Looking for something fun and different to do this weekend? This fun-filled two-day event takes place on beautiful, historic Wolfeboro Bay in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire.

The event is presented by the New Hampshire Boat Museum and is sanctioned by the Vintage and Historic Division of the American Power Boat Association (APBA). This biennial event is a favorite for visitors to watch and for drivers to show off their spectacular vintage race boats dating from the 1920s – 1980s.

Vintage Boat Race Regatta

When: Friday, September 17, 2021 & Saturday, September 18, 2021

Time: 8:30 am  - 5:00 pm

Where: Wolfeboro Town Docks, Wolfeboro Bay

For more information:
Telephone: 603-569-4554
Web: www.nhbm.org/regatta

   

 

Independence Day (colloquially the Fourth of July or           July 4) is a federal holiday in the United States.  It commemorates the Declaration of Independence of the United States, on July 4, 1776.

The Continental Congress declared that the thirteen American colonies were no longer subject (and subordinate) to the monarch of Britain, King George III, and were now united, free, and independent states. The Congress had voted to declare independence two days earlier, on July 2, but it was not declared until July 4.

  

Wolfeboro Independence Day Parade

   

• Sunday, July 4, 2021

• 1:00 PM  4:00 PM

Location: Main Street, Wolfeboro, NH
Sponsor: American Legion Post #18

 

Join in the fun and enter your chance to win the Ice-Out Contest Lake Winnipesaukee to benefit the Wolfeboro Area Chamber of Commerce!  All entries must be submitted by 3:00 PM, Saturday, March 20, 2021.

See below for more details...

Looking for something fun to do outside this weekend?  Well, search no more, there's plenty of outdoor activities in the area for the whole family to enjoy!

Alton Bay Winter Carnival 2021

Although things will look a bit different this year, the fundraising cause remains the same. Due to the pandemic, the Alton Business Association (ABA) will not be able to host a large-scale winter carnival event in the way the group normally would. With that said, the ABA is committed to bringing some winter fun to the community. There will be smaller (in the interest of safety) sponsored events featuring an Ice Sculpture Walking Tour, Bob House Decorating Contest and the Virtual Fundraising RAFFLE. The Raffle includes amazing products, services and gift certificates donated from members of the surrounding businesses.

Ice Sculpture Walking Tour:

The generous businesses sponsors have enabled the ABA to hire Ice Designs by Jeff Day to carve three unique ice sculptures for the community to enjoy. The sculptures will be on display in Alton Bay at the land bandstand, gazebo and in front of the community center. Be sure to bundle up and go for a walk in the bay to check them out! If you take pictures with the ice sculptures, be sure to tag ABA @altonbusinessassociation and use #altonwintercarnival. The sculptures will be on display starting late afternoon February 12 thru February 14 or until they melt!

Bob House Decorating Contest:

Sponsored by Dockside Restaurant - email ABA at info@altonbusinessassociation.com to enter by February 12. They will post pictures of the bob houses on their Facebook page.

Winter Carnival Raffle:

The Virtual Fundraising Raffle is already underway and closes February 13th at 11:59 pm. They have amazing prizes donated from ABA members and local businesses. The list of sponsors is growing and the ABA lists thus far, Alton Circle Grocery, Alton Excavation, Alton Home & Lumber, Catchpenny, Gunstock Mountain Resort, Hannaford, Inspiration for Organization, Irwin Marine, K-9 Kreations, Katie's Kitchen, Northeast Security Agency, Lake Life Brand, Seacoast Spine & Sports Clinic, Shibley's at the Pier, Simple Beautiful Nails and the Little Christmas Cottage. Don't miss this opportunity to win prizes.  Head over to ABA's website, www.altonbusinessassociation.com where you can purchase tickets. Winners will be announced on the ICE, February 14 at 11 am!

Virtual events may be added, so stay tuned to the ABA Facebook Event Page @altonbusinessassociation and website.

Although Winter Carnival events may look different this year, it's a chance to embrace all the outdoor fun that winter season brings!

 

Wolfeboro Cross Country Ski Association 

Since 1972, The Nordic Skier and Wolfeboro XC have joined as partners in the pursuit of a top notch nordic ski center. Click here for more information.

   

 

February 13-14, 2021

Online ticket sales have ended. You can still purchase tickets at local retailers for the remainder of this week and at Derby Headquarters beginning tomorrow, Friday, February 12.

Vendors Selling Tickets

 Every ticket purchased (online or otherwise) is entered into each cash drawing throughout the weekend.
You can win over $5,000 without even baiting a hook!

Alton Circle Grocery 10 Main Street Alton, NH 03809 603-875-2861 Bryant & Lawrence Hardware 270 Main Street Tilton, NH 03276 603-286-4322 Case 'N Keg 5 Mill Street Meredith, NH 03253 603-279-7443 Coyote Creek Outfitters 22 Farmington Road Rochester, NH 03867 603-332-3270 Dive Winnipesaukee 4 N. Main Street Wolfeboro, NH 03894 603-569-8080 E.M. Heath Hardware 318 Whittier Highway Center Harbor, NH 03226 603-253-4381 Green's Corner Store (Formerly Murphy's Mobil) 246 Whittier Highway Moultonborough, NH 03254 603-253-9300

Newfound Sales & Trading Post 381 Lake Street Bristol NH 03222 603-744-8658 Skelley's Market 374 Gov. Wentworth Highway (Route 109 Moultonborough, NH 03254 603-476-8887 The Tackle Shack (formerly AJ's Bait and Tackle) NOTE NEW LOCATION 54 NH Route 25, Unit C     Meredith, NH 03253 (603) 279-3152 The Tackle Shack (Newbury)  894 Route 103 Newbury, NH 03255 603-763-5508 Wildlife Taxidermy & Sports 2188 Candia Road Manchester, NH 03109 603-625-9958 Winnisquam Country Store & Deli 1021 Laconia Road Tilton, NH 03276 603-527-8110

For more information:

The Meredith Rotary Club
PO Box 1210, Meredith, NH 03253
603-279-7600 / info@meredithrotary.com

 

Watching the Super Bowl might look different this year thanks to the pandemic, with football fans opting for virtual celebrations instead of houses packed with guests chowing down on snacks. 

There's still time to plan a fun game day event -- even if it's virtual. The big game between Kansas City Chiefs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers is this Sunday, Feb. 7 at 6:30 p.m. ET at the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. A sparse 22,000 fans will be in the stands, including 7,500 vaccinated health care workers. But just because you can't gather around the same TV together eating wings doesn't mean you can't watch the Bucs versus the Chiefs -- or, for some, the commercials and halftime show -- alongside friends and family in a virtual space. Super Bowl Sunday can still be fun, even if you're hanging out with your friends virtually or in a socially distanced fashion.

Here are a few ways for you to safely see your fellow football fans virtually!

Host a watch party 

What app you choose to use depends on how you and your virtual friends and family plan on watching the game, which is streaming free on CBSSports.com. You can watch the game virtually with friends using Sling TV or by using the Chrome extension Teleparty -- you might also know it as Netflix Party, its former name. While you can't watch the game on Netflix, Hulu Plus with Live TV will air the game and Hulu supports Teleparty. Find out more about how to host a watch party with Teleparty here. Or...

We've all had time to get used to socializing on Zoom over the last year. If you're planning to gather the gang on a Zoom call there are a lot of options for a good time.

Big Game Bingo:

Here's a fun game idea that would definitely help spice up a watch party. Use these free printable Super Bowl commercial bingo cards for fun during the biggest game of the year! Print a card, find the items during the commercials, and win – a fun Super Bowl bingo game for everyone! 

The bingo cards have the names of brands and celebrities that are scheduled to appear in the 2021 Super Bowl commercials. Everything on the cards has been confirmed as of publish date on this post but if someone pulls out last minute, sorry!

There are about 35 different commercial options that could be on each card so that the chances of people getting bingo at the exact same time are low!

Click here to download the 2021 Big Game Commercial Bingo

Food, food, food

There's nothing like the food that crowds a counter at a party for the big game. Create a makeshift potluck if you're planning on hosting a watch party, dialing in with your group on Zoom or whatever app you choose to participate.

Even if you're planning on watching the game solo, why not share the couch with great food? Perhaps some Buffalo chicken dip?

A socially distanced in-person party

This should be for those folks who live in warmer areas -- given the wintery conditions, gathering outside would be a bit uncomfortable. If you're hosting or attending an outdoor watch party the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have guidelines for staying safe, including wearing masks and standing at least six feet apart. If you're planning on watching the big game indoors, try to keep it limited to those in your household.

Have fun and be safe!

 

May the New Year bring you happiness, peace, and prosperity.  It is time to move forward from the past and celebrate a new start. Wishing you a joyous 2021!

Happy New Year from all of us at Melanson Real Estate!

 

As 2020 comes to a close, the solar system has decided to grace us with a cosmic Christmas miracle that hasn't been witnessed in nearly 800 years. On Dec. 21 (aka the December or Winter solstice), Jupiter and Saturn will align so closely in the night sky that they'll almost appear to collide from our vantage point here on Earth, creating a radiant point of light often referred to as the "Star of Bethlehem" or the "Christmas Star."

by Chanel Vargas, Dec 2, 2020

"Alignments between these two planets are rather rare, occurring once every 20 years or so, but this conjunction is exceptionally rare because of how close the planets will appear to be to one another," said Patrick Hartigan, an astronomer at Rice University, according to Forbes. "You'd have to go all the way back to just before dawn on March 4, 1226, to see a closer alignment between these objects visible in the night sky."

The event, sometimes referred to as The Great Conjunction, occurs roughly every 19 to 20 years, but this is the closest the planets will line up in the night sky since the Middle Ages. Technically, Saturn will be 10 au (astronomical units) from Earth, and Jupiter will be 5 au away, but they will appear to be less than the diameter of a full moon apart. 

To catch a glimpse of the phenomenon for yourself, make sure you have a clear view to the southwest about 45 minutes after sunset. The planets will be at their closest on Dec. 21, but the "Christmas Star" will be visible from anywhere on Earth for about one hour after sunset in the northern hemisphere for the entire fourth week of December. If you're viewing with a telescope, you may also be able to see Jupiter and Saturn's largest moons orbiting them that week. The next Great Conjunction this close won't happen until March 15, 2080, so be sure to take a peek out your window later this month for a brilliant holiday treat.

Image Source: Getty / Vidmar Fernandes

The iconic holiday parade will be virtual this year. While Thanksgiving will look a lot different this year because of coronavirus, you can still look forward to watching a modified version of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with the whole family.

 

Earlier this month, Macy's announced that its iconic parade will be produced as a television-only experience this Turkey Day. So, for the first time ever, it'll shift from a live parade to a pre-recorded event. Macy's teamed up with City of New York to modify the parade. All the details haven't been released yet, but here's everything we know about the 94th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade so far:

When is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade airs on Thanksgiving Day in the United States. This year, the holiday falls on Thursday, November 26. The long-standing tradition started in 1924 when the infamous parade first debuted and it was later televised for the first time in 1946.

What time does the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade start?

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will begin at 9 a.m. and end at 12 p.m. in all time zones. Typically, during the three-hour event, bands from across the country, Broadway performers, and musical guests make their way through the 2.5-mile route on Macy’s signature floats—starting at 77th Street and Central Park West before heading south to Herald Square at 34th Street. This year, however, the event will be held and taped around the Herald Square area. Viewers can still expect to see giant character balloons, floats, street performers, and Santa Claus, but the overall number of participants will be reduced by 75 percent. 

How can I watch and live stream the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?

The Macy's Thanksgiving parade will air nationwide on NBC-TV. Last year, the parade was also available to live stream. So if it follows tradition, you'll be able to stream it through the NBC app—available on iOS and Android.

Waking up on Thanksgiving and watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is such a lovely tradition for American families.

In 1924, the parade was moved from New Jersey to New York City by Macy’s. Every year after that initial march down to the Herald Square flagship store in midtown Manhattan, the parade has grown and grown into such a fun celebration that marks the beginning of each holiday season.

Folks dress up in colorful costumes, and marching bands play happy songs. But the part of the parade that is most anticipated is the balloons that float above the street. 

Throughout the years there have been so many iconic characters to take balloon form, but the 17 below are some of the earliest and most memorable balloons.

Do you remember seeing any of these balloons float through the parade when they first appeared? What is your favorite character to look out for on Thanksgiving Day?

1. Felix The Cat, 1927

Felix was the first balloon ever in the parade.

2. Happy Dragon, 1927

The second ballon to float through the parade was pretty adorable, don’t you think?

3. Mickey Mouse, 1934

Walt Disney himself helped design the first Mickey balloon ever.

4. Eddie Cantor, 1934

This was the first balloon ever to be modeled after a real person.

5. Happy Hippo, 1940s

This sweet guy must have been a hoot to see floating through the air.

6. Uncle Sam, 1940s

You have to show some patriotism when you hold a parade in the heart of New York City!

7. Santa, 1940

Santa helped get everyone in the Christmas spirit.

8. Pilgrim, 1946

It is the Thanksgiving Day Parade, after all.

9. Macy's Elf, 1947

This happy guy surely brought tons of smiles to paradegoers.

10. Harold The Fireman, 1948

Harold became a recurring character in the parade in many forms, but this was his first ever appearance.

11. Harold The Baseball Player, 1949

Here he is again the next year as a baseball player.

12. Bullwinkle, 1961

Everyone’s favorite cartoon moose made an appearance.

13. Donald Duck, 1962

Who doesn’t love Donald Duck?

14. Underdog, 1965

\

Here comes the hero dog to save the day!

15. Superman, 1966

The Man of Steel himself even showed up!

16. Flying Ace Snoopy, 1968

This was the first of seven Snoopy balloons to grace the parade.

17. Kermit The Frog, 1977

The most lovable Muppet as a giant floating balloon? What’s not to like?

All images courtesy Macy’s, Inc.

Labor Day is a federal holiday in the United States celebrated on the first Monday in September to honor and recognize the American labor movement and the works and contributions of laborers to the development and achievements of the United States.

It goes without saying: This Labor Day is unlike any other that we’ve experienced in our lifetimes.

Even though parades are postponed, and large gatherings are not realistic options this year, the importance of this day cannot be emphasized enough.

By Billy Dycus, Guest columnist the Tennessean

For nearly 130 years, Americans have celebrated the many victories and contributions that working families and the labor movement have achieved while taking time to reflect on what still needs to be done. 

This Labor Day is especially resonant. 

2020 has already given us a considerable amount of time to do both of those things. Since March, workers in Tennessee and across the country have been tested like never before.

From the heroes of the United States Postal Service making sure our mail is safely delivered, to grocery store clerks working overtime to ensure we have food to put on our tables, millions of America’s working people have stepped up, risking our lives and livelihoods, to continuously go to work since the onset of COVID-19.

On this Labor Day, we are especially grateful for the countless essential workers who have kept our economy moving throughout the course of the pandemic.

No words or actions will ever be enough to thank you for everything that you’ve done, but please know that your sacrifices have not gone unnoticed or appreciated, especially by those of us in the labor movement.

 

Billy Dycus is the president of the Tennessee AFL-CIO, which represents over 60,000 working people statewide.

 

Churchill Downs' first spectator-less race.

COURTESY OF COUNTRY LIVING MAGAZINE

Every year since 1946, the first Saturday of May has been dedicated to a beloved horse racing tradition known as The Kentucky Derby. And while the official Run for the Roses was unfortunately rescheduled from its original May date due to the coronavirus, the "first Saturday" tradition will live on this weekend on September 5. This Saturday, fans will be able to tune in to NBC to watch the 146th Kentucky Derby race, which will be held without any spectators at the historic Churchill Downs racetrack in Louisville, Kentucky. If you're used to participating in a little traditional gambling fun, you can even visit KentuckyDerby.com to place virtual bets on the horses you think will run away with this year's top prize. For additional how-to-watch info, head to the Derby's home page.

In the meantime, there's no better way to prep for an epic at-home celebration than with delicious food and drink recipes! From traditional thumbprint cookies and bourbon cocktails to cute craft and decorating ideas (did someone say vintage trophies?), Here are some ways to celebrate one of the most exciting days in horse racing—no matter where you're watching from. Alright, y'all, we're off to the races!

 

1 Bake Up Derby-Inspired Thumbprint Cookies

Featuring bourbon, homemade caramel, melted chocolate, and toasted walnuts, these butter cookies take inspiration from a famed Kentucky pie.

Get the recipe.

2 Serve a Classic Benedictine Spread

Invented by Louisville caterer and tea room-owner Jennie Carter Benedict, this cream cheese-cucumber dip is a century-old Kentucky classic.

Get the recipe.

3 Place Your Bets

This year, 13 horses will participate in the virtual race. For easy betting, give each guest four of their own color of washi tape–covered clothespins. Let them pick favorites by clipping the pins to the tails of paper prize ribbons. Set a per-bet amount (say, $2), and place cash in a trophy; distribute winnings accordingly. Or, this year, bet on who does household chores, like unloading the dishwasher or folding socks!

Get the Template

4 Fill a Trophy with Fresh-Picked Flowers

Pull out your collection of vintage trophies and fill them with blooms cut from your yard.

5 Set Up a Photo Booth

Smile and say “Eddie Arcaro” (one of the winningest jockeys) with a turf-backed photo booth stocked with props like paper prize ribbons, trophies, riding crops, and hats.

6 Whip Up Bourbon Cocktails

Dust off the punch bowl and stir up a Derby cocktail with bourbon, club soda, orange curacao, sweet vermouth, lime juice, and orange bitters. 

Get the recipe.

7 Dress Up Your Drinks

Trace a bow-tie pattern on craft paper; assemble. Cut a strip from color-coordinated paper, and wrap around glass; tape in place. Tape bow to strip, and let the “tie one on” jokes commence.

GET THE TEMPLATE

8 Make a Horseshoe Wreath

Source:  

29th Annual NH Water Ski Championships

Presented by: Abenaki Water Ski Club
Location: Back Bay
Wolfeboro, NH 03894
Telephone: 603-520-5413
Web: Abenaki Water Ski Club

When: Saturday, August 22, 2020

Time:   8:00 AM  4:00 PM

Spectators can easily access viewing of show from along Bridge Falls Path. Stand or bring a chair! Benches, picnic tables and public restrooms available. Unlimited, free parking in Glendon Street Parking Lot.

Slalom  2C,  Trick 2C,  Jump  2C

Both rounds of each event: Slalom then tricks then jump. Boys-girls-women-men 30-32-34-36. Same order for all 3 events.

 

With a little effort, you can build a swanky bird paradise even your fussiest feathered friend will love.

Source: Zillow Feed

While you’re spending time at home, why not find ways to bring the natural world to you? Backyard bird watching is an enjoyable way to experience your local ecosystem up close.

It takes more than a bird feeder to attract a colorful variety of songbirds to your backyard. Think of your feeder as a drive-thru fast-food joint in an unsafe neighborhood: The birds will stop to eat, but they won’t stick around for very long. They want to get home to their comfy nest in an exclusive deciduous broadleaf community, where they can get fancier food anyway.

If you want to see more than bird backsides at a millet buffet, you need to give them all the luxuries they’ve come to expect.

Create a habitat

Birds prefer townhomes to single-level ranch houses. They need perches for preening, thickets for hiding, branches for bickering, wide-open spaces for showing off, and, eventually, a tree cavity where they can nest and paint their nursery a nice robin’s-egg blue.

Give them privacy by planting walls of foliage. Native shrubs, small trees, and even tall grasses and perennials offer the versatility they need to make a quick escape.

Create a ceiling of tall deciduous and evergreen trees at the back of your property, and plant small understory trees between them and your house. Selectively prune lower limbs of shrubs and small trees so you can easily see perching birds from your window. They’ll appreciate the perch, and you’ll appreciate the camera angle.

Grow your own birdseed

Money doesn’t grow on trees, but, conveniently enough, birdseed does! It also grows on shrubs, perennials, grasses, annuals and anything else that qualifies as a plant.

To grow the seed that your local bird species prefer, however, choose the native plants that they’d otherwise find in the wild. Native plants vary by region, but some good choices include coneflower, blanketflower, beautyberry, asters and sunflowers.

Attract hummingbirds with nectar-filled trumpet honeysuckle and cardinal flowers. Native oaks, hollies, dogwoods, sumac, cedars and spruces provide nuts and berries, as well as shelter.

Stage your birdhouse

Research the birds that you’d like to attract, and give them the house that suits their needs. For example, bluebirds like their nesting boxes out in the open, while chickadees like thick leaf cover.

Whichever bird you try to attract, keep that nesting box away from human noise and activity so you’ll never have to witness the heartbreaking sight of abandoned eggs in an empty nest. Also, keep your cat indoors, if possible. Otherwise, you may find birds not only in your backyard but on your front doorstep too.

If birds haven’t moved in yet, be patient. Sometimes all your birdhouse needs is a little lichen, moss, or wear and tear to make it more appealing.

Turn a birdbath into a Jacuzzi

If your birdbath is emptier than a swimming pool in January, there could be a reason. The ideal birdbath doesn’t look like you’d expect — it’s placed directly on the ground in a shady space with nearby shrubs.

Add some gravel to the basin so birds can find their footing, and even add a few rocks on the outside to serve as steps. Include a small pump or fountain, if possible. This turns your birdbath into a miniature water feature, and the circulation keeps the water clean and helps birds cool off on hot days.

Leave the leaf litter

If you’re looking for an excuse to get out of gardening chores, you’ll be pleased to know that you’re absolutely allowed to keep that accumulation of dead leaves and small branches on your garden’s floor. It gives birds everything they could ever ask for — bugs and other small animals for snacking, materials for nesting, and even a hiding place from predators.

If things begin to look untidy, just break down the larger branches by hand or with a pair of anvil pruners, and spread everything out evenly. Everyone loves free mulch.

Invest in your feeder

Rather than spending money on multiple feeders that you have to replace year after year, invest in a feeder that’s made with quality materials, has a tightly fitting lid, and drains easily. Better yet, purchase a sturdy pole and squirrel baffle.

Even the best feeder will need maintenance, so give it a thorough cleaning every year, and break up any clogged holes so moisture doesn’t accumulate. Trust me on this — cleaning out a maggot-infested feeder is something nobody should have to experience.

 

 

The weather looks like it's going to be fantastic this weekend! Looking for something different to do outside?    The Nick is the venue for an arts and crafts fair. Best of all, it's free admission!!!

 

 

On The Green Arts & Crafts Festival

   

When: July 24-26

Where: The Nick, 10 Trotting Track Rd, Rt 28, Wolfeboro

Summer Vacation Arts & Crafts Fair: 10am-5pm, Sun 10-4pm Fine arts, crafts including wood furniture, food music, rain or shine under canopies, masks and social distancing required.  Free admission, Joyce's Craft Fair, held at Nick Recreation Park, More info. call 528-4014, www.joycescraftshows.com

Click Here For More Details

 

As featured on GMA3 last week, here is an amazing project created by teens for kids!  Yes, teenagers Sarah Shapiro and Skye Loventhal are the co-founders who kiddingly call themselves the "Dynamic Duo". Throughout their friendship, they have always collaborated on new ideas and inventions. During the pandemic, they recognized a need to keep kids motivated and active, as well as taking stress off parents by providing daily activity sessions and one-on-one tutoring. Together, they brainstormed the idea where high school students mentor elementary school students and best of all, it's fun and it's free!  

THEIR MISSION

The current COVID-19 pandemic is keeping children at home, leading them to no longer have their usual time spent in school, sports, art classes, etc. The Covid NineTEEN project provides FREE teen-led activities and one-on-one tutoring meant to support elementary school students. Their teen mentors help keep children motivated and take stress off of parents. They are a group of motivated teens who are using this valuable time to make a difference in the world. They hope to serve as mentors for elementary school children to help them fill their time and continue to flourish despite the uncertainty of the outside world.

For more information, please copy and paste the link below into the search bar: 

https://sites.google.com/view/covidnineteenproject/home

 

 

When Is Father's Day in 2020? Here's Everything You Need to Know and how long you have to plan the perfect Father's Day for Dad.

By JENNIFER ALDRICH Editorial Assistant

Summer will be here before you know it, and along with it, a pretty important date for all the dads out there. You guessed it: We're talking about Father's Day. Although most sons and daughters don't need a specific date to celebrate the most important man in their life, every dad in the country does get his special day on the calendar. This year's celebrations might look a little different with our current social distancing situation, but you should still take the time to commemorate the day. If you're not able to dine together, maybe you can surprise him with a porch drop-off of some of his favorite Father's Day brunch recipes or even surprise him with a mail-order meat delivery so he can grill up his favorite meal.

It was never meant to be this way, but the annual holiday can surprisingly come with a considerable amount of stress when you're supposed to find the perfect Father's Day gift for the guy who insists he doesn't need anything. (And let's be honest, sometimes a Father's Day card alone just doesn't cut it.) You may now be wondering, "Well, when is Father's Day in 2020?" Here, we're telling you all you need to know about the holiday, including its history. 

WHEN IS FATHER'S DAY 2020, EXACTLY?

Before you start worrying about what to get your father for his day, you can relax a little, because there's still time to plan a Father's Day brunch or even put your crafty side to work with a DIY gift idea for dad. This year, Father's Day is on Sunday, June 21, 2020.

IS FATHER'S DAY ON THE SAME DATE EVERY YEAR?

Don't feel bad if this date is news to you; the celebration changes days year-to-year. If you ever forget, just remember that Father's Day always falls on the third Sunday in June, and then check the calendar accordingly. 

WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF FATHER'S DAY?

Unlike Mother's Day, which has pretty somber origins, Father's Day has relatively light roots—and was actually created by a woman. According to History.com, back in 1909, a woman named Sonora Smart Dodd, "tried to establish an official equivalent to Mother’s Day for male parents." She went around to local businesses to gather support for her idea, and on June 19, 1910, the state of Washington celebrated the first-ever Father's Day.

Although the event inspired President Woodrow Wilson and President Calvin Coolidge to urge Americans to acknowledge a day for dads during their administrations, it still wasn't an official holiday. Unfortunately, the enthusiasm for the commemoration didn't last long. During the '20s and '30s, people tried to do away with both Mother's Day and Father's Day and replace them with Parents’ Day instead.

Then, during the Great Depression, retailers made a push to commercialize the holiday in an attempt to make money during dire financial times. And as World War II started, people began to use Father's Day as a way to pay respect to American troops.  

Finally, several decades later, on May 1, 1972, President Richard Nixon signed Proclamation 4127, which declared Father's Day as a national holiday, with the first official celebration on June 18, 1972. "Let each American make this Father's Day an occasion for renewal of the love and gratitude we bear to our fathers, increasing and enduring through all the years," he wrote in the document.

 

Jennifer Aldrich was the editorial assistant for CountryLiving.com.

Now here's something to get excited about to celebrate our 244th Independence Day in Wolfeboro! �In�lieu of the parade being canceled and the fireworks postponed, a contest has been arranged for participating resident homeowners and�local businesses to show their patriotism in full view! Thanks to the partnering entities below, they've made this possible. For more information on how to get involved, please continue reading...

�� � �

Celebrate Independence Day in Wolfeboro by decorating your home or business. The Wolfeboro Area Chamber of Commerce, American Legion Post #18, and Wolfeboro Parks and Recreation have partnered to provide a little fun in light of this years unique circumstances.

We can all be a part of the celebration. Wolfeboro will shine with lots and lots of homes and businesses festively decorated in true Independence Day in Wolfeboro fashion.�

Participating businesses will also have their logo published on the map. This is a great opportunity to get some free advertising for your business.�

Prizes will be awarded for the viewer's choice of Best Decorated House and Best Decorated Business.�

Registration forms are available on the events page at�wolfeborochamber.com,�wolfeboronh.us/parks-recreation�and on social media linked from @WolfeboroNH and @Wolfeboroparksandrecreation. Contest Map will be available at those sites no later than July 1.

In the last days of Spring, all Americans commemorate those who died in the military service. Every year, we celebrate Memorial Day on the last Monday of May.

The history of Memorial Day goes back to the 19th century. People who lost their friends and relatives in the Civil War started to decorate the graves of their dead with flowers, wreaths, and flags. That is why the initial name of the holiday was Decoration Day.

After World War I, all Americans adopted this remembrance tradition of the Southern states and devoted it to all those who died in any military action. We are honoring men and women who gave their lives for our country up to now.

Today, people go to cemeteries to decorate the graves and pay homage to their dead. Typically, many Americans spend Memorial Day getting together with their family for a picnic, BBQ and/or sporting events. Although, this year may be a little different with social distancing and all.

What is the Difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day?

If you are one of those asking “is Memorial Day not for veterans?” it is time to learn the answer. Since a lot of us still confuse Veterans Day and Memorial Day, you should know the difference to avoid any misunderstanding.

These two holidays have different origins. The official observance of Memorial Day started in 1868 at Arlington National Cemetery where people decorated the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers with flowers. This tradition was extended to commemorate all military men and women who died in all American wars.

Veterans Day dates back to the early 20th century when Armistice Day was declared after World War I to honor the heroism of the American soldiers and their contribution to the world peace. After World War II, the name of the holiday was changed to “Veterans.” Ever since then Veterans Day is observed on November 11 to celebrate the veterans of all American wars.

What Do You Say To a Veteran on Memorial Day?

To express noble Memorial Day sentiments, you should remember that this is the time to commemorate those who gave their lives in service to our country. That is why you should not thank the living veterans on Memorial Day but show respect to their fallen comrades in arms, friends, and family.

We honor veterans on Veterans Day to express our gratitude and reverence for their service. On Memorial Day, we remember and grieve for those who died in wars. In such a way, we can deliberate on the price of war and pay tribute to those who paid in full.

So instead of looking for proper words to say to a veteran on Memorial Day, you should better visit a Veterans memorial or the USSAH National Cemetery and place flags and flowers on the graves, attend the Largest Memorial Day Parade and Concert, buy a poppy, or take part in the National Moment of Remembrance.

Do You Say Happy Memorial Day?

Over time people have adopted different attitudes to using a Memorial Day saying “Happy Memorial Day.”However, it might seem inappropriate to wish a day of bitter and painful memories to be happy. Since those of us who lost their loved ones in the wars can get genuinely fragile and emotional on Memorial Day, you should rather avoid using the word “happy.”

To be on the safe side, you can say things like “Have a nice day today” or “I hope you have a fine day today.” If you plan to honor a person whose relative died in the service, you can express your appreciation for their sacrifices in the following ways:

• I remember and deeply appreciate the ultimate sacrifice [name of a fallen hero] made.

• I share your tremendous loss and offer my deepest gratitude for [name of a fallen hero] service.

• I hope you have a nice time with your family and good memories of [name of a fallen hero] to honor [his or her] sacrifice.

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Lastly, on Memorial Day, may we all stop and take a moment to express our deepest gratitude and appreciation to those who serve our country and to those that made the ultimate sacrifice!

Also, to honor health professionals, first responders and others who are putting their lives in harm’s way to help their neighbors and fight the spread of the coronavirus.

Thank you all for your service! Everyone be well and stay safe!