Tamworth Town Column Ann McGarity amcgari@yahoo.com [08/10/2007]

By Ann McGarity

Last week we experienced Florida-like weather: oppressive heat every day. The weekend turned into two of the best days I can remember: sunny, breezy and warm. Finally this week, we had heavy rain, urgently needed for our gardens and fire protection. On Saturday, I attended the Tamworth Farmers Market for the first time, and was delighted to see how busy it was. We bought peppers, radishes and an enormous cabbage from various vendors, and the most delicious bread I have ever tasted from Peg Loughran, who was almost sold out by the time we arrived. Helen Steele was selling vegetables and also products from her Wonalancet sheep farm, including knitting wool in attractive colors and fleeces.A painting workshop held every day last week by Michael Doyle of Philadelphia culminated on Saturday with an exhibit at the Tamworth Town House. Most of the participants were present and it was exciting for the artists to see their work displayed around the walls and hear comments from visitors to the exhibit. I would like to thank the Yeomans Foundation for its sponsorship, Peggy Johnson for organizing the workshop, the Remick Farm staff for allowing the group to use its beautiful buildings and views as subject matter, and for Michael Doyle, a wonderful painter and teacher, who inspired all of us.This weekend promises to be a memorable celebration of Tamworths past and present. Tamworth Historical Society presents Heritage Day on Saturday, Aug. 11, titled Back to the Basics."On Saturday, The Tamworth Farmers Market, located in front of the UUFES building at the Four Corners, will open from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The popular band, Idol Hands, will play from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. (co-sponsored by the Farmers Market and The Tamworth Historical Society). From 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., you can ride on the Barrons Express wagon ride (co-sponsored by the Farmers Market and the Remick Museum) At 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., you are invited to tour the Remick Farm. Visit the Heritage Day Caf in the courtyard of the Gilman Tavern. Enjoy pulled pork sandwiches with coleslaw or chili with cheese and corn chips. (Refreshments sponsored by the Bearcamp Valley School and Childrens Center). Tamworth Congregational Church will be open, and a collection of artists renditions of the church will be on display. From 12 to 3 p.m., the Wonalancet Outdoor Club, the Arts Council of Tamworth and other local organizations and vendors will set up tables outside and inside the Tamworth Town House. From 1 to 4 p.m., Captain Enoch Remick House will be open to visitors. At 2 p.m., The Barnstormers presents a matinee performance of "The Last Five Years." Ticket specials will be available at the historical society table at the farmers' market.Celebrations continue on Sunday with the famous Tamworth Firemens Breakfast at Union Hall, South Tamworth, from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m. Everyone is invited to the new Veterans' Memorial dedication in Tamworth Village on Sunday, Aug. 12. Parade staging will commence at 1 p.m., and the parade starts at 1:30 p.m. Please come and show support for Tamworth veterans by attending the parade and dedication ceremony. Military uniforms, vehicles, patriotic floats, bikes and motorcycles are all encouraged. Call David Haskell at 323-8775 or Dave Bowles at 387-2010 for more information.On Sunday afternoon, Aug. 12, at 4 p.m., two signs commemorating the recently renamed Betty Steele Loop Trail will be installed in the Hemenway State Forest. Mrs. Steele was founder and first chairman of Tamworth Conservation Commission. Appropriately, she will be honored on the same day as the Veterans' Memorial Dedication, as she worked for the Red Cross in the Pacific Theater in World War II. Meet at the Big Pines Natural Area sign to walk to the trail (please note the path is rough and steep in places).News from the Chocorua Library: come along to the next Second Sunday Story Hour on Aug. 12 at 3 p.m. to hear Jeff Landesman. The library has a great selection of new book titles and DVDs. Remember the weekly coffee klatch Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m., a wonderful opportunity to meet your neighbors. Everyone is warmly welcomed. On Wednesday, Aug. 15, at 6:30 p.m., everyone is invited to the Brass Heart Inn barn to join the board of directors and Friends of the Tamworth Community Nurses Association for its annual meeting, evening of music, TCNA information and celebration. Entry is free, and there will be a cash bar and complimentary hors d'oeuvres. Come along, support the TCNA and have a great time! For more information, call 323-8511.Remember the South Tamworth Methodist Church yard and bake sale on Saturday, Aug. 18, at Union Hall. Donations are being accepted (no clothing please). Items may be dropped off at the church or call 323-8049 for pickup.Summer contradances continue on Saturdays from 8 to 11 p.m. at the Tamworth Town House. Callers are Dudley Laufman on Aug. 11, Frank Woodward on Aug. 18 and Sue Hunt on Aug. 25. The dances are sponsored by the Tamworth Outing Club to benefit Tamworth childrens ski and baseball programs. For more information, call 323-8823.If you have items for this column, please call me at 323-7065, or e-mail amcgari@yahoo.com.