Featured Content – Page 131

Popping the cork

LaBelle Winery unveils new sparkling wine barn in Derry

Last year was quite a busy one for LaBelle Winery — in 2021 alone, the company introduced a farm-to-table restaurant, a retail market, performance and event spaces and even a golf course, all on a 45-acre property on Route 111 in Derry acquired the previous December. The expansions have continued in the form of an on-site sparkling wine tasting barn and vineyard wedding ceremony space, brand new additions that recently began welcoming visitors. Following a June 8 ribbon cutting with the Greater Derry Londonderry Chamber of Commerce, a grand opening celebration is planned for Wednesday, June 22, and will include a cocktail reception, hors d’oeuvres, tours of the new property, an interactive sparkling wine display and more.

Construction on the 3,448-square-foot barn broke ground last October. A short walking path from the northeast end of the parking lot leads to the front doors of the tasting room.

Amy LaBelle, who founded LaBelle Winery in 2005, said building the barn was always part of the plan since she and her husband, Cesar Arboleda, took over the Derry property. Its chief purpose will be a production facility for new sparkling wine varieties created via Méthode Champenoise, a classic French technique only a few New England area wineries are known for.

“We have all these interesting businesses now under the LaBelle umbrella, but we can’t ever forget that the core of LaBelle is wine,” LaBelle said. “Real French-style Champagne is something that I’ve always wanted to make but just didn’t have enough production space for. … So we’ll be able to do that, and I’m really excited to use New England grapes for that process.”

The wines

Plans are currently underway to soon begin producing red, white and rosé sparkling wines out of the new barn. The building features a retail area and tasting room in the front and a production space in the back, plus a covered outdoor patio and an open-air terrace overlooking the vineyard.

Méthode Champenoise sparkling wines are characterized by a second fermentation inside the bottle during the production process. Bottles are intentionally filled with a lower percent ABV wine before yeast is added, as well as a dosage, or a new small amount of wine and sugar, for the yeast to eat. The bottle is then secured with a crown cap for the yeast to go to work.

“It starts breaking down the sugars, creating that extra one or two percent alcohol from what you’ve put in, and creating carbon dioxide as a byproduct,” LaBelle said. “So that’s how that wine gets bubbly. It’s created in the bottle that you’ll eventually drink from. … It also adds these beautiful bread-y notes, which is one reason why I love this method.”

The yeast eventually causes a residual substance called lees to form at the bottom of the bottle. After the second fermentation, LaBelle said, the next step of Méthode Champenoise involves removing the lees through a gradual process known as riddling.

“There are A-frame riddling racks and we place the neck of the bottle into them so that they’re at an angle … and then we turn those bottles every week, maybe just like an eighth of a turn, and that causes the lees to eventually make its way all into the neck,” she said. “That takes a long time, and I never had the space for all these racks before now. I could’ve put them out, but I would’ve had to move them too many times, and that would’ve disturbed the whole process.”

When the lees reaches the bottleneck, it’s flash frozen with nitrogen so it can be removed.

“When the plug goes out, [the bottle] gets a little low, so we fill it back up, pop in the cork and we’re off to the races,” LaBelle said.

LaBelle’s new sparkling wines created using this method will join its dozens of other wines and handcrafted artisan products available for sale out of the barn’s retail area, which include everything from jams, jellies and infused syrups to cooking oils, seasonings and more.

The vineyard

At about 3 acres, LaBelle’s newly planted vineyard in Derry is roughly the same size as its Amherst predecessor. It spans across a former golf course driving range adjacent to the wine barn, with a direct path from there to a central wedding ceremony space among the vines.

“In the middle of the vineyard, we’ve created an arbor built largely out of wine barrel materials,” LaBelle said. “So the idea is that if you want to get married in the vineyard, that space is available to you, and then you would recess up the path to the terrace, which fits 200 people for your cocktail hour. … Then you can go over to our ballroom for your dinner.”

Three grape varieties that have been planted in the vineyard — known as itasca, petit pear and cayuga — are all cold-hardy varieties suitable to withstand the cold winter climate. It will take about two years for the new vines to produce fruit that can be used for winemaking, LaBelle said, and until then the winery is expected to use grapes grown by local farmers.

“We’ll also be planting at the other side of the barn … so when you stand in the tasting room, you’ll literally be surrounded by vineyards, and you won’t be able to see the outside world,” she said. “We really wanted to give people that sense of being transported to wine country.”

The celebration

If you missed last week’s ribbon cutting ceremony for the wine barn, a ticketed grand opening celebration on June 22 will feature a uniquely intimate opportunity to experience the new space.

Attendees will get a chance to tour the property and learn more about the Méthode Champenoise process of making sparkling wine, as well as enjoy hors d’oeuvres and hear future plans for the barn. All ticket holders will also receive a complimentary signed copy of With a Twist, LaBelle’s own cocktail recipe book. The evening will even feature an interactive sparkling wine display.

“We have a performer coming who has a Champagne dress, so you’ll be served Champagne glasses from her dress, which is a whole thing,” LaBelle said. “It will be a lot of fun.”

LaBelle Winery Derry sparkling wine barn
A grand opening celebration is happening on Wednesday, June 22, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $45 per person and can be purchased online.

Where: 14 Route 111, Derry
Hours: Wednesday through Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. (the barn stays open an hour later on Thursdays, until 6 p.m., during LaBelle Winery’s concert nights)
Cost: Tastings are six for $14 or 10 for $20
More info: Visit labellewinery.com, find them on Facebook and Instagram or call 672-9898

Featured photo: Sparkling wines are placed on riddling racks during the production process to remove excess yeast. Photo by Matt Ingersoll.

Just plane fun

Aviation Museum to host annual fly-in barbecue

By Katelyn Sahagian

[email protected]

Along with the smoked chicken and pulled pork, something truly special is coming to Nashua for Father’s Day weekend: two fully functional World War II veteran airplanes. One of the historic planes will be selling 15- and 30-minute flights to enthusiasts.

Vintage plane owners will glide down the runway and greet families at Nashua Airport on Saturday, June 18, for the Aviation Museum’s annual fly-in barbecue.

A 10-seater Catalina, named “The Flying Turtle,” is being flown in from Aurora, Illinois, and attendees will be able to take a flight in it.

The Catalina served in the European theater of the war and was part of a squadron of planes that took out more than five German U-Boats. After the war, the plane worked as an airliner in Canada before being renovated into a luxurious air yacht, which was featured in Time magazine. The aircraft was refurbished with brand-new engines and parts to keep it safe for passengers in the 1980s.

“It’s pretty much the best [Catalina] around,” said Jeff Rapsis, the Aviation Museum’s executive director (and Hippo’s associate publisher). “Very few are still airworthy and this one was restored to a pristine condition.”

Historic Air Tours, the organization that maintains and operates The Flying Turtle, will sell 15- and 30-minute flights from noon to 2 p.m., for $250 and $350 per person respectively.

“Dad doesn’t need another necktie, but he could always use a ride in a World War II flying boat,” Rapsis said. “What dad wouldn’t want a ride in a Catalina?”

Jason Owen, a volunteer with Historic Air Tours, said the current owner of The Flying Turtle, John O’Connor, who purchased the Catalina in 2020, decided he wanted to share the history of this renovated wartime plane with as many people as he could.

“It’s really a piece of history,” Owen said. “It tells its own unique story of being a World War II vet, an airliner in Canada, and a luxury air yacht in the ’50s.”

The second plane on display, a PT-23 plane, a two-seater bird with an open cockpit that will be flown in from Texas, was used as a training aircraft for wartime pilots who had finished their studies in the classroom, before they could fly a bomber or fast fighter, said Rapsis.

“You have to start at the basics,” Rapsis said. “You [had] to work your way up.”

Thousands of these training planes were made during the war, but Rapsis said it’s rare to see any left because “[they] weren’t designed to last.” Attendees will be able to look inside the cockpit of the PT-23, but it won’t be giving flights.

“The main point of the event is to give families a chance to get close to aviation and up close to pilots and planes and aircrafts,” Rapsis said. “[At] this event you can … talk to the pilots and see the airport up close. We hope it helps spur interest in airplanes in young kids so there will be a next generation.”

Interested participants can also experience what world-renowned air show pilot Rob Holland, a Nashua native, encountered during a six-minute choreographed flight with a virtual reality headset.

“It’s not too often you get a chance to see what it’s like to be in aerobatics,” Rapsis said.

The museum will serve a barbecue buffet at noon, which will include smoked chicken, pulled pork, bowls of baked beans, mixed green salads, pasta, sweet desserts, and soft drinks.

“Our mission at the museum is to get kids excited about aviation so they’ll be tomorrow’s pilots, engineers, and aviators,” Rapsis said.

Aviation Museum fly-in barbecue
When: Saturday, June 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Nashua Jet Aviation, Nashua Airport, 83 Perimeter Road
Tickets: $30 adults; $25 museum members; $10 ages 6 to 12; free for kids 5 and under. Can be purchased at tinyurl.com/2s4jemw6 or by calling 669-4877. Flights on The Flying Turtle will cost $350 for a 30-minute flight and $250 for a 15-minute flight per person.
More info: www.aviationmuseumofnh.org

Featured photo: A young visitor gets a chance to see aircraft up close and personal at Nashua Airport during a prior Fly-In BBQ. Photo courtesy of the Aviation Museum.

Pride-packed weekend

Queen City Pride hosts arts-based events to celebrate June as Pride Month

By Delaney Beaudoin

June is pride month, and Queen City Pride, Manchester’s regional pride celebration recently turned nonprofit, is celebrating in style. Following a week of events packed full of DJs, drag and dancing, Queen City Pride has a full itinerary planned for this weekend.

Starting off with Studio 54 at the Currier, an event in collaboration with the Currier Museum of Art and Queen City Pride, on Friday, June 17, from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Currier Museum (150 Ash St, Manchester). The event, which takes inspiration from the “Warhol Screen Tests” exhibit currently on display now through July 24, will occur in the gallery’s space, which according to Corinne Benfield, Director of Membership and Community Partnerships, is something the museum has not done before.

“We’re super excited to be able to offer that to our community and utilize the museum in a different way than we have in the past,” she said. “This mission, our exhibition parties that are after hours and more loosely themed with our exhibitions, are also programmed to be more of a party. That partnership, that relationship with art, brings in a completely different audience and allows for us to open the doors to folks that may have had barriers in the past.”

The event will feature drag performances by the Marvel House of Entertainment and will be MC’ed by drag queen ChiChi Marvel. Guests can expect dancing, disco, a “best-dressed contest,” raffle giveaways, hors d’oeuvres and a full cash bar.

“We’ll have a really interesting atmosphere that is very much a nod to the Studio 54 aesthetic. So definitely bring your dancing shoes. It will be a raucous affair,” Benfield said.

The exhibit displays Andy Warhol’s “screen tests” of several recognizable celebrity figures from the ’70s and the Studio 54 scene including Lou Reed, Bob Dylan, Salvador Dali, and Edie Sedgwick. The videos are projected onto the walls of the darkened gallery, creating a hypnotic effect that makes it hard to look away.

“Warhol’s screen tests are a bit eerie in that you’re kind of voyeuristically looking at an intimate moment of the subject and the camera. Because the imagery is very slowed down and very motion-heavy, you get an intimate experience with some of the time’s most prolific artists and celebrities,” Benfield said.

In addition to famous celebrities, the tests feature drag performer Mario Montez and Black supermodel Donyale Luna.

“Andy Warhol is one of the most prolific queer artists in our zeitgeist. He was very much so an advocate for other queer artists and highlighted them in his work and celebrated them in his work. The tie-in with Queen City Pride and June being Pride Month is very strong and one that the museum is so honored to be able to bring attention to and provide a celebratory platform,” Benfield said.

Randall Neilsen, the Art Committee Chair for this year’s Queen City Pride Festival, commented on the collaboration, “There are a lot of elements about Studio 54 and about the fact that they’re debuting this party in the Andy Warhol exhibit that really lends itself to the queer experience. … What we have here is a great opportunity to use Studio 54 to represent the bigger community that we have here in Manchester, especially the queer community. … It’s very exciting to be able to collaborate with them to help put that together,” he said.

woman painting message on wall with colorful paints — Courtesy of Queen City Pride.

Queen City Pride will also be hosting a Pride Parade on Saturday, June 18, from 10 a.m. to noon on Commercial Street in Manchester. Following the parade, there will be a Pride Festival from noon to 6 p.m. Nielsen, who was in charge of coordinating arts events for the festival, noted the large expected turnout for this year’s festival,

“Queen City Pride has become much bigger than it has been in the last couple years. We’re expecting over 5,000 people this year,” he said.

As part of the festival planning, Nielsen helped execute an “artists alley,” a space where more than 25 artists will be showcasing and selling their work.

“[It is] a place for people to come meander and enjoy the arts that we have here in Manchester…. There will be other fun interactive things, like a live painting and some other stuff that some of our artists are putting on,” he said.

The festival will offer events for all ages, including a youth tent that will feature interactive activities being sponsored by FIRST Robotics. Other activities include a beer garden, a food truck area, over 120 local vendors and live entertainment including drag performances.

Queen City Pride is also hosting an after-party following the festival, at 8 p.m. for VIP entrance and 9 p.m. for general admission at the Masonic Temple (1505 Elm St., Manchester). The event will feature live performances, food, drinks and dancing.

Nielsen highlighted Queen City Pride’s recent transition to a nonprofit, saying, “We’re definitely going to be much more involved in the community going forward, especially with organizations like the Currier. … This is really just the start of a lot of fantastic opportunities for us, [both] with them and other organizations going forward.”

Pride-packed weekend

Studio 54 at the Currier
Where: The Currier Museum (150 Ash St, Manchester)
When: Friday, June 17, from 7 to 11 p.m.
Tickets: $50 general admission
Visit: currier.org

Pride Parade
Where: Commercial Street, Manchester
When: Saturday, June 18, 10 a.m. to noon
Visit: queencitypridenh.org

Pride Festival
Where: Arms Park in Manchester
When: Saturday, June 18, noon to 6 p.m.
Visit: queencitypridenh.org

Pride After-Party
Where: Masonic Temple (1505 Elm St., Manchester)
When: Saturday, June 18, 8 p.m. (VIP entrance), 9 p.m. (general admission)
Tickets: $15 general admission, $25 VIP
Visit: queencitypridenh.org

Featured photo: Courtesy of Queen City Pride.

Kids Guide to Summer

Fairs, shows, outdoor adventure and more sunny fun for your chill kids

Fairs and festivals

Catch a town fair, a specialty expo or a local old home day celebration this summer — here’s a list of all those happenings and more set to take place across the Granite State over the next few months. Be sure to visit each event’s or organization’s website or social media pages for the most up-to-date details.

• The Nashua Parks and Recreation department kicks off its Summer Fun schedule of events on Saturday, June 18, from 10 a.m.. to 1 p.m. with Celebrating DPW Day in Greeley Park (100 Concord St. in Nashua), featuring live music (including Joe Birch at 10:15 a.m.), BJ Hickman Magic Show at 11:15 a.m., local stage acts, a bounce house, vendors and more. SummerFun highlights include a Silver Knights baseball game on Monday, July 4, at 11 a.m. when kids 12 and under get in free, and the evening includes the Spartans Drum and Bugle Corp and fireworks; family field day at the library on Thursday, July 14, at 2 p.m.; a Fairy Tale Festival in Greeley Park on Saturday, July 30, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. featuring a costume parade, and Wheels & Wings at the Nashua Airport on Saturday, Sept. 17. Nashua also will host several Pics in the Park at Greeley Park (100 Concord St. in Nashua): Jurassic Park (PG-13, 1993) on Friday, July 15, at dusk; Raiders of the Lost Ark (PG-13, 1981) on Friday, Aug. 12, at dusk, and Shrek (PG, 2001) on Friday, Sept. 16, at dusk. And the city hosts several outdoor concerts throughout the summer. See nashuanh.gov.

• The 40th annual Somersworth International Children’s Festival is happening on Main Street and Noble Pines Park in Somersworth on Saturday, June 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy live music, food, local vendors, rides, wildlife encounters and a variety of other children’s activities, including — new this year — a Touch-A-Truck area. A pre-festival celebration will take place the night before, on Friday, June 17, from 6 to 10 p.m. at Somersworth High School (11 Memorial Drive), and will include a fireworks display. Visit nhfestivals.org.

• Plaistow’s Old Home Day will be held on Saturday, June 18 — activities will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Town Hall green (145 Main St., Plaistow) and will include demonstrations, contests, a parade, a road race, raffles, fireworks and more. Find them on Facebook @plaistowoldhomeday for updates.

• Intown Concord’s annual Market Days Festival, a three-day free street festival, is set to return to Main Street in downtown Concord from Thursday, June 23, through Saturday, June 25. Visit marketdaysfestival.com for the full list of happenings, which will include live music, a beer tent, participating local vendors, children’s activities and giveaways. The “KidZone” will be open each day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the Statehouse lawn and will feature two bounce houses this year, as well as hula hoops, cornhole, jenga and other games.

• The Wilton Main Street Association will present its annual SummerFest on Saturday, June 25 — a full day of festivities is planned across town, including a pancake breakfast, live music, street vendors, an arts market and fireworks in the evening on Carnival Hill. See visitwilton.com/summerfest for the full schedule.

• The next New England Reptile Expo is scheduled for Sunday, June 26, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown (700 Elm St., Manchester). The event features thousands of reptiles on display and for sale as pets, plus vendors selling cages, supplies, frozen feeder rodents and other reptile-related items. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for kids ages 7 to 12 and free for kids under 7. Visit reptileexpo.com.

• Fathom Events (Fathomevents.com) and GKids present Studio Ghibli Fest 2022 kicks off with The Cat Returns (G, 2002) screening Sunday, June 26 (Cinemark Rockingham Park om Salem) and Monday, June 27 (Cinemark Rockingham Park and O’neil Cinemas Brickyard Square in Epping). Hayao Miyazaki’s Kiki’s Delivery Service (G, 1989) will screen at Cinemark Rockingham Park on Sunday, July 31; Monday, Aug. 1, and Wednesday, Aug. 3. Only Yesterday (PG, 1991) will screen Sunday, Aug. 28 (Cinemark Rockingham Park) and Monday, Aug. 29 (Cinemark Rockingham Park and O’neil Cinemas at Brickyard Square).

• O’neil Cinemas at Brickyard Square (24 Calef Hwy. in Epping; 679-3529, oneilcinemas.com) will feature family-friendly films on Mondays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m. starting on Monday, July 4. According to the website, the lineup includes Trolls World Tour (PG, 2020) on July 4 and July 6; Hotel Transylvania: Transformania (PG, 2022) on July 11 and July 13; The Croods: A New Age (PG, 2020) on July 18 and July 20); Minions (PG, 2015) on July 25 and July 27, and The Boss Baby: Family Business (PG, 2021) on Aug. 1 and Aug. 3, and Sing 2 (PG 2021) on Aug. 8 and Aug. 10.

• The Hillsborough Summer Festival, returning to Grimes Field (29 Preston St., Hillsborough) from Thursday, July 7, through Sunday, July 10, features live entertainment, midway and carnival rides, a fireworks show, a 5K road race, a parade, a car and truck show and more. Festival hours are from 6 to 10 p.m. on Thursday, from 5 to 11 p.m. on Friday, from noon to 11 p.m. on Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free — go to hillsborosummerfest.com for the full schedule of happenings.

• The Raymond Town Fair returns from Friday, July 8, through Sunday, July 10, at the Raymond Town Common. Enjoy a firemen’s parade, sack races, pie eating, live music, a fireworks display and more. Fair hours are from 5 to 10 p.m. on Friday, from 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Visit raymondareanews.com.

• In lieu of the Stratham Fair, which was canceled earlier this year, a new one-day community event known as the Stratham 4-H Summerfest is being planned for Saturday, July 16, at the Stratham Hill Park Fairgrounds (270 Portsmouth Ave., Stratham). The smaller event will feature a single-day family experience, showcasing several 4-H programs and livestock, along with forestry and tractor driving contests, club displays, a teen talent fair and a limited menu of food offerings. Email [email protected] for more details.

• Save the date for the 32nd annual American Independence Festival, happening at the American Independence Museum (1 Governors Lane, Exeter) on Saturday, July 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event features several historical reenactments, colonial artisan demonstrations and children’s activities. Visit independencemuseum.org.

• Don’t miss the Canterbury Fair, returning on Saturday, July 30, at Canterbury Center (Baptist and Center roads). A full day of festivities is planned, from hands-on demonstrations from local artisan and antique vendors to live music, children’s activities and more. Visit canterburyfair.com.

• Concord’s National Night Out Against Crime is on Tuesday, Aug. 2, from 5 to 8 p.m. in Rollins Park (33 Bow St. in Concord) and will feature food, prizes, K-9 demonstrations, Touch-a-Truck, a zoo exhibit, a rock climbing wall and more according to concordnh.gov.

• The Suncook Valley Rotary’s Hot Air Balloon Rally will take place Friday, Aug. 5, through Sunday, Aug. 7, in Pittsfield with a craft fair, a 5K, helicopter rides, a regatta and more. See suncookvalleyrotary.org.

• The Belknap County Fair is scheduled to return on Saturday, Aug. 6, and Sunday, Aug. 7, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, at 174 Mile Hill Road in Belmont. The fair features animal shows, demonstrations, live entertainment, exhibits and food. Admission at the gate is $10 for adults, $5 for seniors over 65 and for police, fire and EMS personnel, and free for kids under 10 and for military service members. Visit bcfairnh.org.

• Hudson’s Old Home Days return to the grounds outside the Hills House (211 Derry Road, Hudson) from Thursday, Aug. 11, through Sunday, Aug. 14 — hours are from 5 to 10 p.m. on Thursday, from 5 to 11 p.m. on Friday, from noon to 11 p.m. on Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Festivities include free children’s games, live music, carnival games, a fireworks display, fair food and more. Visit hudsonoldhomedays.com.

• The Great New England BBQ & Food Truck Festival returns to the Hampshire Dome (34 Emerson Road, Milford) for its fifth year on Saturday, Aug. 13, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The event will feature a variety of local food trucks, plus artisan vendors, a beer tent, a cornhole tournament, a kids zone, live music and more. Advance tickets are $5 and are available now. Kids ages 14 and under are free. Visit gnecraftartisanshows.com.

• Windham High School (64 London Bridge Road) is scheduled to host a food truck festival on Sunday, Aug. 14, from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Visit windhamnh.gov.

• Catch the 15th annual Hampton Beach Children’s Festival, happening during the week of Monday, Aug. 15, through Friday, Aug. 19, during which there will be magic shows, a costume parade, dancing, storytellers, balloons, ice cream and more. All activities are free and open to the public. Visit hamptonbeach.org.

• Londonderry’s Old Home Days, set for Wednesday, Aug. 17, through Sunday, Aug. 22, are coinciding with the town’s 300th anniversary celebration this year. Several days’ worth of happenings are planned, including a parade, local vendor booths, games, food and much more. Follow the Facebook page @townoflondonderryoldhomeday for updates.

• Formerly known as the Living History event, History Alive will return to various locations in Hillsborough, rain or shine, on Saturday, Aug. 20, and Sunday, Aug. 21, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Also coinciding with the town’s 250th anniversary celebration this year, History Alive will feature several historical reenactments throughout the weekend, plus children’s activities, crafts, speakers, musicians and much more. Admission is $10 for adults and free for kids under 16. Visit historyalivenh.org.

• Don’t miss the annual Candia Old Home Day celebration, happening on Saturday, Aug. 27, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Moore Park (74 High St., Candia) and featuring a parade, local vendors and live entertainment. Visit candiaoldhomeday.com.

• Join Field of Dreams Community Park (48 Geremonty Drive, Salem) for its annual family fun day event, scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 27, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., when there will be local vendors, children’s games, face painting, a touch-a-truck, live music, food trucks and — new this year — a rock climbing wall. Visit fieldofdreamsnh.org.

• A Labor Day weekend tradition, the Hopkinton State Fair will return to the fairgrounds (392 Kearsarge Ave., Contoocook) from Thursday, Sept. 1, through Sunday, Sept. 5. Fair hours are from 5 to 10 p.m. on Thursday, from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday — the multi-day event features everything from local vendors and classic fair food to live music, carnival rides, agricultural exhibits and demonstrations and more. One-day admission passes are $14 for adults, $12 for seniors over 60, $8 for kids ages 3 to 12 and free for kids ages 3 and under. Five-day passes are also available at a rate of $39 for both kids and adults. Visit hsfair.org.

Live entertainment

• The Palace Teen Apprentice Company presents Seussical Jr. at the Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St., Manchester) on Wednesday, June 15, and Thursday, June 16, at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $12 to $15. Visit palacetheatre.org or call 668-5588.

• See Blippi The Musical at the Capitol Center for the Arts (44 S. Main St., Concord) on Friday, June 17, at 6 p.m. Tickets cost $39.50 to $59.50. Visit ccanh.com or call 225-1111.

• The North Country Center for the Arts presents its IMPACT series, a six-week tour of performances by a children’s theater troupe, at the Bank of NH Stage (16 S. Main St., Concord) on Tuesdays at 10 a.m., from July 5 through Aug. 9. It kicks off with Sleeping Beautyon July 5, followed by Lost in Wonderlandon July 12, Neverland on July 19, Little Red Riding Hoodon July 26, Return to Oz on Aug. 2 and Jack & the Beanstalkon Aug. 9. Tickets are free. Visit ccanh.com.

• The 2022 Bank of New Hampshire Children’s Summer Series presents a series of shows at the Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St., Manchester) with a Tuesday-through-Friday run every week in July and August. Shows include magician BJ Hickman July 5 through July 8; Wizard of OzJuly 12 through July 15; RapunzelJuly 19 through July 22; Peter PanJuly 26 through July 29; Cinderella Aug. 2 through Aug. 5; Beauty and the Beast Aug. 9 through Aug. 12; Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Aug. 16 through Aug. 19; and Disney’s Frozen Kids Aug 23 through Aug. 26. Showtimes are at 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. from Tuesday through Thursday, and at 10 a.m. on Friday. Tickets cost $10. Visit palacetheatre.org or call 668-5588.

• The Majestic Theatre presents Big The Musical at the Derry Opera House (29 W. Broadway, Derry) from July 8 through July 17, with showtimes on Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $20 for adults and $15 for youth and seniors. Visit majestictheatre.net or call 669-7649.

. • Camp ENCORE presents Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr. at the Prescott Park Arts Festival (105 Marcy St., Portsmouth) on Saturday, July 9, and Sunday, July 10, at 10 a.m. Reserved seating tickets cost $40. Visit prescottpark.org or call 436-2848.

• The Peterborough Players (55 Hadley Road, Peterborough) second company presents an outdoor performance of The Emperor’s New Clothes on Fridays, July 15, July 29, and Aug. 12; Saturdays, July 16 through Aug. 13; and Wednesdays, July 27 and Aug. 10, at 10:30 a.m. Tickets cost $15 for adults and $10 for children. Visit peterboroughplayers.org.

• Johnny Peers & the Muttville Comix, a slapstick comedy act with more than a dozen performing dogs, comes to the Lakeport Opera House (781 Union Ave., Laconia) on Sunday, July 17, at 2:30 p.m. Tickets start at $25. Visit lakeportopera.com or call 519-7506.

• The Franklin Area Children’s Theatre presents a theatrical adaptation of The Rainbow Fish at the Franklin Opera House (316 Central St., Franklin) on Thursday, July 21, with showtimes at 1 and 7 p.m. Tickets cost $8 for children, $9 for seniors and students and $10 for adults. Call 934-1901 or visit franklinoperahouse.org.

• The Sound of Music will run at the Rochester Opera House (31 Wakefield St., Rochester) from July 29 through Aug. 21. Visit rochesteroperahouse.com or call 335-1992.

• Disney cover band The Little Mermen comes to the Lakeport Opera House (781 Union Ave., Laconia) on Sunday, July 31, at 3 p.m. Come dressed as your favorite Disney character for a chance to win a prize. Tickets start at $30. Visit lakeportopera.com or call 519-7506.

• Chinese acrobatics group The Peking Acrobats will perform at the Lakeport Opera House (781 Union Ave., Laconia) on Thursday, Aug. 4, at 7 p.m., and Friday, Aug. 5, at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $45. Visit lakeportopera.com or call 519-7506.

• The Northeastern Ballet Theatre presents Swan Lake at the Capitol Center for the Arts (44 S. Main St., Concord) on Friday, Aug. 5, and Saturday, Aug. 6, at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $42. Visit ccanh.com or call 225-1111.

• The Peacock Players youth theater company presents Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr. at the Court Street Theatre (14 Court St., Nashua) from Aug. 5 through Aug. 14, with showtimes on Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Visit peacockplayers.org.

• Children’s musician Laurie Berkner will perform a “Greatest Hits Show” at the Tupelo Music Hall, (10 A St., Derry) on Saturday, Aug. 6, at 11 a.m. Tickets cost $25 to $35. VIP tickets, which include counter seats, an after-show meet-and-greet and a photo op, cost $100. Visit tupelomusichall.com.

• Seussical the Musical comes to the Colonial Theatre (609 Main St., Laconia), with showtimes on Friday, Aug. 12, and Saturday, Aug. 13, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Aug. 14, at 2 p.m. Tickets purchased before Aug. 7 cost $16 for youth age 18 and under, $18 for seniors and $20 for adults. Tickets purchased Aug. 7 and after cost $18 for youth, $20 for seniors and $22 for adults. Visit coloniallaconia.com.

• The Winnipesaukee Playhouse (33 Footlight Circle, Meredith) presents Oliver! from Aug. 18 through Sept. 3, with showtimes Tuesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m., plus matinees on Saturday, Aug. 20; Thursdays, Aug. 25 and Sept. 1; and Tuesday, Aug. 30, at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $25 to $42. Visit winnipesaukeeplayhouse.org.

• The Franklin Area Children’s Theatre presents The Lion King Experience Jr. at the Franklin Opera House (316 Central St., Franklin) on Friday, Aug. 19, and Saturday, Aug. 20, at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $12 for adults and $10 for students, children and seniors. Call 934-1901 or visit franklinoperahouse.org.

• The Riverbend Youth Company presents Shrek the Musical at the Amato Center for the Performing Arts (56 Mont Vernon St., Milford) from Friday, Aug. 26, through Sunday, Aug. 28. More information is TBA. Visit svbgc.org/amato-center.

Outdoor fun

See a baseball game, attend a car show, or find other fun ways to get outside this summer on this list below.

• The New Hampshire Fisher Cats, the Double-A minor-league affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays of Major League Baseball, are in the middle of a homestand against the Somerset Patriots. Catch them at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium (1 Line Drive, Manchester) on Thursday, June 16, at 6:35 p.m.; on Friday, June 17, (Marvel’s Defenders of the Diamond night) or Saturday, June 18, (featuring post game fireworks) at 7:05 p.m.; or on Sunday, June 19, at 1:35 p.m. Then, after a day off on Monday, the Fisher Cats will host a six-game series against the Altoona Curve from Tuesday, June 21, through Sunday, June 26. The team’s final home game of the season will be on Sunday, Sept. 18, against the Harrisburg Senators. In addition to post game fireworks on some nights, other special events to look out for include North Woods Law night (July 8), Christmas in July (July 22), Star Wars Night (July 23), Cats-Con Night (Aug. 6), Princesses in the Park (Aug. 7) and Wizards & Wands night (Sept. 3). Visit nhfishercats.com.

• The Nashua Silver Knights of the Futures Collegiate Baseball League recently kicked off their 2022 season and will next play at Holman Stadium (67 Amherst St., Nashua) on Thursday, June 16, at 6 p.m. against the Brockton Rox. Upcoming theme days include Kids Club Sunday on Sunday, June 19, and Scout Night on Friday, June 24. The team’s last home game is on Sunday, Aug. 7, at 3 p.m. against the Worcester Bravehearts. Visit nashuasilverknights.com.

• Don’t miss the 22nd annual Hampton Beach Master Sand Sculpting Classic, happening from Thursday, June 16, through Saturday, June 18. The event features multiple award ceremonies, with prizes given out for the best sand sculptures, along with a fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. on Saturday. The sculptures will then be lighted for nightly viewing through June 26. Visit hamptonbeach.org.

• The Merrimack Parks & Recreation Movies in the Park series kicks off Saturday, June 18, with a screening of Encanto (PG, 2021) at 8:30 p.m. The lineup also includes Spider-Man: No Way Home (PG-13, 2021) on Saturday, July 23, at 8:15 p.m. and Sing 2 (PG, 2021) on Saturday, Sept. 3, at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free and open to Merrimack residents and non-residents. Screenings are held in Wasserman Park (116 Naticook Road in Merrimack). See merrimackparksandrec.org.

• Join the Aviation Museum of New Hampshire (27 Navigator Road, Londonderry) for its annual “Welcome Summer” Fly-In BBQ on Saturday, June 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Boire Field, at the hangar of Nashua Jet Aviation (83 Perimeter Road, Nashua). Pilots are invited to fly in, and vintage airplanes and home-built aircraft are especially welcome. A barbecue buffet will be served at noon — the meal will include chicken, pulled pork, baked beans, salad, pasta, desserts and drinks. Tickets are $30 for adults, $25 for museum members, $10 for kids ages 6 to 12 and free for kids ages 5 and under. Visit nhahs.org.

• The second annual Chandler’s Ball 3-on-3 Kids Basketball Tournament is happening on Saturday, June 18, from 2 to 6 p.m. at Emmett-Sheridan Park (324 Beech St., Manchester). The cost is $15 per team, and players will be divided into age groups of 8 to 12, 13 to 16 and 17 to 21 years old. Visit chandlersangels.org.

• Beaver Brook Association is hosting Strawberry Station: A Family Event at Brown Lane Barn (52 Brown Lane, Hollis) on Sunday, June 19, from 1 to 3 p.m. Learn to spot wild strawberries and make strawberry shortcake. The cost is $45; children are free, but attendees must register in advance. Visit beaverbrook.org.

• Squam Lakes Natural Science Center (Curry Place, 846 Route 3, Holderness) will hold its StoryWalk Kickoff Reception: The Bugliest Bug, on Friday, June 24, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Stroll along the path that surrounds the Holderness Town Gazebo while reading The Bugliest Bug by Carol Diggory Shields, posted one page at a time along the trail. The story is about the news of a big contest taking place in the land of insects. After the kickoff reception, the trail will be open daily through Sept. 6.

• Dozens of high school football players from across the state will participate in this year’s CHaD NH East-West High School All-Star Football Game, scheduled for Saturday, June 25, at 1 p.m. at Saint Anselm College (100 St. Anselm Drive, Manchester). General admission tickets are $15, with all proceeds benefiting Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock (CHaD). Visit chadkids.org.

• The Prescott Park Arts Festival has movies on the schedule for screening in Prescott Park in Portsmouth (prescottpark.org). A $5 per person donation is suggested to make a reservation (with other options for a table or blanket). The Monday Night Movie Series kicks off on Monday, June 27, at 8:30 p.m. with a screening of The Perks of Being a Wallflower (PG-13, 2012). The rest of the lineup includes Encanto (PG, 2021) on Monday, July 11, at 8:30 p.m.; Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (PG, 1980) on Monday, July 18, at 8:30 p.m.; Moonrise Kingdom (PG-13, 2012) on Monday, July 25, at 8:30 p.m.; Clue (PG, 1985) on Monday, Aug. 1, at 8:30 p.m.; Grease: Sing-Along (1978) on Monday Aug. 8, at 8:30 p.m.; Hook (PG, 1991) on Monday, Aug. 22, at 8:30 p.m., and The Wizard of Oz (1939) on Monday, Aug. 29, at 8:30 p.m.

• Join the New Hampshire Farm Museum (1305 White Mountain Hwy., Milton) for Fourth on the Farm, happening on Saturday, July 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., during which there will be historical reenactments, a reading of the Declaration of Independence, lawn games, tractor rides, strawberry shortcake and more. Museum admission is $10 for adults, $7.50 for seniors over 65, $5 for kids and teens ages 4 to 17 and free for kids under 4 and for members and active military servicemen and women. Visit nhfarmmuseum.org.

• If you spend a summer Monday at the beach, finish your day at the coast with Movie Night Mondays on Hampton Beach (next to the playground) starting July 11 at dusk (approximately 8:22 p.m. for that first movie and then a few minutes earlier for each subsequent film). The films run weekly through Aug. 29, admission is free, bring a chair or blanket. The lineup of family-friendly films kicks off with Paw Patrol (G, 2021) on July 11. See hamptonbeach.org for the full schedule and the approximate dusk times; rain days are Tuesdays.

• It’s NASCAR Weekend at New Hampshire Motor Speedway (1122 Route 106, Loudon) from Friday, July 15, through Sunday, July 17 — weekend happenings include Friday Night Dirt Duels on Friday, a 200-lap NASCAR Xfinity Series race at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, followed by the Whelen Manufactured in America 100 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour race at 6 p.m. on Sunday, the Ambetter 301 will kick off at 3 p.m. Adult tickets start at $49 while kids ages 12 and under are $10. Visit nhms.com.

• The Aviation Museum of New Hampshire (27 Navigator Road, Londonderry) will hold its annual classic car show on Saturday, July 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. See a wide variety of cars on display, along with restored antique fire trucks courtesy of Amoskeag Reserve Engine Co. Trophies will be given out for the People’s Choice and Museum awards, and the show will also include a 50/50 raffle, food trucks and more. Admission to participate in the show is $10 per vehicle, while for spectators it’s $5 for adults and free for kids ages 12 and under (admission is cash only). Visit nhahs.org.

• Old Stage & Tavern Day is scheduled for Saturday, July 23, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the New Hampshire Farm Museum (1305 White Mountain Hwy., Milton). Experience what it was like to travel by stagecoach in the 1800s, then tour the museum’s historic Jones farmhouse with guides in period dress. There will also be tractor rides, and candle making and basket making demonstrations, along with a scavenger hunt with prizes awarded. Museum admission is $10 for adults, $7.50 for seniors over 65, $5 for kids and teens ages 4 to 17 and free for kids under 4 and for members and active military servicemen and women. Visit nhfarmmuseum.org.

• The New Hampshire Farm Museum (1305 White Mountain Hwy., Milton) will host a special Truck and Tractor Day on Saturday, Aug. 20, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., during which there will be a large display of trucks, tractors, wagons and antique cars dating back to the mid-1900s. Tractor rides will be available around the farm for attendees to visit with the resident cows, sheep, goats, horses, rabbits and chickens. Museum admission is $10 for adults, $7.50 for seniors over 65, $5 for kids and teens ages 4 to 17 and free for kids under 4 and for members and active military servicemen and women. Visit nhfarmmuseum.org.

• Firefighters and police officers from across the Granite State will renew their friendly rivalry during the annual Battle of the Badges Baseball Classic, scheduled for Friday, Aug. 26, at 6:30 p.m. at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium (1 Line Drive, Manchester). Visit chadkids.org.

• One of the largest car shows in the area, Cruising Downtown is scheduled to return to the streets of downtown Manchester for its 21st year on Saturday, Sept. 3. Visit manchesterrotary.com for updates.

Art & Museums

• The American Independence Museum (1 Governors Lane, Exeter, 772-2622, independencemuseum.org) is a place for people of all ages to learn about America’s revolutionary history. It provides access to historic buildings and interactive, historically accurate depictions of what life was like during the American revolution. Museum tours are offered Wednesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission costs $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, students, educators and first responders, and $4 for children ages 6 to 18. Tickets are free for children under age 6 and for active or retired military veterans. Save the date for the museum’s 32nd annual American Independence Festival on Saturday, July 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., which will feature several historical reenactments, colonial artisan demonstrations and children’s activities.

• The Aviation Museum of New Hampshire (27 Navigator Road, Londonderry, 669-4820, aviationmuseumofnh.org) is dedicated to the science, technology, history and culture of aviation and features interactive exhibits and educational programs. It’s open Friday and Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission costs $10 for adults, $5 for seniors age 65 and over, veterans, active duty and kids ages 6 through 12, and is free for kids age 5 and under, with a $30 maximum for families.

• Travel back to a simpler time at Canterbury Shaker Village (288 Shaker Road, Canterbury), a restored Shaker village and history museum with historic buildings, interactive exhibits and activities, educational programs and more. The Village grounds and trails are open every day from dawn to dusk with no admission fee. Guided indoor and outdoor tours with different themes are offered Tuesday through Sunday at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Tour tickets cost $20 to $25 for adults, depending on the tour, and are free for visitors age 25 and under. Call 783-9511 or visit shakers.org.

• Children’s Museum of New Hampshire (6 Washington St., Dover, 742-2002, childrens-museum.org) is a family museum featuring unique interactive exhibits with a focus on art, science and culture. Summer hours are Tuesday through Sunday, from 9 a.m. to noon, with an additional session from 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Masks are required on Tuesday and Sunday, but optional Wednesday through Saturday. Tickets are available for either the morning (9 a.m. to noon) or afternoon (1 to 4 p.m.) sessions and cost $11 for adults and children over age 1 and $9 for seniors over age 65. Participants must register online. This summer the museum is providing concert seats from its patio, directly across from the main stage where Dover’s Cochecho Arts Festival performances will be taking place on Fridays, July 22, Aug. 5 and Aug. 12, at 6:30 p.m. Tickets cost $15 per person.

• The Currier Museum of Art (150 Ash St., Manchester) offers Creative Studio, a themed art-making project for families, every second Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., free for New Hampshire residents. On the third Saturday of every month it hosts Art for Vets Family Days, where veterans and active military members and their families get free admission to the museum and can enjoy art-making activities and a complimentary lunch. Registration is required for all special events. Current gallery hours are Wednesday and Friday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission costs $15 for adults, $13 for seniors age 65 and up, $10 for students, $5 for youth ages 13 to 17 and free for children age 12 and under and museum members. General admission to the museum is also free for New Hampshire residents on the second Saturday of the month. Call 669- 6144 or visit currier.org.

• Mariposa Museum & World Culture Center (26 Main St., Peterborough, 924-4555, mariposamuseum.org) is a museum of art and artifacts from around the world that includes hands-on exhibits with costumes, puppets, instruments and more for children to explore. It’s open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission costs $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and $5 for kids ages 3 through 16.

• The McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center (2 Institute Drive, Concord, 271-7827, starhop.com) is a museum focused on astronomy and aviation, offering interactive exhibits, simulations, an observatory, a planetarium and more. It’s open daily during the summer, from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. General admission costs$11.50 for adults, $10.50 for students and seniors and $8.50 for kids ages 3 through 12. The museum also features a variety of planetarium shows, with daily showtimes on the hour from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., for an additional cost of $5 per person.

• The Millyard Museum (200 Bedford St., Manchester, 622-7531, manchesterhistoric.org/millyard-museum)is dedicated to educating the public about Manchester’s history, particularly the history of the Amoskeag Millyard. It’s open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.General admission costs $8 for adults, $6 for seniors 62+ and college students, $4 for youth ages 12 through 18, free for kids under age 12.

• The New Hampshire Telephone Museum (1 Depot St., Warner, 456.2234, nhtelephonemuseum.com) features nearly 1,000 telephones, switchboards and other telecommunication memorabilia and history, and has an interactive kids room. Its summer hours are Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission costs $7 for adults, $6 for seniors age 65 and up and $3 for students in grades 1 through 12.

• Learn about New Hampshire marine life and science with live animals, hands-on exhibits and educational programs at the Seacoast Science Center (Odiorne Point State Park, 570 Ocean Blvd., Rye, 436-8043, seacoastsciencecenter.org). Summer hours are Wednesday through Monday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. General admission costs $10 for ages 12 and up, $5 for ages 3 to 11, and $8 for seniors age 65 and up. Children under age 3 are free. The Center recommends that attendees book ahead, since availability may be limited. The museum’s current special exhibit “The Edge of the Sea” allows kids to view various animals and organisms under a high-power microscope. The experience includes 500-gallon hands-on touch-tanks with simulated tide pools for visitors to view, touch and learn more about the ocean.

• SEE Science Center (200 Bedford St., Manchester, 669-0400, see-sciencecenter.org) is a museum focused on technology, engineering, mathematics and more, featuring interactive exhibits, demonstrations and educational programs. It’s home to the Lego Millyard Project, the largest permanent minifigure scale Lego installation in the world, depicting Manchester’s Amoskeag Millyard circa 1900. During the summer, the museum is open Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission costs $10 per person and is free for kids under age 3.

• Strawbery Banke Museum (14 Hancock St., Portsmouth, 433-1100, strawberybanke.org) is an outdoor museum preserving more than 300 years of history of New Hampshire’s oldest neighborhood to be settled by Europeans. Visitors can tour historic buildings preserved on their original foundations, meet historical costumed roleplayers, see traditional craft demonstrations and more. Summer hours at the museum are daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission costs $19.50 for adults, $17.50 for seniors ages 65 and up and $9 for children ages 5 to 17. Children under age 5 are free. Family and group rates are also available. The museum will host its popular summer concert series Tuesdays on the Terrace every Tuesday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. beginning June 21. Hear local talent and mingle with the community by an open-air stage. Visitors should bring their own lawn chairs or blankets.

• Studio 550 Art Center (550 Elm St., Manchester, 232-5597, 550arts.com) offers an all-ages family clay sculpting workshop on select Fridays at 4:15 p.m., for $20 per person, and a family pottery wheel workshop for kids ages 9 and up every Friday at 4:30 p.m., for $35 per person.

• You’re Fired (25 S. River Road, Bedford, 641-3473; 133 Loudon Road #101, Concord, 226-3473; 264 N. Broadway, Salem, 894-5456; yourefirednh.com) is an all-ages walk-in pottery studio, open Monday, Wednesday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Mondays are “Mini Mondays,” when studio fees for kids age 12 and under are half-off all day.

At the library

Libraries across the Granite State have all sorts of summer reading programs and other fun events planned over the next few months. From arts and crafts to live music, nature, wildlife and more, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at their local library this summer.

Amherst Town Library

14 Main St., Amherst, 673-2288, amherstlibrary.org

• Weekly storytimes: Family storytime (ages 3 and up) is Wednesdays, June 22 to Aug. 10 (except July 20), from 10 to 10:30 a.m.; Little Listeners lapsit storytime (ages 3 and under) is Thursdays, June 23 to Aug. 11 (except July 28), from 10 to 10:30 a.m.

• Mr. Vinny the Bubble Guy: Wednesday, June 22, 1 to 1:45 p.m. outside on the library grounds (all ages); no registration required

• Wildlife Encounters: Tuesday, July 12, 2 p.m.

• Kick into Karate: Tuesday, July 19, and Friday, July 22, 10 to 10:45 a.m. (ages 5 and up); registration is required, as space is limited

• Children’s Pet Show: Wednesday, July 20, 10 to 11 a.m. (ages 5 and up); registration is required

• Music with Mr. Aaron: Thursday, July 28, 10 to 11 a.m. (ages 2 and up); no registration required

• Turtles of New Hampshire (with the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center): Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2 to 3 p.m. (ages 5 and up); no registration required

• End of Summer Ice Cream Social: Friday, Aug. 12, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. (all ages); no registration required

Baker Free Library

509 South St., Bow, 224-7113, bowbakerfreelibrary.org

• Pirate Party (summer reading kickoff event): Friday, June 17, 4 to 6 p.m. (all ages); features a special live performance from Miss Julieann at 5 p.m.

• Weekly take-home craft kits:Each kit will include supplies and instructions for one craft project. New kits will be available every Monday on a first-come, first-served basis, beginning the week of June 20 and through the week of Aug. 8, and will be available for pickup any time the library is open.

• Family storytime: Tuesdays, June 21 to Aug. 9, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

• Glow in the Dark Nights: Wednesday, June 22, 5:30 to 7 p.m. (ages 3 to 7), and Wednesday, July 13, 5:30 to 7 p.m. (ages 8 and up); registration is required

• Friday Summer Matinees: Fridays, June 24 to Aug. 5, 1 to 4 p.m. (all ages); movie titles and descriptions will be available in the coming weeks)

• Young Writers Workshop: Tuesday, June 28, 4 to 5 p.m. (grade 4 and up); registration is required, as space is limited

• Young Writers Club drop-in hours: Thursdays, June 30 to July 21, 3 to 4 p.m. (grade 4 and up); no registration required

• Whales & Seals presentation: Thursday, July 28, 4 to 5 p.m. (kindergarten to grade 4); registration is required

• Ice Cream Party, featuring Mike the Bubble Man: Saturday, Aug. 13, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (all ages); no registration required

Bedford Public Library

3 Meetinghouse Road, Bedford, 472-2300, bedfordnhlibrary.org

• Weekly storytimes (registration required): Sailing Storytime (ages 6 and under), Thursdays, 10 to 10:30 a.m., now through July 28 (next one is June 16); Baby Sharks Storytime (ages 2 and under), Tuesdays, 10 to 10:30 a.m., now through July 26 (next one is June 21); Starfish Storytime (ages 2 to 5), Wednesdays, 10 to 10:30 a.m., now through July 27 (next one is June 22); Sprinkler Storytime (ages 12 and under), Saturdays, 10:30 to 11 a.m., June 18 and July 16

• Comics Workshops with Marek Bennett: Mondays, June 20, June 27, July 11 and July 18, from 4 to 5 p.m. (ages 9 to 12); registration is required

• Drawing Under the Sea with Miss Lee Ann: Mondays, June 20, July 11 and July 25, from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. (ages 6 to 9); registration is required

• Touch-A-Truck event: Tuesday, June 21, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. (ages 3 to 12); registration is required

• Beach Explorers with UNH Marine Docents: Monday, June 27, 1 to 2 p.m. (ages 5 to 12); registration is required

• Zendoodles Under the Sea: Wednesdays, June 29, July 6, and July 20, from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. (ages 8 to 12); registration is required

• H2OH! Party: Wednesday, July 6, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. (ages 12 and under); registration is required

• Lunch Bunch: Thursdays, July 8, July 15, and July 22, noon to 12:30 p.m. outside under the library tent (ages 5 to 7); registration is required

• Breakfast Buzz: Saturday, July 9, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. (ages 8 to 12); registration is required

• Magic by George: Monday, July 11, 2 to 3 p.m. (ages 3 to 12); registration is required

• S’mores & Stories: Monday, July 18, 7 to 7:30 p.m. (ages 12 and under); registration is required

• Wildlife Encounters: Tuesday, July 19, 11 a.m. to noon, and Wednesday, July 20, 2 to 3 p.m. (ages 3 to 12); registration is required

• Summer Reading Finale Party: Friday, July 29, 2 to 3 p.m. (all ages); registration is required

Boscawen Public Library

116 N. Main St., Boscawen, 753-8576, boscawenpubliclibrary.org

• Preschool storytimes: Wednesdays, 10:30 to 11 a.m. (next one is June 22)

• Make and take crafts: Thursday, June 30, 2 p.m.

• Lego Saturdays: Saturdays, 10 a.m., July 2 to Aug. 6

• Teddy bear workshop: Thursday, July 14, 2 p.m.

• Music with Mr. Aaron: Monday, July 18, 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Brookline Public Library

16 Main St., Brookline, 673-3330, brooklinelibrarynh.org

• Music Time with Miss Jackie: Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. outside on the library grounds (next date is June 21, weather permitting)

• Read to Kallie the dog: Wednesdays, July 6 and Aug. 3, at 3:30 p.m.

Chester Public Library

3 Chester St., Chester, 887-3404, chesternh.org/chester-public-library

• Bedtime stories: Mondays at 6:30 p.m. (next one is June 20); registration is required. All ages welcome.

• Weekly storytimes:Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. (next one is June 21); registration is required. All ages welcome.

• Yarn wall garland craft: Wednesday, June 22, 4 p.m. All materials will be provided by the library (ages 9 and up); registration is required

• Fishtail braiding craft: Tuesday, July 5, 2 p.m. (ages 9 and up); registration is required

• Live animals program with the Seacoast Science Center: Wednesday, July 13, 6 p.m. (all ages); registration is required

• Pet show: Thursday, July 14, 6 p.m. (all ages and pets welcome, with prizes awarded); registration is required

• Touch-A-Truck event at the Chester Fire Station: Tuesday, July 19, 1 p.m.; no registration required; rain date is July 26

• Bubbles and Lights and Lasers show: Wednesday, July 20, 6 to 8 p.m. (all ages); registration is required

• Sand slime making activity: Wednesday, July 27, 4 p.m.; all materials will be provided by the library (all ages); registration is required

• Tie-dye art activity: Thursday, July 28, 4 p.m.; bring your own T-shirt, socks or other clothing to tie-dye (all ages); registration is required

Concord Public Library

45 Green St., Concord, 225-8670, concordpubliclibrary.net

• Evening storytime: The Ocean Floor: Wednesday, June 22, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Rolfe Park (79 Community Drive, Penacook); registration is required

• Get to Know: The Outstanding Octopus: Friday, June 24, 2 to 3:30 p.m. (all ages); registration is required

• Outdoor preschool storytime: Wednesdays, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. (location varies depending on the date; the next one is scheduled for June 29 at Keach Park, 2 Newton Ave.)

Derry Public Library

64 E. Broadway, Derry, 432-6140, derrypl.org

• Family storytimes on the patio: Fridays, June 24 to July 29, from 10 to 10:45 a.m.; registration is required

• Step Into Music!: Tuesdays, June 21 to Aug. 2, from 10 to 10:45 a.m. (ages 3 to 5); registration is required

• Enchantment Under the Sea Glow Dance Party: Tuesday, June 21; includes a morning session from 11 a.m. to noon and an afternoon session from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. (all ages); registration is required

• Bedtime Stories: Tuesdays, June 21 to Aug. 9, from 6:30 to 7 p.m. (ages 2 to 7); registration is required

• Infant storytimes: Wednesdays, June 22 to Aug. 10, from 10 to 10:30 a.m.; registration is required

• Mother Goose on the Loose storytimes:Thursdays, June 23 to Aug. 4, from 10 to 10:45 a.m. (ages 1 to 3); registration is required

• Explore the Coral Reefs: Thursday, June 23; includes a morning session from 11 to 11:45 a.m. and an afternoon session from 1:30 to 2:15 p.m. (ages 5 to 11); registration is required

• Lindsay & Her Puppet Pals: Friday, June 24, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.; registration is required

• Preschool storytimes: Mondays, June 27 to Aug. 8 (except July 4), 10 to 10:45 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. to noon; registration is required

• Fascinating Feelings of Dogs: Tuesday, June 28, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. (ages 5 to 11); registration is required

• Pool Noodle Sea Creatures: Thursday, June 30; includes a morning session from 11 a.m. to noon and an afternoon session from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.; registration is required

• Across Oceans: Exploring the Art, History and Culture of Japan: Thursday, July 7; includes a morning session from 11 to 11:45 a.m. and an afternoon session from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. (ages 5 to 11); registration is required

• Teen comic workshop with Marek Bennett: Monday, July 11, 2 to 4 p.m. (ages 11 to 18); registration is required

• Shell trinket dish and recycled bracelet workshop: Wednesday, July 13, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. (ages 11 to 18); registration is required

• Fun With Dolphins: Thursday, July 14; includes a morning session from 11 to 11:45 a.m. and an afternoon session from 1:30 to 2:15 p.m. (ages 5 to 11); registration is required

• Jellyfish lantern workshop: Monday, July 18, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. (ages 11 to 18); registration is required

• Shark Infested Fun!: Tuesday, July 19; includes a morning session from 11 a.m. to noon and an afternoon session from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.; registration is required

• No-sew octopus pillow workshop: Wednesday, July 20, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. (ages 11 to 18); registration is required

• Aquariums: Thursday, July 21; includes a morning session from 11 a.m. to noon and an afternoon session from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.; registration is required

• DIY marbled mugs workshop: Monday, July 25, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. (ages 11 to 18); registration is required

• Searching for Treasure: Tuesday, July 26; includes a session from 1:30 to 2:15 p.m. and one from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. (ages 5 to 11); registration is required

• Campfire stories at the Taylor Library: Thursday, July 28, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.; registration is required

• Recycled submarines workshop: Monday, Aug. 1, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. (ages 11 to 18); registration is required

• Lighthouses: Tuesday, Aug. 2; includes two sessions, at 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. (ages 5 to 11); registration is required

• Bermuda Triangle Escape Room: Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. (ages 11 to 18); registration is required

• Seashell collages workshop: Thursday, Aug. 4; includes a morning session from 11 a.m. to noon and an afternoon session 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.; registration is required

• Pirate Scavenger Hunt: Tuesday, Aug. 9; includes a morning session from 11 a.m. to noon and an afternoon session from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.; registration is required

• End of Summer Party featuring magician BJ Hickman: Thursday, Aug. 11, 1 to 2:30 p.m. (all ages); registration is recommended

Dunbarton Public Library

1004 School St., Dunbarton, 774-3546, dunbartonlibrary.org

• Weekly storytimes: Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. outside on the town band stand (next date is June 22)

• Touch-A-Truck event: Wednesday, June 29, 10:30 a.m. on the north side of the Town Common

• Mr. Aaron live on the band stand: Wednesday, July 13, 10:30 a.m.

• Judy Pancoast live on the band stand: Wednesday, July 20, 10:30 a.m.

Goffstown Public Library

2 High St., Goffstown, 497-2102, goffstownlibrary.com

• Whales & Seals presentation: Tuesday, June 21, at 10 a.m.; registration is required

• Teen STEAM programs: Tuesdays, June 21 to Aug. 16, at 2 p.m.

• Reading with Candy the Therapy Dog: Tuesdays, June 21 to Aug. 9, at 6 p.m.

• Family Game Night: Wednesday, June 22, at 6 p.m.

• Simple STEAM Activities: Mondays at 10 a.m. (next one is June 27)

• Children’s movie matinee: Mondays at 2 p.m. (next one is June 27)

• Preschool storytimes: Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m., June 28 to Aug. 3

• Kids’ graphic novel book club: last Wednesday of every month at 3:30 p.m. (next one is June 28)

• Skywatch: Wednesday, July 29, 8:30 p.m.

• Movers & Groovers: Thursdays, June 30 to Aug. 4, at 10 a.m.

• Kids Can Cook! workshop: Wednesdays, July 6 and Aug. 3, at 1 p.m.

• Teen Cuisine: Sea Creature Cupcake decorating: Wednesday, July 6, 3 p.m.

• Teen Coding Hour: Thursday, July 7, 1 p.m.

• Minecraft: Learning to Code for Kids: Thursday, July 7, 3 p.m.

• Oceans of Bubbles: Friday, July 8, 10 a.m.

• Family drop-in storytimes: Saturdays, July 9 and Aug. 13, at 10 a.m.

• Music with Mr. Aaron: Monday, July 18, 3 p.m.

• Tie-dye workshop: Friday, July 22, 10 a.m.

• Crazy about Pokemon!: Wednesdays, July 27 and Aug. 17, at 3:30 p.m.

• Kids’ Picture Book Club: Fridays, July 29 and Aug. 12, at 10 a.m.

• Drop-in video games: Wednesday, Aug. 3, at 5 p.m.

• Family book discussion: Wednesday, Aug. 3, at 6 p.m.

• Under the Sea tea party: Thursday, Aug. 4, at 3 p.m.

• Lindsay & Her Puppet Pals: Friday, Aug. 5, at 10 a.m.

• Pirate Tales: Wednesday, Aug. 10, at 1 p.m.

• Teen Cuisine with Hannaford: Wednesday, Aug. 10, at 3 p.m.

• Stuffed Animal Sleepover: Wednesday, Aug. 17, at 6 p.m.

• Drop-in craft extravaganza: Friday, Aug. 19, at 1 p.m.

• Murder mystery party: Wednesday, Aug. 24, at 4 to 6 p.m. (grades 5 through 12); registration is required

Griffin Free Public Library

22 Hooksett Road, Auburn, 483-5374, griffinfree.org

• Weekly storytimes: Tuesdays, 11 a.m. to noon (next one is June 21) and Fridays, 1 to 2 p.m. (next one is June 24)

• Pirate adventure craft: Saturday, June 25, 1 to 2 p.m. (ages 6 to 12); registration is required

• Sand painting craft: Wednesday, July 13, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (ages 6 to 12); registration is required

• Make a Scuba Diver craft: Saturday, July 16, 1 to 2 p.m. (ages 6 to 12); registration is required

• Shark Week puppets: Wednesday, July 20, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (ages 6 to 12); registration is required

• Decode a Message in a Bottle: Saturday, Aug. 6, 1 to 2 p.m.; registration is required

• Grand Finale Luau: Saturday, Aug. 13, noon to 2 p.m.

Hollis Social Library

2 Monument Square, Hollis, 465-7721, hollislibrary.org

• Henna with Mandy: Tuesday, June 21, 5 p.m. (ages 12 and up); registration is required

• Summer Reading Kick-off Party: Wednesday, June 22, 2 p.m. at Lawrence Barn Community Center (28 Depot Road, Hollis); all ages, registration is required

• Music and Movement with Miss Jackie: Friday, June 24, 11 a.m. at Little Nichols Field, just outside the library (ages 6 and under); registration is required

• Kids DIY I Spy Jar: Wednesday, June 29, 10:30 a.m. (ages 6 to 10); registration is required

• Teen DIY I Spy Jar: Wednesday, June 29, 1:30 p.m. (ages 11 to 14); registration is required

Hooksett Public Library

31 Mount Saint Mary’s Way, Hooksett, 485-6092, hooksettlibrary.org

• Touch-A-Truck event: Saturday, June 18, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Live performance from one-man-band Robert Depaolo: Saturday, June 18, noon to 2 p.m.

• Bubble party: Monday, June 20, 10 to 11:30 a.m.

• STEM the Tide program: Mondays, June 20 to July 25, 2 to 3 p.m. (ages 5 and up); registration is required

• Silly Seals music and movement program: Tuesdays, June 21 to July 26, 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. (ages 6 to 30 months); no registration required

• Crafty Crabs craft program: Tuesdays, June 21 to July 26, 10 a.m. to noon (ages 6 and under); no registration required

• Aquatic Artists craft program: Tuesdays, June 21 to July 26, 1 to 3 p.m. (ages 7 and up); no registration required

• Weekly storytimes: Oceans of Possibilities family storytimes: Wednesdays, June 22 to July 27, 10 to 10:45 a.m., or 11 to 11:45 a.m.; Pajama storytimes: Wednesdays, June 22 to July 27, 6 to 6:45 p.m.

• Ocean Explorers: Thursdays, June 23 to July 28, 10 to 11 a.m. (ages 2 and up)

• Family Movie days: Thursdays, June 23 to July 28, noon to 2 p.m. (see website for movie titles); no registration required

• Drop-in Lego play: Fridays, 1 to 4 p.m., dates offered June 24, July 8, July 15, and July 22

• Family Bingo Night: Friday, June 24, 6 to 7:15 p.m. (all ages); registration is required

• Whales & Seals presentation: Monday, June 27, 10 to 11 a.m. (ages 5 and up); registration is required

• Ocean Tie-dye art: Friday, July 15, 10 a.m. to noon (limit to two tie-dye items per person); no registration required

• Wildlife Encounters: Friday, July 22, 10 to 11 a.m.

• Dance Party: Monday, July 25, 10 to 10:45 a.m. (ages 2 to 6)

Kelley Library

234 Main St., Salem, 898-7064, kelleylibrary.org

• Summer storytimes: Tuesdays, 10 a.m. (next date is June 21)

• Magic Fred: Tuesday, June 21, 6 p.m. (outside the library, weather permitting)

• Exploring NH beaches with UNH: Tuesday, June 28, 1 p.m. (ages 5 to 9); registration is required

• Beach party: Wednesday, June 29, 1 p.m. (ages 4 to 8); registration is required

• Telewise STEM show: Wednesday, July 13, 2 p.m. (ages 5 and up); registration is required

• Ocean zone bottle workshop: Wednesday, July 20, 1 p.m. (ages 7 and up); registration is required

• Pirate party: Tuesday, July 26, 3 p.m. (ages 4 to 8); registration is required

• Bath bomb workshop: Thursday, July 28, 1 p.m. (ages 9 and up); registration is required

Leach Library

276 Mammoth Road, Londonderry, 432-1132, londonderrynh.org

• Froggy visits the library: Tuesday, June 21, 11 a.m.; Wednesday, June 22, 4 p.m., and Thursday, June 23, 11 a.m.

• Craft day: Mondays, June 27, July 18 and Aug. 15, at 10 a.m. (ages 5 and under) and 1 p.m. (ages 6 to 11)

• Guppy Gang storytimes: Tuesdays, June 28, July 12, July 26 and Aug. 23, at 11 a.m.

• Magician Peter Boie: Wednesday, June 29, at 4 p.m.

• Lindsay & Her Puppet Pals: Monday, July 11, at 4 p.m.

• Wildlife Encounters: Wednesday, July 27, at 4 p.m.

• Encanto movie screening: Friday, July 29, at 6 p.m.

• The Ooch Experience: Yo-Yos, Music and Dance: Tuesday, Aug. 9, at 4 p.m.

Manchester City Library

Main Branch, 405 Pine St., Manchester, 624-6550; West Branch, 76 N. Main St., Manchester, 624-6560, manchester.lib.nh.us

• Weekly craft sessions Mondays at 10 a.m. (preschool to grade 2) and 2 p.m. (grades 3 through 6); next date is June 20; no registration required

• Ocean Games afternoons: Mondays, 3 to 3:45 p.m., June 20 to Aug. 8

• Toddler Tuesdays: Tuesdays at 10 a.m. (next one is June 21; see website for each week’s theme)

• Elementary Experiments: Tuesdays at 3 p.m. (grades 1 through 6; next one is June 21)

• NH Audubon presentation: Scales, Scutes and Skins: Wednesday, June 22, 2 to 3 p.m.

• Vinny the Bubble Guy: Wednesday, June 22, 6 to 7 p.m.

• Family storytimes: Thursdays, 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. (ages 2 to 5; next ones are June 23)

• Drop-in Lego afternoons: Thursdays at 2 p.m. (ages 2 to 5; next one is June 23)

• Creative Daze craft workshops: Thursdays at 3 p.m. (grades 1 through 6; next one is June 23)

• Baby storytimes: Fridays, 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. (ages 6 months to 2 years; next ones are June 24)

• Board games and a movie: Fridays at noon (next one is June 24)

• Storytime with Fisher Cats Slider and Fungo: Wednesday, June 29, 3 to 4 p.m.

• Family Fare performances: Thursdays at 6 p.m. (next one is July 7 with musician Steve Blunt)

• Storytime at the Mall of New Hampshire: Tuesdays, July 12 and Aug. 9, at 11:30 a.m.

• Indonesian Play Day: Tuesday, July 12, 1 to 2 p.m.

• Whales & Seals presentation: Wednesday, July 20, 3 to 4 p.m. (kindergarten through grade 3)

• Fairy Tales, Food and Fun: Wednesday, Aug. 3, noon

• Touch-A-Truck event: Saturday, Aug. 13, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• “Dinosaur Hunt”: Tuesday, Aug. 23, 10 to 10:45 a.m. (ages 2 to 5); registration is required

• Back to School Celebration with Fisher Cats Slider and Fungo: Wednesday, Aug. 24, at 3 p.m.

Maxfield Public Library

8 Route 129, Loudon, 798-5153, maxfieldlibrary.com

• Bring your own blanket storytime: Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. (ages 3 to 9); next one is June 16

• Cursive writing club: Thursdays, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. (ages 8 and up); next one is June 16

• Art in the Afternoon: Friday, June 17, noon; no registration required

• Bring your own blanket music and movement: Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. (ages 3 and under); next one is June 21

• Summer Reading Kick-off show with Steve Blunt: Saturday, June 25, 11 a.m.

• Rocky shores of New Hampshire, with UNH: Saturday, July 23, 11 a.m. (kindergarten through grade 3)

Merrimack Public Library

470 Daniel Webster Hwy., Merrimack, 424-5021, merrimacklibrary.org

• Comics Club: Thursdays, June 16, July 21 and Aug. 18, 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. (grades 4 through 6); registration is required

• Creative Corner: Fridays, June 17, July 15 and Aug. 19, at 3:15 p.m.

• Saturday stories: Saturdays, June 18, July 16 and Aug. 20, from 10:30 to 11 a.m.

• Musical Me: Tuesdays, June 21 to Aug. 16, from 10:30 to 11 a.m. outside the library at Abbie Griffin Park

• Sleepy stories: Tuesdays, June 21 to Aug. 16, at 7 p.m.

• Read Aloud Book Club with Miss Sam: Tuesdays, 3:30 to 4 p.m. (next one is June 21)

• Sunshine storytimes: Wednesdays, June 22 to Aug. 17, 10:30 to 11 a.m.

• Summer Reading Kick-off with Ben Rudnick and Friends: Wednesday, June 22, 6 to 7:15 p.m. outside the library at Abbie Griffin Park

• Books and Babies: Thursdays, June 23 to Aug. 18, at 10:30 a.m. (ages 2 and under)

• Storytime in the Park: Fridays, June 24 to Aug. 19, noon to 12:30 p.m. outside the library at Abbie Griffin Park

• Choosy Chapters with Miss Cathy and Miss Jenny: Fridays, June 24 to Aug. 12, at 4 p.m.

• Grimm’s Fairy Tales family trivia: Fridays, June 24, July 29 and Aug. 26, 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. via Zoom

• Facebook Live storytime: Mondays, June 27 to Aug. 15 (except July 4) 10:30 to 11 a.m.; ages 2 to 6

• Magical Make Believe: Every other Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. (next one is June 29), via YouTube

• Tween boat building workshop: Friday, July 1, 2 to 3 p.m.

• Pokemon Club Session A: First Wednesday of every month at 5 p.m. (next one is July 6); recommended for kindergarten through grade 5; registration is required

• Make recycled art: Tuesday, July 12, 3:30 to 4:15 p.m.

• Lindsay & Her Puppet Pals: Thursday, July 14, noon to 1 p.m. outside the library at Abbie Griffin Park (ages 3 to 8); registration is recommended

• Beach Baby Blast: Wednesday, July 20, 2 to 3 p.m. outside the library at Abbie Griffin Park (ages 2 and under)

• Pokemon Club Session B: third Wednesday of every month at 5 p.m., next one is July 20 (recommended for kindergarten through grade 5); registration is required

Nashua Public Library

2 Court St., Nashua, 589-4600, nashualibrary.org

• Outdoor lapsit storytimes: Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. (next one is June 16), 18 months and under

• Outdoor STEAM storytimes: Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. (next one is June 18); all ages

• Outdoor preschool storytimes: Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. (next one is June 21); ages 3 to 5

• Outdoor toddler storytimes: Mondays at 10:30 a.m. (except July 4; next one is June 27); ages 18 months to 2 years

• Shaping Watersheds workshop: Thursday, June 30, 2 to 3 p.m.; grades 3 to 5

• English/Spanish bilingual storytime: Wednesdays, July 6 and Aug. 3, 10:30 a.m.

• Lindsay & Her Puppet Pals: Thursday, July 7, 2 p.m.

• Pajama storytime: Thursdays, July 7 and Aug. 4, 6:30 p.m.

• Family Field Day: Thursday, July 14, 2 p.m.

• Comics workshop with Kids Con New England’s Emily Drouin: Wednesday, July 20, 2 p.m. (grades 4 to 6); registration is required

• Underwater Art in a Jar: Thursday, July 21, 2 p.m.; kindergarten to grade 2

• Lights and Lasers: Thursday, July 28, 2 p.m. (grades 3 to 5); registration is required

• Cupcake decorating workshop: Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2 p.m. (grades 4 to 6); registration is required

• Who Would Win: Ultimate Ocean Showdown: Thursday, Aug. 11, 2 p.m. (kindergarten to grade 2)

Nesmith Library

8 Fellows Road, Windham, 432-7154, nesmithlibrary.org

• Teen Summer Reading Kick-off with Kate Sheridan of The Laundress Tarot: Tuesday, June 28, 6:30 p.m.

• Children’s Summer Reading Kick-off with Mr. Aaron: Thursday, June 30, 10:30 a.m.

• Storytime at the Windham Town Beach: Fridays, July 1, July 15 and July 22, at 10:30 a.m. at 45 Cobbetts Pond Road, Windham

• Finding Nemo scavenger hunt: Tuesday, July 5, to Friday, July 8; no registration required

• Teen mermaid scrub takeaway: Tuesday, July 5, all day starting at 9 a.m.

• Camping evening storytimes: Thursdays, July 7 and July 28, 6:30 p.m. (all ages)

• Make it Mondays crafts: Mondays, July 11 to Aug. 8, at 9 a.m. (all ages)

• Teen Captain’s log: Waves & Troughs: Tuesday, July 12, 6:30 p.m. (ages 7 to 12)

• STEAM: Oceans of Possibilities: Wednesdays, July 13 to Aug. 10, at 2 p.m. (ages 6 to 11); registration is required

• Wildlife Encounters: Thursday, July 14, 10:30 a.m. (all ages)

• Tween Percy Jackson party: Tuesday, July 19, 6:30 p.m. (grades 4 through 8)

• Touch-A-Truck event: Thursday, July 21, 10:30 a.m.

• Bermuda Triangle Escape Room: Tuesday, July 26, 5:30 p.m. (grades 4 through 8), and 6:30 p.m. (grades 7 through 12); registration is required

• Whales & Seals presentation: Thursday, July 28, 10:30 a.m.

• Teen Mario Kart tournament: Tuesday, Aug. 2, 6:30 p.m. (grades 7 through 12)

• Magic by Fred: Thursday, Aug. 4, 10:30 a.m.

• Teen Murder Mystery dinner: Tuesday, Aug. 9, 6:30 p.m. (grades 7 through 12); registration is required

• Children’s Summer Reading Wrap-up party: Thursday, Aug. 11, 10:30 a.m. (all ages)

Pelham Public Library

24 Village Green, Pelham, 635-7581, pelhampubliclibrary.org

• Weekly storytimes: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:15 a.m. (next ones are June 16 and June 21)

• Read to a Dog: Thursdays; multiple sessions available between 4 and 4:45 p.m. (next ones are June 16)

• Daddy & Donuts storytime: Saturday, June 18, 10:30 a.m.

• Kids’ gaming afternoon: Mondays, June 27, July 11 and Aug. 8, at 2:30 p.m.

• Summer Reading Kick-off: Wednesday, June 29, 6 p.m.

• Bermuda Triangle Escape Room: Thursday, June 30; multiple sessions available between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. (ages 8 and up)

• Virtual Bermuda Triangle Escape Room: Friday, July 1, noon

• Make a Birdhouse: Wednesday, July 6, 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. (ages 5 and up); registration is required

• Ed Popielarczyk magic show: Tuesday, July 12, 7 p.m.

• Make a Giant Squid: Wednesday, July 13, 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. (ages 4 and up); registration is required

• Throwback kids’ movie screenings: Fridays, July 15 and Aug. 5, at 2:30 p.m.

• UNH Estuary and Watershed program: Tuesday, July 19, at 4 p.m.

• Sink or Float (boat making workshop): Wednesday, July 20, at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. (ages 5 and up); registration is required

• Doodling workshop with Cara Bean: Tuesday, July 26, at 2:30 p.m. (suitable for ages 8 to 14); virtual option also available

• Sharks, Skates and Rays: A Virtual Field Trip: Tuesday, Aug. 2, at 2:30 p.m.

• Ceramic painting: Wednesday, Aug. 3, 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. (ages 4 and up); registration is required

• Turtles of New Hampshire (with the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center): Tuesday, Aug. 9, at 6:30 p.m. (ages 5 and up); no registration required

• Make a Sea Life mobile: Wednesday, Aug. 10, at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. (ages 4 and up); registration is required

Pembroke Town Library

313 Pembroke St., Pembroke, 485-7851, pembroke-nh.com/library

• Dads & Donuts storytime: Friday, June 17, 10:30 to 11:15 a.m.

• Oceans of “Craftabilities” drop-in craft event: Tuesday, June 21, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Super Spanish with Senora Manzelli: Fridays, June 24 through July 29, 10:30 to 11:15 a.m.

• Baby Sharks in the Park (storytime and music and movement): Mondays, June 27 to Aug. 8, 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. at Memorial Park in Pembroke

• Jumpin’ Jellyfish (storytime and music and movement): Tuesdays, June 28 to Aug. 2, 10:30 to 11:15 a.m.

• Ocean STEM Club: Wednesdays, June 29 to Aug. 3, 4 to 5 p.m.

• Whales & Seals presentation: Monday, July 11, 4 to 5 p.m.

• Animal Ambassadors: Wednesday, July 13, 2 to 3 p.m.

• Living Shores aquarium visit: Wednesday, July 27, 3 to 4 p.m.

Rodgers Memorial Library

194 Derry Road, Hudson, 886-6030, rodgerslibrary.org

• Story Safari programs at Benson’s Park (19 Kimball Hill Road, Hudson): Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m., June 16 to Aug. 2 (geared toward ages 3 to 8)

• Family candy bar bingo: Thursday, June 16, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

• Tween and teen candy bar bingo (grades 5 through 12): Thursday, June 16, 3 to 4 p.m.

• Welcome summer party with Steve Blunt: Friday, June 17, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

• Creative Kids programs: Mondays, June 20 to July 25 (except July 4) 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

• Tween Scene and Fantasy Book Club events: Tuesdays, June 21 to July 26 at 3 p.m. (themes vary depending on the week)

• Songs & Snuggles: Wednesdays, June 22 through July 27, at 10 a.m. (birth to 18 months old)

• Teen Anime & Manga club: Wednesdays, June 22 to July 27, at 2:30 p.m.

• Whales & Seals presentation: Wednesday, June 22, 4 to 5 p.m.

• Family playtime: Thursdays, June 24 to July 28, at 1:30 and 5:30 p.m.

• Curious Kids programs: Fridays, June 24 to July 29, at 10 a.m.

• Tween and Teen DIY events: Fridays, June 24 to July 29, at 1:30 p.m. (grades 5 through 8) and 3 p.m. (grades 8 through 12)

• Puzzle Swap: Saturday, June 25, 10 a.m. to noon; all ages

• Dungeons & Donuts: Saturday, June 25, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.; all ages

• Teen K-Pop night: Tuesday, June 28, 6 to 8 p.m.

• Encanto movie screenings: Wednesday, July 29, 1 p.m., and Wednesday, July 20, 6 p.m.

• Let’s Play Music! concert: Friday, July 1, 6 p.m.

• Turtles of New Hampshire, with the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center: Tuesday, July 5, 1:30 p.m.

• Wildlife Encounters: Wednesday, July 13, 1:30 p.m., and Wednesday, July 27, 6 p.m.

• Marine Mammal Rescue, with the Seacoast Science Center: Tuesday, July 19, 7 p.m.

• Harry Potter birthday event: Tuesday, July 26, 6:30 p.m.

• Pottering around the U.K.: real life locations from the world of Harry Potter: Tuesday, July 26, 7 p.m. (virtual event)

Sandown Public Library

305 Main St., Sandown, 887-3428, sandownlibrary.us

• Story hour: Thursday, June 16, 10 to 11 a.m.

• Mother Goose on the Loose: Mondays, 9:30 to 10 a.m. (next one is June 20)

• Family Fun in the Kitchen: Monday, June 20, 4 to 5 p.m.

• Graphic novel book club: Wednesday, June 22, 4 to 5 p.m.

• Octopus slime: Wednesday, July 6, 4 to 5 p.m.

• Messy Mondays: Mondays, July 11 and Aug. 8, 10 to 11 a.m.

• PJ storytime: Wednesday, July 20, 4:30 to 5 p.m.

Smyth Public Library

55 High St., Candia, 483-8245, smythpl.org

• Outdoor gazebo storytimes: Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. (weather permitting)

• Summer Reading Kick-off: Aquatic Critters: Wednesday, June 22, 6:30 p.m. (featuring the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center)

• Ed Popielarczyk magic show: Wednesday, July 6, 6:30 p.m.

Wadleigh Memorial Library

49 Nashua St., Milford, 249-0645, wadleighlibrary.org

• Teen Summer Reading Kick-off: Friday, June 17, 3 p.m.

• Children’s Summer Reading Launch Party: Friday, June 17, 6 p.m.

• Teen writing group meetings: Tuesdays, June 21 to July 26, 3 p.m.,

• Baby lapsit: Wednesdays at 9 a.m. (next one is June 22); no registration required

• Tie-dye t-shirts: Wednesday, June 22, 4 to 6 p.m.; registration is required

• Little Explorers programs: Thursdays, June 23 to Aug. 4, at 10 a.m.

• Teen craft and STEAM events: Thursdays, June 23 to July 28, at 3 p.m.

• Music with Mr. Aaron: Monday, June 27, 10 a.m.

• Painting on Canvas program: Tuesday, June 28, 2 to 3 p.m. (ideal for kids ages 2 to 5); registration is required

• Fourth of July crafts: Friday, July 1, and Saturday, July 2, 9 a.m.

• Pirate Palooza: Wednesday, July 6, 11 a.m.

• Drop-in games: Friday, July 8, 10 a.m. to noon

• Family storytimes: Mondays, July 11 to Aug. 1, at 10 a.m.

• Make your own “Socktupus”: Tuesday, July 12, 10 a.m. to noon

• Owls of New Hampshire, with the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center: Sunday, July 17, 2 to 3 p.m.

• Sea slime workshop: Monday, July 18, 3 to 5 p.m.

• Talewise: Pirates Lost at Sea!: Wednesday, July 20, 10 a.m.

• Mer-Madness: Wednesday, July 27, 11 a.m.

• Book Bingo: Thursday, July 28, 5:30 p.m.

• Teen Summer Reading Wrap-Up party: Thursday, Aug. 4, 3 p.m.

• End of Summer Ice Cream party: Friday, Aug. 5, 1 p.m.

Weare Public Library

10 Paige Memorial Lane, Weare, 529-2044, wearepubliclibrary.com

• Summer reading Kick-off party: Thursday, June 23, 6:30 p.m.; all ages

• Mario Kart 8 tournament: Tuesday, June 28, 2:30 p.m. (recommended for kids ages 7 and up); registration is required

Whipple Free Library

67 Mont Vernon Road, New Boston, 487-3391, whipplefreelibrary.org

• Weekly storytimes: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 10 a.m., dates offered June 20 to July 29

• Summer Reading Kick-off: Pirates Lost at Sea!: Monday, June 20, 6:30 p.m. on the New Boston Town Common

• UNH Estuary and Watershed program: Monday, June 27, 4 to 5:30 p.m.

• Whimsical Wednesdays: Wednesdays, June 29 to July 27

• Whalemobile: Thursday, July 21; includes sessions at 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and noon for younger kids and at 12:30 p.m. for teens

Wilton Public & Gregg Free Library

7 Forest Road, Wilton, 654-2581, wiltonlibrarynh.org

• Story circle: Thursdays at 10 a.m. (next one is June 16) outside on the library grounds

Featured photo: Courtesy photo.

News & Notes 22/06/16

Covid-19 update	As of June 6	As of June 13
Total cases statewide	327,358	328,834
Total current infections statewide	3,658 (as of June 2)	2,707 (as of June 9)
Total deaths statewide	2,542	2,555
New cases	2,985 (May 28 to June 6)	1,476 (June 7 to June 13)
Current infections: Hillsborough County	1,593	1,115
Current infections: Merrimack County	525	370
Current infections: Rockingham County	1,330	905

Information from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services.

Fentanyl legislation

Sen. Maggie Hassan has helped to introduce a new bipartisan bill created to combat the fentanyl epidemic. According to a press release from the Senator’s office, “Bruce’s Law,” led by Sen. Lisa Murkowski, will support federal prevention and education efforts surrounding fentanyl, authorizing new community-based coalition enhancement grants to educate young people about the dangers of fentanyl, and giving drug-free communities coalitions access to additional funds to bolster their efforts to end deadly fentanyl use. “I am proud to cosponsor bipartisan legislation like Bruce’s Law to continue addressing the substance misuse crisis and pushing for necessary resources,” Sen. Hassan said in the release. The law is named afterRobert “Bruce” Snodgrass, who died of a fentanyl overdose in 2021 at the age of 22. “Bruce’s story echoes that of many Granite Staters whose families and communities continue to be devastated by fentanyl and the substance misuse crisis,” Hassan said. “This is an issue that should be approached from all angles to prevent more lives lost, which is why we provide educational grants in this bipartisan bill to increase awareness of the dangers of fentanyl.”

A boost for child care

The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services will issue an additional $6 million to child care providers who qualified to receive American Rescue Plan Stabilization funds in the fall of 2021. According to a press release from DHHS, 486 child care programs are set to receive a sum, based on their licensed capacity, which could amount to up to $165 per child. Programs are encouraged to use the funds for staffing and occupancy costs, and about 75 percent of them have indicated that they plan to do so, the release said. New Hampshire has distributed more than $100 million in aid to child care providers throughout the state since the spring of 2020.

Better internet access

New Hampshire has been announced as the first state in the country to receive approval for a broadband expansion plan utilizing funds from the American Rescue Plan Act’s Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund. According to a press release from the office of Gov. Chris Sununu, the $50 million plan will improve access to reliable broadband in unserved and underserved parts of the state. New Hampshire had dedicated $13 million in short-term CARES Act Funds to broadband expansion in 2020, which benefited more than 4,500 households throughout the state, “well before the federal government even created a program to do so themselves,” Gov. Sununu said in a statement on June 7, when the news was announced. “Today’s announcement is another step forward as New Hampshire continues to serve as a leader in expanding broadband services.” New Hampshire’s Statewide Broadband Build Program will select local internet service providers for the expanded areas, working with broadband networks that are owned, operated by or affiliated with local governments, nonprofits and cooperatives as much as possible. It is expected to serve around 15,000 rural and remote residences and businesses, which represents approximately half of the locations that are currently in need of access to high-speed internet, the release said.

Covid vaccines for children

The first batch of Covid vaccinations approved for infants and young children could arrive in New Hampshire as soon as June 20, the New Hampshire’s Department of Health and Human Services announced in an official health alert. Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines will be available to children ages 6 months through 4 years, and Moderna vaccines will be available to children ages 6 months through 5 years. NHPR reported that the state is expected to receive 12,200 doses in the first order, split evenly between Pfizer and Moderna, which will be distributed to local hospitals, health centers, doctor’s offices and other health care providers, while pharmacy chains that administer the vaccine will be issued doses directly from the federal government. The children’s vaccinations come 18 months after the first adults in the state became eligible for vaccination in December 2020.

A new traffic pattern is being implemented on Route 101 in Bedford as part of the red-listed bridge replacement at Pulpit Brook, the New Hampshire Department of Transportation announced. Daytime paving work was scheduled to take place Tuesday, June 14, through Thursday, June 16, weather permitting, to create a temporary traffic diversion. The diversion will require one-way alternating traffic from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and will remain in use until the Fall.

Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig will join Queen City Pride on Friday, June 17, at noon, at Manchester City Hall (1 City Hall Plaza) for the Pride Flag Raising, according to the Mayor’s public schedule.

The Toadstool Bookshop in Peterborough will present a tribute to local educator Tim Clark on Saturday, June 18, at 11 a.m. Clark died shortly before the publication of his book Beginning Educator: Navigating A Second Career In Teaching, which features a collection of twice-monthly columns he had been writing for the Monadnock Ledger-Transcript. Clark’s wife, May Clark, and Jason Lambert, both of whom are also teachers, will read selected columns and remember Tim Clark’s life. Call 924-3543 or visit toadbooks.com.

Tempest redux

Guitarist Jesse Cook marks debut album’s 25^th

It’s easier to follow the puck on a televised hockey match than to discern what Jesse Cook’s fingers are doing on a fretboard. The Toronto-based guitarist defies the laws of physics every time he plays flamenco music on his nylon six-string. Since releasing his debut album, Tempest, in 1995, Cook has captivated audiences across the world.

He’s made multiple PBS specials, received several Juno nominations and earned 10 platinum and gold albums. He was seemingly born to play; Cook can’t remember when he first picked up a guitar but hears stories about jamming with a friend when he was 3 years old.

Cook took his first lesson at 6 and would go on to study at the Royal Conservatory, NYU and Berklee, determined to be a concert guitarist.

“But as I got close to graduating, I started to chicken out,” he recalled by phone recently, reasoning that “everybody would love to be a concert guitarist, but you can’t make a living doing that.”

So he turned to being a composer and working behind the scenes of film and television. But he kept getting noticed when he’d create a guitar piece. “People would say, ‘Oh, that’s so beautiful, you should record an album of your own music,” he said. “I was like, ‘Nah … nobody’s going to want to hear that.’”

Finally Cook relented and recorded his first album at home. He reluctantly pressed 1,000 CDs, and worried most of them would end up as coffee coasters. But with help from a couple of key television and radio appearances, the opposite happened. Cook sold them all out within a week.

This success created an unexpected problem; Cook didn’t have any money to make more discs. However, a distributor stepped in and pressed another 2,000 copies to satisfy burgeoning demand at record stores across the country. “Canadians are really supportive of our own, “ Cook said.

All the activity got the attention of labels below the border. and after a flurry of courtships Cook signed with Narada Records. “They swept me off my feet,” Cook said to explain why he chose the Wisconsin independent company over Windham Hill and a few other bigger-name operations.

It was a good decision; Cook’s new label quickly got him added to the prestigious Catalina Jazz Festival, held on an island on the coast of Southern California. Though booked in a small bar that weekend, he played to capacity crowds that spilled out onto the sidewalk. When Cook moved around the tiny island in one of their trademark golf carts, fans chased him like he was musical royalty.

Soon after, Cook’s album was in the Billboard Top 20, and he hasn’t looked back since.

“As soon as I stopped getting in my own way [and] chased my dreams … my life got way easier,” he said. “I had a full calendar, I was doing the things I’d always wanted to do and loving doing them, and there were way less annoying gigs. When you’re kind of a music mercenary you take whatever comes in the door, [but] once it’s your own project you only have to work with the people you like and admire.”

Cook is finally embarking on his pandemic-delayed Tempest II tour, supporting a re-recorded version of the record that started it all. When he appears at Concord’s Capitol Center on June 11, he’ll be joined by Matt Sellick. Cook calls the young native of Thunder Bay “the best flamenco guitarist in Canada,” adding, “he knows my music better than I do.”

Sellick encouraged Cook to revive “Switchback,” a song from his late 1990s catalog, and rework it as a guitar duet piece. Watching the two exchange frenetic runs on the track, now a regular part of shows, is a wondrous sight.

Also in Cook’s band, which formed a little over four years ago, supplanting his decades-old former group, are Portuguese drummer Marito Marques, bass player Van Mitchum and Fethi Nadjem on violin and other instruments. Cook spotted Algerian-born Nadjem while watching videos of friends on YouTube, and got an introduction through mutual friends.

“Once we finally got together, it was just this great collaboration,” Cook said of Nadjem, who provided integral support on Cook’s latest album, Libre. “I just love the way he plays, the way he hears music. He’s super talented.”

Jesse Cook
When: Saturday, June 11, 8 p.m.
Where: Capitol Center for the Arts, 44 S. Main St., Concord
Tickets: $35 and up at ccanh.com

Featured photo: Jessie Cook. Courtesy photo.

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News & Notes 22/06/16

Tempest redux

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