History & Mission
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 HISTORY:The Heritage Festival, now in its 15th year, is a celebration of the arts, culture, history, and community spirit—rooted in a small New England mill town. Produced by the Newmarket Main Street Corporation, the event has grown into a popular annual event packed with multicultural music and dance, artisan demonstrations, historic walking tours, narrated boat tours, kayak excursions, a model railway, hands-on children’s activities, fine arts and crafts, strolling performers, vendor booths, and more. The festival is organized by a small group of dedicated volunteers, who spend all year planning for the weekend. Known as the Seacoast’s favorite international block party, the festival has gained a reputation for its eclectic mix of entertainment and activities, as well as its friendly atmosphere. We hope you enjoy this lively celebration, which takes place in the shadow of Newmarket’s historic mills, where laborers once worked so hard–and where a sense of community continues to thrive.
Keeper of the Heritage: Each year, the festival planning committee selects a recipient of this special award, introduced with these words: “As a community grows, it is especially important that it not lose sight of its historical, cultural, and natural resources.” The “Keeper of the Heritage” award honors those who, “without thought of thanks, praise, or worldly reward, render outstanding service that benefits all residents of the community”–and so preserves the richness of our heritage. Past recipients: MISSION: The mission of the Newmarket Heritage Festival is to bring people together for a celebration of the arts, culture, history, and community spirit. Rooted in the diversity of Newmarket’s past and present, the festival is produced by the Newmarket Main Street Corporation, a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening and revitalizing the historic and cultural characteristics of the community and to preserving the legacy of Newmarket for future generations. The festival mission includes three goals: *to educate residents of the region and visitors about the cultural, historical, and natural heritage of Newmarket through performances and demonstrations of traditional arts, educational talks and tours, and hands-on learning opportunities; * to inspire young people to learn more about Newmarket’s heritage and the riches of our diverse cultural heritage through hands-on exposure to the arts, learning experiences, and performance opportunities; * to foster cooperation and collaboration among town committees, organization, businesses, and residents in an effort to educate and strengthen our community and its commitment to the value of culture and the arts. The NMSC is a 501 (c) (3) organization and all contributions are tax deductible (Tax ID #02-0497634). |
The Newmarket Mills
The Newmarket Mills
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Festival News
HERITAGE HIATUS–BUT WE’LL BE BACK! After 15 years, the award-winning Newmarket Heritage Festival, which has grown to be one of the Seacoast region’s most anticipated annual events, will be on hiatus in 2013. Read more here: http://www.heritage-festival.org/index.php/press-release/
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Thanks, Everybody!
HERITAGE FESTIVAL 2012 was a smashing success–the biggest single-day attendance in the event’s 15-year history! Thanks to our sponsors and community partners, whose support makes the festival possible. Thanks to our fabulous participants, who shared their many talents. Thanks to the volunteers who pitched in so enthusiastically. And thanks, especially, to everyone who came out to enjoy the day. See you in 2013!
Newmarket Laotian Dancers
Photo: Love Grows Photography -
En Garde!
KNIGHT FIGHT! Beware of men in steel at the 15th annual Heritage Festival (Sept. 22), where the Neville Company will be clanking about in full suits of armor and demonstrating medieval combat techniques. Grab your sword and be prepared!
