TheLaker_June_08_26

Laconia Motorcycle Week Spans A Century

By Joel Bocko

From small gathering to massive rally, clean-cut uniformed parade to unruly roadside campground, and outlaw/ police clash to corporate sponsorship, the long, colorful history of Laconia Motorcycle Week is packed with thrilling climbs, confounding detours, hairpin turns, and even a few dead ends. For 110 years, bikers and spectators have gathered at or near Weirs Beach in Laconia every summer - with a few notable exceptions (rendering this year, officially, the 103rd). Although the 1st official “New England Gypsy Tour” was designated in 1917, the tradition of a Laconia rally goes back even further, with an informal group of 150 motorcyclists meeting at the beach back in 1916.

Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, as the sport grew in popularity, Laconia was just one among many Gypsy Tour locations in the U.S. First, the Federation of American Motorcyclists and then the American Motorcycle Association sponsored national “Gypsy Days” every mid-June. Professional riders and amateur hobbyists from around the country joined together and traveled to various destinations for races, shows, and other events. Motorcycle and Bicycle Illustrated described their objective as “to provide a good time for the riders, and their wives, sisters, and sweethearts” and “to create a more favorable public opinion of the motorcycle and motorcycle riders.” That emphasis on orderliness alongside adventure, dis-

cipline as a necessary balance to freedom, was sustained for a half-century in Laconia until encountering a decade of disruption.

During the late Great Depression and (after wartime interruption) the postwar era, Laconia’s place in the motorcycling world continued to grow in importance. The beautiful scenery, local small-town charm, and proximity to Northeastern metropolitan hubs like Boston and New York played their part, as did the inclusion of prestigious events. In 1938, organizer Fritzie Baer moved a prominent 100-mile race from Maine’s Old Orchard Beach to New Hampshire’s Belknap Recreation Area in Gilford (that year only, it was stretched to 200 miles and held months apart from the Gypsy Tour). Initially

of the highway. ...Hand in hand with the safe-riding movement, the uniformed rider and the uniformed club have placed our great sport of motorcycling on a plane of public acceptance never enjoyed heretofore.”

dubbed the Laconia Classic, but now known as the Loudon Classic and held in the New Hampshire Motor Speedway, this road race is one of the oldest in the country.

Alongside such exciting tentpoles as the Classic and the Hill Top Climb, many smaller celebrations were held: parades, picnics, games, and contests with awards for “cleanest motors” and “neatest appearing rider”. This particular emphasis was part of a conscious drive toward respectability. Cited in the treasure trove of media material provided by Robert Ames on WeirsBeach.com, a 1939 issue of Motorcyclist magazine crows, “Once regarded as the sport of the greaseball and the thoughtless and ill-mannered, it is now recognized as the virile sport of knights

That image shifted once again by the 1960s, when the Gypsy Tour had expanded its scope and become known as Motorcycle Week. A 1965 story in LIFE Magazine opens, “The motorcyclists came vroom-vrooming down the streets of Laconia, purpling the air with exhaust fumes and cheerfully shouted obscenities.” That year, invitations to a riot on the beach were posted all along the road, and the prophecy was self-fulfilled during a conflagration in which bikers flipped over locals’ cars and set them afire, while those same locals were caught in the melee and beaten by police and National Guardsmen. This breakdown in both public order and the region’s pristine image was blamed by at least one officer on out-of-state Hells’ Angels. Local shopkeepers had been happy to accept the messiness alongside a boom in business, but this incident sent Motorcycle Week into a precipitous decline with events cancelled and promotions scaled back. Reduced to a mere “Motorcycle Weekend” for many years, the event continued to attract bikers in droves, but that too became part of the problem. The central race’s shift to Loud-

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Celebrate with the Barnstormers at the 96th Season Summer Soiree Gala

Residents of Tamworth Village know it’s summer when actors, musicians, and production team members from The Barnstormers Theatre come to town. And they know the fun is ready to really kick off when the big tent goes up on The Tamworth History Center lawn, because that means it’s time for the best party of the summer!

Theater lovers - and lovers of music, laughter, and summer fun - are invited to join The Barnstormers on Saturday, June 20 at 5 pm for a kick-off party celebrating the 96th Season of live, professional theatre.

Inspired by the French Riviera setting of the theatre’s kick-off production, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, the Summer Soirée will feature: tasty Parisian-inspired food from The Corner House, world-renowned French-trained chef Farid Boughalem, The Tamworth Bakery, Gusto, and more; signature drinks from Whippletree Winery; and live music from NYC’s La Vie En Rose.

“I’m especially excited for guests to hear the entertainment,” says Kate Middleton, Associate Producer of Additional Programming and the event planner. “The lead singer, Quentin, is a consummate entertainer. He and the other musicians will really set the perfect tone for our evening.”

The party will also feature a silent auction with unique items and experi-

ences up for bid, including Broadway tickets, trips, family adventures, local art, and more.

Connections between the community and the summertime staff are part of the ‘special sauce’ that makes The Barnstormers unique. This kick-off party is looked forward to by everyone involved. “It celebrates our community and everyone who has kept us thriving for 96 years,” Middleton said.

Executive Artistic Director Jordan Ahnquist could not agree more. “Folks around town always love getting to know our actors and production team when they come to town,” he said. “I have to tell you, our artists and crew love it, too. The Soirée is a unique chance for the actors, staff, board members, and fellow theatre lovers to mix, mingle, and celebrate!”

At 7:30, the festivities in the tent will wind down, and guests can head into the theatre for a post-party screening of a classic Gene Kelly movie musical, where the popcorn is included, but the toe tapping is up to the guests!

“We sold out at 250 last year, so get seats quick,” said Middleton. “We’d hate for anyone to miss this!”

Tickets and additional information are at BarnstormersTheatre.org, events@barnstormerstheatre.org, or 603-323-8500.

2026 Rumney Artwalk Call for Artists

The Rumney Artwalk Committee has been busy planning this year’s event to take place on Sunday, August 16, noon to 4 pm. The Rumney Artwalk is a juried art and fine craft show and sale located on the common and in local private studios and businesses throughout the picturesque village of Rumney, New Hampshire. Plan to come out and see the wonderful local talent and purchase a piece of art for your home or business. Live music will be showcased. Artists interested in participating should email the committee rumneyartwalk@rumneyvillagestore. com to obtain an application. Deadline

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to apply is July 1, 2026. New this year will be an opportunity for local businesses or individuals to participate in a “Purchase Award” by committing to purchase a piece of art from one of the artists. The artist is recognized with a purchase award, and the business or individual helps to support local art. Purchase award participants will be recognized in future press releases and advertising. If you are interested in committing to being a purchase award participant, please email the committee at rumneyartwalk@ rumneyvillagestore.com for more information.

passed away in 2025 at the age of 100. With attendance now in the hundreds of thousands, Laconia’s numbers are topped only by the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota, a rivalry which dipped into bitterness in 2020 when the Covid-19 pandemic postponed Laconia’s Motorcycle Week into August. Individual events were streamlined or discouraged under the guidance of the LMWA, NASWA, and Governor Chris Sununu; by contrast, the Sturgis organizers and Governor Kristi Noem advertised their event as a free-forall refuge from pandemic restrictions. The subsequent spread of Coronavirus among Sturgis attendees was blamed in part for Laconia’s low attendance a few weeks later. “Sturgis didn’t help. It sent the wrong message,” a frustrated Cynthia Makris told the Laconia Daily Sun at the time. “New Hampshire is not Sturgis. We have a different governor running our state.”

on fueled impromptu camps all along Route 106 and soon campers were spilling into the road both on and off their bikes. Petty crimes and consequent arrests proliferated, reaching a climax in 1974 with multiple fatal accidents and, apparently unrelated, wounds from a hand grenade. Camping was banned along the highway going forward, and the Loudon Classic was suspended. With this, the pendulum swung back toward tighter planning, greater accommodations, and renewed positive PR under the aegis of the “Save Loudon Committee” which spurred a minor comeback in the late 1970s and 1980s. However, the modern Motorcycle Week’s organization and reputation really solidified in the 1990s. Under the thirty-five year leadership of Laconia Motorcycle Week Association executive director Charlie St. Clair, who mixes his passion for motorcycles with a career in state and local politics, the event has achieved a family-friendly image once again; thanks to decade-plus sponsorship from Progressive Insurance, there’s even free parking all along Lakeside Avenue. Other longtime, tight-knit community leaders contribute to this sustained legacy, including deputy director Jennifer Anderson and the Makris family who run the NASWA Resort at the heart of Motorcycle Week. The Peter Makris Memorial Run provides a kickoff to the week’s festivities every year, and Peter’s widow Hope Makris continued to oversee the hotel her parents established and the events it hosted until she

In the years since, Motorcycle Week has more than bounced back, sustaining its upward trend of the past few decades and achieving particularly big crowds in 2023 for the 100th anniversary. Although Motorcycle Week barely squeaked by in 2020, there had already been 7 past cancellations: through all 4 years of World War II, on either side of the ‘65 riot, and following the ‘74 Route 106 disaster. With those troubling if fascinating stories now distanced in the rearview mirror, Motorcycle Week heads into its June 13 - 21, 2026 schedule cultivating a crowd which trends toward older returnees. Organizers and visitors alike hope not just to re-live old memories but to create new ones.

Gunstock Hillclimb returns for Laconia Motorcycle Week

By Mark Okrant

This year marks the eighty-eighth anniversary of the Gunstock Hillclimb. While the climb can be traced all the way back to 1917, local historians tell us that the first unofficial ascent actually took place at the Weirs on an extremely steep street called Tower Hill Road. However, it wasn’t until 1938 that the event was sanctioned at Gunstock, then known as the Belknap Mountain Recreation Area. The Hillclimb officially moved to Gunstock in 1946, during Laconia Motorcycle Week, where it continued until 1962. After a hiatus between 1963 and 1993, the event was revived in 1993 and ran until 2011, with the Gunstock Mountain Resort hosting the Hillclimb until 2011.

In addition to the Gunstock event, there are a number of other motorcycle hill ascents conducted throughout New England and beyond. Of course, the grandaddy of them all was the Pikes Peak International Hillclimb, which started in 1916. Unfortunately, following several fatal crashes, especially one that killed a racer named Carlin Dunne during the 2019 event, their board determined that motorcycles would no longer be permitted at the hillclimb. Closer to home, the New England Hillclimbers Association (NEHA) sanctions The Monsoon Hillclimb in Massachusetts. Other events include the Minerva (NY) Hillclimb, the Royal Mountain (NY) Hillclimb, the Devil’s Staircase (OH) Hillclimb, the White Rose Motorcycle (PA) Hillclimb, and the Widow Makers (UT) Hillclimb.

Following a number of starts and stops, the Gunstock Mountain Resort decided to bring back the Hillclimb in 2017, and it has continued to be a highlight of Laconia Motorcycle Week ever since.

This year, Gunstock Mountain Resort is scheduled to host its annual

Motorcycle Hillclimb on Wednesday, June 17. Without a doubt, the hillclimb is Gunstock’s premier event of the summer; unsurprisingly, it also will be one of the most popular activities in the entire area during Laconia Motorcycle Week. During an interview one year ago with Bonnie MacPherson, Marketing Director at Gunstock, she estimated five to nine thousand motorcycle enthusiasts who are visiting the Lakes Region while attending Laconia Motorcycle Week can be expected to attend the Hillclimb.

During the Hillclimb, riders will attempt to ascend the super-steep landing hill of Gunstock’s historic 70-meter Torger Tokle Memorial Ski Jump. The Hillclimb traditionally attracts a multi-generational lineup of competitors—in some cases, this will include grandparents, parents, and children from the same family. Overall, participants range in age from pre-teen to 70-plus. For a modest entry fee determined by NEHA, a rider is eligible to enter one single-race classification. As you will see below, there are multiple opportunities to enter the hill climb,

with a total of 160 available spots.

CLASSES OFFERED

• Girls Micro Mini (Ages 4-8) (0-50cc) - 12” wheels, automatic transmission

• Micro Mini (Ages 4-8) (050cc) - 12” wheels, automatic transmission

• Mini Junior (Ages 7-11) (52cc85cc 2-Stroke/52cc-125cc 4-Stroke)Maximum 16” rear and 19” front

• Mini Senior (Ages 12-15) (66cc-85cc 2-Stroke/75cc-125cc 4-Stroke) - Maximum 16” rear and 19” front 125cc (86cc-125cc), 200cc (126cc-200cc 2-Stroke/126cc-250cc 4-Stroke), 250cc (201cc-250cc), 450cc (251cc-450cc), 600cc (451cc-600cc)

• Stock Wheelbase (Stock wheelbase/No Cut Tires)

• Open (Multi Cylinder)

• Women (Ages 12 & Up)

• Senior (Ages 40 & Up)

• Four Stroke (113cc-Open 4-Stroke)

• Two Stroke (113cc-Open 2-Stroke)

• ATV OPEN

NOTE 1: The minimum age for ama-

teur Hillclimb riders is 12 on any motorcycle up to 250cc. In all events, a rider must be 14 or older to ride any motorcycle above 250cc. Must be 16 to ride ATV classes.

NOTE 2: There must be at least three competitors in each class for that specific competition to run.

NOTE 3: There is a limit of 160 riders per round for the Hillclimb; there will be two rounds. Each rider is limited to participating in three classes.

Again this year, Gunstock and Ridge Runners Promotions are partnering to add an impressive display of gravity-defying actions and various forms of stunt riding for the occasion. Eastcoastin’ Enterprises will return to wow the crowd with three motorcycle stunt shows throughout the day. In addition, Deadbeat Customs will be bringing some amazing motorcycles for all event attendees to admire throughout the day of the Hillclimb. There will be beer and RTD beverages on site, and a variety of food trucks are expected to contribute to the festival atmosphere of the Hillclimb event.

Gates are scheduled to open at 8 am with opening ceremonies at 9 am. The public’s admission charge is $30, with children aged 10 and under admitted free. The Hillclimb events will begin promptly at 9 am and end at 4 pm, with a new rider being started every fifteen seconds. Aside from the food and drink options mentioned above, Hillclimb attendees are welcome to bring their own beverages, with the maximum permitted cooler size being 14 inches. Be advised: no backpacks, bikes, large bags, tents, umbrellas, glass bottles, or animals will be allowed at the event site. Some of the more interesting changes in recent years were: 1) allowing vendors to showcase their own brands during the Hillclimb; 2) incorporating • Hillclimb continued on page 6

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an absolutely amazing stunt show to what already constitutes super levels of excitement; and 3) adding nitrous fuel to a special set of vehicles, thereby providing a significant power boost (this one is a crowd favorite). Longtime participants will be happy to learn that the Hillclimb intends to continue to take place on the 70-meter original ski jump. Anyone who meets the age and equipment requirements can pay their money and take a run up the mountain, under the watchful eyes of their family, friends, and other motorcycle enthusi-

asts. Unfortunately, if not already registered to ride in the June 17 event, you have missed the deadline for this year. Meanwhile, riders must check in on Tuesday, June 16, by 7 pm. Of course, it is not too late for the rest of us to attend one of New Hampshire’s truly exciting spectator events. For the convenience of participants and spectators alike, Gunstock’s 260-site campground will be open throughout Motorcycle Week, and campsites are available within walking distance of the Hillclimb venue. For more information, telephone 603-293-4341.

New England Lyman Group Classic & Antique Boat Show June 13 in Wolfeboro

Don’t miss the 27th Annual New England Lyman Group Boat Show at the Wolfeboro Town Docks on Saturday, June 13, from 9 am to 2 pm. See a variety of classic Lyman and other Lapstrake wooden boats - many enjoyed on New England lakes for decades.

Almost everyone who spent time on a lake remembers a Lyman or other lapstrake boat from their childhood. The construction method was introduced by the Vikings and is still used and enjoyed today. Sturdy and beautiful, these boats are great pleasure boats and workhorses, fostering a deep nostalgic connection that endures today. Many of these boats were built right here in New England.

In addition to beautiful boats, we’ll have music, entertainment, a silent auction, and a raffle. The NH Boat Museum will join us with information about their programs. The Marine Patrol will also join us to answer questions about safe boating. Talk with boat owners and vote for your favorite boat!

The New England Lyman Group, also known as NELG, members

regularly use and enjoy their boats, and many members do their own boat maintenance and restoration. Founded in 1999, NELG’s mission and purpose are to promote the use of Lyman boats and other lapstrake boats. NELG actively and generously supports activities that promote youth involvement and interest in wooden boat building, repair, and maintenance.

If you have a lapstrake boat and would like to join us for a cruise on Squam on Thursday or on Winnipesaukee on Friday, please contact us for more details.

The NELG is a 503(c) charitable organization, and we make regular donations to the NH Boat Museum and Lowell’s Boat Shop to benefit wooden boat programs for young people. We’ve also started supporting the Apprenticeshop in Rockland, Maine.

For more information, see our website NewEnglandLymanGroup. com or check our FB page. Or email Betsy Bryant at NELGEvents@gmail. com.

DRILL THE

Castle in the Clouds Has a Varied Slate of Programs This June

June is the first full month of Castle in the Clouds’ 2026 season, and there are plenty of programs for everyone.

Solar Gazing, a family-friendly program, is back on Sundays from 11 am to 4 pm. Safely look at the sun with the aid of special telescopes and the expertise of New Hampshire Astronomical Society members. This program takes place in the field across from Shannon Pond. If the weather conditions are unsuitable for seeing the sun, guests can still chat with an astronomer in the Winnipesaukee Room instead. For those interested in stargazing, you can attend Constellations at the Castle on June 18, from 8 to 10 pm.

Rounding out June’s family-friendly programs are the Story Trail Grand Opening on Saturday, June 13, from 11 am to 1 pm at the Picnic Pavilion (rain date will be Sunday, June 14) and our first Story Time and Craft Hour of the year. Come celebrate the Castle’s new Story Walk with partner Altrusa, who will be handing out free books. There will also be crafts and games for families to participate in. The Story Walk itself has already been installed and is open to the public.

Moultonborough Public Library’s children’s librarian will be back at the Picnic Pavilion on Mondays from 11 am to 12 pm, starting on June 29, to read stories and help participants with crafting. Each week, there is a new theme and a new matching craft!

June is also a great month for hiking at Castle in the Clouds! Join our volunteers for Saturday Hikes on June 13

and 20, starting at 9 am, or for a Guided Hike on Thursday, June 11 or 25, starting at 10 am. Additionally, Volcanoes and Cellar Holes: The History of Ossipee Park is back on alternating Thursday mornings at 10 am (June 4 and 18), which is a great way to learn about the estate’s history while walking along a couple of different hiking trails.

There are more Lucknow Garden Tours in June, starting at 10:15 on June

6, 12, 20, and 26. For those interested in also taking professional-level photos of the Lucknow Gardens, you can join Castle in the Clouds and ArtWorks for a Garden Photography Workshop on Saturday, June 20, from 9:30 am to 1 pm.

For those interested in bees and beekeeping, join Bewitched Acres for a Hive Dive on Saturday, June 13, from 10:30 am to noon or from 1 to 2:30 pm. Get up close and personal with the

bees and learn from a local beekeeper! There is also a small-group Beekeeping Class for those interested in diving even deeper into learning about what it takes to work with bees. This will be held on Sunday, June 28, from 11 am to 12:30 pm. Both programs are for a limited number of guests, so be sure to register early.

Yoga on the Lawns of Lucknow returns for another season, weekly on Mondays, starting on June 29. Classes start at 6 pm and are led by Pam Swanick from Yoga4Life. In inclement weather, the class will be moved to the Winnipesaukee Room.

On Sunday, June 28, from 1-3 pm there will be a watercolor workshop held in the Winnipesaukee Room with an experienced artist and instructor. Materials are included.

For those looking for more crafts, why not visit Castle in the Clouds on June 27 for their annual Community Arts Festival. Local artists and organizations will have booths set up throughout the field for guests to visit, as well as food trucks and other festivities between 10 am and 4 pm. If you are a vendor or exhibitor interested in procuring a booth, you can do so up until June 14.

For more information and to register for any of our programs, please visit https://www.castleintheclouds.org/calendar-of-events/month/2026-06/

For more information, please contact director@castleintheclouds.org or visit www.castleintheclouds.org.

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Experience lakeside living at its finest at Langley Cove, a new residential community on Weirs Boulevard in Laconia, New Hampshire. Choose from charming single-family homes at The Cottages at Langley Cove, stylish apartments at The Residence at Langley Cove, or spacious townhomes at The Estates at Langley Cove. Here, you’ll discover a lifestyle centered around comfort, luxury, and community. Enjoy resort-style amenities and a prime location just minutes from Weirs Beach and downtown Laconia.

Property Amenities

Central Air Conditioning

In-Unit Washer/Dryer

Stainless Steel Appliances

Designer Flooring & Finishes

Electronic Thermostat

Fireplace *Select homes

Patio/Balcony *Select homes

Garage *Select homes

Fitness Center

Theatre Room

Community Room

Game Room

Podcast Room

Pickleball Court

BBQ & Picnic Area

&

The NASWA: a family resort that has

By Mark Okrant

Were it possible to enter a time machine and set the dial for Laconia’s Weirs Boulevard during the early 1960s, you would find yourself surrounded by more than eighty different places to stay (i.e., motels, cabins, inns). During the present day, most of those former motels and cottage colonies have disappeared, having been converted to condominiums, either by reusing existing buildings or replacing them with new multifamily condo complexes. The majority of those classic motels and cottage colonies along Weirs Boulevard did not shut down all at once, as the bulk of closures and conversions happened gradually from the 1980s through the 2010s, with a noticeable wave of demolitions and condo conversions in the 2000s–early 2020s.

One property—The NASWA Resort—has not succumbed to the wrecking ball. The property is in its third generation of ownership by the Salta/ Makris family. Jim and Fannie Salta were immigrants from Lesbos, Greece. Like so many immigrant groups from Europe, the couple found that there were barriers to employment within several professions, so they decided to purchase their original resort property in 1935 after discovering that it had a natural spring with water that

tested 100 percent pure. The Saltas established the Natural Spring Water Company, which was the basis for the NASWA name. The enterprising couple also operated a general store from which they sold homemade baked beans cooked in an outdoor oven.

Before long, the family began to receive questions from customers about where they could find a place to stay while visiting the area. The couple recognized an opportunity and built five

one-room cabins, which they called

The NASWA Spring Water Cabins. During the 1940s, the Saltas purchased the present waterfront property.

vard, why has The NASWA thrived?

In addition to the property’s great location, there are several contributing factors:

a. consistent management by the Makris family

b. variety and quality of services/ events offered

c. affiliation with Motorcycle Week

In 1950, the Saltas’ daughter Hope met and married Peter Makris. The young couple assumed ownership of the property in 1953. During the 1950s, Peter built the cottages that exist today. Years later, when Laconia’s visitor count and traffic increased, the roadside location was attracting many visitors, leading Hope and Peter to change the name of their property to The NASWA Motor Inn. As the resort added more food, entertainment, and features, it became The NASWA Resort. With the passage of time, the business added docks, kayaks, paddle boats, and the S.S. NASWA, a 34-foot Sea Ray Amberjack boat, while offering fine dining in the Blue Bistro, as well as casual dining at the NazBar & Grill.

An obvious question presents itself: in light of the closings of numerous commercial lodgings on Weirs Boule-

Daughters Cynthia and Victoria were integrated into the resort’s operation at a very early age, initially being taught how to make beds, as well as clean cottages and rooms. Hope brought her daughters to work with her, so each grew up on the property. Pre-teen years were spent bussing tables, working in Karen’s Gift Shop, checking in guests at the front desk, and performing as breakfast servers and hostesses. Upon turning 18, the Makris girls were permitted to work dinner service and to serve alcohol. Long before they were voting age, each had learned every job it took to keep The NASWA running. The pattern of incorporating family members into the operation continues. A fourth generation has worked at the property throughout their high school and college years, and a fifth generation began as recently as last year. With the passing of both Peter and Hope, the current management team consists of the couple’s three daughters—Cynthia, Karen, and Victoria, plus Karen’s husband Jim Lowell. Karen, Victoria, and Jim have since retired, and today, the youngest daughter, Cynthia, serves as an owner, president, and general manager of the resort. She is also the president of the Laconia Motorcycle Week Association, among many other activities and responsibilities.

The resort is a fullservice, familyoriented waterfront property that abuts the shoreline of Lake Winnipesaukee. It combines lodging, dining, and lake-

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Squam Lakes Natural Science Center’s Butterfly Monitoring

Squam Lakes Natural Science Center invites community members to take part in three butterfly-focused community science events this summer: Butterfly Count Field Training, Monarch Monitoring Mondays, and the first-ever Squam Lakes Butterfly Count.

These programs allow participants to contribute scientific data supporting butterfly conservation and long-term monitoring efforts at both the state and national levels. Butterflies are important indicators of environmental health, and monitoring their populations helps researchers better understand the impacts of habitat loss, climate change, and changing ecosystems.

On Thursday, June 11, from 2 to 3:30 pm, the Science Center will host Butterfly Count Field Training led by Heidi Holman, NH Fish and Game Wildlife Diversity Biologist. Participants will search for crescents, blues, sulphurs, and other butterflies, learning to identify them by their field marks, flight patterns, and behavior. This hands-on program is designed to help participants to sharpen their butterfly identification skills before the Squam Lakes Butterfly Count on July 8.

Monarch Monitoring Mondays will take place weekly from June 29 through August 31 from 9 to 10:30 am at Pemi Oxbow Preserve in Holderness, NH. Participants will help look for monarch eggs and caterpillars as part of the Monarch

Larva Monitoring Project, a citizen science initiative tracking monarch populations across North America. Volunteers will collect data used by researchers to better understand monarch population trends and habitat health. Participants may attend weekly or drop in when schedules allow.

On Wednesday, July 8, from 8:45 am to 3:45 pm, the Science Center will host the first-ever Squam Lakes Butterfly Count. Participants will survey local habitats for butterfly species as part of a coordinated community science effort. Data collected during the event will support the New Hampshire Butterfly Monitoring Network and help inform future conservation efforts. There is no cost to participate in these programs, but advance registration is required. For more information or to register, visit nhnature.org.

Hot Mic Events Announces “Homecoming Comedy Weekend 2026”

Hot Mic Events proudly announces the return of its highly anticipated Homecoming Comedy Weekend 2026, expanding into a three-night comedy celebration across New Hampshire from July 9–11, 2026. Now entering its fourth year, the annual comedy series continues its rapid growth, bringing nationally recognized comedians and regional favorites to audiences throughout the Granite State.

This year’s Homecoming Comedy Weekend will feature headliner Steven Michael Quezada, best known to television audiences as “Gomie” from the acclaimed TV series Breaking Bad, along with his hit Amazon Prime comedy special. Joining Quezada will be Boston comedy favorite Mike Hanley and Wolfeboro comedian Carolyn Plummer.

2026 Homecoming Comedy Weekend Schedule

• Thursday, July 9, 2026 – Owl’s Nest Resort – Thornton, NH

• Friday, July 10, 2026 – Majestic

Theatre – Conway, NH

• Saturday, July 11, 2026 – The Village Players – Wolfeboro, NH

Tickets for all three performances are available now at www.HotMicEvents.com. Originally launched in 2023 at The Village Players in Wolfeboro, Homecoming Comedy Night has become one of New Hampshire’s growing live entertainment traditions. Previous headliners have included Lenny Clarke, Jonathan Kite from 2 Broke Girls, and Steve Hytner from Seinfeld

This weekend of comedy in New Hampshire is presented by Keller Williams Coastal and Lakes & Mountains Realty. Sponsored by The Cottages of Wolfeboro, Olympia Gym & Fitness, Downtown Grill, Lucas Roasting Company, SiSi by Dolce Vita Wine Merchant, Kona Big Wave, Nutrl Vodka Seltzer, The Original Cigar & Bar, Conway Broadcasting, Amoskeag’s High Noon, Sam Summer, Modelo, and Coors Light.

Community Invited to Celebrate the Historic Renovation and Grand Opening of the Hebron Library

The community is warmly invited to attend and celebrate the historical renovation and grand opening of Hebron’s Library (8 Church Lane, Hebron), which incorporated the Grange Hall and Memorial Chapel. This special event marks the completion of a major restoration effort that preserves two cherished landmarks while ensuring their continued use for generations to come.

The celebration is at the Library, on

Saturday, June 27, at 1 pm, and will bring together residents, supporters, preservationists, and visitors to honor the rich history of these beloved community spaces and the collaborative work that made this renovation possible. The Grange and Memorial Chapel have long served as gathering places for civic life in Hebron.

Through a thoughtful restoration process, the buildings have been carefully updated to maintain their historic

Free Open Mic Concerts in Meredith Every Friday

Picturesque Hesky Park, located at the Meredith town docks on the shore of Lake Winnipesaukee, is the site of a free concert every Friday night through September 4. Concerts are open mic format featuring local performers and will be hosted by Kitty and Kevin Boyle. Music will begin at 6 pm and continue until every performer has completed a set of two songs.

Kitty Boyle said, “This is our sixth year of hosting these free concerts. Live music is always popular, and this is the best location in the Lakes Region. Bring a chair or a blanket and enjoy these talented performers. In addition to musicians, we welcome participation by other entertainers such as poets, storytellers, and comedians.”

Kevin Boyle added, “we are amazed at how many talented performers there are in our area, and it is a pleasure to help them showcase their skills in front of an appreciative audience.” There are usually 10 to 12 performers and an audience of 50 to 100. Performers are asked to sign in at the bandstand next to the Meredith town docks between 5:30 and 6 pm. Concerts begin at 6 pm, and there is no charge. See us on Facebook at Meredith Music By The Lake or contact Kitty Boyle at 603-5335490 or Kevin Boyle at 603-5330215 or kdboyle44@gmail.com for further information. Rain cancellations will be posted on Facebook by 4 pm.

character while improving accessibility, safety, and functionality. The completed project reflects the dedication of local leaders, volunteers, donors, and preservation professionals who worked together to safeguard an important part of Hebron’s heritage.

The grand opening celebration will feature a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony, guided tours of the restored spaces, and opportunities for guests to learn more about the history of the

• NASWA continued from page 10

side recreation. It offers a range of lodging accommodations, including hotel rooms, studio/efficiency suites, as well as one- and two-bedroom cottages. Many of these have lake views, balconies, or porches that allow guests to select proximity to the water or quieter spots. The property’s large, private sandy beach on Lake Winnipesaukee is a huge asset. Additionally, The NASWA offers complimentary dock/boat slip space for guests, plus lakeside access for kayaking and paddleboarding, and offers short lake cruises for guests. The resort offers dining options. The property’s Blue Bistro is a sitdown lakeside restaurant serving breakfast and dinner and offers a full bar service. The NazBar & Grill is a casual openair beach bar and grill on the sand, featuring burgers, beach food, and tropical drinks. There is live music and entertainment at the NazBar & Grill and on the beach in season. The Makris family certainly doesn’t rest on their laurels, as they are constantly renovating and updating the rooms, cottages, and rest of their property.

Laconia Motorcycle Week is the oldest national motorcycle rally in the US. This year is the event’s 103rd anniversary, running from June 13th to 21st. The huge annual event is closely associated with the NASWA Resort. Not only does The NASWA kick off the nine-day event with the 20th anniversary of the Peter Makris Memorial Run on Saturday, June 13th, it has special activities all week long, with live music at the beachfront NazBar & Grill and Late Night at the Blue Bistro. The ride honors the late patriarch of the resort property who, along with his wife,

buildings and the vision for their future use.

All are welcome to attend and participate in this historic moment for the Hebron community. For more information about the event, the renovation project, or the Hebron Library, please contact the Library Director at 603744-7998 or hebronlibrary@gmail. com.

Hope, played a huge role in making the property what it is today, and Peter’s dedication kept Laconia Motorcycle Week going for decades. The event starts with a continental breakfast at registration, followed by a two-hour feet-up ride escorted by NH State Police, along and laps around the Motor Speedway.

Motorcycle Week is always a time to welcome old and new friends to the rally and to The NASWA, which hosts its continental breakfast and registration each year. In a beautiful tradition, participants gather to pay their respects and share stories of earlier experiences with Peter. Motorcycle Week is an important tradition for Laconia and the State of New Hampshire, serving as a fundraiser that has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for local charities. The secret to The NASWA Resort’s 91-year success story is much more than a matter of its excellent location. The founding members of the Salta/ Makris family gave personal attention to guests, and that same spirit has been instilled in the following generations. The family has modernized their business by adding hotel buildings to the cottages. Their restaurants offer consistently excellent food and service. Peter Makris took guests for daily free boat rides, a tradition that continues. And, after having experienced Hope’s marvelous desserts, no one soon forgets that The NASWA was willing to go the extra mile to make guests happy.

Kelly John Ross (May 7, 1961 – May 25, 2026)

(For Many years, “Chef Kelly” shared his recipes, love of cooking, and good humor through his columns in our papers. We are grateful for the lasting contribution he made to our newspaper, our community, and our readers, and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. He will be missed.)

“We don’t always have a choice how we get to know one another. Sometimes, people fall into our lives cleanly—as if out of the sky, or as if there were a direct flight from Heaven to Earth—the same sudden way we lose people, who once seemed they would always be part of our lives.” -- John Irving

Kelly John Ross passed away peacefully in Concord, NH on May 25, 2026 at the age of 65. Kelly battled valiantly for over one month of hospitalization. At his bedside during his passing was his caring life partner of 41 years, Melody Baird, and their good friend George Losefsky.

Kelly was born in Berlin, NH, on May 7, 1961. He was a proud graduate of Berlin High School, class of 1979. He later graduated from the New Hampshire Vocational Technical College (or, as Kelly called it, “Quebec Tech”) with a degree in Culinary Arts. He worked many jobs in the hotel and restaurant industry spanning from Arizona, Florida, Maine, and New Hampshire. Over the past several years, Kel-

ly had a catering business, and he wrote recipe and cooking columns titled Cue the Grill in The Laker, Route 16, Boating on the Lake, and Scenic NH White Mountains newspapers, and he worked for Mount Prospect Academy’s Transportation Department as a Driver. Kelly spent the vast majority of his life in New Hampshire: Berlin, North Conway, Meredith, and Plymouth. He has built countless friendships throughout the state and beyond. Oh, the stories people have!

Kelly was known for his big belly laughs, wicked sense of humor, huge heart, loving deeply, giving the best bear hugs, and having the ability to make you feel like you were the most important person in the world. He had particular soft spots in his big heart for his niece Alyssa, dogs, and people with special needs. He was very social by nature and loved being part of any gathering; think parties, sporting events, or rock concerts. It was impossible to miss Kelly’s presence. He could quickly change the dynamics of any room once he entered, usually for the better. Even if that room was Fenway Park. Kelly was a sports fanatic and a rabid fan of the Red Sox, Bruins, and Packers. He also loved music. Loud music. Mostly metal, rock, and punk. It would be difficult to find anyone who has been to more concerts and venues than Kelly.

Kelly is survived by his devoted

partner Melody Baird; his father Roderick Ross and wife Debbie; his brother Barry Ross and wife Sharon; his brother in law Rick Gervais; his sisters Wendy Ross Nalbandian and husband Allen, Jodi Tarantino and partner Rick, and Jill Pellerin and husband Brian; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and extended family with whom Kelly was very close, with a special acknowledgment to his dear Aunt Simone Lariviere. Kelly is predeceased by his mother, Sally (Eagle) Forbes; his sister, Tammy (Ross) Gervais; his grandparents, Charles Ross and Julia (Oleson-Ross) Finnson, Joseph and Yvette (Dupuis) Premo, and Harry Eagle; and his four-legged canine children, Luther, Fenway, Wrigley, Malcolm, and Rosie.

The family offers special thanks to the medical team at Concord Hospital, and to those who visited and provided comfort to Kelly during his final days: George Losefsky, Jim & Josie Brannen, Mark & Carol Sylvestre, Leo Landers, John-Scott Sherburne, Derrick Nelson, Rick Gervais, Alyssa Gervais, Rich & Nancy Ross, and Rusty Ross. We especially thank Melody Baird for the love, affection, and attention she has provided to Kelly over the years, through good times and struggles. Kelly has a wide network of friends, many who he considered family, and his passing is a big loss to all. Whether you know him as Chef Kelly, Coach Kelly, Ump

Kelly, Chauffeur Kelly, Meatloaf Kelly, Metal Kell, or Kell-Dog, or Danny Partridge, we appreciate you for making his life fulfilled.

Per Kelly’s wishes, there will be no formal funeral services. A Memorial/ Celebration of Life is being planned. The date and details will be announced when finalized. We know the key people to help spread the word. Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.bryantfuneralhome.net. To order memorial trees in memory of Kelly John Ross, please visit the tree store for Kelly on the funeral home’s website.

Through June 29, Friday Painters en Plein Air Guest Artists Show, 10 am – 5 pm, Thursday-Monday at ArtWorks CCAC, 132 Rt. 16, Chocorua, 603-3238041, www.chocoruaartworks.com.

June 8, Songs of Old New Hampshire, presented by Jeff Warner, Clark Museum Barn, 7 - 9 pm, Wolfeboro Historical Society 233 S. Main St., Wolfeboro, 603-569-4997, www.wolfeborohistoricalsociety.org.

June 9, Bald Eagle Adventure Cruises, 3 -4:30 pm, Squam Lakes Science Center, 23 Science Center Road, Holderness, tickets/info.: nhnature.org.

June 9, Lecture Series: Stephen Harding G.I. G-Men, 7 – 8 p.m., Wright Museum of WWII, 77 Center St., Wolfeboro, admission/reservations: 603-5691212, www.wrightmuseum.org.

June 9, Stories from the Revolutionary War, 6 – 7 pm, Moultonborough Public Library, 4 Holland St., Moultonborough, pre-registration necessary: 603476-8895, www.moultonboroughlibrary.org.

Robie’s RV Park

Lake Wentworth, Wolfeboro

Seasonal Site Available Now! Owned & operated by Stedman family. Call (617) 276-6573

June 9, The History of Wolfeboro 1759-1959, 6 – 7 pm, presented by local historian Mark Lush, Wolfeboro Public Library, 259 South Main St., Wolfeboro, 603-569-2428.

June 10, Decluttering with Louise Elliot, 11:30 am – 12:30 pm, tips for decluttering and organizing your home, Moultonborough Public Library, 4 Holland St., Moultonborough, pre-registration necessary: 603-476-8895, www. moultonboroughlibrary.org.

June 10, Movie: Bohemian Rhapsody, 6 pm, Flying Monkey Movie & Performance Center, 39 Main St., Plymouth, tickets/info: www.flyingmonkeynh.com, 603-536-2551.

June 10, Sewing 101, 6 - 9 pm, Makers Mill, 23 Bay St., Wolfeboro, 603-5691500, www.makersmill.org.

June 10 & 17, Needlepoint Sampler, 1 – 3 pm, instructor: Wendy Shambaug, Sandwich Home Industries, 32 Main St., Center Sandwich, pre-register: 603284-6831, www.sandwichhomeindustries.org.

June 11, An Evening with NHBM Member Artists’ Reception, 5:30 – 7 pm, NH Boat Museum, Moultonborough Campus, 130 Whittier Highway, Moultonborough, 603-569-4554, www.nhbm.org.

June 11, Butterfly Count Field Training, 2 – 3:30 pm, led by Heidi Holman, NH Fish and Game Wildlife Biologist, Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, 23 Science Center Rd., Holderness, pre-registration: 603-968-7194, www.nhnature.org.

June 11, Forest Health Hike, 9 am – noon, free, Sheridan Woods at Red Hill Conservation Area, Lakes Region Conservation Trust, 603-253-3301, mohare@ lrct.org.

June 11, Guided Hike, 10 am – noon, Brook Walk via Brook Trail, Castle in the Clouds (Lucknow), Rte. 171, Moultonborough, pre-registration: 603-476-5410, www.castleintheclouds.org.

June 11, Silent Film: The Kid, 7 pm, Flying Monkey Movie & Performance Center, 39 Main St., Plymouth, tickets/info: www.flyingmonkeynh.com, 603536-2551.

June 11, Story Hour with the Moultonborough Library, 11 am - noon, NH Boat Museum, Moultonborough Campus, 130 Whittier Highway, Moultonborough, 603-569-4554, www.nhbm.org.

June 12, Shades of Blue feat/Jon Butcher and Diane Blu, arrive at 7:15 pm, Inn on Main, 200 N. Main St., Wolfeboro, tickets: @Eventbrite.com or locally @Blacks in Wolfeboro or 603-569-1335.

June 12, Zach Nugent’s Dead Set, 7:30 pm, Flying Monkey Movie & Performance Center, 39 Main St., Plymouth, tickets/info: www.flyingmonkeynh.com, 603-536-2551.

June 13, AD/HD & Nutshell, 7:30 pm, Flying Monkey Movie & Performance Center, 39 Main St., Plymouth, tickets/info: www.flyingmonkeynh.com, 603536-2551.

June 13, Beeswax Resist Dying, 1 – 3 pm, age 16 and up, 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.

June 13, Beginner Needle Felting: Goldfish, 9 am - 1 pm, Makers Mill, 23 Bay St., Wolfeboro, 603-569-1500, www.makersmill.org.

June 13, Berry Picking Basket Workshop, noon – 4 pm, learn to make a basket, Belknap Mill, 25 Beacon St. East, Laconia, 603-524-8813, www.belknapmill.org.

June 13, Granite State Street Rodders, 4 - 7 pm, classic car show, raffles, food, music and more, NH Farm Museum, 1305 White Mt. Highway, Milton,

603-652-7840, www.nhfarmmuseum.org.

June 13, Hive Dive, 10:30 am – noon; 1 – 2:30 pm, Castle in the Clouds (Lucknow), Rte. 171, Moultonborough, pre-registration: 603-476-5410, www.castleintheclouds.org.

June 13, Paint Your Pet, 2 - 5 pm, Makers Mill, 23 Bay St., Wolfeboro, 603569-1500, www.makersmill.org.

June 13, Saturday Hike, 9 - 11 am, Mount Roberts First Viewpoint, Castle in the Clouds (Lucknow), Rte. 171, Moultonborough, pre-registration: 603-4765410, www.castleintheclouds.org

June 13, Shades of Buble, 7 – 9 pm, Wolfeboro Friends of Music, Anderson Hall at Brewster Academy, 80 Academy Drive, Wolfeboro, 603-569-2151, www.wolfeborofriendsofmusic.org.

June 13, Summer’s Eve Tractor Tour, 10 am – noon, Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, multigenerational program, 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.

June 13, Veteran’s Assistance Benefit, 3 – 7 pm, Union Congregational Church, 80 Main St., Union, local bands Jackie Lee and the Cold Steel Ramblers and Carolyn Ransay Band, proceeds assist veterans and families in need, 603-473-2446.

June 14, Bruce Marshall Group, 6 pm, Feel the Barn Music, food available at 6 pm, 1118 Page Hill Rd., Chocorua, tickets/info.: 603-323-6169, www.thefarmstand.net.

June 16, 100 Years of Ashland Woman’s Club, 7 – 9 pm, presented by Jeanete Stewart and Caroline Gosse, Booster Club, 99 Main St., Ashland, www. ashlandnhhistory.org.

June 16, Lecture Series: Christopher Gorham – Matisse at War: Art and Resistance in Nazi-Occupied France, 7 – 8 p.m., Wright Museum of WWII, 77 Center St., Wolfeboro, admission/reservations: 603-569-1212, www.wrightmuseum.org.

June 16, Muscle Building Bittersweet Pull at C.C. Browne Woods, 9 – 11 am, Charlotte C. Browne Woods, Chocorua Lake Conservancy, 603-323-6252.

June 16, On Water Instruction, 9 am – 5 pm, Goodhue Boat Company, program of NH Boat Museum, info./pre-register: 603-569-4554, www.nhbm.org.

June 17, 2026 Laconia Motorcycle Week Gunstock Annual Hill Climb, 9 am – 4 pm, Gunstock, 719 Cherry Valley Rd., Gilford, 603-293-4341, www. gunstock.com.

June 17, Castle in the Clouds and the Servants of Lucknow, 2 - 3 pm, Moultonborough Public Library, 4 Holland St., Moultonborough, pre-registration necessary: 603-476-8895, www.moultonboroughlibrary.org.

June 17, Central NH Writers’ Group, 6 – 7 pm, Belknap Mill, 25 Beacon St. East, Laconia, 603-524-8813, 603-524-8813.

June 17, Hiking the John Muir Way in Scotland, 6 - 7 pm, Moultonborough Public Library, 4 Holland St., Moultonborough, pre-registration necessary: 603476-8895, www.moultonboroughlibrary.org.

June 17, Town by Town, Watershed by Watershed/Native Americans in NH, 7:30 pm, program by John Moody, Holderness Historical Society, Rt. 3, Curry Place, Holderness, 603-968-3695.

June 18, Shaker Village Barn Dance, 7:30 – 10 pm, Canterbury Shaker Village, 288 Shaker Rd., Canterbury, 603-783-9511, www.shakers.org.

June 19, Concerts on Canal, King Pine, 5 – 9 pm, Canal St., Laconia, all ages welcome, held rain or shine, 603-527-8124.

June 19, Hugo – The Ultimate Journey Tribute, 8 pm, The Colonial Theatre, 609 Main St., Laconia, 800-657-8774, www.coloniallaconia.com.

June 19-21, 103rd Loudon Classic, NH Motor Speedway, 1122 Rt. 106 North, Loudon, 603-783-4931, www.nhms.com.

June 20 Amate Bark Painting, 10 am - 1 pm, instructor: Robin Cornwell, Sandwich Home Industries, 32 Main St., Center Sandwich, pre-register: 603284-6831, www.sandwichhomeindustries.org.

June 20, Children’s Day, 10 am – 4 pm, games from yesteryear and more, NH Farm Museum, 1305 White Mt. Highway, Milton, 603-652-7840, www.nhfarmmuseum.org.

June 20, Garden Photography Workshop, 10:15 – 11:15 am, Castle in the Clouds (Lucknow), Rte. 171, Moultonborough, pre-registration: 603-476-5410, www.castleintheclouds.org

June 20, Garden-to-Table Summer Scones with Chef LaShunda Allen, 10 am – 1 pm, age 16 & up, 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.

New Hampshire Day

Spring 5/9, Fall 11/1

Member Solstice 6/24

Movie Night 7/22

Nature for Everyone Barn Bash 7/16

Animal Birthday Bash 8/12

Annual Meeting & Summer Social 8/6

Raptor Migration Celebration 9/19

Grandparents Day 10/3

Howl O Ween 10/24

New August BioBlitz events weekly! Science Lecture Series

June 20, Saturday Hike, 9 - 11 am, Brook Walk via Turtleback Mt. Trail, Castle in the Clouds (Lucknow), Rte. 171, Moultonborough, pre-registration: 603-476-5410, www.castleintheclouds.org

June 20, Sewing 102, 9 am - 3 pm, Makers Mill, 23 Bay St., Wolfeboro, 603569-1500, www.makersmill.org

June 20, Soul-full Saturdays, Lavender Sense Retreat, in-person wellness classes and workshops, ticketed event: 603-453-4186, www.lavendersenseretreat.com. (Also takes place 7/18, 8/15, 9/19 and 10/17.)

June 20, Summer Soiree, 5:30 pm, Barnstormers Theatre, 104 Main St., Tamworth, 603-323-8500, www.barnstormerstheatre.org.

June 21, Rhett Miller, 6 pm, Feel the Barn Music, food available at 6 pm, 1118 Page Hill Rd., Chocorua, tickets/info.: 603-323-6169, www.thefarmstand.net.

June 22, Loon Cruise, 3 – 4:30 pm, Squam Lakes Science Center, 23 Science Center Road, Holderness, tickets/info.: nhnature.org.

June 23, Lecture Series: Doug Most – Launching Liberty, 7 – 8 p.m., Wright Museum of WWII, 77 Center St., Wolfeboro, admission/reservations: 603-5691212, www.wrightmuseum.org.

June 23, On Water Instruction, 9 am – 3 pm, Goodhue Boat Company, program of NH Boat Museum, info/pre-register: 603-569-4554, www.nhbm.org.

June 23 & 24, Quilled Greeting Card, 10 am - 2 pm, instructor: Amanda Twaddle, Sandwich Home Industries, 32 Main St., Center Sandwich, pre-register: 603-284-6831, www.sandwichhomeindustries.org.

June 24, Hulls and Hops Lecture Series, 6:30 – 8:30 pm, NH Boat Museum, Moultonborough Campus, 130 Whittier Highway, Moultonborough, 603-5694554, www.nhbm.org.

June 24, Sewing: Snappy Bag, 6 - 9 pm, Makers Mill, 23 Bay St., Wolfeboro, 603-569-1500, www.makersmill.org.

June 24, Wildlife Encounters Global Tour (Live Animals), 11 am – noon, Wolfeboro Public Library, 259 South Main St., Wolfeboro, pre-register: 603569-2428.

June 25, Guided Hike, 10 am – noon, Oak Ridge, Castle in the Clouds (Lucknow), Rte. 171, Moultonborough, pre-registration: 603-476-5410, www.castleintheclouds.org.

June 25, Junior Skippers Lake Discovery Day, 1 – 2:30 pm, NH Boat Museum, Moultonborough Campus, 130 Whittier Highway, Moultonborough, 603569-4554, www.nhbm.org.

June 25-27, Book Sale, 6/25 & 6/26: 10 am - 4:30; 6/27: 9 am – 1 pm, sorted by category. No admission - donations are welcome. Meredith Public Library, 91 Main St., Meredith. Additional parking on High Street entrance. Wheelchair accessible. www.meredithlibrary.org.

June 25-July 4, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels – The Musical, Barnstormers Theatre, 104 Main St., Tamworth, 603-323-8500, www.barnstormerstheatre.org.

June 26, Greater Meredith Program Street Dance, 6 – 9:30 pm, takes place COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Libraries: Effingham.lib.nh.us, gafneylibrary.org (Wakefield,), Moultonboroughlibrary.org, Wolfeboropubliclibrary.org, Ossipeelibrary.org, Meredithlibrary.org, Tuftonborolibrary.org, Tamworthlibrary.org, chocorualibrary.org Parks and Recreation: Laconia (laconianh.gov), Gilford (gilfordrec.com), Meredith (meredithnh.gov/200/Parks-Recreation), Moultonborough (moultonboroughnh.gov/221/Recreation-Department), Wolfeboro (Wolfeboronh.us), Tuftonboro (tuftonboronh.gov/parks-recreation-commission), Belmont (belmontnh.gov), Center Harbor (centerharbornh.gov/pages/parks-and-recreation), Bristol (ttccrec.org), Plymouth (sites.google.com/pemibaker.org), Tilton (tiltonnh.org), Gilmanton (gilmantonnh.gov), Alton (alton.nh.gov), Ossipee (ossipee.org/ossipee-parks-recreation

Farmer’s Markets – Barnstead (Saturday, 10 am – 1 pm), Gilmanton (Sunday, 11 am – 2 pm), Weirs Beach (Saturday, 10 am – 1 pm), Tamworth (Saturday, 9 am - noon), Conway (Tuesday, 3:30 – 6:30 pm), Wolfeboro (Thursday, 11:302:30) Alton (Wednesdays, 12 – 3 pm)

Historical Societies: Laconia Historical & Museum Society, Lake Winnipesaukee, Meredith, Wolfeboro, Moultonborough, Alton, Belmont, Center Harbor, Plymouth, Tilton, New Hampton, Sandwich, Holderness, Ossipee, Tuftonboro, Gilmanton.

Museums: American Classic Arcade Museum, Laconia (classicarcademuseum. org), New Hampshire Boat Museum, Moultonborough & Wolfeboro (nhbm. org), Wright Museum of WWII, Wolfeboro (wrightmuseum.org), Belknap Mill Museum, Laconia (belknapmill.org), New Hampshire Farm Museum, Milton (nhfarmmuseum.org), Canterbury Shaker Village, Canterbury (shakers.org), Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm, Tamworth (remickmuseum.org), Ashland Railroad Station Museum (ashlandnhhistory.org)

Special Interest & Fiber Arts Groups: Bridge Players, Wednesdays at Holderness Library (603-968-7066), Country Village Quilt Guild, monthly in Moultonborough (countryvillagequilters@gmail.com), Fiber Arts Monthly Mingle, Tuesdays at Wolfeboro’s Makers Mill(makersmill.org), Fiber Arts & Spinning Club, Tuesdays at Laconia’s Belknap Mill(belknapmill.org), Ladies of the Lake Quilt Guild, Wednesday in Wolfeboro (llqg.net),

ONGOING

Ashland Railroad Museum, 69 Depot St., Rt. 132, Ashland, 603-707-2683, www.ashlandnhhistory.org.

Back Bay Skippers, Glendon St., Wolfeboro, info./schedule: www.backbayskippers.com, www.nhbm.org.

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

Bingo, doors open at 5 pm, game begins at 6:30 pm, presented by Lion’s Club, held at Moultonborough Function Hall on Tues. evenings, 139 Old Rt. 109, Moultonborough, 603-477-8868.

Breakfast Buffet, 7 - 11 am, Wolfeboro Masonic Lodge, 35 Trotting Track Rd., Wolfeboro. Served the second Sunday of every month, 603-569-4637.

Canterbury Shaker Village, 288 Shaker Rd., Canterbury, tours, programs, 603-783-9511, www.shakers.org

Castle in the Clouds, Rte. 171, Moultonborough, 603-476-5900, www.castleintheclouds.org.

Day & Evening Cruises, M/S Mount Washington, Weirs Beach, 603-366BOAT, www.cruisenh.com.

Discover Squam Cruises, guided 90-minute cruises, Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, Holderness, 603-968-7194, www.nhnature.org.

In the Round, 8:45 am, Sundays, thought-provoking topics related to tolerance, Benz Center, Sandwich, 603-284-7211.

Indoor Pickleball, 5 - 7 pm, Sandwich Elementary School gym, Sandwich, Tues., Thurs. Friday, 603-387-2180, parksandrec@sandwichnh.org.

Kirkwood Gardens, free, open to public year-round, Rt. 3, Holderness, tour the gardens, www.nhnature.org, 603-968-7194.

Lake Winnipesaukee Museum, 503 Endicott St., North, Laconia, 603-3665950, www.lwhs.us.

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

League of NH Craftsmen Meredith Fine Craft Gallery, handmade crafts and art for sale, workshops, 279 Daniel Webster Highway, Meredith, 603-2797920.

Loon Center, walking trails, 183 Lees Mill Rd., Moultonborough, 603-4765666, www.loon.org.

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

Millie B., cruise on Millie B., a replica of a 1928 Hacker-Craft, 45-minute tour, info/tours: NH Boat Museum, Wolfeboro, www.nhbm.org, 603-5694554.

Newfound Lake Association, programs, classes, discovery walks, exhibits, Eco Tours, lake activities, Grey Rocks Conservation Area, 178 North Shore Rd., Hebron, 603-744-8689, www.newfoundlake.org.

NH Boat Museum, 130 Whittier Highway, Moultonborough, 603-569-4554. Second location: 399 Center St., Wolfeboro, 603-569-4554, www.nhbm.org.

NH Farm Museum, 1305 White Mt. Highway, Milton, 603-652-7840, www. nhfarmmuseum.org.

Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, programs for adults and children, 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, 58 Cleveland Hill Rd., Tamworth, 603-323-7591, www.remickmuseum.org.

Squam Lakes Association, 534 US Rt. 3, Holderness, 603-968-7336, www. squamlakes.org.

Squam Lake Science Center, 23 Science Center Road, Holderness, 603-9687194, nhnature.org.

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

Beauty in Every Turn exhibit running through June CHECK online for our

in the Gallery or

Annalee Dolls Remain Sought-After Collectibles

By Thomas P. Caldwell

It is hard to say what has made Annalee Dolls so special that they have become collectors’ items and have migrated around the world. My first acquaintance with the dolls came during a visit to Santa’s Village at the Bristol Community Center (now the Tapply-Thompson Community Center), where there was a display of skiers on a miniature ski slope. The skiers, of course, were Annalee Dolls dating from the late 1950s or early 1960s.

Perhaps it is their smiling, whimsical faces that somehow evoke Annalee Thorndike’s own appearance that make them so beloved to their fans. Perhaps it is the range of choices, with dolls for

every season and occasion, from graduations to summer barbecues to elections to the winter holidays.

own homes to help keep up with the demand for the dolls.

One of the attractions of Annalee’s designs was that they evoked simpler times, instilled with her own sense of humor. Annalee once explained, “The ideas emerged from research and reading. After all, this is when people really show how much they care for each other.” She said she was able to capture human nature through the “positiveness” of the faces. “It’s the smile,” she confided. “If you smile, someone else has got to smile back.”

The operation had grown from a small operation to a “Factory in the Woods” with 34,000 square feet of space in seven buildings on 14 acres of land, and employed some 300 people. At one point, it posted annual sales amounting to $15 million.

Over the years, the company had to adapt to changing times and, in 2001, it stopped having people work from home. Then, in 2002, Annalee died, leaving the responsibility of protecting her legacy to others.

Annalee had taken up doll-making as a hobby while she was a teen, dyeing felt fabric, forming it into dolls, and painting the faces. During the mid1950s, she and her husband, Charles “Chip” Thorndike, decided to expand the hobby into a cottage industry that would replace their failed efforts at operating a chicken farm. Incorporated in 1955 as Annalee Mobilitee Dolls, Inc., the operation got a boost when the state of New Hampshire enlisted the company to help promote tourism.

According to a company history, the Thorndikes converted their old chicken coop into a design room for Annalee and a small staff to work on her doll creations. She tried to come up with dolls to meet everyone’s taste, with some of them doing everyday activities, others working on hobbies, and still others depicting people’s occupations. She often used their sons’ skiing, swimming, and other pursuits as inspiration for the dolls.

Chip’s job was to hone his salesmanship abilities to create a market for the dolls that Annalee and her team produced.

Soon, Annalee would start introducing animals into the line, with mice being particularly appealing, taking on various roles and personalities to promote the holidays and seasonal activities. Those holiday and seasonal offerings flourished and became the nucleus for sales as the collectibles portion of the market grew.

Meanwhile, the staff would expand to include people working out of their

While it continued to operate out of Meredith, Annalee Mobilitee Dolls moved to new headquarters at 339 Daniel Webster Highway on July 13, 2016. The Winnipesaukee Playhouse purchased its former location on Reservoir Road.

Today, the Annalee Gift Shop still attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world, and the dolls with their whimsical natures still enthrall those who see them.

To mark the upcoming celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary, Annalee Dolls has created a Patriotic Collection that includes a Stars and Stripes set, Patriotic Picnic Pals, America’s 250th Centerpiece Set, a Patriotic Mouse Couple, a 3-inch Mouse with Patriotic Stars, a Patriotic Star Pin, a set of Patriotic Hats, a 12-inch Patriotic Elf, and a 9-inch Stars & Stripes Elf. There are other collections for Baking, Birthday, Just for Mom, Just for Dad, Everyday, Religious, and Personalized Mice.

The gift shop also has special sets for various occasions, along with movie-inspired offerings such as its 9-inch We’re Doomed dolls, versions of R2D2 and C3PO from “Star Wars”.

The shop is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, and the company also processes orders from its website at https://annalee.com, which showcases the dolls and promotes special editions.

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Harley Raffle Benefits Granite VNA Hospice

This June, “Harleys for Hospice” returns during Laconia Motorcycle Week. Granite VNA and Laconia Harley-Davidson® are partnering again to raffle off a 2026 HarleyDavidson® FLHC Heritage Classic to raise critical funding for Granite VNA hospice services, which provide nursing, pain management, spiritual care, emotional support, and companionship to patients on hospice across 72 communities in central New Hampshire. This year, the Harley will feature a custom design by acclaimed local tattoo artist Jimmy ‘Snaz’ MacKenzie from the hit Spike TV show Ink Master. Tickets are $20 and available online at www.granitevna.org/harleys.

“We had so much fun raffling off a Harley last year, we just had to do it again. Laconia Harley-Davidson is an excellent partner, and we couldn’t be happier to work with them and Jimmy to raise critical funds for our hospice services,” said Granite VNA Chief Strategy Officer Julie Stone. “Community partnerships are essential in helping us provide care to the people of

the region. We’re so looking forward to seeing all the motorcycle and tattoo enthusiasts come out to Laconia Motorcycle Week and our special drawing event in September to support us.”

Last year, Granite VNA made 111,331 visits to 6,096 home care patients in their homes, facilities, and retirement communities, as well as 28,176 visits to 799 hospice patients in their homes, assisted living communities, retirement communities, and skilled nursing facilities, and 11,507 visits to 419 patients at Granite VNA Hospice House in Concord.

Only 2,500 tickets are on sale now through September 12, 2026, to win this custom-detailed, one-of-akind 2026 Harley-Davidson® FLHC Heritage Classic. The HarleyDavidson® Heritage Classic is a touring-focused model built upon the Softail cruiser platform. The Heritage offers specialized touring features, including standard locking saddlebags, a detachable windshield, a passenger pillion, and a more comfortable, upright riding position. The winner will

be selected at random on September 12, 2026, during a special event at Laconia Harley-Davidson® in Meredith, New Hampshire.

Jimmy ‘Snaz’ MacKenzie, a Harley-Davidson® enthusiast, is the creative heartbeat of North Street Tattoo in Salem, Mass. He was featured on Seasons 11 and 13 of the hit reality TV show Ink Master and was crowned one of three winners in Season 13.

“One of my favorite things about tattooing is getting to honor the artists that came before me, the culture of it all. And how people connect to the artwork that they wear for a lifetime,” said MacKenzie. “That’s what we are doing here with this 2026 Harley Davidson Heritage Softail. We are honoring where it came from. Not just the legend of Harley Davidson, but the customizing from the riders that spans back decades. And we get to bring those moments back to life with a nod to the 1949 Hydra Glide.”

There is no better bike to cruise on today than the 2026 Harley-Davidson® Heritage Classic, according

to Motorcycle.com. The bike delivers a Cadillac-smooth ride without a hint of harshness. And, the bike’s seat is bestin-class – it’s the most comfortable one on the market to ride around town in.

“On behalf of Laconia Harley-Davidson, we are proud to support Granite VNA by raffling off this bike,” said Service Director and General Manager at Laconia Harley-Davidson Scott Richards. “Their services are integral to our community, so finding creative ways to connect with and support an agency that touches so many of us is a great opportunity.”

The customized Harley-Davidson® can be seen in-person at Laconia Harley-Davidson’s showroom at 239 Daniel Webster Highway in Meredith, NH.

One raffle winner will be drawn at random on September 12, 2026, at Laconia Harley-Davidson. The winner does not need to be present to win.

For more information on the Harleys for Hospice raffle, including contest rules, visit www.granitevna.org/harleys.

A Good Ol’ Time at Laconia Motorcycle Week

By Kathi Caldwell-Hopper

The year 2026 marks the 103rd year of the Laconia Motorcycle Week, which sees riders from all over the Lakes Region and far beyond make their way to the area for the excitement of motorcycle races and more in New Hampshire.

This year’s event (fondly dubbed Bike Week) takes place June 13 to 21, with Rally Headquarters at Lakeside Ave. in Weirs Beach starting at 8 am daily. Stop by and say hello, and get information about events taking place during the week.

The following are just some of the many happenings during the week: A Top Cop for Kids Motorcycle Skills Challenge will happen on June 12 to 14 at NH Motor Speedway (NHMS) in Loudon. ProRider 603 will set up a timed motorcycle skills challenge for regional police officers as well as non-police and civilian riders to test their skills among fellow riders. Top Cop for Kids Motorcycle Skills Challenge is presented by Whelen and benefits the New Hampshire Chapter of the Speedway Children’s Charities. Registration and practice start at 8 am on June 12 and 13, with the June 14 schedule of registration beginning at 7 am. The Challenge starts at 9 am with the Trophy Presentation immediately following the Challenge. Visit www. speedwaycharities.org for more information.

The 20th Annual Peter Makris Memorial Ride will be held on June 13. Registration runs from 8:30 to 9:30 am with kickstands up at 10:30 am. The extremely popular event is something visitors look forward to each year, and it starts and ends at Naswa Resort in Weirs Beach. The day begins with a 9:45 am opening ceremony and blessing of the bikes at the Naswa. The annual event honors the legacy of Peter Makris, who was a community leader, veteran, and champion of first responders. Join the scenic motorcycle and boat ride through New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, escorted by the NH State Police to the New Hampshire Motor Speedway for a lap around the track. Returning to the Naswa, there

will be live music performed by the James Montgomery Band and a lakeside After-Party celebration at the NazBar. Proceeds support the Laconia Fire Department’s Life-Saving Fund and Water Rescue Boats, Easterseals Veterans Count, and the Lakes Region CERT Team. To date, the event has raised over $575,000, with $275,000 going directly to support veterans and their families in New Hampshire. For information on the ride, visit www.naswa.com/PMMR

For those who love high-powered motorcycle stunt riding, plan to stop at the Bully Baggerz & Jaxen Cole Stunt Show, held at the RIOTS Tent at the Weirs Beach Drive-In during the week. The daring stunt show features incredible performances by Bully Baggerz and professional stunt rider Jaxen Cole, showcasing amazing motorcycle control, precision riding, wheelies, burnouts, and gravity-defying tricks. Visit www.laconiamcweek.com for details.

The popular Laconia HD H.O.G. Ride to Bentley’s Saloon happens on June 14 at 9 am at Laconia Harley Davidson. Kickstands go up at 10 am with arrival at the saloon (in Maine) at noon. It is an 82-mile, one-way ride with no stops; all riders are welcome. Laconia Harley Davidson is located at 239 Daniel Webster Highway in Meredith. Visit www.laconiamcweek.com for details.

The Mae-West Memorial “for the love of pets” Ride to benefit local animal support will happen on June 15, leaving from Rally Headquarters at Weirs Beach at 8:30 am. The event is a scenic motorcycle ride during Laconia Motorcycle Week that supports local animal welfare organizations. The ride travels through the picturesque towns and backroads of the Lakes Region before ending at the Notch Biergarten at Beans & Greens Farm in Gilford. Participants can enjoy food, drinks, live entertainment, and camaraderie with fellow riders while supporting a meaningful cause. Riders receive a commemorative event t-shirt with their donation while supplies last. The charity ride is a favorite mid-week tradition during Laconia Motorcycle Week,

bringing together motorcycle enthusiasts who share a passion for riding and helping animals in need.

A Ride to the Racetrack on June 16 with registration at 9 am at Laconia Harley-Davidson. The ride will help New England children in need. The event offers a truly unique riding experience during Laconia Motorcycle Week with a special group ride to New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon. This H.O.G.-led ride departs from Laconia Harley-Davidson in Meredith and goes to the Speedway. Registration is $20 per rider (all are invited to participate), with proceeds benefitting the NH Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities, the official charity of NHMS. Before taking off, there will be a safety briefing at 9:45. Kickstands go up at 10 am. Visit www.nhms.com for information.

Those who attend the exciting Tower Street Hill Climb Expo every year or for those who are watching the Climb for the first time will see lots of vintage motorcycles race for time up the “original” hill climb at Weirs Beach. Hosted by the United States Classic Racing Association (USCRA), the event will take place on June 16 and will feature vintage motorcycles racing up the legendary Tower Street hill in Weirs Beach. Spectators can watch the action up close as riders push their machines to the limit in a tribute to the early days of motorcycle racing during Laconia Motorcycle Week. The event also includes antique motorcycle displays and additional rally activities throughout the Weirs Beach area.

If you like fireworks, be at Weirs Beach on June 17 for great 10 pm fireworks, sponsored by Atlas Fireworks & Progressive Insurance. The rain date for the fireworks display will be June 18 at 10 pm.

Among other great events will be the Covered Bridge Gypsy Tour, taking place on June 17 from 10:30 am to 5 pm. The tour covers 170-plus miles, with the tour leaving Rally Headquarters at Weirs Beach at 10:30 am. The guided tour will include up to six covered bridges throughout scenic New Hampshire. (If you are a fan of covered bridges, this is the tour for you!)

For many Bike Week attendees, the Gunstock Amateur Hill Climb is something they cannot miss. The event takes place on June 17 and is considered one of the most exciting motorcycle events during the week. Riders compete in a dramatic uphill race on the slopes of Gunstock Mountain Resort, pushing their motorcycles to the limit as they

race toward the summit. The adrenaline-filled event features multiple classes of motorcycles along with stunt shows, vendors, food, and live entertainment throughout the day. Spectators can watch riders battle gravity and terrain. Admission is charged, and is free for kids. The event runs from 9 am to 5 pm. The event and camping are at 719 Gunstock, Cherry Valley Rd. in Gilford. Call 603-293-4341 or visit www.gunstock.com. For camping information, visit https://www.gunstock. com/camping/summer-camping/bikeweek-camping/

The U.S. Classic Racing Association kicks off the two-wheeled on-track action with the FIM North American Vintage Championships running June 12 to 14 from 8 am to 5 pm at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon. A variety of classes, ranging from 1950s tank shifters to modern small bike twins, provide a wide range of vintage racing action. Visit www.nhms. com for more information.

June 18 will bring the 33rd Annual POW/MIA Freedom Ride - the Ride to the Rock and 38th Anniversary of the Vigil. Meet at Winnipesaukee Crossing (Lowe’s) at 5 pm with kickstands up at 6 pm sharp. The event is in honor of POW/MIAs and families and Blue and Gold Star families in New Hampshire. The beloved AMA Gypsy Tour to NH Motor Speedway in Loudon will take place on June 14 for the USCRA FIM North American Vintage Races, leaving Rally Headquarters on Lakeside Ave. in Laconia at 10:30 am. If antique motorcycles are your thing, plan to attend the June 18 Laconia Antique Motorcycle Ride-In. The event will feature pre-1985 makes and models and a ride over back roads for 50 miles, ending at Twin Barns Brewing in Meredith. Spectators are welcome to check out the great old bikes! (Riders meet between 8:30 and 10 am at Rally Headquarters.) Visit www.laconiamcweek.com for details.

Jelly Roll and other musicians will perform at the Bank of NH Pavilion in Gilford on various dates throughout the week. Get tickets at www.banknhpavilion.com

These are just a few of the many events, with more as well. In addition, Motorcycle Week at NH Motor Speedway will offer many events, all motorcycle-related, during Bike Week in Loudon.

For a listing of events and other information, visit www.laconiamcweek. com

Makers Mill Beginner Needle Felting Class

Makers Mill is excited to welcome back instructor Christine Greenwood this June for a beginner-friendly needle felting class that invites participants to slow down, get creative, and learn a new handson skill in a supportive setting.

The class, Beginner’s Needle Felting, will take place on Saturday, June 13, from 9 am–1 pm in the Makers Mill Flex Arts space. During the workshop, students will create a whimsical “fancy” goldfish sculpture using wool fiber and special felting needles. The finished fish measures about five inches long and can be displayed in a bowl or hung as decoration.

Designed for beginners but open to all skill levels, the class teaches the basics of needle felting, including how to safely use tools, shape fiber, and build simple three-dimensional forms. All students will

receive a supply kit with enough materials to create two sculptures, along with detailed instructions and a felting surface.

“For many people, this class is their first experience with felting, and it’s amazing to see how quickly they gain confidence,” said Greenwood. “There’s something really rewarding about trying a new creative skill and leaving class with something you made by hand.”

Greenwood first connected with Makers Mill before the organization officially opened in 2022, after stumbling across a tool sale while driving through Wolfeboro with her husband. A conversation with volunteers led to an introduction to Program Director Carol Holyoake, and Greenwood began teaching at Makers Mill the following summer.

“With Makers Mill’s mission to bring people together to learn new

VH1 Tour: JUMP – America’s Van Halen Experience Coming to Colonial Theatre

The Colonial Theatre of Laconia will present VH1 Tour: JUMP - America’s Van Halen Experience on Sunday, July 26, at 7 pm. Tickets to the show are available at ColonialLaconia.com or by calling 800-657-8774.

After performing sold-out shows across multiple states and being recruited for international tours in Canada and Australia, JUMP has positioned itself as one of the top up-and-coming Van Halen tributes on the planet. Delivering two hours of classic David Lee Roth era Van Halen, the Toledo, Ohio-based band lineup is composed of a group of youngsters all born in the mid-late 90s and early 2000s. While their age offers a visual aesthetic true to Van Halen in their prime, their sound also reflects the same shredding Eddie guitar solos, rock-solid rhythm section, and the wailing two-tone screams reminiscent of David Lee Roth’s voice. Featuring a variety of hits and deep cuts from the first 6 albums, JUMP’s live show includes a selection of skits and one-liners portrayed by Van Halen from bootlegs of their live shows between 1978 and 1984. Experience an embodiment of the David Lee Roth era

of Van Halen and immerse yourself in youth, nostalgia, and rock ‘n roll.

Tickets for VH1 Tour: JUMPAmerica’s Van Halen Experience at the Colonial Theatre of Laconia on Sunday, July 26, at 7 pm, are available at ColonialLaconia.com or by calling 1-800-657-8774.

About the theatre: The original owner, Benjamin Piscopo, was from Italy, and the theatre featured a fire curtain depicting Venice as seen from the water. In August of 2002, the theatre closed after 87 years of operation. On June 15, 2015, the City of Laconia announced a partnership with the Belknap Economic Development Council (BEDC) to purchase, renovate, and reopen the Colonial. The newly reopened Colonial Theatre has a seating capacity of 750 and plays host to various performances, including music, theatre, comedy, and civic events. Spectacle Management manages the Colonial Theatre and is home to the Powerhouse Theatre Collaborative. The Colonial Theatre is located at 609 Main Street, Laconia, NH 03246.

For more information and tickets, visit www.coloniallaconia.com.

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things, it was hard not to want to be involved,” Greenwood said. “I’ve spent many summers in Wolfeboro, but teaching here helped me feel truly connected to the community.”

Raised in Durham, New Hampshire, Greenwood earned a degree in studio art from Skidmore College and has spent years teaching art and photography in Pennsylvania and New England. She became a certified felting instructor through Sarafina Fiber Arts in 2022 and has been sharing her passion for felting ever since.

The class is open to adults ages 18 and up and is limited to eight participants to support individual instruction and hands-on learning.

Makers Mill is located at 23 Bay Street in Wolfeboro. Free public tours are also available every Friday and the first Saturday of each month from 10 – 11:30 am for anyone interested in exploring the makerspace and learning more about classes and community programs. To learn more or register for the class, visit makersmill.org/events.

Drive In: 6th Annual Wolfeboro Lions Club Car Show

The Wolfeboro Lions Club invites car owners, collectors, and enthusiasts to drive in and be part of one of the region’s most popular summer traditions. The 6th Annual Wolfeboro Lions Club Car Show, taking place Sunday, July 5, 2026, from 11 am to 2 pm at The Nick Recreation Park in Wolfeboro, is part of Wolfeboro’s Fourth of July Festival and the nationwide celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

This free, fun, and non-judged car show is all about enjoying the vehicles, meeting fellow enthusiasts, and sharing in a relaxed community atmosphere with no classes and no competition.

The event continues to grow each year, drawing participants and spectators from across the region. Last year’s show featured over 170 vehicles and strong community attendance throughout the day.

Car owners are encouraged to arrive early, as dash plaques will be given to the first 100 registered vehicles. All makes, models, and years are welcome.

The event will also feature a Lions Club concession stand offering food and refreshments, music throughout the day, and a 50/50 raffle. Donations are appreciated, with proceeds supporting Wolfeboro Lions Charitable Fund and community service projects.

The car show has become a highlight of Wolfeboro’s Fourth of July Festival, bringing together vehicles, visitors, and community spirit in a welcoming, casual setting.

Whether bringing a show car, a classic project, or a daily driver with a story, all are welcome.

For more information, visit Wolfeborolionsclub.com or contact Gina Lessard at ginalessard.nh@gmail.com.

Wolfeboro Friends of Music Presents Shades of Bublé

Wolfeboro Friends of Music is delighted to bring Shades of Bublé, for a concert at Anderson Hall at Brewster Academy on Saturday, June 13, at 7 pm.

Shades of Bublé, with three amazing voices singing immortal Bublé standards like “Feeling Good,” “Moondance,” “Sway,” “Come Fly with Me,” “Home,” “Everything,” “Fever,” “Save the Last Dance for Me” and many more, brings the vocal magic of Michael Bublé to the stage in an unforgettable high-energy concert event. This act consistently wows audiences around the country with exciting harmonies, smooth choreography, and charming, good looks, combining bigband standards from the jazz era, classic hits from the American Songbook. Shades of Bublé re-imagines the music of Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennet, Andy Williams, and other Billboard chart toppers in a high-energy show that generates standing ovations from soldout crowds coast to coast!

“This was the ‘perfect’ group. It was a stellar performance... ‘over the top!’ I would highly recommend them and plan to send an email blast to all presenter friends, encouraging them to contract Shades of Bublé. Members of the audience indicated that they could

have sat for another 2 hours listening. It is a certainty that I will have them for a return engagement!” - Greater Hazleton Concert Series, Pennsylvania.

The Wolfeboro Friends of Music shares a 90-year commitment to important traditions in American music. This is the ninth and final concert performance comprising the current Friends of Music season, and a climax of 90 years of creative excellence in service to the Lakes Region, Mount Washington Valley, and the entire state of New Hampshire and beyond!

“Experience, Learn, Share, The Joy of Music Lives Here!” Season sponsors make Wolfeboro Friends of Music possible: Diana and Greg Jonas, Paul Zimmerman, Susan and James Scarborough, John Sandeen and Diane Wasmuth, The Kalled Gallery, Bradley’s Hardware, Carroll County Landscape, and YFI Custom Homes.

Tickets are available for $39.50 at the exciting new website: www. wfriendsofmusic.org, at the door on the day of the concert, or by calling 603651-9163.

High School and Middle School students will be admitted free of charge. Children accompanied by an adult ticket purchaser will be admitted free of charge.

Matisse at War: Art and Resistance in Nazi-Occupied France Lecture

On Tuesday, June 16, the Wright Museum will welcome Christopher Gorham. This is the fourth program of the Wright Museum’s 2026 Education Series.

Matisse at War is a vivid portrayal of the advancement of fascism and war into French life and culture during World War II through the lens of one of the country’s most celebrated post-impressionists and his family.

Drawing on intimate letters and a multitude of other sources, Christopher C. Gorham illuminates this momentous stage of Matisse’s life as never before, revealing an artist on a journey of reinvention, wrenching meaning from the suffering of war, and holding up the light of human imagination against the torch of fascism to create some of the most exciting work of his career, of the

20th century, and in the history of art. Doors open at 6 pm, the program begins at 7 pm, on Tuesday, June 16, at the Wright Museum’s DuQuoin Education Center, 77 Center Street in Wolfeboro. Admission is $8 for members and $12 for non-members. Reservations are strongly encouraged and can be made online at https://wrightmuseum. org/lecture-series or by calling 603569-1212.

The region’s leading resource for educators and learners of all ages on World War II, the Wright Museum features more than 14,000 items in its collection that are representative of both the home front and battlefield. For more information about the 2026 Lecture Series or the museum, visit wrightmuseum.org.

Spot the Songbird Program

Looking to learn some basic birding identification skills, log a few new species, or simply enjoy a walk through the wooded morning chorus in good company? Join LRCC member Ally Facella on Saturday, June 13, 7:30 to 10:30 am at Chamberlain Reynolds Memorial Forest for Songbird Bingo! This program will focus on learning bird identification skills as a group, primarily through sight and sound, while filling out a bingo card. Birders of all experience levels (including none at all) are encouraged to participate. Please note that this event will require walking an uneven two-mile track in the woods.

For more information or to sign up for this Adventure Ecology program, visit the SLA website (squamlakes.org) or contact the SLA directly at 603-9687336. The SLA also offers other Ad-

venture Ecology programs throughout the year. These free programs are open to the public and cover a variety of nature and conservation-related topics. The Adventure Ecology programs are presented by the LRCC AmeriCorps members at the SLA who perform important conservation work in support of the Association’s mission. The Squam Lakes Association is dedicated to conserving for public benefit the natural beauty, peaceful character, and resources of the watershed. In collaboration with local and state partners, the SLA promotes the protection, careful use, and shared enjoyment of the lakes, mountains, forests, open spaces, and wildlife of the Squam Lakes Region.

This event is free to the public. Registration is required.