When I moved here two years ago, I didn’t know a single person in Concord. I decided to take a chance on New Hampshire because I loved everything I’d seen of the Monitor so far. The Granite State did not disappoint. (And nor, for the record, did the Monitor!)
In the time since, I’ve met countless people and made friends in many corners of the city and its surrounding areas. It only ever strikes me just how many people I know at events like Market Days, when it feels like the whole population of Concord flocks to downtown.
Within a couple hours of being on Main Street last week, I’d already run into two dozen different people. What a crazy juxtaposition from knowing no one two years ago, and what a beautiful reminder that I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.
I’m always meeting new people, too! I had the great pleasure of speaking with dedicated Monitor readers John, Jane and Pat, who stopped by our booth at Market Days and told me they read this column every week. Nothing could have made me happier!
Concord’s lineup to celebrate July 4, alongside the U.S. semiquincentennial and the city’s tricentennial, offers similar opportunity to cross paths with friendly faces downtown.
At 9 a.m. on Saturday, head downtown for the parade of a lifetime, with antique vehicles, local businesses, marchers, floats and an eagle biplane going down Main Street.
“After the parade, the State House lawn will host a ceremony featuring keynote speeches from New Hampshire’s congressional delegation and state officials,” our summer intern Clara McDow wrote her roundup of all the events happening this Saturday. “A Concord High School student will sing the national anthem, and Lafayette reenactors will be in attendance alongside the New Hampshire Sons of the American Revolution’s Color Guard. Cannons will be fired at the ceremony’s conclusion.”
Visitors can check out the New Hampshire Historical Society from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., as well as the State House from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. In the afternoon at 2 p.m., Memorial Field comes to life with the American Legion Baseball game. Later on, starting at 6 p.m., the field will host food vendors open to the public, with a 7 p.m. performance by the Nevers Band and a firework show at 9:20 p.m.
Beyond festivities for the Fourth, here are a couple music-related notes to add to your calendar.
Feathered Friend will be holding a performance from The Faith Ann Band on Friday at 6 p.m. “Join us for an evening with your favorite feral pixie,” the event description reads. Sounds like a fun time all around!
On Sunday, head to Contoocook Cider Company to sip a drink, eat some pizza and listen to Alex Cohen perform his acoustic set at 4 p.m.
Hopefully that’s enough to tide you over for the weekend. Take the extra day off as a chance to slow down, spend time with family and friends and just enjoy the summer!
