TheLaker_September_30_2024 by The Laker

The 2024 Parade of Homes is an Exciting Opportunity

By Mark Okrant

How often have you been driving along and spotted a new house, or one being remodeled, and asked yourself, “I wonder what that looks like inside?” We’re here to report that those days of speculation are over. The Lakes Region Builders and Remodelers Association (LRBRA) has announced the latest version of its popular two-day Self-Guided Home Tour. The multi-site Lakes Region Parade of Homes tour is spread over central New Hampshire’s lakes and mountains during the Columbus Day weekend, October 12 and 13. These self-guided tours take place during both days, from 9 am to 5 pm Additionally, the homes may be visited virtually through March of 2025.

This is an exciting opportunity. The participating houses will be open for viewing, and ticket-holders can meet participating builders and trade professionals. Participants receive “two days of interactive touring fun, inspiration, trending design ideas, home décor, and fabulous views of the lakes and mountains” for twenty-five dollars. Given the time of year, leaf-peeping opportunities should be an extra plus.

Why does the LRBRA offer this tempting opportunity? While some simply may be curious, others want to be educated and motivated to make a change. Some likely participants are considering building a new house, renovating one, changing their décor, or searching for a new house to purchase. Thus, one must admit that this tempting event is a bit of marketing genius

Marceau Homes & Home Comfort wowed visitors with their 6,400 sq. ft. entry in last year's tour winning six awards including Best Overall New Construction 2023. They have teamed up again for this year's parade with their stunning, custom-built home.

on the part of the host organization.

During the 2024 Parade, there will be nine houses open for visits. These are:

1. Waldon Bay Retreat. This remodeled 5,900-square-foot house, situated at 21 Lower Waldron Road in Meredith, contains five bedrooms and five bathrooms. The house has a ninetyfoot-long lakeside deck that is great for relaxing, entertaining, or viewing the lake. There is a large, finished basement with a wet bar and space to entertain. The property is beautifully landscaped to blend with the natural environment.

2. Lakeside Meredith Escape. This

renovated 1,560 square-foot Saltbox house, situated at 22 Sawmill Shores Road in Meredith, contains two bedrooms and three bathrooms, and has been updated both inside and out. The interior offers a bright, open living space featuring a modern, spacious kitchen and elegantly upgraded bathrooms. Also, there is a new second-floor laundry room. The exterior decking is PVC, and new windows, insulation, and exterior trim have been added.

3. Carriage House Addition. Located at 391 Coxboro Road in Holderness,1,226 square feet have been add-

ed, providing one bathroom and one bedroom. This is a custom hand-built timber frame carriage house that features a single-bay garage crafted from trees harvested from the property itself. Visitors are invited to tour the garage and the living space above. The property offers excellent views of the Squam Lake Range.

4. Top of the World. Located at 42 Top of the World Road in Sandwich, this is a custom home added onto an existing structure. The new 2,946 square foot space adds to the existing Top of the World Retreat. The original three-bedroom home provided two full and two half-baths. With the addition, there is an open plan and fluid connection among all three levels, with an abundance of both bedrooms and bathrooms, communal gathering spaces throughout, and outdoor spaces that provide panoramic views of the White Mountains. The plan features a walkout basement with guest bedrooms and living areas facing the mountains.

5. Modern Cove. Located at 125 Buzzell Cove Road in Moultonborough, this is a 5,800-square-foot, custom-built home with six bedrooms and six bathrooms. It provides breathtaking views of Lake Winnipesaukee. The exterior is embellished with beautiful stone accents, and similar ornamentation throughout the interior. There are distinctive architectural features and finishes everywhere, from the coun-

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Volunteers Needed to Help Clean Up Lake Winnipesaukee

Do you want to make a difference in keeping Lake Winnipesaukee beautiful and healthy? Join us for the 2024 Lake Winnipesaukee Cleanup on Saturday, October 12, 2024! Each year, tons of litter find their way into our water bodies, harming wildlife and affecting water quality. This is your chance to give back to the lake that offers so much to our community. In 2023, volunteers managed to remove a staggering amount of trash, including large items like old tires and even a toilet from a beach! With your help, we can do even more this year. This cleanup is not just about picking up trash – it’s about preserving the natural beauty of Lake Winnipesaukee and ensuring it remains a clean and enjoyable place for generations to come. By volunteering, you’re making a direct impact on the health of the lake.

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tertops to the woodwork to its

Volunteers of all ages are encouraged to participate. Whether you’re a resident, a frequent visitor, or simply someone who cares about our lake, your help is crucial to keeping Lake Winnipesaukee clean.

To sign up, simply fill out the registration form at this link https://www. winnipesaukee.org/2024-lake-winnipesaukee-cleanup/.

The Lake Winnipesaukee Association (LWA) is dedicated to protecting the lake’s water quality, wildlife habitat, and scenic beauty. We rely on community support to carry out our mission to ensure that Lake Winnipesaukee remains a treasure for all who visit and live here. For more information, visit www.winnipesaukee.org or contact us at 603-581-6632.

With a 9 am start time, we’ll provide you with water, snacks, trash bags, and gloves to help you get started. At 2 pm, after the hard work is done, join us at Ames Farm Inn (2800 Lake Shore Road, Gilford) for an after-party! Enjoy free food, meet some new people and maybe win one of the great raffle prizes.

6. Two Coves. Located at 135 Tanglewood Shores in Moultonborough, this is a 3,500 square foot, four bedroom, three and one-half bath modern lake house. Its rustic timbers are blended with a transitional style. Large windows on both sides of the house offer views of Lake Winnipesaukee. It has beautiful cabinetry, wall coverings, and tile, plus an impressive fireplace.

7. Back Bay Haven. Located at 79 Bay Street in Wolfeboro, this is a lakeside house. With 3,300 square feet, it provides three bedrooms and three and one-half bathrooms. The house is described as offering “an unparalleled blend of luxury and comfort.” The large main floor is open concept, featuring a spacious kitchen, dining, and living area, all with water views. There is a large, open, covered porch, a well-appointed master suite on one end of the house, and two additional bedrooms on the other side. The exterior of the house has large gables, big windows, and a charming stone veneer with beam accents.

8. Timeless at Sundown Circle. Located at 22 Sundown Circle in Gilford, this is a 3,650-square-foot house. It has three bedrooms and three bathrooms, including an impressive master suite.

There are timber frame accents. It is situated on 3.42 acres of unspoiled mountainside, and its large deck offers unobstructed views of Lake Winnipesaukee, the White Mountains, and the Ossipee Mountain range. The house’s open-concept living area features a stone gas-burning fireplace with an attractive rough-cut wood mantle. The kitchen is large and high-end, and there is a four-season sunroom.

9. Mirabella. Located at 109 Varney Point Road Left in Gilford, this beautiful home is situated on the shore of Lake Winnipesaukee. It offers four bedrooms and five bathrooms in a house that protects against New England’s ever-changing weather. There are floor-to-ceiling glass windows that have views of the big lake as well as Mount Washington. Local woods have been applied well in creating everything from floors to handrails.

Tickets, which may be used on both days, can be purchased for $25 online at lakesregionparadeofhomes.com, or the first home visited during the event. Ticket proceeds go toward inspiring young people to explore the trades through scholarships, quality tools, and job opportunities. This writer intends to mark his calendar for the Lakes Region Parade of Homes tour, as it should not be missed—whether you’re a prospective customer or simply curious.

P.O. Box 119, Wolfeboro Falls, NH 03896 603-569-5257 in NH 1-800-339-5257 FAX 603-569-5258 pressreleases@thelaker.com • lkr@thelaker.com • www.thelaker.com Smiley Publishing Group, LLC dba

By Kelly Ross

Sizzling Seafood Recipes

Hello foodie friends! Today is all about upscale dinners while busting out the seafood. Granted, seafood is not everyone’s cup of tea, but for those who love it, they truly love it. Seafood is generally not a part-time love affair but more of an obsession for most of us. Lobster is usually the #1 choice of many, especially during the summer months. Speaking for myself, all shellfish are tied for #1 in my book. I’ll eat fish, but I can’t say I love it or hate it, but I’ll always eat it. Shellfish, though, will always be a “go-to” for me and many others. All the recipes today are for a special occasion of sorts, although for some of us, we can make these any day, as any day can be a special occasion when it comes to eating good food. Although all of these are seafood-related, I do have beef in one of them as an outstanding surf ‘n’ turf, and from there, we have lobster, crab, shrimp, as well as a swordfish recipe, which is what we’ll hit the ground running with.

Swordfish is an incredible type of fish in that it is fairly mild in flavor, and the texture is firm and spectacular off the grill. This September has been a great grilling month with next to no rain, so keep the barbie going. If you

read my articles often, you know that I am a fan of Mediterranean flavors and that is what we are doing for this dish. The flavors go very well with the swordfish with the garlic, lemon, and a variety of spices. This is for 4 of you, and you can have these marinated and cooked in a half hour.

Grilled Swordﬁsh, Mediterranean Style

9 garlic cloves, peeled

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, more for later

1 tsp coriander

¾ tsp cumin

½-1 tsp sweet Spanish paprika

¾ tsp salt

½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

4 swordfish steaks, about 5-6 oz each Crushed red pepper, optional

In a food processor, blend the garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, spices, salt and pepper for about three minutes or until well combined, forming a thick and smooth marinade. Pat the swordfish steaks dry, place them in a deep pan or a dish and apply the marinade generously on both sides. Set aside for 15 minutes or so while you heat the grill. Preheat your grill to high, making sure to oil the grates before using. When ready, grill the fish steaks on high heat

CASTLE CAR SHOW

for 5-6 minutes on one side, turn over once and grill on the other side for 3 minutes or so. The fish should flake easily while maintaining firmness. You will likely see a bit of pink on the inside, but it should cook through by the time it gets to the table. Finish with a splash of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if you like heat. Pretty darn good!

I know I mentioned how today’s meals are on the upscale side of things, but maybe I lied a little as this one has a great casual feel to it as well. One of the simplest meals my mom ever used to make when I was a kid was peppers stuffed with hamburg and rice. Well, this one has that mentality except for the stuffing, we use shrimp and crab to go along with the rice. Although the rice is optional, it does make a heartier stuffing. There are some very good flavors in this as well as cheeses which makes this a very delicious and

‘Cue The Grill

fun meal. This will stuff 6 peppers. I usually prefer using reds, oranges and yellows instead of green for a sweeter flavor where the greens can be more on the bitter side. If you are using rice, I suggest making it hours or a day in advance as cooked, cooled rice will get you the best results. This will take you a little over an hour to make, 20-30 minutes to prep and 35-40 minutes to cook.

Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers

For the Stuffed Bell Peppers

6 large bell peppers

1 tbsp olive oil

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced ½ lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped ½ lb lump crab meat, picked over for

shells

1 cup cooked white rice, optional

½ cup mayonnaise

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

1 tbsp lemon juice

1 tsp Old Bay seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Topping

¼ cup breadcrumbs

2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

1 tbsp melted butter

1 tsp paprika

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent the peppers from sticking. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. If needed, trim a small slice off the bottom so the peppers stand upright. Place the peppers in the prepared baking dish. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and

cook until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Add the chopped shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until just opaque. Stir in the crab meat and cook for an additional 2 minutes, just until heated through. Remove the skillet from heat. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked seafood, sautéed onions and garlic, cooked rice (if using), mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, ½ cup of the mozzarella cheese, parsley, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Using a spoon, carefully stuff each bell pepper with the seafood mixture, pressing it down lightly to fill each pepper. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella cheese over the top of each stuffed pepper. For the topping, in a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, melted butter, and paprika. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the stuffed peppers. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake the stuffed peppers

in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the peppers are tender. Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the peppers cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional parsley if desired and enjoy the peppers.

We used crab in the last one, but here is a very simple recipe for the real thing as for this one, we bust out some crab legs. Finding crab legs in the shell has been an easier thing to find over the years and this is truly a simple recipe that is so good. King crab legs cooked with garlic butter is as delicious a seafood recipe as you can find using with simple ingredients. This garlic butter baked crab legs recipe is a quick no no-brainer to put together. This is a perfect and filling seafood appetizer or main dish that can be prepared in minutes. The crab meat is so tender and • ‘Cue The Grill continued on page 8

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juicy and chock full of flavor. These delicious crab legs are in high demand in restaurants for big money that you can prepare at home in minimal time for a lot less money than you will pay at your best upscale restaurant. This recipe is generally for 2 as eating crab is so similar to gobbling down a lobster so multiply as needed. You can make these in 15 minutes, so yeah, how perfect is that?

Baked Crab Legs in Garlic Butter Sauce

2 lb king crab legs

1 stick of butter, melted

6 garlic cloves, minced, about 2-2 ½ tbsp garlic

3 tsp Creole seasoning

1 tbsp lemon juice

2 tbsp chopped chives or parsley

Lemon wedges, for serving

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. When ready to cook, cut the crab legs in half

so the crab meat is visible. Skip the knife and use kitchen scissors so half the shell is gone and the meat is exposed. Place the crab legs in an ovenproof dish or baking sheet. Place butter, garlic, and Creole seasoning in a small bowl. Heat in the microwave for about a minute. Remove and add lemon juice. Mix well. Rub the crab leg meat with the butter mixture. Reserve excess for serving. Place the crab legs in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes or until heated through. Sprinkle with parsley or chives. Serve immediately with the remaining sauce and lemon wedges squeezed over the meat. Amazing!

Let’s step things up as we start moving to the more upscale with the last two for the day. Lobster meat is used in these and the choice is yours as to whether you cook your own lobsters and dissect them without eating them, buying them cooked and still dissecting them, or buying frozen lobster meat. Many stores do have deals on frozen

The Adventure Is Open Daily • Both Locations

lobster tails at $4.99-$5.99 s piece or I do often buy 1-2 lb packages of frozen lobster meat. The choices are yours. The first of these last two recipes is a lobster and shrimp scampi. I know many home chefs who make a great scampi, but this one is straight of the exquisite top notch restaurant world. A classic scampi sauce is made of garlic, butter, white wine, lemon, some seafood or chicken broth, as well as adding shrimp and lobster with some pasta. It’s very easy to make, it’s made for 2 and can be done in 30 minutes at the most.

Lobster and Shrimp Scampi

8 oz linguine or spaghetti

2 lobster tails, thawed if frozen, or any parts of a cooked lobster if using fresh

8 large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided

4 cloves garlic, minced

¼ tsp red pepper flakes, optional

¼ cup dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio

¼ cup chicken or seafood broth

Juice of 1 lemon

Zest of 1 lemon

Salt and black pepper to taste

a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the lobster tails. Use kitchen shears to cut along the top of each lobster tail shell, then carefully remove the meat. Cut the lobster meat into bite-sized pieces. In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, if using, and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the lobster pieces and shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are pink and the lobster is opaque. Remove the lobster and shrimp from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tbsp of butter. Pour in the white wine and chicken or seafood broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with the lemon juice and lemon zest. Toss to coat the pasta in the sauce. Return the cooked lobster and shrimp to the skillet. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring gently, until everything is heated through. Remove the skillet from

adventure Bring the camera and the family!

•

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Bring a large pot of salted water to

• ‘Cue the Grill continued on page 9

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Dining Out in the Lakes Region Available at Hundreds of Locations around the Lakes Region!

the heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. Serve the lobster and shrimp scampi pasta hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy with a glass of white wine and crusty bread on the side!

Let’s end the day with an outstanding surf ‘n’ turf dinner for 4. This is a highend dinner using filet mignon with shrimp and finished with a decadent lobster sauce. This meal is something you’d spend an easy $100 per plate in any restaurant that would serve this and although this isn’t cheap to make at home, it’s a drop in a bucket compared to what you would pay if going out to dine, and you can make this just as easily and as delicious as you would find anywhere else. You can cook the filets on the grill or in a skillet on your stovetop, the shrimp and lobster sauce go together quickly in your kitchen and when all combined, you and your crowd will be blown away. You can make this dinner treat in less than 45 minutes.

Steak with Creamy Shrimp and Lobster Sauce

4 filet mignon steaks, 6 oz each Salt and pepper to taste

2 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp butter

deveined

½ cup or more lobster meat, cooked and chopped

1 cup heavy cream

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp Dijon mustard

1 tbsp lemon juice

1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped Season the filet mignon steaks with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steaks for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, then remove and let rest. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté shrimp until pink and cooked through and remove and set aside. Add garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and thyme. Add the chopped lobster meat and simmer the sauce until it thickens slightly. Return the shrimp to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the sauce. Spoon the creamy shrimp and lobster sauce over the rested steaks. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Bust out your favorite side dishes and I guarantee you will never forget this dinner.

That’s another day in the books my food-loving friends. I’ll see you back next week and until then, keep those taste buds of yours smiling and happy and if you care to touch base with any questions or feedback, reach out at fenwaysox10@gmail.com • ‘Cue the Grill continued from page 8

1 lb shrimp, 16/20 in size, peeled and

Chocorua Lake Conservancy

“Adopt-a-Highway”

Chocorua Lake Conservancy (CLC) adopted the two-mile stretch of Route 16 that starts at Heavenly Hill, where you’ll find the beautiful Chocorua Lake Basin View Lot and runs north the length of the lake. CLC volunteers have been keeping that stretch of road clean several times a year ever since.

On Sunday, October 13, from 8:4510:30 am, join Chocorua Lake Conservancy for our annual autumn “Adopta-Highway” Trash Pickup along Route 16. We’ll meet in the Grove by Chocorua Lake, near the Narrows Bridge at the end of Chocorua Lake Road, at 8:45. Please come with gloves, good walking shoes, and bright, preferably day-glo clothing. Bring a bathing suit, too, if you’re feeling brave enough to go for a brisk dip in the lake afterward or a kayak! CLC Lake Patrol Officer Troy Emerson will provide safety vests and trash bags. Please register in advance at chocorualake.org/events. We

Trash Pickup

hope you can join us, more helpers mean we all finish faster!

This event is one in a series of Chocorua Lake Conservancy programs held throughout the year to encourage people of all ages to enjoy Chocorua Lake and the trails and woods that surround it and to learn more about the natural world we inhabit. Visit www.chocorualake.org for information and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

CLC is a nonprofit land trust founded in 1968 to protect the scenic and natural resources of the Chocorua Lake Basin and surrounding area. CLC is committed to providing visitors and residents convenient and attractive public access to Chocorua Lake and trails on nearby conservation lands. For more information, including how to get involved, please visit www.chocorualake.org. or Contact: Juno Lamb: jlamb@chocorualake.org 603-323-6252

Meet You at the Fair

By Kathi Caldwell-Hopper

When autumn rolls around, it’s time to harvest fields of corn and other vegetables. It is also the time of year for country fairs.

Before the bigger fairs came to New Hampshire, smaller fairs were offered, such as the Grange State Fair in 1898. The fair was held in Tilton from September 6 to 8. Such excitements as animals from Corbin’s Park, a famous driverless pacer, daring moves by renowned aerial artists, as well as baseball contests brought out spectators for a few days of entertainment before winter set in.

The Bristol Fair was presented by the Bristol Agricultural Association in 1898 and promised large exhibits, trick steers, and an ornate floral hall, turning the community into a festive place.

State fairs in New Hampshire have been around for many years, such as the Plymouth State Fair and Belknap County Fair. These events are largely agricultural focused where farmers and 4-H kids show their animals and garden products.

The Plymouth State Fair was among the oldest events in the state and started out as the Union Grange Fair. Like many other fairs, it was held in late August or in September. It ran for many years and was popular all over the state. Among the offerings of the Plymouth

2024

State Fair were booths and displays by the Grange and 4-H clubs. Children in the area worked hard leading up to the fair and there was judging of items with prize ribbons awarded to top contenders.

The fair started in the 1820s, sponsored by the Grafton County Agricultural Society, according to information from the Plymouth Historical Society and “Twenty Decades in Plymouth, New Hampshire, 1763-1963” by Eva Speare.

By the 1850s, the fair featured music, pie and cake displays, rides and even gypsies telling fortunes. Fairgoers took trains from points north and south and spent a day seeing all the farm animals and entertainment.

The Bristol Enterprise (newspaper) relayed to readers in an August 1898 issue that the fair in Plymouth would be held from August 30 to September 1, with horse racing the big feature. Other entertainments included vaudeville, food and more.

In the 1950s, the fair was taken over by an organization titled The State Fair of Plymouth, New Hampshire. The fair eventually ceased operation.

When the Belknap County 4-H Fair started in 1943, World War II was on the minds of citizens all over the country. In the Lakes Region, as everywhere around the country, making do and us-

ing up became the norm. (The fair has always been held in late summer.)

At the Belknap County 4-H Fair, families worked together for the good of the community; the attitude was one that carried on the traditions practiced for hundreds of years on farms all over NH.

Most people had a garden where produce was canned, and jams and jellies filled winter storage shelves. Milk often came from the family cow, along with bacon and other meats from the farm pig. Children did their part to benefit the good of the family by doing farm chores, helping in the garden and canning vegetables.

The farm life was reinforced by local 4-H programs and enjoyed by attending the club year-round.

The 4-H kids exhibited their work and competed for prizes at the local 4-H Club Fair. In 1943, the Belknap County 4-H Fair had strong local support from many area businesses. The event took place over the span of a few days and included a track and field meet, a three-legged race, a potato race, obstacle courses and novelty races.

A big picnic took place at the 1943 fair followed by a dairy show. Also held were a 4-H leader’s meeting, a picnic supper, games and an old-fashioned square dance.

The festivities continued the next

day with Governor Dale presiding over a luncheon, a concert with the Leo Lemere Band, and a speaking program.

A few years later, in 1946, the 4-H Fair was held at the Belknap Recreational Area (today’s Gunstock on Cherry Valley Road in Gilford). The program of 1946 had two full days of events: Exhibit judging, a track meet, dairy and livestock showings, swimming and chair tow rides, a picnic, folk and square dancing, games, speakers and movies.

The prize money in 1946 was something young people worked toward in those days. Home Management first prize money was 50 cents and a prize ribbon; second place was 25 cents, and third place received a ribbon. (The prize money seems modest by today’s standards but was normal at that time.)

Leaders and members of the 4-H set up club exhibits and prize money was a staggering $5 for first place. Other competition categories included clothing, canning, poultry and eggs, turkeys and rabbits; those who entered had to be at least 9 years of age in 1946.

The 1947 fair had many of the same exhibits but a Quiz Show Program was added. In 1948, one could purchase a ticket for $1.75 to attend the Gover• Yesteryear continued on page 11

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nor’s Luncheon, quite an important event at that time.

The categories became more diversified in 1948 when the fair, held at Belknap Recreational Area, included such divisions as making electrical equipment, forestry and maple products, health and safety, home management, beekeeping and crafts.

The fair became more sophisticated while still retaining the agricultural/ farm focus that was its hallmark. In 1949, the majority of events and exhibits took place at the Recreational Area, but a 4-H Parade and Band Concert was held at Opechee Park in Laconia.

In 1950, the fair was sponsored by the Laconia Council Knights of Columbus and featured a carnival each evening. A 4-H Tractor Operator’s Contest included a written test, tractor

inspection, starting the engine, warmup, driving and backing the vehicle up. According to information at www. bcfairnh.org, the fair in 1950 moved to Opechee Park in Laconia.

Other 1950 fun events included a bicycle race for balance, pedaling and braking, signaling, mounting, turning around and emergency turn and stop.

By 1952, a circus parade, a track meet, and swimming competitions were added to the agricultural exhibits and contests.

As the years moved on, the size of the fair grew and events were spread over Opechee Park and the Memorial Junior High School in Laconia.

A program from 1978 shows the fair moved at some point to the 4-H Center in Belmont. Exhibits and competitions for 4-H members had grown along with the fair. Children could compete in such categories as photography, electricity, entomology, safety and

health, science and gardening, along with dairy and animal exhibits.

Another beloved fair, the Sandwich Fair, will take place from October 12 to 14 this year, and it has been an annual part of autumn in New Hampshire since the late 1800s.

Farming was one of the main ways families made a living in rural Sandwich in the 1800s; the Grange was a gathering place for most families. According to Sandwich New Hampshire 1763 – 1990 by the Sandwich Historical Society, in October of 1892 the Grange held the Sandwich Fair and not long after, the Sandwich Town and Grange Fair Association was created.

In October of 1886, a newspaper

report stated that local farmers were preparing for a “rousing fair” and were ready to sell produce to fairgoers. Steer and oxen were to be sold. Fruits, vegetables and flowers were on display and an impressive attendance of about 3,000 people came to the fair, which was a huge number at a time when travel was difficult.

In the fancy goods area, many handmade items were on display, the most popular of which was a velvet crazy quilt. Hand-painted items, quilts and hooked rugs were exhibited by local

• Yesteryear continued on page 13

By Lee Caldwell

Nestled in the Connecticut River Valley in Charlestown, Morningside Flight Park is New Hampshire’s home for all things hang-gliding and paragliding. In addition to offering lessons and selling equipment, they have mountaintop zipline tours and outdoor laser tag, plus camping and rustic cabins.

Upon arrival at the facility, two paragliders are sailing down the green hill on a gentle current of air. The paragliders are leaving from the 150-foot launch site and appear to be doing very well as each lands gracefully. A truck waits to carry them back up the hill for another launch.

Assistant Manager Gisele Dierks, nicknamed Gigi, is the daughter of one of the founders of the flight park. The

site is a former dairy farm, and some remnants of the original buildings remain. Gigi shares that some pilots from the 1970s approached farmer Phil Haynes regarding the use of his hill.

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Flying High at Morningside Flight Park

His response: “Sure, as long as you teach me.”

One can only wonder what the cows thought about the human birds swooping down the hillside.

Gigi’s father, Jeff Nicolay, started working with Phil and they operated the flight park together for almost 40 years. In 2011, after the deaths of both the original founders, Kitty Hawk

Kites, based out of North Carolina, purchased the flight park, which today is celebrating its 50th year of operation.

Gigi explains the differences between paragliding (“uses all light, flexible materials”) and hang-gliding (“uses aircraft-grade metal and has a fixed wing.”) Other differences include seating: In paragliding, one sits upright in a comfortable sling-type seat. In hang-gliding, the pilot is horizontally suspended and hangs face-down. Hang-gliders typically fly in higher winds than paragliders, but they both can reach to the same heights and travel the same distances.

Hang-gliders, with their rigid metal structure and triangular-shaped wing, weigh around 50 pounds. Paragliders, with their more flexible materials, weigh about seven pounds, not including the harness set.

• Day Tripping continued on page 13

A paraglider who launched from a 150-foot site above the field, lands safely at the bottom. (Lee Caldwell Photo)

• Day Tripping continued from page 12

One gentleman passing by smilingly comments, “Seven pounds keeps you in the air.”

Whether they are flying a hang-glider or a paraglider, the pilots at Morningside Flight Park always fly with a

• Yesteryear continued from page 11

ladies.

At the 1887 Sandwich Fair, over 10 babies were brought by doting parents to compete in the Baby Contest. Although the opening of the fair saw rain, it was reported that carriages came into Sandwich Village from all directions. Former residents came back from cities such as Boston and Concord to meet up with childhood friends and enjoy the fair. Livestock was exhibited (over 120 head of cattle were brought to the fair), and the fancy goods were on view in a village hall. Horses, oxen and other animals were displayed.

In 1888, the ladies outdid themselves with exhibits of handwork, showing everything from knitted goods to quilts to paintings. In the Victorian era, people were fascinated with unusual items that could be displayed in private homes. Antiquities such as 100-plusyear-old linen handkerchiefs, an old mortar brought from Scotland at least 100 years before the fair, a Revolutionary War-era cannon and bayonets and other unusual items were on display.

The Sandwich Fair kicked off in 1892 with a Grand Parade of horses and cattle led by the Carroll Cornet Band. The Baby Show, a popular part of the fair, an exhibit of horses and draft oxen at the Fairgrounds, dinner at the Masonic Hall, a bicycle race, a foot race and a Match Game of Baseball were offered.

In the early years of the Sandwich Fair, the event was held in a local grove with exhibits peppered throughout the

reserve parachute for safety, in case of emergencies. Says Gigi, “The parachutes are attached to just the pilots in our harnesses, but we are attached to the wings, so all three of us (wing, chute, pilot) come down together.”

The flight park offers tandem hang-gliding. In tandem hang-gliding, the student (or participant) is hooked

town. Food and drink stands were set up along the roads, as was entertainment. The town’s public buildings were utilized for exhibits.

This makeshift arrangement changed in 1937 when the fair moved to the newly constructed Quimby Field. The site had been swampland but was filled in, graded and made available for the fair.

As the Depression ended, travel and entertainment was on the minds of many. The growing popularity of automobiles brought more people to the Sandwich Fair. Land beyond Quimby Field was purchased and graded for parking and the addition of exhibit buildings. The fair continued to grow and by the early 1940s, a stage was built, as well as a poultry hall and other exhibit spaces.

According to the Twenty-First Annual Excursion of the Sandwich Historical Society 1940, the attendance that year was estimated to be the largest at that time. Although the fair was held on October 12, 1940 (a weekday), the mid-week timing of the fair did not stop people from attending. There were many concessions and exhibits. So huge was the crowd that more parking was needed to alleviate the congestion.

Over the years, the popularity of state fairs grew by leaps and bounds and the Sandwich Fair was among the best attended, with events that drew large crowds. In 1975, the Sandwich Town and Grange Fair Association became the Sandwich Fair Association. By 1980, the fair was running for one and a half days (open Sunday after-

into the glider with the pilot. The glider designed specifically for tandems boasts a larger wing area for more lift and tricycle landing gear to simplify take-offs and landings. The tandem hang-glider is pulled into the air by an airplane and launched from the sky. The cost for both a new hang-glider and a new paraglider is in the $4,000-

noon and all day Monday). In keeping with the times, in 1988, the Sandwich Fair changed its hours of operation and was open on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

In the 1980s, the weather varied each year. In 1986, the fair saw sun, a little rain and clouds. No matter the weather, the midway was popular, and stage shows with music kept the crowds entertained.

$6,000 price range. All associated gear is extra.

The rules are the same for hang-gliding and paragliding, and like most flight parks, a rating (license) is required to fly solo. Proper training is

• Day Tripping continued on page 17

The Sandwich Fair has changed and grown over the years since its beginnings, but one thing that remains the same is the focus on farming, farm animals and meeting friends and family in an atmosphere that can be likened to a family reunion. The Sandwich Fair, with its long history, is an event that will always signal autumn for thousands of people.

Lake Winnie, & town parks/tennis courts! MLS# 5012788 $489,000

Oct. 1, The Wicwas Lake House and Wicwas Lodge, presenter: Dean Dexter, 7 p.m., Meredith Community Center, 1 Circle Drive, Meredith, Meredith Historical Society program, 603-279-1190.

Oct. 1, Tilton Farmers Market, 3:30 – 6:30 p.m., 45 Sanborn Rd., Tilton, fresh produce, meats, artisan crafts, www.bamm-nh.org.

Oct. 2, Polliwogs, 10 – 11:30 a.m., Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, 928 White Oaks Road, Laconia, www.prescottfarm.org. Call ahead for event information and to inquire if program pre-registration is necessary: 603-366-5695.

Oct. 3, The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA, 7:30 p.m., Colonial Theatre, 609 Main St., Laconia, 800-657-8774, www.coloniallaconia.com.

Oct. 3, “The General” Silent Film and Live Music Accompaniment, 7 - 9 p.m., with musician/silent film enthusiast Jeff Rapsis, Moultonborough Public Library, 4 Holland St., Moultonborough, 603-476-8895, pre-registration required: www. moultonboroughlibrary.org.

Oct. 4, Five for Fighting with String Quartet, 7:30 p.m., Colonial Theatre, 609 Main St., Laconia, 800-657-8774, www.coloniallaconia.com.

Oct. 4, The Ultimate Doors, 8 p.m., Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield St., Rochester, 603-335-1992, www.rochesteroperahouse.com.

Oct. 5, Andy Gross, comedian, 7:30 p.m., Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield St., Rochester, 603-335-1992, www.rochesteroperahouse.com.

Oct. 5, Art to You With Larry Frates: Art Technique Scratchboard of Nature Drawing, 1 – 3 p.m., Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, 928 White Oaks Road, Laconia, www.prescottfarm.org. Pre-register: 603-366-5695.

Oct. 5, Electronic Waste Collection Day, 8:30 a.m. to noon, Gilford Cinemas 8 Parking Lot, Gilford. For a small disposal fee, electronic devices will be recycled. Hosted by Laconia-Gilford Lions Club.

Oct. 5, Castle Car Show, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Castle in the Clouds, Castle in the Clouds, Rte. 171, Moultonborough, admission charge, 603-476-5900, www.castleintheclouds.org.

Oct. 5, 8th Annual Chocolates, Confections & More Auction, 5 – 8 p.m., presented by Wolfeboro Lions Club, held at All Saints Episcopal Church, 258 South Main St., Wolfeboro, 603-569-0199.

Oct. 5, Fall Soups, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, 928 White Oaks Road, Laconia, www.prescottfarm.org. For age 16 & up. Pre-register: 603-366-5695.

Oct. 5, Family Craft: Owl Ornament, 10 a.m. – noon, age 12 & up, Laconia Public Library, 695 N. Main St., Laconia, 603-524-4775.

Oct. 5, Harvest Happenings, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., NH Farm Museum,1305 White Mt. Highway, Milton, 603-652-7840, www.nhfarmmuseum.org

Oct. 5, Jewelry: The Chain Gang: Fun, Funky and Unusual Chains & Links, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Makers Mill, 23 Bay St., Wolfeboro, 603-569-1500, www.makersmill.org

Oct. 5, Live from Laurel Canyon – Songs & Stories of American Folk Rock, 8 p.m., Colonial Theatre, 609 Main St., Laconia, 800-657-8774, www.coloniallaconia.com.

Oct. 5, Make a Box Cushion: 2 Part Class, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Makers Mill, 23 Bay St., Wolfeboro, 603-569-1500, www.makersmill.org

Oct. 5, Needle Felting Fall Landscapes, 10 a.m. – noon, age 16 & up, Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, 928 White Oaks Road, Laconia, www. prescottfarm.org. Pre-register: 603-366-5695.

Oct. 5, NH Marathon, 9 a.m., race around Newfound Lake, full, half, 10K and kid’s races, Bristol, race info: www.ttccrec.org.

Oct. 5, Prince/Bowie Performing the Music of Prince & Bowie, 7:30 p.m., Flying Monkey Movie & Performance Center, 39 Main St., Plymouth, tickets/info: www.flyingmonkeynh.com, 603-536-2551.

Oct. 5, Teneriffe Mountain Forest Clean Up, 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Moose Mountain Regional Greenways, www.mmrgnh.org., 603-473-2020.

Oct. 5 & 6, Autumn Craft Festival on the Lake, Mill Falls Marketplace, 312 DW Highway, Meredith, free admission, rain or shine, friendly pets on a leash are welcome, 10/5: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; 10/6: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., info: www.castleberryfairs. com.

Oct. 6, Feather Wool Tree with Jean Read workshop, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., sign up by Oct. 2, League of NH Craftsmen Meredith Fine Craft Gallery, 279 Daniel Webster Highway, Meredith, 603-279-7920.

Oct. 6, Jim Kweskin with Samoa Wilson, 7 p.m., Feel the Barn Concert Series,

1118 Page Hill Rd., Chocorua, 603-323-6169, www.thefarmstand.net.

Oct. 7, Your Apple Watch: Unleash Its Full Potential, 5:30 - 7 p.m., Makers Mill, 23 Bay St., Wolfeboro, 603-569-1500, www.makersmill.org

Oct. 8, Live Music: Railroad in Song, 6 – 7:15 p.m., with songwriter/musician Jon Waterman, Moultonborough Public Library, 4 Holland St., Moultonborough, 603476-8895, pre-register: www.moultonboroughlibrary.org.

Oct. 8, Recover Your Dining Room Chairs, 6 - 9 p.m., Makers Mill, 23 Bay St., Wolfeboro, 603-569-1500, www.makersmill.org

Oct. 9, Making the “Susan” Leather Bag with Molly Grant, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., sign up by Sept. 16, League of NH Craftsmen Meredith Fine Craft Gallery, 279 Daniel Webster Highway, Meredith, 603-279-7920.

Oct. 9, Polliwogs, 10 – 11:30 a.m., Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, 928 White Oaks Road, Laconia, www.prescottfarm.org. Call ahead for event information and to inquire if program pre-registration is necessary: 603-366-5695.

Oct. 10, Haunted Hikes of New Hampshire, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., Laconia Public Library, 695 N. Main St., Laconia, 603-524-4775.

Oct. 11, Metalsmithing Soldering Workshop, 1 - 3 p.m., Makers Mill, 23 Bay St., Wolfeboro, 603-569-1500, www.makersmill.org

Oct. 11-13, Fall Foliage Festival, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily, axe throwing, face painting, carnival games, magic show, live music, fireworks and much more, Town Square, Waterville Valley, www.waterville.com, 1-800-993-3149.

Oct. 11-13, Powerhouse Theatre Collaborative Presents: The Crucible, 7:30

ONGOING

ArtWorks Gallery & Fine Crafts/CCAC, art, workshops and events, open yearround with seasonal hours, 603-323-8041, 132 Rte. 16, Chocorua, www.chocoruaartworks.com

Bad Mom Night, every Thurs., Trenta, 30 Middleton Rd., Wolfeboro, 603-5151068, www.trentanh.com.

Belknap Mill, 25 Beacon St. East, Laconia, gallery and textile museum, events and programs, 603-524-8813, www.belknapmill.org.

Bristol Farmers Market, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Saturdays, Millstream Park, Rt. 3, Bristol, bristolopenairmarket@atlanticbb.net.

Canterbury Shaker Village, walking trails, tours, Shaker Rd., Canterbury, 603783-9511, www.shakers.org

Castle in the Clouds, Rte. 171, restaurant, music, walking trails, tours, events, Moultonborough, 603-476-5900, www.castleintheclouds.org.

Chapman Sanctuary and Visny Woods, nature trails open for hiking, 740 Mt. Israel Rd., Center Sandwich, 603-284-6428, www.chapmansanctuaryvisnywoods. com.

Coffee Hour, 10 – 11 a.m., coffee, tea and snacks, Effingham Public Library, 30 Town House Rd., Effingham, 603-539-1537, Effingham.lib.nh.us.

Country Village Quilt Guild, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m., meets first and third Wednesday of each month, Public Safety Building (back entrance to Police and Fire Dept.), Rte. 25, Moultonborough, countryvillagequilters@gmail.com.

Cruise Night, 5 – 7 p.m., Thursdays, 50/50 raffle, prizes, Tilt’n Diner, 61 Laconia Rd., Tilton, 603-286-2204. (Thursdays until Oct. 26)

Dam Brewhouse, events, 1323 NH Rte. 175, Campton, 603-726-4500, www.dambrewhouse.com.

First Friday Receptions, through Dec., 5 - 7 p.m., refreshments, conversation & art, ArtWorks Gallery & Fine Crafts, 603-323-8041, 132 Rte. 16, Chocorua, www. chocoruaartworks.com

Gilmanton Farmers Market, through Oct. 6, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., Sundays, local vegetables, flowers, plants, crafts, baked goods, live music and more, 1385 NH 140, on lawn of Gilmanton Year Round Library, Gilmanton Iron Works, 603-491-1687, www.gilmantonfarmersmarket.com

Guided Tours, history and machines of the historic Belknap Mill, 25 Beacon St. East, Laconia, pre-register: jill@belknapmill.org, 603-524-8813, Monday-Friday. Indoor Pickleball, 5 p.m., Sandwich Central School gym, Sandwich, every Tues., Wed. & Fri., parksandrec@sandwichnh.org

Ladies of the Lake Quilt Guild, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., meets second and fourth Wednesday of each month, First Congregational Church, 115 Main St., Wolfeboro. A second group meets Mondays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Community Center, 22 Lehner St., Wolfeboro, www.llqg.net

235 Union Ave., Laconia • 603-707-1346 • Served daily till they’re gone. Closed Mondays & Tuesdays (Open at 4am for hardworking early risers!)

Lakes Region Art Association, exhibits and classes, Suite 300, Tanger Outlet, Rte. 3, Tilton, 603-998-0029, www.lraanh.org

Makers Mill, a variety of workshops, arts and crafts classes and more, 23 Bay St., Wolfeboro, 603-569-1500, www.makersmill.org

Making Strides, 8 – 9 a.m., drop-in walking for groups or singles, Ossipee Town Hall, no pre-registration required, 55 Main St., Center Ossipee, takes place various times: www.ossipee.recdesk.com.

Market on Main, 3 – 6 p.m., farmers market, every other Wed., through Oct. 2, 115 Main St., Alton, www.altonmarketonmain.com, 513-519-8264.

Meredith Public Library Bookstore, run by Friends of the Meredith Library, open weekly: Wed. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Thurs. & Fri. 10 a.m.- 4 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., lower level, Meredith Public Library, 91 Main St., Meredith, 603-279-4303, www. meredithlibrary.org.

Model Yachting, 1 – 4 p.m., Tues. & Thurs., Back Bay Skippers at Cotton Valley Rail Trail, Bridge Falls Path, Wolfeboro, watch radio controlled model yachts, NH Boat Museum, schedule: www.nhbm.org.

Molly the Trolley, take tours/rides of Wolfeboro area aboard the fun trolley, info/ schedules: 603-569-1080, www.wolfeborotrolley.com

M/S Mount Washington Cruises, narrated cruises of Lake Winnipesaukee, day & evening cruises, M/S Mount Washington, 211 Lakeside Ave., Weirs Beach, 603366-BOAT, www.cruisenh.com

New England Racing Museum, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., open Saturdays, 922 NH Rte. 106 N., Loudon, www.NEMSMUSEUM.com

NH Boat Museum, boating exhibits, programs, boat building workshops, 399 Center St., Wolfeboro, 603-569-4554, www.nhbm.org

NH Farm Museum, old-time farm events, tours, 1305 White Mt. Highway, Milton, 603-652-7840, www.nhfarmmuseum.org

Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, 928 White Oaks Road, Laconia, www.prescottfarm.org. Call ahead for event information and to inquire if program pre-registration is necessary: 603-366-5695.

Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm, events, tours, 58 Cleveland Hill Rd., Tamworth, 603-323-7591, www.remickmuseum.org.

Roller Skating Night, 5 p.m., Mondays, bring your own skates, for age 18 and up, Ossipee Town Hall, 55 Main St., Ossipee, info/updates: 603-539-1307, www. ossipee.org.

Rug Hookers, 10 a.m. – noon, meets Tuesdays, Tuftonboro Free Library, 221 Middle Rd., Rt. 109A, Tuftonboro, 603-569-4256.

Sculpture Walk, tours of outdoor sculptures around downtown/lakeside areas of Meredith, free, Greater Meredith Program, maps: 603-279-9015.

Song and Jam Circle, 6:30 – 8 p.m., community created jams and song circle, 3rd Monday of each month, Runnells Hall, 25 Deer Hill Rd., Tamworth, free, bring your favorite instruments, Arts Council of Tamworth, 603-584-2712, www.artstamworth.org

Squam Lake Cruises, family/educational cruises to look for loons & wildlife, Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, Holderness, www.nhnature.org, 603-9687194.

Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, exhibits, nature trails, events, cruises, 23 Science Center Rd., Holderness, 603-968-7194, www.nhnature.org

Tamworth Farmer’s Market, 9 a.m. - noon, Saturdays, 30 Tamworth Road, Tamworth, www.tamworthfarmersmarket.org

Tamworth History Center, 25 Great Hill Rd., Tamworth, info: www.tamworthhistorycenter.org.

The Market at the Weirs, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Saturdays, fresh produce, meats and artisan crafts, through Oct. 5, Weirs Community Park, 49 Lucerne Ave., Weirs Beach, email: bamm-nh.org., www.themarketatweirs.com

Tuftonboro Country Bluegrass and Gospel Jam, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m., Tuesdays, donation requested, Old White Church, Rte. 109A, Center Tuftonboro, across from Tuftonboro General Store, 603-569-3861.

Wolfeboro Farmers Market, noon – 3:30 p.m., Thursdays, The Nick, 10 Trotting Track Rd., Wolfeboro, email: wolfeborofarmersmarket@gmail.com, www.wolfeborofarmersmarket.com.

Wolfeboro Table Tennis, meets Wednesdays from 4 – 6 p.m., in basement of All Saints Church, Wolfeboro, all skill levels welcome, $5 admission charge each week, info: 603-520-5651.

Wright Museum of WWII, exhibits and lectures on life on the home front during WWII, 77 Center St., Wolfeboro, 603-569-1212, www.wrightmuseum.org

October 2024 Programs and Events at Squam Lakes Natural Science Center

Visitors to Squam Lakes Natural Science Center will see life-size dinosaurs similar to the way they lived during pre-historic times at Dinosaurs Return. The temporary exhibit features five life-size dinosaurs. The dinosaurs look, move, and sound like the real thing. Dinosaurs Return is every day through November 1 from 9:30 am to 5 pm with the last trail admission at 3:30 pm Dinosaurs Return is included with regular trail admission. Trail rates are $26 for adults; $24 for seniors (age 65+); $20 for youth (ages 3-15); free for children 2 and under and Science Center members.

Squam Lakes Natural Science Center

Lead Horticulturalist Emma Erler leads a guided tour of beautiful Kirkwood Gardens for teens and adults on Tuesday, October 1, from 10 -11 am. This

• Day Tripping

continued from page 13

essential for the sport.

Gigi shows the classroom where students start by learning the basics, including interpreting the all important weather conditions and the mastering the safe airspace maps. For lessons, there is a hang-gliding simulator. Students must be at least 14-years-old to both take lessons and to fly tandem. According to Gigi, one 96-year-old flew tandem, and some folks in their 60s and 70s have taken paragliding lessons.

Gigi shows her hang-glider and then hops into a pickup truck with a special hitch for transporting hang-gliders. We zoom up, up, up a narrow, paved road past a pond, past the 150-foot launch site, past the 250-foot launch site, past some rustic cabins that are offered for rent (which are currently being renovated), past the fifth-oldest oak tree in New Hampshire (a 440-year-old behemoth called Grandmother), past a 380-year-old oak tree (called Grandfather), past rare and indigenous species of plants, to the top of the hill at the 450-foot launch site. A plaque commemorating Phil Haynes and Jeff Nicolay is located near the launch site. The view, facing roughly westward, is spectacular. In the distance looms Mount Ascutney, a widely known ski peak in Vermont. Gigi comments that one of the challenging hang-gliding flights is to sail from Ascutney to Morn-

is a great opportunity to learn about the incredible history of Kirkwood Gardens, identify what is in bloom, and ask any gardening questions on this personalized tour. Youth must be accompanied by an adult. $9 member; $11non-member. Advance registration required.

On Saturday, October 5, 9:30-11:30 am, join a guided hike up Mt. Fayal for ages 6 and up. Participants will soak in the beautiful views of Squam Lake and the fall foliage while conducting a digital BioBlitz. A Bioblitz is an effort to identify as many different types of organisms as you can during a set period of time. The group will be using the SEEK app by iNaturalist to assist with the BioBlitz and will start with a brief introduction and the head up the mountain to see what can be identified.

ingside Flight Park. There is a tradition that those first-timers who accomplish the flight are thrown in the pond for a celebratory swim.

She also affirms that the sunsets there are amazing and that, in the morning, the mist rising from the Connecticut River, just beyond the distant trees, is also beautiful.

At the top of the hill perches a small, white cabin called The Castle, which is available for rent. Its porch overlooks the valley below and the launch sites. Three wooded platform cabins are being renovated for use. There are spots for tents and campfire pits nestled among the trees. The 160-acre flight park borders on a land trust with hiking trails.

In the woods behind the uppermost launch site are the zip-lines and zip-line platforms. The former offers two tours: a basic Mountain Top tour (perfect for youth) and the longer, more exciting, Superman tour, with a 1,100-foot run.

Laser tag is played in the woods. Described as “paintball without the sting, mess, or environmental impact,” laser tag has guides taking participants through a variety of games in a one- to two-hour period, using the Tippman brand state-of-the-art laser tag system.

Gigi encourages reservations for all activities.

For more information, call 603-5424416, or visit www.flymorningside. com to book online. Morningside Flight Park is located at 357 Morningstar Lane in Charlestown.

Participants should be prepared to hike approximately 1.25 miles with 500 feet of elevation gain, including some steep sections. Families should bring a backpack with water and snacks, wear layers appropriate for the weather, and wear sturdy shoes with good traction. Youth must be accompanied by a registered adult. $9 members; $11 non-members. Advance registration required.

Sunday, October 6 is Fall New Hampshire Day. New Hampshire residents may visit the live animal exhibit trail for $5 admission thanks to our generous sponsors: Dead River Company and New Hampshire Electric Coop Foundation. Non-New Hampshire residents may purchase regular-priced

admission tickets. New Hampshire residents must provide proof of residency upon admission. Visitors will enjoy Up Close to Animals presentations at the Amphitheater at 11 am and 2 pm. New Hampshire Day is a ticketed event, tickets must be purchased in advance at nhnature.org. $5 for New Hampshire Residents (proof of residency required). Non-New Hampshire rates: $26 for adults; $24 for seniors (age 65+); $20 for youth (ages 3-15); free for children 2 and under and Science Center members.

Squam Lakes Natural Science Center 23, Science Center Road (Route 113) Holderness, NH. For more information or tickets, visit nhnature.org or call 603-968-7194.