success. You learn from each other’s failures and success. I started with a wide audience making items for everyone but slowly found my niche with keychains and pens. I like to make items with themes, matching colors and relatable sayings. I cater to my clientele by paying attention to what they like and always taking feedback as a learning opportunity.

What was the process of turning your craft from a hobby into a business?

I am a Disney Travel Agent and wanted to find something special to extend the Disney magic. I began by making Disney themed pens that I sent in my ‘You’re going to Disney’ package. I extended my craft to special keychains and before I knew it I was making bulk orders for companies, selling at vendor fairs, online and on TikTok.

What challenges have you encountered with your craft business and how do you deal with those?

I think competition would be the largest challenge I have faced so far. Vendor fair and craft markets tend to be smaller events, and it’s difficult when you have a similar company to yours selling a few booths over. I remind myself there are hundreds of restaurants in Manchester, some small and some large, but they all have different clientele. It’s their unique style that keeps them in business. I like to think my style and unique clientele does the same.

Alise Philbrick of Alise’s Pieces in Manchester

See AlisesPiecesCo on Etsy and Alises Pieces on Facebook.

Describe your craft and what makes it unique.

I focus on three types of crafts: diamond painting, puzzles and cross stitching. All are hand completed projects by me and are great for gifts. Some are personalized specifically for loved ones, while others strike toward collectors.

How did you first discover your passion for your craft?

I first began my love of puzzles and cross stitching with my grandmother when I was a child.

Walk us through your creative process and share any essential materials or techniques you use when crafting.

Many people love the completed picture regardless of what method of craft. I usually hunt and search for the perfect frame to match the product. I’ve heard that most don’t have the time or can’t see it well enough to complete these items, so now anyone can have something special.

What was the process of turning your craft from a hobby into a business?

About 10 years ago working in the medical field I was helping a resident with a puzzle and saw that she glued hers, framed them and hung them up. So I began doing that with my puzzles. Fast forward to the pandemic: Nursing was brutal and my hobby was always a good way to unwind from stress. I was working on some pattern I had picked up, and a coworker of mine asked if I could make one for her to give her grandmother for Christmas, as she did not have the patience to work with the small fabric and needle and thread. That was my first sale. Later I heard about the success and happiness it brought her grandmother and gave me the idea to offer the completed works for sale. … My fiance came up with the name for the business and has pushed me out of my comfort zone and put more time in advertising and marketing and display. For Christmas he made my first set of business cards and with enough encouragement got me to get a Facebook page and an Etsy page up.

What challenges have you encountered with your craft business and how do you deal with those?

Personal anxieties and fear, and I can only work on it while I’m not working 50 hours a week, plus I also have a 4-year-old — juggling work, home and small business life. Many artisans can sustain themselves off just their small business, but I don’t think mine has gotten to that point yet, nor am I sure I will take it to the next level or what that level might be. Also [challenging is] trying to find craft fairs to join before they are at deadline and avoiding the scammers who post fake fairs.

Kelly Mitchell of The Traveled Lane in Deerfield

See thetraveledlane.com.

Describe your craft and what makes it unique.

I actually don’t love the word ‘craft’ as it tends to make people envision kids with markers and crayons and construction paper. I prefer to use the word ‘art.’ My art is travel- and literary-inspired art, often customized and printed on functional home goods. Most often I create custom maps of places that are special to my customers and then I print these maps on coasters, drinkware or ornaments. In creating my coaster packaging I also created and patented a cork tray that allows four of my coasters to be used either individually or all together in the tray as a trivet while also being functional packaging that displays the artwork.

How did you first discover your passion for your craft?

I did not go to art school but I have a bachelor’s degree in English and I have a love for antique book stores. My husband and I would spend hours early in our marriage exploring dusty bookshelves, and it was on these trips that I began to discover the beauty in vintage maps and old book pages. So when it came to decorating our home I wanted to incorporate my love of literature and the special memories and stories of our favorite travels in our home decor. … I began drawing and painting scenes from the places we loved, sometimes including favorite book quotes to express the memories and stories that were special to us. But I wanted to display this artwork in a way that could be enjoyed in my home in a useful way to remind me of the stories of where we’ve been, who we are and what we love on a daily basis.

Walk us through your creative process and share any essential materials or techniques you use when crafting.

The first step to creating custom map artwork is to try to get as much information as possible about not only the location that my customer desires but also any special landmarks, monuments, scenery, buildings or anything else that is important to my customer. Sometimes I may include a particular quote or maybe a favorite animal from the area and of course there will also be questions about colors and styles to help me better create exactly what they have envisioned. Then I will research the area for the map requested to better get a sense of anything else that might seem special to the area. Then comes the initial drawing, which is done digitally using an iPad using a drawing app and Apple Pencil. My artwork has evolved over the years as technology has evolved. This allows me to create my art quickly and without the mess and cleanup of paint, pens, paper, but it also allows me to share my art easily digitally with customers and make changes quickly and easily if they have revisions or suggestions to better match the picture in their head.

What was the process of turning your craft from a hobby into a business?

I started creating artwork for our own house as a newly married couple and a new mom and then gave them as gifts for family and friends and then eventually realized that I could probably sell it and turn my hobby into a business that would allow me to stay at home with my children when they were little. I opened an online shop and had great success with selling directly to customers online and in person at art fairs. As the years went on I expanded to selling wholesale to local businesses and eventually all over the U.S. to gift shops, boutiques, souvenir shops and art galleries. The business has grown so much that I now sell primarily wholesale business to business.

What challenges have you encountered with your craft business and how do you deal with those?

It is always a challenge to balance work and life when working from home. My business has grown alongside my children over the years and they have had to learn that mom’s studio time is work time. The other challenge that comes with growth is sometimes needing help when my two hands are not enough. If a particularly big order demands all hands on deck, I am able to actually employ my three teen boys to help with product prep, packaging, shipping, delivery and shop maintenance tasks, which allows me more time to create the artwork and still maintain my sanity.

Linda Simpson of Phoenix Creations in Hillsboro

See phoenixcreationsllc.biz and the American Legion Auxilliary Post 59 Fall Craft Fair (Nov. 4) and the Christmas Craft Fair at United Church of Penacook (Nov. 11).

Describe your craft and what makes it unique.

I make a large variety of toys, clothing, housewares and other personal and gift items. Most of the items are made primarily of repurposed and salvaged materials. I believe my craft is unique from other fabric and yarn creators because my main ‘ingredient’ is repurposed materials. I spend almost as much time locating materials to use as I do actually creating the items. The items I make are also from my own imagination more than widely accessible patterns. That’s not to say I never use commercial patterns, but I like to put my own artistic spin on the finished items.

How did you first discover your passion for your craft?

I learned to crochet when I was about 10 years old and started sewing at 12, when I took a home economics class. Once I learned to sew, there was no stopping me. I started making my clothes through high school and creating my own fashion designs. … I did some sewing work for some people in my spare time as a young adult. Once the kids came along, I would make things for them. This is really when I started repurposing clothing into new items — pretty much because that’s what the budget allowed back then. Fast forward to Covid and work furloughs that allowed time to really get back into crafting for fun again. People were looking for someone to make the masks and even the nurse and scrub hats. I had liked the idea that I could help during that time, so I would make masks and caps in exchange for some extra material. Then a sister-in-law asked me to make some pillowcase sundresses for two little girls she was fostering. She gave me more than enough material for what she needed.

Walk us through your creative process and share any essential materials or techniques you use when crafting.

Quite honestly, I’m not sure there is any method to my creative ‘madness.’ I tend to think about something I want to make next. I try to make many different things because I would get too bored if I only worked on one or two basic types of things. I might work on teddy bears for a couple weeks, then move on to tote bags and wallets for a while. I do have some basics that I always try to have in stock, such as teddy bears and tote bags. Generally I like to listen to what event customers mention — things they are looking for or ideas they think would be fun to make.

What was the process of turning your craft from a hobby into a business?

It really started snowballing when I mentioned to a few close friends that I was interested in starting a craft business. These friends had lots of scraps and leftover fabrics and yarns and some other items like bedsheets and pillowcases that they gladly gave me to get started. Remember, at that time [of Covid] lots of people were stuck in their homes and cleaning out their closest and storage areas. I spent a year creating all kinds of things — teddy bears, dolls, hats, aprons, pillows, dresses for kids and adults. … I didn’t have any idea what I was going to do with most of the things I was making. By the time craft fairs were starting up again, I thought I’d try a fair or two and see how it went. Originally I only intended to maybe earn some money back to support my hobby, but as time went on I realized it was time to transition from a hobby into a business. So I did. I still have my ‘real’ job, but now this hobby is my second almost full-time job too.

What challenges have you encountered with your craft business and how do you deal with those?

Lack of time and poor organization are probably the biggest challenges. I seem to always have multiple projects in process and have had to really learn to schedule time. When I was creating as a hobby, I didn’t really put any emphasis on when I would need to finish a piece of work. … Once I really started vending at fairs and events, I did have to schedule my time better. … I realized that I had to organize my materials and supplies better also. Too much time was spent trying to find things. … Figuring out what to charge for the items or services I offer continues to be a challenge. I have been told by friends, family and even customers that I am not charging enough, but I like to keep the prices lower. I’d prefer to see others enjoying the items I make than to have to store them away in buckets and boxes. And since I try to source my materials from things other people no longer want, I’ve been able to do this. Sometimes it is a challenge to find the right materials for something I have been commissioned to make.

Erin Sweeney of Lovely in the Home Press in Hancock

See erinsweeney.net.

Describe your craft and what makes it unique.

Handmade artist’s books, prints, dolls. Lots of different materials and unusual combinations make it unique.

How did you first discover your passion for your craft?

When I was in third grade, I made sculptures from a scrap wood pile at my house during a barn renovation. My dad gave me a hammer and some nails and I got busy. I thought they were so great and gave them all to my mom. I was making from that point on — cards and gifts and hand-lettered signs, paper boxes, wooden paper towel holders. Art and home economics classes in middle school are where I learned to sew. When my high school guidance counselor suggested I look into art school, I couldn’t believe it. I went to Maine College of Art and majored in sculpture, and it was a life-changing experience for me.

Walk us through your creative process and share any essential materials or techniques you use when crafting.

I’m a materials ‘attacker,’ digging in, trying new things and playing with materials as inspiration. I have lots of bits around me and then I start assembling. I don’t usually have a pre-plan, but I like to play with layers and structures and then bring them together in new combinations. I do have a lot of favorite tools, and those are always with me. I have a favorite bone folder that was made by a dear friend, favorite scissors for both paper and fabric, and I have a fantastic paper cutter that made my workshop prep so much easier.

What was the process of turning your craft from a hobby into a business?

It started when I started my workshop business, teaching from my former studio in downtown Peterborough. I hadn’t been that great at selling my work, but my book arts and sculpture workshops started to do well in the years that I was there. Those successes, which led to teaching at other craft schools like Haystack and Maine Media Workshops, made me realize that I could do this more formally. I also really paid attention to what other artists and crafters were doing when I took their workshops, learning from what they were doing as well.

What challenges have you encountered with your craft business and how do you deal with those?

Accessing information around business practices, insurance needs, taxes, etc. It’s been a learning curve, but there are lots of resources available — seek them out. I hadn’t taken any business courses in college, but in grad school we talked a lot about living as an artist and business person and figured out business plans, grant writing, keeping really good records and being a part of your community. There have been a lot of people in my area who offer advice and their experience for me to learn from, and it’s been really helpful. My focus now is to try to find some new venues to sell my work. I recently moved my studio to Hancock and was confronted by just how much stuff I have and have made. Time to move it on!

Craft & artisan fairs

It’s craft fair season! Find craft and holiday fairs most weekends now through mid-December-ish. Here are some of the fairs on the schedule. If you know of a craft fair, let us know at [email protected].

• Fall Craft Fair agt the American Legion Auxilliary Post 59 (538 W. Main St. in Hillsborough) will take place Saturday, Nov. 4, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• The 23rd Annual Merrimack KofC Craft Fair is on Friday, Nov. 3, from 5 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 4, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Mastricola Upper Elementary School (26 Baboosic Lake Road, Merrimack). The fair will host more than 40 crafters showcasing a diverse array of handmade crafts. Admission to the event is free. Visit olmnh.org/kofc.

• The Tilton Silver Bells Craft Fair is on Saturday, Nov. 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 5, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Tanger Outlets (120 Laconia Road, Tilton). The fair will host more than 90 arts and crafts exhibitors showcasing a wide variety of items including chainsaw wood carvings, cedar wood furniture, hand-painted glassware, maple syrups, pottery, leather jewelry, gourmet foods, children’s toys, and much more. Attendees can also enjoy demonstrations, face painting and a selection of gourmet foods. The event is set to proceed rain or shine with free admission. Visit joycescraftshows.com/silver-bells-craft-fair-at-tanger-2023.

• The Shop Til You Drop Craft Fair Fundraiser is on Saturday, Nov. 4, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the James W. Foley Memorial Community Center (150 Wakefield St., Rochester). This event is hosted by the Granite State Choral Society, a community-based non-auditioned singing group. Attendees can browse a range of items from local crafters and vendors, including jewelry, artwork, knit/crochet items, soaps, ornaments, essential oils, jams, cosmetics, sweet treats and more. Admission is free, with no tickets required. Visit gschoral.org.

• The Hampstead Craft Fair is on Saturday, Nov. 4, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Hampstead Middle School (School Street, Hampstead). The fair will feature nearly 80 crafters and artists presenting and selling their creations. Attendees can also expect children’s activities and food options. Visit hampsteadmothersclub.org/34th-annual-craft-fair.

• The Raymond Fall Craft Fair is on Saturday, Nov. 4, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Raymond High School Cafeteria and Gymnasium (45 Harriman Hill Road, Raymond). More than 50 vendors will be present offering items such as jewelry, artwork, bath and beauty products, candles, ceramics, pottery, woodworking, clothing and more. Additionally, attendees can explore a range of crafts including crochet, embroidery, knitting, needlecraft and quilts as well as dolls, miniatures, furniture, housewares, paper goods, photography, vintage items, toys, books and accessories. Admission and parking are both free. Visit facebook.com/troop101craftfair.

• The Northwood Holiday Craft Fair is on Saturday, Nov. 4, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Gerrish Gym at Coe-Brown Northwood Academy (907 First NH Turnpike, Northwood). The fair will host an array of crafters and artisans selling a variety of wares. Visit coebrown.org/craft-fair.

• The Goffstown Fall Craft Fair is on Saturday, Nov. 4, and Sunday, Nov. 5, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day at the Mountain View Middle School (41 Lauren Lane, Goffstown). Attendees will find a variety of crafters and vendors selling their wares. A food truck will be on site. Admission is $3, with children under 12 entering for free. Visit e-clubhouse.org/sites/goffstown.

• The Girl Scout Craft Fair is on Saturday, Nov. 4, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Bedford Presbyterian Church (4 Church Road, Bedford). Explore a range of crafts and support the local Girl Scouts.

• Star Events Fall Into the Holidays Craft & Vendor Fair will take place Saturday, Nov. 4, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hudson Memorial School. See facebook.com/stareventsnh.

• The Craftworkers’ Guild in Bedford (5 Meetinghouse Road in Bedford, the building at the bottom of the library parking lot; thecraftworkersguild.org) will open a Veterans Day Weekend pop-up shop Friday, Nov. 10, through Sunday, Nov. 12, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily as well as online.

• The St. Ignatius Spirit of Christmas Fair will be held on Friday, Nov. 10, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 11, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish Holy Trinity Church (404 High St. in Somersworth) featuring sales by artisans, a penny sale, raffles, jewelry, a cookie carousel, baked goods, Christmas decorations and more, according to the church bulletin available via stignatius-stmary.org.

• The Pleasant View Retirement Community (270 Pleasant St. in Concord) will hold an indoor craft fair on Saturday, Nov. 11, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. featuring baked goods, handmade items and more, according to a Facebook post

• The Bow Snowman Fair is on Saturday, Nov. 11, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Bow Mills United Methodist Church (505 South St., Bow) featuring crafts and handmade goods as well as food.Visit bowmillsumc.org.

• St. Paul’s United Methodist Church (335 Smyth Road in Manchester) will hold a craft fair on Saturday, Nov. 11, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. with crafts, a cookie walk, a bake sale, a children’s table and more, according to a press release.

• The Gilford Fall Craft Fair is on Saturday, Nov. 11, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Gilford Youth Center (19 Potter Hill Road, Gilford). The event will feature more than 50 vendors. Concessions will be available. Admission is free. Visit gilfordyouthcenter.com/lr-fall-craft-fair.

• Memorial High School (1 Crusader Way in Manchester) will hold a craft fair Saturday, Nov. 11, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., according to posts by participants.

• The United Church of Penacook (21 Merrimack St.) will hold its Christmas Craft Fair Saturday, Nov. 11, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. See ucpnh.org.

• The Meredith Holiday Craft Fair is on Saturday, Nov. 11, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church (300 Route 25, Meredith). Visitors can explore a wide range of unique crafts and one-of-a-kind homemade gifts. Visit stcharlesnh.org/events/craft-fair.

• Pure Springs Church in Raymond and the RayFre Senior Center (64 Main St. in Raymond) will hold a Christmas Craft Fair on Saturday, Nov. 11, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the center.

• The Seacoast Artisans Holiday Fine Arts and Crafts Show will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 11, at Great Bay Community College at the Pease Trade Port in Portsmouth. Admission costs $6 (kids 14 and under get in for free). See seacoastartisansshows.com.

• Saint Kathryn Parish (4 Dracut Road in Hudson; stkathryns.org) will hold its annual Christmas Bazaar and Penny Sale on Saturday, Nov. 11, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 12, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The fair will include raffles, bake sale, crafts, a scavenger hunt and photos with Santa, according to the website.

• The Bedford Handmade Fair is on Sunday, Nov. 12, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Bedford High School (47B Nashua Road, Bedford). The event will host local artists and artisans selling one-of-a-kind products and unique holiday gifts. Admission is free. Visit sites.google.com/bedfordnhk12.net/bedfordhandmade.

• Thorton’s Ferry School (134 Camp Sargent Road in Merrimack; 889-1577) will hold its 41st Holiday Craft Fair with more than 80 crafters and vendors on Saturday, Nov. 18, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a raffle room and silent auction, concession cafe, bake sale and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., according to pttf-events.com

• Lil Iguana (liliguanausa.org/craft-fair) will hold its annual craft fair at Nashua High School North (8 Titan Way) on Saturday, Nov. 18, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free and the event features more than 100 crafters, vendors and area businesses as well as raffles, according to the website.

• The 12th annual Meredith Community Holiday Craft Fair is on Saturday, Nov. 18, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Meredith Community Center (One Circle Drive, Meredith). The event will showcase more than 30 vendors with crafts as well as a bake sale, slow cooker luncheon items for sale, raffles and more. Visit meredithnh.org/parks-recreation/pages/2023-craft-fair.

• Deerfield’s Holiday Craft Fair will take place Saturday, Nov. 18, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Deerfield Community Church (15 Church St.), according to deerchurch.org.

• The Hampton Holly Berry Fair is on Saturday, Nov. 18, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Trinity Episcopal Church (200 High St., Hampton). Visit trinityhampton.org.

• St. Patrick Church (34 Amherst St. in Milford) will hold a craft fair Saturday, Nov. 18, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. In addition to crafts, the event will include a silent auction, a raffle, a bake sale and food concessions, according to saintpatrickmilfordnh.org.

• The First Parish Church (47 E. Derry Road in Derry; 434-0628) will hold its annual Sugar Plum Fair Saturday, Nov. 18, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., according to fpc-ucc.org. The day will include live music, lunch, a white elephant sale, raffles and a cookie walk, according to a church Facebook post.

• The 44th annual Bow PTO Craft Fair is on Saturday, Nov. 18, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 19, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Bow High School (55 Falcon Way, Bow). The event will host more than 150 artists displaying and selling their unique handmade artwork and crafts. Admission is $5. Visit bowpto.org/craft-fair.

• The Hampstead Christmas Fair is on Saturday, Nov. 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at PhanZone Sports Center (142 Route 111, Hampstead). The event will feature more than 100 vendors selling a variety of items. Visit facebook.com/stareventsnh.

• The Great New England Holiday Arts and Crafts Show is on Saturday, Nov. 18, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 19, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Rim Sports Complex (311 Winnacunnet Road, Hampton). Shop more than 125 local specialty food vendors, craftsmen and artisans showcasing their handmade products. The event will also feature holiday music, door prizes, demos, food samples, food trucks and holiday cocktails. Visit gnecraftartisanshows.com/seacoast-holiday-hampton.

• The Portsmouth Holiday Arts Tour will take place at seven Portsmouth studios featuring 15 artists on Saturday, Nov. 18, and Sunday, Nov. 19, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Find the map at portsmouthartstour.com.

• The Salem Holiday Psychic and Craft Fair is on Sunday, Nov. 19, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Derry-Salem Elks No. 2226 (39 Shadow Lake Road, Salem). The event will feature more than 30 vendors, including readers, crafters and artists. Discover unique hand-crafted gifts, psychic readings, healing, aura photography and more. Visit facebook.com/CAYAHealing.

• The Peterborough Holiday Craft Fair is on Sunday, Nov. 19, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Conval High School Gym (184 Hancock Road, Peterborough). Visit cvhs.convalsd.net.

• The Craftworkers’ Guild in Bedford (5 Meetinghouse Road in Bedford, the building at the bottom of the library parking lot; thecraftworkersguild.org) will open its annual Holiday Fair Shop Friday, Nov. 24, through Wednesday, Dec. 22, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily as well as online.

• The Exeter Holiday Parade Committee will present a craft fair on Saturday, Nov. 25, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Exeter Town Hall, both floors, according to the organizer’s Facebook post. See exeternhholidayparade.com.

• The Nashua Holiday Stroll Craft Fair is on Saturday, Nov. 25, from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Gym Entrance on Main Street across from City Hall (29 Spring St., Nashua). Visit downtownnashua.org/holidaystroll.

• The Milford Holiday Craft Fair, benefiting veterans, is on Sunday, Nov. 26, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Milford VFW (1 VFW Way, Milford). Santa and the Grinch will be available for free pictures. The fair will host numerous crafters and vendors. Admission is free. Visit facebook.com/nevendorevents.

• The Contoocook Artisans Holiday Fair will take place Friday, Dec. 1, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 2, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the American Legion Post No. 81 (E.R. Montgomery Event Center, 169 Bound Tree Road in Contoocook). Contact [email protected].

• High Mowing School (77 Pine Hill Drive, Wilton) holds its annual Pine Hill holiday fair with an artisan market for adults on Friday, Dec. 1, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. and family festivities on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visit pinehill.org.

• The Winter Giftopolis by the Concord Arts Market will be on Friday, Dec. 1, from 5 to 11 p.m. during Intown Concord’s Midnight Merriment, at the Atrium at 7 Eagle Square. See concordartsmarket.net.

• The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Milford (20 Elm St. in Milford; uucm.org) will hold a holiday fair on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. featuring handcrafted items, a bake shop and more, according to uucm.org/community/holiday-fair-2023.

• Arlington Street United Methodist Church (63 Arlington St., Nashua; asumc.org, 882-4663) holds its Holly Town Fair Saturday, Dec. 2, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. featuring vendors with handmade items, crafts, candies, baked goods and a cookie walk and lunches from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., according to the website.

• The Amherst Lions Club holds its Craft Fair Saturday, Dec. 2, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Amherst Middle School (14 Cross Road), according to e-clubhouse.org/sites/amherstnh.

• The Somersworth Festival Association will host a Holiday Craft Fair on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Somersworth High School (11 Memorial Drive in Somersworth) according to nhfestivals.org.

• The 34th annual Christmas in Strafford, an event featuring 29 locations and more than 50 artists and craftspeople, runs Saturday, Dec. 2, and Sunday, Dec. 3, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days; see the map at christmasinstrafford.com.

• The Unitarian Universalist Church of Manchester (669 Union St. in Manchester; uumanchester.org) will hold its annual Holiday Gift Faire on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Star Events Holiday Craft & Vendor Fair will take place Saturday, Dec. 2, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Tabernacle Baptist Church (Route 102 on the Hudson/Litchfield line). Seefacebook.com/stareventsnh.

• The Concord Arts Market is hosting its annual Holiday Arts Market on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Kimball Jenkins School of Art (266 N. Main St.). See concordartsmarket.net

• Caya Reiki & Healing (caya-healing.square.site) will hold a Gingerbread Craft Market & Psychic Fair on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Derry-Salem Elks Lodge (39 Shadow Lake Road in Salem) featuring more than 30 vendors and artisans, according to the website.

• New England Vendor Events will host a Nashua Holiday Craft Fair on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Hunt Memorial Library in Nashua, according to a post at facebook.com/nevendorevents.

• The Grinnell School PTA will hold a Holiday Craft Fair at Grinnell Elementary School (6 Grinnell Road in Derry) on Saturday, Dec. 2, from noon to 4 p.m., according to a PTA facebook post.

• The Bishop Brady Craft Fair will take place Saturday, Dec. 9, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Bishop Brady High School (25 Columbus Ave. in Concord). See bishopbrady.edu.

• Head to the DoubleTree Hilton (2 Somerset Plaza, Nashua) for the Holly Jolly Craft Fair on Saturday, Dec. 9, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be more than 75 artisans there selling their holiday wares. Visit joycescraftshows.com.

• The New Hampshire Audubon’s Holiday Craft Fair will take place on Saturday, Dec. 9, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the NH Audubon McLane Center (84 Silk Farm Road in Concord; nhaudubon.org).

• The Very Merry Holiday Gift Festival will take place Saturday, Dec. 9, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 10, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown Hotel (700 Elm St. in Manchester), according to verymerryfestival.com. Admission to the event, a revamping of the Made in New England Expo, costs $7 ($6 for 65+ and kids 14 and under get in free).

• Caya Reiki & Healing (caya-healing.square.site) will hold a Winter Wonderland Craft Market & Psychic Fair on Saturday, Dec. 9, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hooksett American Legion Post 37 (5 Riverside St. in Hooksett), according to the website.

• The Wrong Brain Holidaze Bizaare (facebook.com/wrongbrain) will take place Saturday, Dec. 9, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at North Country Hard Cider (38 Littleworth Road in Dover). Admission costs $1, according to the Facebook post.

• New England Vendor Events will host a Hudson Holiday Craft Fair on Saturday, Dec. 9, from noon to 5 p.m., according to a post at facebook.com/nevendorevents.

• The Nashua Holiday Craft & Vendor Festival Fair will be held Saturday, Dec. 16, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Eagles Wing BingoHall at 10 Spruce St. in Nashua, according to the Bazaar Craft Fairs Facebook post.

• New England Vendor Events will host a Manchester Holiday Craft Fair on Saturday, Dec. 16, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Club Canadian (128 S. Main St. in Manchester) featuring pictures with Santa and the Grinch, according to a post at facebook.com/nevendorevents.

Featured Photo: Courtesy photo.

Exciting new adventures in graham cracker, marshmallow and chocolate

S’mores seem like a good bet.

They only have three ingredients. You have access to sticks. And even though the leaves have turned and the nights are cold, s’mores, with their accompanying campfire, give you a good reason to keep the deck furniture out a few more weeks. What could possibly go wrong?

Aw, jeez, I just jinxed it, didn’t I? Now even roasting marshmallows seems like too much to wrap your head around. OK, let’s break this down to its essential components: graham crackers, marshmallows, chocolate and fire. We’ll ease into it.

The Graham Crackers

Graham crackers are a good place to start. They were designed to be non-threatening. They were invented by the followers of Sylvester Graham, a 19th-century preacher and nutritionist, who was convinced that white flour, sugar and meat of any kind led to poor health and impure thoughts. If you think that you wouldn’t have been likely to get along with him, an angry mob of bakers and butchers in 1837 Boston would agree with you. They laid siege to his hotel while he was on a speaking tour, and were only dispersed when Graham and his followers dropped bags of cement on them from the hotel roof.

Commercial graham crackers, the ones we remember from kindergarten, are delicious, inexpensive and easily available, so who would make them from scratch?

You would. As long as you don’t expect perfection.

Lindsey Bangs, the baker of I Whisked It, a homestead bakery in Raymond, says that the secret is rolling the dough to a consistent thickness.

“If you don’t get the dough completely even, the edges will be a little crispy while the center isn’t done yet.”

This isn’t a huge problem for home bakers but would be a logistical headache for a commercial baker, which is why you don’t see house-baked graham crackers in bakeries very often, she says. But making them yourself also allows you to take some liberties in how you flavor them — adding cardamom, or even a little black pepper.

“Adding more cinnamon would really bump the flavor profile up,” Bangs says.

She likes her marshmallows gently toasted and golden brown.

Homemade Graham Crackers

Lindsey isn’t kidding about how fiddly graham crackers can be. They are straightforward enough to make at home, but making them professionally would be like juggling ice cubes. If you follow each step, though, you will be very pleased with the result.

A note on substitutions:

When making comfort foods, it is very tempting to jazz up a recipe. By their nature, comfort foods are basic; they are there to comfort, not to inspire or excite or intrigue the eater. This is why there are so many recipes and articles about mashed potatoes. Everyone wants to mess with them, but when someone is burned out from work or nursing a broken heart or feeling homesick, they do not want blue cheese in their mashed potatoes.

Most of the ingredients in this recipe lend themselves to intriguing substitutions. I would recommend restraint; feel free to change one ingredient. More than that will muddle the flavor of your graham crackers. Even one substitution will probably get you a pointed comment from a graham cracker purist.

• 1 cup (113 g) Whole wheat flour – You could use stone-ground whole wheat flour for this, but that would be your one substitution.
• 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour – Don’t experiment with this; you don’t want to toughen or soften the texture of your graham crackers by using bread or pastry flour.
• ¼ cup (50 g) white sugar – or brown sugar, or maple syrup, but that would be your one substitution.
• ½ teaspoon salt – I like kosher salt, but again, well, you know.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – I like smoked cinnamon.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder – There isn’t really a substitution here, but did you know that you should replace your baking powder every six months? Weird.
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup (50 g) vegetable oil – or hazelnut oil
• ¼ cup (85 g) honey – or hot honey
• 2-3 Tablespoons (28-43 g) milk
• more milk to make cinnamon sugar cling to the top of your crackers
• cinnamon sugar for topping (optional)

In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients – the flours, salt, cinnamon, and baking powder.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients – the sugar, egg, oil, honey, and milk. I don’t know why sugar is considered a wet ingredient, but it is, and it works better when you treat it that way. Chemistry is weird.

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ones, then stir to combine. You might have to knead the dough a little to bring it together.

Wrap the dough, and chill it for at least an hour.

Preheat your oven to 300º (150º C).

Divide the graham cracker dough in half.

Roll each batch of dough to 1/16 inch thick. It is important that the dough is consistently thick. Is there an easy way to do that? And how thick is 1/16 inch, anyway?

Here’s how you’re going to preserve your sanity. Lay down a sheet of parchment paper, and weigh it down with half your dough. Flatten it out a little with the heels of your hands. It turns out that the wire in most clothes hangers is made of 12-gauge steel, 1/16 of an inch thick. Place a clothes hanger on either side of your dough, then cover everything with another layer of parchment paper.

Using the wire as a guide, roll the dough out as thick as the hangers. As you get your dough thinner and thinner, each end of your rolling pin will rest on one of the hangers.

Peel the top layer of parchment paper from each batch, then slide the bottom layer onto a baking sheet, then repeat the whole process with the other half of the dough.

If you are going the cinnamon-sugar route, brush each sheet of dough with milk, and sprinkle it with the cinnamon-sugar.

Bake the sheets of dough for five minutes, rotate them, then bake them for another five minutes.

Remove each sheet from the oven and cut to shape with a bench scraper or a pizza cutter.

Return the dough to the oven, and bake for another 20 minutes or so.

This is the part that seems really fiddly, but it’s important if you want your graham crackers to be crisp and not bendy:

Turn off the heat, and open the oven door all the way. Let it cool for five minutes, then close the door again, and let the crackers cool in the oven for another 20 minutes.

Transfer the graham crackers to a cooling rack. At this point they are exquisitely crispy. They should stay crispy, though not crunchy, for a couple of days, depending on how humid the air is. If you have any of those “Do Not Eat” dehydration packets saved, put those with the crackers in an air-tight container, and maybe store them in your refrigerator, which is the driest place in your kitchen.

So, the natural question: Is making your own graham crackers worth the trouble?

First of all, the number of steps involved is misleading. Tying your shoes or organizing your sock drawer would probably involve 72 separate steps if you broke it down. None of these graham cracker steps is very complicated. I know that there are days when you feel like opening an oven door is at the outer limit of your ability, but you can totally do this.

Secondly, these are delicious. Most of us have never had a thoroughly crisp graham cracker, warm from the oven. It is warm, but crunchy, gently sweet, but with tiny bursts of salt, and — depending on how well you were able to restrain yourself — with a little something extra.

This recipe is based on one from King Arthur Flour, my first stop when looking for any baking recipe. Their recipes are pretty much bullet-proof, but here’s something that even they won’t tell you: Flip a warm-from-the-oven graham cracker upside-down, and smear the bottom with butter. It is the most decadent legal experience you are ever likely to have.

The Marshmallows

When it comes to marshmallows, Sherrie Paltrineri knows what she’s talking about. She runs Sweet & Sassy, a small candy company specializing in pre-made s’mores. It’s fair to say that she’s not a s’more purist.

“Right now we’re making s’mores with up to 12 flavor profiles per week,” she says. “As we get into the fall season, we have pumpkin spice, of course, but we play around with Dark Chocolate with Raspberries, Orange Cranberry, and even Mochaccino.” According to Paltrineri, the surprise sleeper hit of this past summer was made with root beer flavored marshmallows.

She likes her marshmallows completely torched. “I love them burned; I want them to go up in flames,” she says.

Cooking with Marshmallows

There are a lot of people who will assure you that making your own marshmallows from scratch is relatively easy and very rewarding. I am not saying that those people are wrong, but my most recent attempt at home marshmallowing went badly. The term “fiasco” is too kind to describe it accurately.

I am not saying not to try it. There are many very nice instructors who can walk you step-by-step through the process — Martha Stewart springs to mind — but they could speak to this much more authoritatively than I can.

But is there a marshmallow-forward recipe that we can tackle that will help guide you toward s’morehood?

As it turns out, there is:

Toasted Marshmallow Ice Cream

• 1 10-ounce bag of mini marshmallows
• 4 egg yolks
• pinch of kosher salt
• ½ cup (99 g) white sugar
• 3 cups (735 ml) half and half
• 2 teaspoons vanilla

Toast the marshmallows under the broiler in your oven, or with a blowtorch, either one of the tiny kitchen ones or a regular no-pretense plumber’s blowtorch from a home center. (I like the one with a pistol grip; it has a great sound. Hissssssss, click, WHUMP!) The torch will allow you to get a little more variety in how dark you toast the marshmallows, but in any case, if you prefer them toasted a gentle golden brown, cook them a little darker than you might otherwise do. The ice cream base will dilute the flavor slightly, and a darker marshmallow will bring more marshmallow flavor.

Combine egg yolks, salt, sugar and cream in a small saucepan.

Heat, whisking, until the mixture reaches 175ºF/80ºC.

Strain the hot mixture over 2/3 of the toasted marshmallows. Add the vanilla, and whisk the mixture until it is as smooth as it’s going to get. Do not let this step worry you; clumps of semi-melted marshmallows in this ice cream is not a bad thing.

Chill the mixture for at least three hours or overnight, then churn according to your ice cream maker’s manufacturer’s instructions.

When spooning the soft-serve-textured ice cream into containers, layer with the remaining toasted marshmallows, before hardening it off in the freezer.

Even die-hard marshmallow fans will admit that they can be a little (unrelentingly) sweet. This ice cream carries the toasted marshmallow flavor gently, in a just-sweet-enough base. The flavor is delicate enough that you will probably not want to eat this with any topping that might overpower it.

This is a definite winner.

The Chocolate

Let’s face it: It’s the chocolate that makes or breaks a s’more. The graham cracker provides texture, and the marshmallow provides sweet stickiness, but it is the chocolate that sets the tone for the whole enterprise.

Should you go with a classic milk chocolate, or something darker? Should you let it melt completely, or let your marshmallow cool a little so you still have some resistance to your teeth? Should you use a classic American candy bar or something a little shmancy?

According to Jeffrey Bart, the owner of the Granite State Candy Shoppe in Concord and Manchester, most people don’t put enough thought into this.

“Many times, someone will just break up a chocolate bar and hope for the best,” he says. His suggestion is to either use two types of chocolate or to finely chop some, but not all, of the chocolate, and use both in a s’more. The little pieces, having more surface area, will melt easily. “That hits the perfect ratio of totally melted and fused with the graham cracker,” he says, “and something to still bite into.”

He prefers his marshmallow gently toasted.

“I’m of the Low and Slow camp,” Bart says.

Rob Delaney and Maggie Pritty of Worldwide Chocolate in Brentwood agree that texture is important but stress the importance of picking the right flavor profile.

“Personally I’d go with a dark milk chocolate,” Delaney says, “which is not a thing that a lot of people are even aware exists.” He says that some dark milk chocolate can have as high a cocoa percentage as 55 to 70 percent, as opposed to the usual 35 percent or so for a typical grocery store chocolate bar. “That would have that milky, caramelly character, without being so sweet.”

Pritty stresses the importance of reading the label on a bar of chocolate. “Make sure to look at the ingredients,” she says. “You want to see that it’s made with cocoa butter and sugar, not hydrogenated palm oil or anything like that.”

She likes her marshmallows dark brown but not quite burnt.

So is there something chocolate-forward and s’moresy that will build your confidence back up?

Yes. Yes, there is.

Dark Chocolate Cheesecake with Graham Cracker Crust and Toasted Marshmallow

Crust

• 403 g graham cracker crumbs – this is almost exactly equal to one box of graham crackers
• 4 Tablespoons (56 g) butter, melted – this is half a stick

Cheesecake Filling

• 24 ounces (678 g) cream cheese, room temperature – this is three 8-ounce packages
• 1 cup (207 g) sugar
• 6 Tablespoons (43 g) dark cocoa powder
• 1 cup (230 g) sour cream, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 8 ounces (227 g) dark chocolate, melted and slightly cooled
• 4 eggs, room temperature

Marshmallow Topping

• 1 7.5-ounce jar of marshmallow cream

Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9-inch (23 cm) springform pan with parchment paper in the bottom and grease the sides.

Combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a small bowl. Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of the springform pan. It will seem like too much crust, until it doesn’t.

Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool

Put your chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl, and heat, 15 seconds at a time, to melt it. Stop when it still has a few lumps. If you stir it at that point, everything will melt without getting too hot.

Cover the outside of the pan with aluminum foil. This is to more-or-less waterproof it, when it goes into a water bath. (Yes, there will be a water bath. Don’t panic. As the Winter Warlock® once put it, put one foot in front of the other.)

Reduce the oven temperature to 300°F (148°C).

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar and cocoa until completely combined. If you use an electric mixer, use your lowest speed for this. Because Reasons.

Add the sour cream and vanilla, then mix to incorporate them.

Add the melted chocolate in three parts, stirring to combine each time.

Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing after each addition.

When everything is completely combined, pour the cheesecake batter into your foiled-up springform pan.

This is where the water bath comes in. In old recipes, it will be called a bain marie. Put your foiled-up pan inside a larger pan, maybe a turkey-roasting pan. (If, like me, you don’t have a pan that big, use your largest non-melty mixing bowl.) Gently fill the larger pan or bowl with hot water that reaches about halfway up the side of your springform pan.

Bake for about 70 minutes. Don’t panic and open the door too much. The whole reason for the water bath is to provide gentle steady heat to your cheesecake. It will have your back for one or two viewings, but try to exercise some restraint. Set a timer, and go clean out your refrigerator. You will not believe what there is in there.

After your timer goes off, check on your cheesecake. It shouldn’t be ready yet, but it will have a nice skin on top of it and be a little wiggly in the middle. Turn the oven off, but leave the cheesecake inside with the door closed, to finish cooking gently. Leave it for another hour.

When the oven is much cooler and your cheesecake has an internal temperature of 150º-175º F (65º-80º C), remove it from the oven, and let it cool on your countertop, then refrigerate for three to five hours or overnight.

When your cheesecake is completely cooled and firm, take it out of the refrigerator and de-pan it. You will rightfully feel proud.

But you’re not done yet.

Coat the top of the cheesecake with marshmallow cream. Use your own judgment as to how much you want to use.

Toast the marshmallow layer. Yes, you could do this under your broiler, but I prefer to use a blowtorch, either one of the mini ones designed for kitchen use or a plumber’s torch from the hardware store.

Serve immediately. If you aren’t serving a dozen people — though if you aren’t, why aren’t you? — wait until service before topping each slice with Fluff individually, then torch it in front of your guests, which is probably more dramatic anyway.

Much like a s’more, this is a very rich, deeply chocolatey treat. Even if you are a “more is more”-type person, you might want to start with a small slice of this. Its intense chocolateness is balanced by the sour tang of the cream cheese and sour cream, but it is still very, very rich. If you wanted to freeze this (and why wouldn’t you?) small slices might be even better.

The Fire

The only element left to discuss is the fire.

Yes, you could toast your marshmallow over the last coals in a charcoal grill, or even a gas one. In an emergency, you could toast it over one of the front burners in your kitchen, especially if you have a gas stove.

But half the experience of making s’mores is navigating actual flames — flirting with disaster, if you are a gently-toasted-golden-brown person, or plunging your marshmallow into the heart of the flame if you belong to the go-for-broke, fully-torched school of marshmallow toasting.

The key to a good marshmallow fire, according to 15-year-old Eagle Scout candidate Hailey Hansen, is starting small: “When I make a fire, I like to make a log-cabin fire, with sticks stacked like walls to a house, but you have to start from the bottom first, with tinder, then kindling, and larger and larger sticks, before you get to that stage.”

She says that coals are better for any campfire cooking, as they provide a steady, dependable heat, which lets a marshmallow roaster confidently choose how done they want to roast their marshmallow, but it’s not a binary situation:

“Your fire doesn’t have to be all coals. You can have half with flames, but let the other half burn down to safer” — by this, she clearly means “old person” — “coals,” she says.

Hailey likes her marshmallows golden brown and crispy but thoroughly melted inside.

At this point you must be feeling pretty confident s’mores-wise. If you can handle that cheesecake, you can host a s’mores party with one hand tied behind your back. But maybe you would like one more easy recipe to keep you bucked up until then. Is there an easy recipe that you can make to keep everyone on a short leash until it’s actually S’mores Time?

As a matter of fact, yes, there is.

S’mores Candy

• Some marshmallows — the big ones, the mini ones, whatever you have around
• Some graham crackers — you know you’re going to have to buy a new box, anyway, so you might as well use up what you have handy at the moment
• Some peanut butter — all natural, or the kind that children actually like, it’s up to you.
• Some chocolate — any chocolate: white, milk, dark, whatever you have stashed away in that cupboard that the kids can’t reach.

Crush the graham crackers into crumbs. A food processor is good for this.

Mix the crumbs with peanut butter — however much it takes to make a nice, stiff dough. You will almost certainly start doing this with a spoon, but almost as certainly end up mushing it altogether with your hands. You decide when it is the right consistency; this is one final exercise to get in touch with your s’mores instincts.

Melt the chocolate in your microwave. (See cheesecake recipe, above)

If you are using large marshmallows, cut them into quarters or eighths. If you are using mini-marshmallows, just let them be themselves.

Coat the marshmallows with the peanut butter dough you just made. You will probably need to play with it in your hands a little, before it reaches the consistency you want, and more-or-less covers the marshmallow. This doesn’t have to be perfect (because of the next step).

Drop the marshmallow/graham cracker/peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, and then roll it around with a fork, until it is completely coated.

Remove the candy from the melted chocolate with your fork, then gently place it on a plate covered with a piece of waxed or parchment paper.

Repeat this until you run out of an ingredient. Don’t worry if you have some left over; any extra will mysteriously disappear.

Refrigerate the candies for at least 20 minutes. They are very good with tea.

Putting It All Together

At this point you might expect step-by-step instructions on how to make s’mores, but that would be silly. You have known how to make a s’more since you were 5 years old. It was probably the first food you learned to cook. It is less complicated to put together than toast.

Step 1: Toast a marshmallow

Step 2: Put a piece of chocolate on half a graham cracker, then sandwich the marshmallow between the two cracker halves.

(I do have a preference for Mexican chocolate — the gritty stone-ground kind — but when I mentioned this to our three chocolate experts, they stared at me in shock, then started to speak to me in very small words, so use whatever kind suits you personally.)

However, I do have one final recipe:

S’mores Martini

Graham Cracker Vodka

• 1 sleeve (135 g) graham crackers
• 3 cups 80-proof inexpensive vodka

Combine graham crackers and vodka in a blender. Blend at whatever speed pleases you for about one minute. Feel free to chuckle evilly as the graham crackers meet their fate.

Pour into a wide-mouthed, air-tight jar.

Store in a warm, dark place for a week, shaking twice daily.

This is really important: On Day 7, DO NOT SHAKE THE JAR.

Gently pour the clear liquid through a fine-meshed strainer, let it settle, then pour it through a coffee filter, into a labeled bottle.

Chocolate Vodka

This is very similar to the previous recipe.

• ¼ cup/1 ounce/30 g cocoa nibs. Cocoa nibs are the raw ingredient for chocolate-making. You can find them in an upmarket grocery store or online. I like ones from Guittard. They come with this warning: “May contain shell, kernel, plant material or other material from the growing process. Inspect or re-clean before using. This is not a Ready-to-eat food.” In other words, just exactly what we’re looking for in this application.
• 2 cups middle-shelf vodka

Combine the cocoa nibs and vodka in a large wide-mouthed jar, seal, shake vigorously, then place in the basement or under the sink, with the graham cracker vodka.

Shake twice per day for four days.

Strain, filter, and bottle, as above.

S’mores Martini

• 1 ounces crème de cacao
• 2 ounces chocolate vodka
• 2 ounces graham cracker vodka
• a toasted marshmallow, for garnish

In a mixing glass, rinse several ice cubes with crème de cacao, then pour it off.

Pour equal amounts of chocolate and graham cracker vodka over the liqueur-rinsed ice.

Stir gently but thoroughly.

Pour off, into a chilled martini glass.

Garnish with toasted marshmallow, much like you would a conventional martini, with an olive.

The surprising thing about this martini is how well the flavor of graham crackers comes through. Make no mistake; this is a strong, fully adult cocktail. It is not nearly as sweet as you might be tempted to think. This is a s’more to drink in small sips.

Featured Photo: Courtesy photo.

Adult Halloween options abound

By Michael Witthaus
[email protected]

If you’re a grownup who wishes trick-or-treating were an all-ages affair, you can still have fun on Halloween. This year most parties will happen before the official day. The good news is that options run the gamut, from a sober party preceded by an AA meeting to drag shows, decades-themed parties and lots of live music. Here’s a day-by-day rundown of area gatherings.

Friday, Oct. 20

• The Red Rivers Theatres (11 S Main St., Concord; redrivertheatres.org) will show the cult classic Rocky Horror Picture Show (R, 1975) on Fridays and Saturdays from Oct. 20 through Oct. 28, at 10 p.m. Costumes and audience participation are encouraged and tickets are $25 for this 18+ event.
• Catch the Live Dueling Pianos Halloween Party at 8:30 p.m. at Chunky’s Cinema Pub (707 Huse Road in Manchester; chunkys.com).

Saturday, Oct. 21

• MV Mount Washington (211 Lakeside Ave., Laconia, cruisenh.com) Annual masquerade ball on a three-hour cruise with buffet dinner, entertainment, seasonal snacks and beverages, and a costume contest. $70. 6 p.m. • The Rocky Horror Picture Show (R, 1975) will screen on Saturday, Oct. 21, at 9 p.m. at all three area Chunky’s Cinema Pubs (707 Huse Road, Manchester; 151 Coliseum Ave., Nashua; 150 Bridge St., Pelham, chunkys.com). Props allowed and dressing up encouraged; tickets cost $10.
• The Rocky Horror Picture Show (R, 1975) will screen on Saturday, Oct. 21, at 9 p.m. at all three area Chunky’s Cinema Pubs (707 Huse Road, Manchester; 151 Coliseum Ave., Nashua; 150 Bridge St., Pelham, chunkys.com). Props allowed and dressing up encouraged; tickets cost $10.

Wednesday, Oct. 25

• Beetlejuice (1988) Chunky’s Cinema Pubs (707 Huse Road, Manchester; 151 Coliseum Ave., Nashua; 150 Bridge St., Pelham, chunkys.com) will have a 21+ screening Wednesday, Oct. 25, at 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 26

• To Share Brewing (720 Union St. in Manchester; tosharebrewing.com) will be offering a Beer & Candy Pairing today through Sunday, Oct. 29 (the brewery will close at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 28), according to its website.

Friday, Oct. 27

• Hocus Pocus (PG, 1993) will screen for a 21+ audience at Chunky’s in Nashua and Manchester (707 Huse Road, Manchester; 151 Coliseum Ave., Nashua; chunkys.com) at 8 p.m.
• Henry J. Sweeney Post (251 Maple St., Manchester, 623-9145) Dance with The Stray Dogs Band. Costumes encouraged but not mandatory. Finger foods provided; members and guests. 8 p.m.
• Newfound Lake Inn (1030 Mayhew Tpk., Bridgewater, 744-0911) BOO’s Fest in SAL’s Birch Bar featuring DJ Jeff Lines. Prizes awarded for best couple, scariest and most creative costume. $55 at evenbrite.com. 6 p.m.
• The Park Theatre (19 Main St., Jaffrey; theparktheatre.org) will host an 18+ Halloween dance party from 9:30 p.m. to midnight. Costumes are mandatory and tickets are $10.
• Pasta Loft (241 Union Sq., Milford, 672-2270) Grateful Dead tribute band Winterland NH performs at 8 p.m.
• Portsmouth Elks Lodge No. 97 (500 Jones Ave., Portsmouth, 436-9606) Three Man Band plays covers, with prizes for best costume; bring an appetizer. 6 p.m.
• Rumors Sports Bar & Bowling (22 N. Main St., Newmarket, [email protected]) Halloween drag show with costume contests and free giveaways. $20 at eventbrite.com. Two shows, 7 and 10 p.m.
• Saddle Up Saloon (92 Route 125, Kingston, 347-1313) Bite the Bullet plays covers, with costumes encouraged but not mandatory. 8 p.m.
• Shaskeen (909 Elm St., Manchester, 625-0246) Halloween bash with DJ Myth playing the best in Top 100 and throwbacks, Jameson promo. 9 p.m.
• Stone Church (5 Granite St., Newmarket, 659-7700) Two-day Grateful Dead bash has Stone Dead, a group of New England musicians with roots and associations going back to the Stone Church scene of the ’80s and ’90s, from acts like Percy Hill, Groove Child, Thanks to Gravity and Trade. $25 in advance, $30 day of show, $45 two-day pass. 7 p.m.
• The Word Barn (66 Newfields Road, Exeter, 244-0202) Lullafrights – The Rough & Tumble performing spooky songs they wrote as part of an album about various monsters and creatures of lore, all created to make children obey and behave. The show will be accompanied by stories put together and told by John Herman, James Patrick Kelly, Jen Whitley, Tara McDonough and Mark Michael Adams. $16 to $25 at portsmouthnhtickets.com. 7 p.m.
• Wally’s Pub (144 Ashworth Ave., Hampton, 926-6954) Heady Halloween presented by Granite Lion has TreeHouse, Adriya Joy, Caylin Costello and Green Lion Crew playing a free 21+ party. 6 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 28

• American Legion Post 8 (640 Central Ave., Dover, 742-9710) Stiletto – tribute to ’80s hard rock. 21+. 7 p.m.
• Angel City Music Hall (179 Elm St., Unit B, Manchester, 931-3654) Prospect Hill Halloween party with Red Crown, Psycle and DJ Chris Drake. 21+, $20 at ticketweb.com. 7:30 p.m.
• Ash Cigar Lounge (92A Route 125, Kingston, 285-5174) Cigars and costume party with My Father Cigars at 6 p.m.
• Auspicious Brew (1 Washington St., Dover, 953-7240) Tarot on Tap precedes a party with Lovesick, Catwolf and The Bumbling Woohas. Costumes encouraged; $10 at the door. 8 p.m.
• Averill House Vineyard (21 Averill Road, Brookline, 244-3165) Get some laughs with comedian Will Noonan; The Wine Bar opens 30 minutes before showtime, with more than 15 wines to choose from. Charcuterie board served with cheese, meat, nuts and crackers may be purchased ahead of time. $15. 5:30 p.m.
• Bedford Events Center (379 S. River Road, Bedford, 997-7741) 4th Annual Witch’s Gala Monster Mash Masquerade benefit for Granite State Dog Recovery and Corey’s Closet with raffles, 50/50, DJ, dancing, grazing tables, readers, costume contest and more. 6 p.m.
• Bonfire Country Bar (950 Elm St., Manchester) Halloween costume party has country-flavored music from Maddi Ryan. 7 p.m.
• Bridgewater Inn (367 Mayhew Tpk., Bridgewater, 744-3518) 23rd annual Halloween party with Stray Dog playing covers and cash prizes for best male and female costumes. 8 p.m.
• Brookline Events Center (269 Route 130, Brookline, 582-4491) Halloween DJ dance with Bernie & Bob, $10 at the door. 7 p.m.
• Capitol Center for the Arts (44 S. Main St., Concord, ccanh.com) Family-friendly daytime experience with Laurie Berkner performing a pair of Halloween concerts. 11 and 3 p.m.
• Chunky’s Cinema (151 Coliseum Ave., Nashua, 880-8055) Grab the popcorn and settle in for the seasonal fave Hocus Pocus at this 21+ viewing party; enjoy the Sanderson Sisters without having to smell the children. 8 p.m.
• Derryfield (625 Mammoth Road, Manchester, 623-2880) Popular cover band Mugsy is joined by D-Comp for the Halloween Monster Bash. Come in costume; prizes will be given for best overall, most creative and honorable mention. $30 at eventbrite.com. 21+ event. 7 p.m.
• Flight Coffee Dover (478 Central Ave., Dover, 842-5325) Music from Maine’s Lepra, NYC’s Ultor and Agenbite from Dover. Costume contest will be judged by the bands and baristas. $12 at the door; $10 with a costume ($2 refund for anyone who buys a presale ticket at eventbrite.com and shows up in costume). 8 p.m.
• High Octane Saloon (102 Watson Road, Laconia, 527-8116) EXP Band performs at this bash, with costume prizes for sexiest, scariest, best team, funniest, strangest, best handmade, best face paint and best overall. 8 p.m.
• Jewel (61 Canal St., Manchester, 836-1152) Hallowubs Weekend with a musical performance by Smith. Prizes for best costume.21+. Tickets $23 to $28. 9 p.m.
• Lithermans Limited Brewing (126B Hall St., Concord, 219-0784) Halloween party with costumes, craft beer and food trucks. 7 p.m.
• Loaded Question Brewing (909 Islington St., Suite 12, Portsmouth, 852-1396) Halloweeen party at 8 p.m.
• Lone Wolf Brewing (36 Mill St., Wolfeboro, 515-1099) 8th annual bash has live music with Supernothing and a dance party with DJ Synths, specialty cocktails, costume contest and more. 7 p.m.
• Lynn’s 102 Tavern (75 Derry Road, Hudson, 943-7832) Workin’ Stiffs perform, prizes for best costumes. 7 p.m.
• Manchester Elks Lodge 146 (290 Granite St., Manchester, 623-9126) Gemstones Jukebox Jamboree playing ’50s hits, $10 per person. 6 p.m.
• Marker 21 (33 Dockside St., Wolfeboro, 569-8668) Small Town Stranded rocks out in the Lakes Region. 7 p.m.
• McIntyre Ski Area (50 Chalet Court, Manchester, 622-6159) The Morning Buzz crew hosts Buzz Brews & Boos. Come in costume for this 21+ event. $35 tickets at mcintyreskiarea.square.site includes an appetizer buffet, DJ, Halloween contest, games and prizes. 7 p.m.
• Merrimack Biergarten (221 Daniel Webster Hwy., Merrimack, 595-1202) Wolves Halloween party at 6 p.m.
• Newport Opera House (20 Main St., Newport, 863-2412) Masquerade dance with Last Kid Picked. Dress up in your most bewitching costume, and prizes will be awarded for the best in different categories, from boo-tiful to bone-chilling. Cash bar, 21+, $35. 8 p.m.
• North Country Hard Cider (38 Littleworth Road, Dover, 343-2422) Mid-day Halloween Sweat & Soul (formerly Buti Yoga) throwdown. Werk it out and then enjoy a tasty cider in costume. $25 at eventbrite.com. 11 a.m. to noon.
• Palace Theatre – Spotlight Room (96 Hanover St., Manchester, 668-5588) Witch, Please! Halloween dance party with Queerlective. Spooky art activities, costume contest (categories TBD), live music, dancing, cash bar. This is a safe and inclusive event. All are welcome, ages 18 and older. Costumes must be appropriate (not hateful, no nudity, etc.). Failure to comply may result in ejection from the event with no refund. 7 p.m.
• Pasta Loft (241 Union Sq., Milford, 672-2270) Slakas play this fun Halloween party. 8 p.m.
• Peddler’s Daughter (48 Main St., Nashua, 821-7535) Fox & the Flamingos perform at this costumes-encouraged event. 9:30 p.m.
• Portsmouth Gas Light (64 Market St., Portsmouth, 430-9122) Halloween party in the third-floor nightclub. 8 p.m.
• Press Room (77 Daniel St., Portsmouth, 431-5186) Crush, a Dave Matthews Band tribute act, helps get a spooky spirit started. 8:30 p.m.
• Revolution Taproom (61 N. Main St., Rochester, 244-3022) Paint Nite: Halloween BOO-quet. Local artist Katrina Reid guides participants through all the steps of creating an original painting in less than two hours. $35. 5 p.m.
• Saddle Up Saloon (92 Route 125, Kingston, 347-1313) Throwback Bash has All That ’90s performing and a ‘90s pop culture reference themed costume contest; come as a TV character, musician or movie icon and take home the prize for most creative costume. Costumes of all kinds (especially ‘90s-themed) strongly encouraged but optional. 8 p.m.
• Salsa Secrets Studio (2800 Lafayette Road, Portsmouth, 584-2985) Halloween dance social begins with an intermediate dance class followed by social dancing until 10:30 p.m. Starts at 7:30 p.m.
• Salt hill Pub Lebanon (2 W. Park St., Lebanon, 448-4532) Scarey-oke with Amy Alexander. Costumes encouraged. 8 p.m.
• Sayde’s (136 Cluff Crossing, Salem, 890-1032) Big Blue Sky provides the music at this party. Costumes encouraged but optional and there will be prizes for the best ones. 7 p.m.
• Shaskeen (909 Elm St., Manchester, 625-0246) Emo Night with The Black Charade. 9 p.m.
• Strange Brew (88 Market St., Manchester, 666-4292) Son Hobbs & the Mystery Horns Halloween bash. 6:30 p.m.
• The Bar (2B Burnham Road, Hudson, 943-5250) Crave Halloween Bash. 8 p.m.
• The Big House (322 Lakeside Ave., Laconia, 767-2226) Drag brunch, $40 to $135 at evenbrite.com. 6 p.m.
• The Rugged Axe (1887 S. Willow St., Manchester, 232-7846) Ax-throwing Halloween party, with costumes strongly encouraged, drinks specials and a raffle; reservation at theruggedaxe.com. Noon.
• Triumphant Cross Lutheran Church (171 Zion Hill Road, Salem, nhscypaa.com) NHSCYPAA Halloween dance kicks off with an AA meeting at 6:30 p.m. followed by fellowship, fun, music and dance. $15 suggested donation. 6:30 p.m.
• Veterans Club Auxiliary Post 25 (118 John Stark Hwy., Newport, 863-3945) Roadhouse rocks out with prizes for best costume and raffles. $15 per person, $25 per couple. 7 p.m.
• Village Trestle (25 Main St., Goffstown, 497-8230) Halloween costume party with Bob Pratte. 8 p.m.
• Wally’s Pub (144 Ashworth Ave., Hampton, 926-6954) Night of the Living Dreads with Korn and Rage Against the Machine tribute acts. 6 p.m.
• WSCA Radio (909 Islington St., Suite 1, Portsmouth, 430-9722) Teenage Halloween performs. 7 p.m.

Featured Photo: Courtesy photo.

Happenings for ghosts and ghouls of all ages

Compiled by Renee Merchant
[email protected]

Check out these Halloween events that anyone can enjoy, no matter their age.

The Allenstown Economic Development (EDC) Committee presents a Halloween lighting contest. From Wednesday, Oct. 18 through Friday, Oct. 27, the Allenstown EDC, Fire Department and Police Department will choose the winners. On Saturday, Oct. 28 at 4 p.m., there will be a Halloween lighting awards ceremony at Town Hall (16 School St.) where the winners will be announced. See allenstownnh.gov.

The Rochester Opera House (31 Wakefield St.) presents the musical comedy The Addams Family now through Sunday, Nov. 5, with showtimes on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and Sundays at 5 p.m. Tickets range from $18 to $30. Visit rochesteroperahouse.com to purchase tickets.

J&F Farms (124 Chester Road in Derry; jandffarmsnh.com) has a Halloween-themed corn maze through October. The farm is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., according to the farm’s website; on Saturdays and Sundays, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. the farm will also feature a food truck and cider doughnuts, according to the farm’s Facebook page. The cost is $10 per person.

Concord Parks and Recreation will show 1993’s A Nightmare Before Christmas (PG) on Friday, Oct. 20, at 6 p.m. in Keach Park (2 Newton Ave. in Concord). See concordnh.gov.

Hocus Pocus (PG, 1993) The original Hocus Pocus will screen at all three area Chunky’s Cinema Pubs (707 Huse Road, Manchester; 151 Coliseum Ave., Nashua; 150 Bridge St., Pelham, chunkys.com) Friday, Oct. 20, through Thursday, Nov. 2, with at least one screening per day and three screenings Fridays through Sundays.

The Strand (20 Third St., Dover) presents live performances of Dracula for some “Halloween fun for the whole family.” Shows on Friday, Oct. 20, Saturday, Oct. 21; Friday, Oct. 27, and Saturday, Oct. 28, are at 8 p.m. and tickets cost $20. On Saturday, Oct. 21; Sunday, Oct. 22; Saturday, Oct. 28, and Sunday, Oct. 29, shows are at 2 p.m. and tickets cost $18. Visit breakaleglegally.com to purchase tickets.

The Players’ Ring Theatre (105 Marcy St., Portsmouth, playersring.org) presents Gay Bride of Frankenstein Friday, Oct. 20 through Sunday, Nov. 5. Shows are from Friday to Sunday — 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 2:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday — and tickets are $28.

Devriendt Farm (178 S Mast St. in Goffstown; devriendtfarm.com) opens its corn maze (and its pumpkin patch) on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at its 47 Story Road in Goffstown location. The cost is $8 for ages 13 and up, $4 for ages 4 to 12; kids 3 and under get in free, according to the website.

Coppal House Farm (118 N. River Road, Lee; nhcornmaze.com) has a Flashlight Night Corn Maze on Saturday, Oct. 21, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Tickets must be purchased ahead of time and are $15. Flashlights will not be provided. Additionally, there is a daytime maze that is open on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays from noon to 5 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Daytime admission can be purchased at the farm stand and costs $10 for adults and $8 for children, students, seniors, and military. For both events, children under age 4 get in free. On Sunday, Oct. 22, the farm will feature Wildlife Encounters from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., according to the website.

The Portsmouth Farmers Market (1 Junkins Ave.) will host a Pumpkin Smash on Saturday, Oct. 21, from 8 a.m. to noon. For $5, participants can choose a pumpkin to smash with a mallet, a two-by-four or “the trusty ol’ Louisville Slugger.” All pumpkins will be fed to pigs after the smash, and the proceeds will go to the Portsmouth Halloween Parade. Visit facebook.com/Market03801.

The Exeter Parks and Recreation department is hosting a Halloween Parade and Costume Contest on Saturday, Oct. 21, at Swasey Parkway. The costume contest will be judged at 10:30 a.m., and the parade will begin at 11 a.m. From noon to 3 p.m. there will be trick-or-treating downtown. Visit exeternh.gov.

Join Applecrest Farm (133 Exeter Road, Hampton Falls) for their Fall Harvest Festival on Saturday, Oct. 21, and Sunday, Oct. 22, from 1 to 5 p.m. featuring live music, a corn maze, barnyard animals and more. The following weekend, on Saturday, Oct. 28, and Sunday, Oct. 29, the farm will host a Hunter’s Moon Fall Harvest Festival from 1 to 5 p.m., which will feature the Viking reenactor group Straumfjordr and the carving of an 800-pound pumpkin. Admission and parking are free for both events. Visit applecrest.com.

The Wilton Main Street Association will host The Haunting of Wilton on Saturday, Oct. 21, with various events throughout the day. At 1 p.m. there will be a costume parade down Main Street, followed by trick-or-treating with Main Street merchants until 2:30 p.m. From 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., enjoy burgers, cider, s’mores and live music at the police station parking lot (7 Burns Hill Road) followed by a $5 haunted trail from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Visit visitwilton.com.

Prayers of Nature (33 Howard St., Wilton) will host a Bizarre Bazaar during the Haunt of Wilton on Saturday, Oct. 21, from noon to 7 p.m. Visitors will receive a free gemstone or wire wrap gemstone (while supplies last) and be entered in a raffle for a free tarot reading. From noon to 6 p.m. there will be 20-minute tarot readings by Victoria of Eye of Ethereal for $25, which can be booked at prayersofnature.com/tarotbazaar. Additionally, local jeweler Earthly Elan will host a pop-up shop and there will be spooky displays created by artist Little un Miniatures. From 3 to 6 p.m., there will be a meet-and-greet with Brittany Batchelder, author of Avian Tarot.

The American Independence Museum (1 Governer’s Lane in Exeter; independencemuseum.org, 772-2622) will host Ghosts of Winter Street Cemetery, featuring a tour through Winter Street Cemetery in Exeter led by a colonial tour guide on Saturday, Oct. 21, with start times every 30 minutes from 4 to 5:30 p.m. with a family tour at 3 p.m. Tours are about 45 minutes long and guests are encouraged to bring flashlights, according to a press release. Children in costume receive a special colonial treat, the release said. Tickets cost $10 ($7 for ages 6 to 8; children under 6 get in free), family-tour tickets (the 3 p.m. event) cost $15 for a family of four — tickets include a return pass to visit the museum, the release said.

Back to the Future (1985) will screen on Saturday, Oct. 21, 7 p.m. at Cinemark Salem, O’neil Cinemas in Epping, AMC Londonderry and Regal Fox Run in Newington (as well as at 4 p.m. at Cinemark). See fanthomevents.com.

The Birds (1963) from director Alfred Hitchcock will get a 60th anniversary screening on Sunday, Oct. 22, at 1 p.m. and Monday, Oct. 23, at 7 p.m. at O’neil Cinemas in Epping, AMC Londonderry, Cinemark in Salem and Regal Fox Run in Newington. See fathomevents.com.

The Seacoast Repertory Theatre (125 Bow St., Portsmouth) presents Bat Boy on Sunday, Oct. 22, at 2 and 7:30 p.m.; Thursday, Oct. 26, at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, Oct. 27, at 8 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 28, at 2 and 8 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 29, at 2 p.m. Ticket prices vary from $35 to $60 based on seating. Visit seacoastrep.org to purchase tickets.

The 17th Annual Celebrate Samhain Festival will be held on Sunday, Oct. 22, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the DoubleTree Hilton in Nashua (2 Somerset Pkwy.). The Samhain Festival is a celebration of the final harvest and of those who have passed and will feature vendors, artisans, psychic readings and a ritual led by Serenity Coven to honor the dead. Admission is $12 or $10 with the donation of a nonperishable food item. Visit facebook.com/NHSamhain.

Join Golden Dog Adventure Co. for their 3rd Annual Corn Maze & Halloween Pawty at Beech Hill Farm (107 Beech Hill Road, Hopkinton) on Saturday, Oct. 22, from 10 a.m. to noon (rain date Oct. 29). Tickets are $35 for members and $50 for non-members for one dog and one human. Tickets are $10 for additional humans, but children under age 3 are free. There will be various activities, including a costume contest, visiting farm animals, a custom illustration of your dog (an additional $15) and a peanut butter licking contest for your dog. Visitors must pre-register at goldendognh.com.

Nosferatu (1922), the classic vampire tale from director F.W. Murnau and starring Max Schreck, will screen at Wilton Town Hall Theatre (40 Main St., Wilton, wiltontownhalltheatre.com, 654-3456) on Sunday, Oct. 22, at 2 p.m. with live musical accompaniment by Jeff Rapsis.

Root Up & More (Concord, rootupconcord. com) is holding Guided Haunt Tours in downtown Concord on Sunday, Oct. 22; Monday, Oct. 23; Sunday, Oct. 29, and Monday, Oct. 30, beginning at 7 p.m. Sign up for a specific date via Root Up’s Facebook page.

Beetlejuice (1988) will have multiple screenings at area Chunky’s Cinema Pubs (707 Huse Road, Manchester; 151 Coliseum Ave., Nashua; 150 Bridge St., Pelham, chunkys.com). On Sunday, Oct. 22, at 7 p.m. the movie will screen with a five-course dinner from The Farmers Dinner; the cost is $75 or $110 with wine. The movie will also screen on Oct. 22 at 7 p.m. in Nashua. The movie will screen at all three locations on Monday, Oct. 23, and Tuesday, Oct. 24, at 7 p.m. A 21+ screening will be held Wednesday, Oct. 25, at 7:30 p.m.

The Rex Theatre (Amherst St., Manchester) presents a silent film with live music on Wednesday, Oct. 25, at 7:30 p.m. Jeff Rapsis will provide musical accompaniment for the silent film The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1923) starring Lon Chaney. Tickets are $10. Visit palacetheatre.org.

Join the town of Canterbury for a theatrical presentation titled Canterbury Tales: Famous and Infamous, which is a 35-minute tour, running every 10 minutes. On Thursday, Oct. 26, and Friday, Oct. 27, the event will run from 6 to 7 p.m. and on Saturday, Oct. 28, it will run from 1 to 2 p.m. at Center Cemetery (5 Center Road). Admission is $10 and all proceeds will benefit the Canterbury Cemetery Association. Tickets are available on eventbrite.com and are limited, so preregistration is recommended. Strollers, costumes and pets will not be permitted.

On Friday, Oct. 27, Saturday, Oct. 28, and Sunday, Oct. 29, Shaker Village (288 Shaker Road, Canterbury) will host Ghost Encounter Tours at 5, 6 and 7 p.m. The 45-minute tours will explore the evolution of spiritualism in Shaker faith and will include “firsthand accounts of otherworldly encounters,” according to the website. Tickets purchased in advance are $20 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under. Tickets cost $25 day of. Register at shakers.org.

On Friday, Oct. 27, there will be a Downtown Trick-or-Treat and Zombie Walk on Main Street in Rochester. Businesses downtown will be handing out candy from 4 to 6 p.m. The Zombie Walk will feature “dozens of dancers from several local dance studios,” according to the website. The walk will begin at the Citizens Bank parking lot (90 N. Main St.) and proceed down Bridge Street to River Street and back to North Main Street.

The Majestic Theatre (880 Page St. in Manchester; majestictheatre.net, 669-7649) presents Vintage Hitchcock: A Live Radio Play Friday, Oct. 27, through Sunday Oct. 29, with showtimes at 7 p.m. on Friday, 2 and 7 p.m. on Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets cost $20 for adults, $15 for 65+ and 17 and under.

Catch the Murder Mystery Dinner: Best Laid Plans at the Bank of NH Stage (S. 16 Main St. in Concord; ccanh.com) on Friday, Oct. 27, at 6:30 p.m. Or check out Murder Mystery Dinner: Midnight Masquerade on Saturday, Oct. 28, at 6:30 p.m.

Join the town of Merrimack for their 31st Annual Halloween Party on Saturday, Oct. 28, from noon to 3 p.m. at Wasserman Park (116 Naticook Road). There will be a costume contest and a Pumpkin Race Car Derby along with free games, crafts and face painting. Nonprofit organizations Merrimack Friends & Families and Less Leg More Heart will have food for sale. Visit merrimackparksandrec.org.

The Park Theatre in Jaffrey (19 Main St.) is hosting a Halloweenie Weekend featuring some scary movies. Tickets are $10 for adults and $9 for children, seniors, students, military and teachers. On Friday, Oct. 27, there will be a showing of the 1973 film The Exorcist (R) at 7 p.m. On Saturday, Oct. 28, Ghostbusters (PG, 1984) will play at 1 p.m., followed by a showing of the 1982 American slasher film Friday the 13th Part III (R) at 7 p.m. On Sunday, Oct. 29, at 4 p.m. the theater will show What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962). On Monday, Oct. 30, at 7 p.m., Jeff Rapsis will perform a live music score to accompany a screening of Dracula (1931). Visit theparktheatre.org/halloweenie for event details and to purchase tickets.

Intown Concord will host a Halloween Howl on Friday, Oct. 27, on Main Street. At 5 p.m. there will be a free kids’ fun run in Bicentennial Square, followed by activities including trick-or-treating, witch hat ring toss, Trunk or Treat and a Pumpkin Photo Op from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. At 5:45 p.m. there will be a “not so scary” costume parade, and participants will gather at City Plaza in front of the Statehouse arch. Additionally, there will be a costume contest at 6 p.m. on Capitol Street. Pre-registration is required for the costume contest. Visit members.intownconcord.org.

Fritzy’s Fright Fest is a free haunted attraction located at 37 Maple Ave. in Newton. The event will run on Friday, Oct. 27, and Saturday, Oct. 28, from 6 to 9 p.m. Visit facebook.com/Fitzysfrightfest.

The Witch of Weston Tower will haunt McIntyre Ski Area (50 Chalet Court, Manchester) from Friday, Oct. 27, through Sunday, Oct. 29. Activities will run on Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. For a scenic chairlift to Weston Tower, tickets are $22 for adults, $15 for children and seniors, and $5 for children 5 and under. Those who do not wish to ride the chairlift to Weston Tower may purchase a witch ticket, which is a $10 donation per family. For an additional cost there will be food trucks, face painting and pumpkin painting. The proceeds from the event will benefit the Manchester Historical Association. Additionally, on Saturday there will be a touch-a-truck and a trunk-or-treat event that are free to attend. See mcintyreskiarea.com for a detailed schedule of events.

The Park Theatre (19 Main St., Jaffrey; theparktheatre.org) will host a free costume contest for adults, kids and pets on Saturday, Oct. 28,, at 2:45 p.m. The contest will be judged on stage, and participants are asked to arrive by 2:30 p.m. in the lobby, according to the website.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (PG, 2001) will screen at all three area Chunky’s Cinema Pubs (707 Huse Road, Manchester; 151 Coliseum Ave., Nashua; 150 Bridge St., Pelham, chunkys.com) Saturday, Oct. 28, through Monday, Oct. 30, at 6 p.m.

CAKE Theatre (12 Veterans Square, Laconia, 677-6360) will host a Spook N’ Groove hangout and dance party with mixed drinks, root beer floats, doughnut ice cream sundaes and more on Friday, Oct. 27, at 7 p.m.. The theater level dance party has a DJ and laser lights. Kids 12 and under free with a paid adult. Teens and adults 13+ are $10 per person. Costumes welcome but not required.

The 17th Annual Dover Zombie Walk will take place on Saturday, Oct. 28, at 2 p.m. The walk will begin at the Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce (550 Central Ave.) and activities include eating Jell-O brains and a costume contest. Dress in a zombie costume or another Halloween costume. Visit facebook.com/doverzombiewalk.

• The City of Nashua will host its Halloween Boo Bash on Saturday, Oct. 28, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Greeley Park (100 Concord St.). Activities include hay rides, pumpkin decorating, a haunted house and a bonfire. Costumes are encouraged and admission is free. Visit nashuanh.gov.

The Amherst Orthodontics Trick or Trot 3K will be held at Arms Park (10 Arms St., Manchester) on Saturday, Oct. 28, at 11 a.m. Participants ages 9 and up are welcome to participate in the race and preregistration is encouraged. 21+ adult tickets cost $25 in advance and $30 on race day. Youth (ages 12 to 20) tickets cost $20 in advance and $25 on race day. Kids (ages 9 to 11) cost $15 in advance and on race day. Admission includes a T-shirt for the first 850 registered participants, refreshments, free race photos and a finish line video. For participants over the age of 21, registration includes a beer ticket. Additionally, at 9:30 a.m. there will be a Kids Halloween Festival featuring vendors, magic and animals. At 10:15 a.m. children ages 8 and under can participate in the 100-meter dash Stonyfield Lil’ Pumpkin Fun Runs for $10. Visit millenniumrunning.com/trick-or-trot to register. Bibs can be picked up on race day from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. at Race Day HQ in Arms Park or on Friday, Oct. 27, from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Millennium Running Retail Store (138 Bedford Center Road, Bedford).

The 2nd Annual Halloween Howl Hustle for Housing is a 5K that will benefit Fellowship Housing Opportunities. The adult 5K costs $30 and will take place from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 28, at Masonic Lodge (53 Iron Works Road, Concord). Registration will end on Thursday, Oct. 26, at 11:59 p.m. To register, visit runsignup.com/halloweenhowlhustle5k.

The Groovy Witch is hosting Dover’s Second Annual Witches Market (288 Central Ave.) on Sunday, Oct. 29, from noon to 5 p.m. The market will feature more than 50 local vendors who specialize in witchcraft, spiritual readings and handmade goods. There is no admission fee. Visit groovywitch.com.

On Monday, Oct. 30, at 6 p.m., Lane Memorial Library (2 Academy Ave., Hampton) will host presenter Margo Burns for a presentation titled “The Capital Crime of Witchcraft: What the Primary Sources Tell Us,” which focuses on the colonial witch trials in New England. The event is free to attend and registration is available via hampton.lib.nh.us/calendar.

The Portsmouth Halloween Parade will take place on Halloween, Tuesday, Oct. 31, at 7 p.m. Visit portsmouthhalloweenparade.org for the parade route and details.

More pumpkins, more patches
Still looking for that perfect pumpkin to turn into a jack-o’-lantern?
Check out the story about pumpkins in the Oct. 12 issue of the Hippo for a list of area pumpkin patches. See hippopress.com for the e-edition; the story is on page 21. Brookdale Fruit Farm (41 Broad St., Hollis, 465-2240, brookdalefruitfarm.com) — whose expert Rick Hardy spoke about pumpkins for last week’s story — offers its picked pumpkins daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the farm stand, where you can grab a photo with the large “pumpkin man” (and on weekends, check out Brookdale’s corn maze, open from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays). Here are some farms where you can go into the patch to choose your gourd. Know of any not mentioned here or in our story? Let me know at [email protected].

Devriendt Farm (178 S. Mast Road in Goffstown; devriendtfarm.com, 497-2793) offers pumpkin picking and a corn maze at its 47 Story Road location in Goffstown on Saturday and Sundays, starting at 10 a.m. with the last entry into the maze at 4:30 p.m. Take a free hay ride to the pumpkin patch; admission to the maze costs $8 for adults (13 and up), $4 for ages 4 to 12 and kids under 3 get in free.

Elwood Orchards (54 Elwood Road in Londonderry; 434-6017, ElwoodOrchards.com) is open daily from 9 to 6 p.m. and offers a pumpkin patch as well as a 15-acre corn maze

McQuesten Farm (330 Charles Bancroft Hwy. in Litchfield, 424-9268) offers free hay rides to its pumpkin patches on weekends — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., according to a Facebook post.

Featured Photo: Courtesy photo.

Special events for the younger crowd

Compiled by Angie Sykeny
[email protected]

Here are some Halloween happenings geared specifically at kids and families.

Kids special events

Hotel Transylvania (PG, 2012) will screen on Friday, Oct. 20, at 3:30 p.m., a “Little Lunch Date” screening at all three area Chunky’s Cinema Pubs (707 Huse Road, Manchester; 151 Coliseum Ave., Nashua; 150 Bridge St., Pelham, chunkys.com). Admission is free but reserve a seat with a $5 food voucher.

The New Hampshire Audubon’s McLane Center (84 Silk Farm Road in Concord; nhaudubon.org, 224-9909) will hold its annual Enchanted Forest Friday, Oct. 20, and Saturday, Oct. 21, with admission times from 5 to 7:45 p.m. Follow a trail in the forest illuminated by jack-o-lanterns, watch skits, hear stories by the campfire and more, according to the website, where you can purchase tickets for $15 per person.

Kids age 12 and under are invited to the Aviation Museum of New Hampshire (27 Navigator Road, Londonderry) on Saturday, Oct. 21, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when they can meet the ghosts of aviation past, enjoy Halloween treats and receive their “Broomstick Pilot License.” The experience is free with admission to the museum; admission costs $10 for visitors age 13 and up. Visit aviationmuseumofnh.org or call 669-4820.

The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire (6 Washington St., Dover) hosts its Not-So-Spooky Spectacular on Saturday, Oct. 21, with sessions from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 4 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to wear costumes and explore the museum’s exhibits. The event will feature interactive science experiments, crafting in the STEAM Lab, photo opportunities with a moonlit backdrop and a pumpkin scavenger hunt that offers a special prize. A highlight of the afternoon session includes a concert and dance party with kids’ musician Mr. Aaron at 2 p.m. No candy will be given out. Admission is covered by the regular museum entry fee, which is $12.50 for adults and children over age 1 and $10.50 for seniors age 65 and up. Register in advance online at childrens-museum.org.

Charmingfare Farm (774 High St., Candia) will offer its Children’s Trick-or-Treat experience on Saturdays, Oct. 21 and Oct. 28, and Sundays, Oct. 22 and Oct. 29, with start times available on the hour between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. In addition to trick-or-treating, families can meet a friendly witch, see wildlife exhibits and barnyard animals, take a horse-drawn wagon ride, decorate pumpkins, ride a pony and watch a juggling show. Tickets cost $29 per person — admission is free for children under age 2 — and must be purchased online in advance. A Harvest of Haunts offering spookiness that’s not too scary (geared toward ages 12 and under) will take place on the evenings of Saturday, Oct. 21, and Saturday, Oct. 28. Visit visitthefarm.com.

LaBelle Winery (14 Route 111, Derry) hosts its Kids’ Halloween Bash on Sunday, Oct. 22, from 10 a.m. to noon. The event will feature a performance by kids’ musician Mr. Aaron. Attendees are invited to wear costumes and can expect treats, crafts and games suitable for the entire family. Tickets cost $35 for adults, $29 for children ages 2 through 12 and are free for children age 1 and under. Visit labellewinery.com.

The 2nd annual CPL Comic Con at the Concord Library (45 Green St.) is set for Monday, Oct. 23, from 6 to 7 p.m. Teens and tweens ages 11 through 17 are invited to dress as their favorite comic characters and enjoy an evening of snacks, crafts and art. Costumes should be library-appropriate, and no weapons are allowed. Registration is required at concordnh.gov.

The Educational Farm at Joppa Hill (174 Joppa Hill Road, Bedford) will host Halloween on the Farm on Tuesday, Oct. 24, from 4 to 6 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to come in costume to enjoy a bonfire, scavenger hunt and Halloween music. The event is free, and fireside treats such as s’mores, apple cider, hot cocoa and hot dogs will be available for purchase at the farm stand. Each child will receive a complimentary Halloween treat. Visit theeducationalfarm.org.

Downtown trick-or-treating in Manchester will take place Friday, Oct. 27, from 3 to 6:30 p.m. The afternoon will feature family-friendly activities, treats and more, according to a press release from Mayor Joyce Craig’s office. Craig will hand out books to kids, who are encouraged to dress up, and visit participating businesses. Stanton Plaza will feature children’s activities, a live DJ and more, the release aid.

Join kids’ musician Laurie Berkner for a Halloween show at the Capitol Center for the Arts (44 S. Main St., Concord) on Saturday, Oct. 28, with performances at 11 a.m.and 3 p.m. Laurie will blend her hits with Halloween tunes. Attendees are encouraged to wear dancing shoes and bring a stuffed animal. Tickets cost $31.75 to $86.75 at ccanh.com/show/laurie-berkner.

Join the Kiwanis Club of Manchester at the Bookery (844 Elm St., Manchester) on Oct. 28, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for a Trick-or-Treat-themed storytime and craft session. Visit bookerymht.com to register.

• Families with children of all ages are invited to participate in the family costume parade at the Nashua Public Library (2 Court St.) on Saturday, Oct. 28, from 11 a.m. to noon. Attendees are encouraged to don their costumes and parade around the building. Each department of the library will offer a special treat for the participants. Visit nashualibrary.org.

Trick-or-treat/trunk-or-treat events

Amherst: Trunk-or-treat on Saturday, Oct. 28, at 4 p.m. in the Clark-Wilkins School parking lot (80 Boston Post Road). Visit amherstnh.gov.

Auburn: Trunk-or-treat on Tuesday, Oct. 31, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Safety Complex (55 Eaton Hill Road). Visit auburnparksandrec.com.

Barnstead: Trunk-or-treat on Saturday, Oct. 28, from 4 to 8 p.m. at T.L. Storer (1513 Province Road). Visit barnsteadnhparks-rec.com.

Bedford: Trunk-or-treat on Sunday, Oct. 29, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Murphy’s Tap Room parking lot at 393 Route 101. See bedfordnh.myrec.com.

Boscawen: Trick-or-treat on Monday, Oct. 30, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Elektrisola (126 High St.). Visit boscawennh.gov.

Bow: Trunk-or-treat on Sunday, Oct. 29from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in the Bow High School parking lot (55 Falcon Way). Visit bownh.gov.

Brookline: Trunk-or-treat on Saturday, Oct. 28, from 3 to 4 p.m. at Brookline Public Library (16 Main St.). Visit brooklinenh.gov.

Canterbury: Trick-or-treat on Friday, Oct. 27, from 5 to 6 p.m. at Canterbury Woods (15 West Road; on Saturday, Oct. 28, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., in the Town Center; and on Sunday, Oct. 29, from 3 to 5 p.m., at Sherwood Forest. Visit canterbury-nh.org.

Concord Farmers Market: Wear costumes and trick-or-treat at vendors at the Saturday, Oct. 28, market, which runs from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Capitol Street (next to the Statehouse).

Concord: Trunk-or-treat (part of the Halloween Howl event) on Friday, Oct. 27, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Main Street. Visit intownconcord.org.

Deerfield: Trick-or-treat on Sunday, Oct. 29, at 1 p.m. at the Deerfield Fairgrounds (34 Stage Road). Visit townofdeerfieldnh.com.

Derry: Trick-or-treat on Saturday, Oct. 28, from noon to 3 p.m. downtown. Visit derrynh.org.

Epping: Brickyard Scare Trick-or-Treat on Thursday, Oct. 26, from 4 to 7 p.m. in the town’s Brickyard Square. Visit brickyardsquarenh.com.

Exeter: Trick-or-treat on Saturday, Oct. 21, from noon to 3 p.m. downtown. Visit exeternh.gov.

Hudson: Trunk-Or-Treat on Sunday, Oct. 29, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Hudson Mall (77 Derry Road in Hudson; thehudsonmall.com)

Manchester: Trick-or-treat on Saturday, Oct. 28, from noon to 2 p.m. at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium (1 Line Drive). Visit milb.com/new-hampshire/events/trick-or-treat-at-the-ballpark.

Milford: Trick-or-treat at the Oval on Friday, Oct. 27, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. downtown. Visit milford.nh.gov.

Newton: Trunk-or-treat on Saturday, Oct. 21, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. behind Memorial School (31 W. Main St.). Visit newton-nh.gov.

Northwood: Trunk-or-treat on Saturday, Oct. 28, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Northwood Athletic Fields (611 First NH Turnpike). Visit northwood.recdesk.com.

Tilton: Trunk-or-treat on Saturday, Oct. 28, from 3 to 5:30 p.m. on Main Street. Visit tiltonnh.org.

Wilton: Trick-or-treat on Saturday, Oct. 21, from 1:15 to 2:30 p.m. on Main Street. Visit visitwilton.com.

Trick-or-Treat Times

Sunday, Oct. 29
New London: 4 to 6 p.m.
Sanbornton: 4 to 7 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 30
Barrington: 5 to 7 p.m.
Lee: 5 to 7 p.m.
Newington: 5 to 7 p.m.
Penacook: 5 to 7:30 p.m.
Strafford: 5 to 8 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 31
Atkinson: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Bedford: 6 to 8 p.m.
Belmont: 5 to 8 p.m.
Bennington: 5 to 7 p.m.
Bow: 5 to 8 p.m.
Brentwood: 6 to 8 p.m.
Brookline: 6 to 8 p.m.
Candia: 5 to 8 p.m.
Chester: 6 to 8 p.m. on Chester Street
Danville: 6 to 8 p.m.
Derry: 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Dunbarton: 4 to 7 p.m.
Epping: 5 to 7 p.m.
Goffstown: 6 to 8 p.m.
Hampstead: 6 to 8 p.m.
Henniker: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Hill: 6 to 8 p.m.
Hollis: 6 to 8 p.m.
Hooksett: 6 to 8 p.m.
Hopkinton: 5 to 7 p.m.
Kensington: 5 to 7 p.m.
Kingston: 5 to 8 p.m..
Litchfield: 6 to 8 p.m.
Londonderry: 6 to 8 p.m.
Manchester: 6 to 8 p.m.
Merrimack: 6 to 8 p.m.
Milford: 6 to 8 p.m.
Mont Vernon: 6 to 8 p.m. on Main Street
Nashua: 6 to 8 p.m.
New Boston: 6 to 8 p.m.
Newfields: 5 to 7 p.m.
Northfield: 5 to 8 p.m.
Nottingham: 5 to 7 p.m.
Pelham: 5 to 8 p.m.
Pittsfield: 5 to 8 p.m.
Plaistow: 5 to 7 p.m.
Raymond: 5 to 7 p.m.
Salem: 6 to 8 p.m.
Stratham: 5 to 7:30 p.m.
Warner: 5 to 8 p.m.
Wilton: 6 to 8 p.m.
Windham: 5 to 7:30 p.m.

Featured Photo: The Aviation Museum. Courtesy photo.