Brr, Concord. It’s cold out here.
After a stint of warmer temperatures than one might expect in January, it feels like the cold has arrived, at least for the moment. The Weather Channel tells us we can look forward to a stretch of mostly below-freezing days.
That’s not great news for your heating bill, but good news for some upcoming winter events in Concord. Here’s what to look for:
You might have heard of Black Ice Pond Hockey, the annual three-day tournament that takes over White Park at the end of January and attracts players from all over the country.
If there is any event that is ruled by the weather, it’s Black Ice. Too cold, and it becomes dangerous for players to play. Too warm, and the ice turns to slush, making play sluggish and unpleasant – and also dangerous, should the ice melt enough.
In recent years, warm temperatures have delayed Black Ice. But with the city finally giving the all-clear to skate on White Park on Friday, we can hope that the cold keeps up in time for the puck to drop on Jan. 24. (For now – always check with Concord’s Parks and Recreation Department before ice skating on a city pond.)
If ice hockey isn’t your thing (or you need a break), Intown Concord has thrown its hat into the winter event ring with a four-day festival in the downtown that will run Jan. 23-26.
Winter Fest will have activities all over Main Street. From ice bars to ice carving demonstrations and competitions, cornhole tournaments and warm-up stations, there’s probably something for everyone.
The ice-carving contest will start at 4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 25, followed by a competition on Jan. 26 starting at 11 a.m. Carvings will be judged by a panel led by the League of NH Craftsmen, with prizes awarded to the top three carvers, plus a People’s Choice Award.
Ice carving demonstrations are free and open to the public. Proceeds from the event will be donated to Intown Concord, League of NH Craftsmen, the White Park Skate House, the Coalition to End Homelessness and the Friendly Kitchen.
There’s a rumor that a National Hockey League player will be making the rounds on that weekend, but Intown Concord is keeping the identity a secret for now.
The event is co-sponsored by The Hotel Concord, Red River Theatres, O Steaks and Seafood, the League and the City of Concord.
Looking for something warmer (and indoors)? Whiskey & Wine may have the solution.
The restaurant is hosting a one-night-only pop-up bar for New Hampshire’s LGBTQ+ communities on Sunday, Jan. 20 from 6 to 10 p.m.
The event comes from Concord residents J.M. Hirsch and Nick King, the minds behind Pride Pops Up, an effort to foster a vibrant community for LGBTQ+ and their allies in New Hampshire.
According to an email from Hinch, Pride Pops Up events may become more of a regular thing if the event is successful. There’s no charge, aside from any snacks or drinks you buy during the evening.
There’s still time to sign up for the special election for two City Council seats.
The Ward 10 race got a little less competitive last week, as David Sky switched and is now running for the at-large position.
David Parker, the founder of Parker Education, which includes an academy and education prep, and Michael Dobrinski, a who works in sales at the tech firm Oracle, also signed up for the at-large seat. Neither has run for public office before. They’re setting up a challenge to current Ward 4 Councilor Byron Champlin.
The filing period closes Monday, but candidates who wish to file by petition may do so through Friday.
(Caitlin Andrews can be reached at 369-3309, candrews@cmonitor.com or on Twitter at @ActualCAndrews.)