Summer Festivals in New Hampshire

New Hampshire does not offer as many festivals of some of its larger neighboring states, but what it does have is drumming, hot air balloons, and a very special craft fair. If you happen to be up that way, these are three festivals worth checking out.

Drika Overton's MaD Fest, also known as the Portsmouth Percussive Dance Festival takes over The Music Hall in Portsmouth, taking place this year from June 25 - 30, 2007. This event is one of the top in the country for percussionists. Learn tap, modern, African, and more, as well as lessons in jazz vocals. Festival participants will also join in on the harbor cruise and seaside reception, following orientation on June 24^th. The last day features a student showcase at downtown Market Square that the public can attend, and other events through out the week are open to the public as well. Find out more about the happenings at http://jazzandtap.com/ppdf/events.shtml

If you like hot air balloons, you can join the club, and thirty thousand other balloon fanatics at the Hillsborough Balloon Festival and Fair, going on from July 12 - 15, 2007. Both tethered and free floating balloon flights over the picturesque Monadnock Region are offered to attendees, as well as the Eastern Draft Horse Pulls, truck and tractor pulls, an artist's fair, and the Hometown Parade. The fireworks display is one of the biggest in the state. Get all of the information about this fest at http://www.balloonfestival.org/

Not only is The League of New Hampshire Craftsmen's Fair the oldest craft fair in the United States, it is unique in the fact that it holds true to its name, displaying only the works of New Hampshire based crafters, chosen by jury to ensure quality of product. You will not find anything here that is not first rate. The fair is held at Mount Sunapee Resort in Newbury, from August 4 - 12, 2007. Traditional and modern crafts and techniques comes together in more than two hundred craft booths of jewelry, glass, metalwork, pottery, and any other material you can imagine. The "Living with Craft" and "Sculpture Garden" exhibitions are offered to show visitors how displaying crafts in the home and outside the home can enhance the beauty. The CraftWear boutique is a unique shopping experience, where shoppers can find one-of-a-kind clothing items and accessories. There is also entertainment, demonstrations, and workshops for children, teens, and adults. They even offer child care for a small fee. If you would like to know more about this great crafting event, you can find the information at http://www.nhcrafts.org/

While there might not be a ton of choices for summer festivals in the state of New Hampshire, the ones that are available are certain to pack a good time for the entire family. Check out these three and you should not be disappointed.