Lois Merrithew

Fall is the nicest time of year in New Hampshire. As the night air turns crisp, the leaves turn to brilliant reds, golds, and yellows and, occasionally, the mountain tops get a frosting of snow along with the beautiful colors. Well, this past weekend our neighbors in the southern part of the state didn't have to travel up to the mountains to see snow. From Wakefield and south there were areas that had snow on lawns and fields. This seems early to most people to have snow on the 18th of October, but I do remember having snow on the 12th. So one may wonder about all this talk of "Global Warming". Not much sign of that this year with the rainy, cool summer we have just had and the early signs of snow.

This early snow down south may make you think that it is too late in the season to be buying or selling real estate. However, this is not the case. We have been busier in the past month than we have been for quite some time. This is also the concensus of other real estate offices in the Mt. Washington area. Some people may say that is because of the stimulous money being offered by Uncle Sam, but I don't find this to be true in this area. In our office I have not heard of any one who was taking advantage of that $8000. To me this is a sign of a slow, but natural, recovery of the market. Time will tell if I am correct, but let's hope so.

County Fairs are times to get outdoors and enjoy meeting old friends, viewing the fruits of labor of your neighbors, and having fun. The Sandwich Fair opens Saturday, October 10th and runs through Monday, October 12th. Many people come back to the Sandwich Fair every year so that it has become, not only one of the nicest agricultural experiences of the year, but a place to meet and greet old friends. As you wander around the fairgrounds you will see exhibits of all kinds, ranging from draft horses and oxen pulling enormous loads,to poultry and rabbits, to the finest of handcrafted rugs, sweaters, baskets, and much more.

The midway is located apart from the exhibits and has the usual array of rides and games of chance. And, last but by no means least, is the delicious food. (We don't count calories on Fair Day.) The aroma of chicken and ribs wafts from the Barbeque; popcorn pops; onion blossoms abound; soups and chowders are served in bread bowls; sausages sizzle along with their companions. onions and peppers; fried dough is slathered with butter and cinnimon; pizza slices are everywhere. The list of temptations is endless.

This all takes place in the middle of Center Sandwich Village at the foot of the beautiful Sandwich Mountains where the fall colors are at their peak, ablaze with reds, greens, and golds. Highlights of the weekend are the Saturday morning parade of antique cars that winds through town and the Sunday Parade of everything imaginable including clowns, animals, floats, The Over The Hill Gang, and so much more.

Do yourself and your family a favor and visit this last fair of the season in beautiful Center Sandwich this weekend. You can find more information at www.sandwichnh.com/fair.

SEE YOU AT THE FAIR

What better place to view fireworks that celebrate the birth of our country than in a quaint country village setting? The lovely village of Center Sandwich traditionally holds their fireworks display at dusk on July 3rd on the fairgrounds. This location allows for several points around the village for comfortable sites for full views of the display. Dusk usually means that the fireworks will be set off at about 9:30 PM.

The local church holds an ice cream social in front of the Baptist Meeting House beginning at 8PM. This is by donation only and there is always plenty for all including a choice of toppings, such as homemade chocolate sauce, butterscotch sauce, strawberries, and sometimes blueberries.

Come one and all to this old fashioned celebration of the birth of our nation. Meet local residents and enjoy the beauty of one of New Hampshire's most special towns.

What a great opportunity for the first time home buyer!!!! Just think what you will be able to do with $8000.00!!!! Unfortunately you can't have that money up front to help with your down payment or closing costs, but you will get that money so you can use it for new furniture or to do the things you may want to do around your new home. It may even come close to building that garage you have always dreamed of having so your car will stay free of ice and snow next winter.

There may be those buyers out there who do not listen to the evening news or read a newspaper that have not heard of this bonus. If you have not, NOW IS THE TIME to make some inquiries to find out how it works and how it will effect your ability to buy now while there are bargains to be found. Begin today by contacting your local Realtor who can help you in your search for the home you have always wanted.

For many years there has been a group of concerned citizens working to try to make Chocorua Village a safer place for drivers and pedestrians alike. Beginning June 1st those plans will begin to be put into reality. There will be sidewalks, crosswalks, street lights and an improvement in the traffic pattern. Hopefully these improvements will make it safer for the walking public and Route 16 traffic will realize they are going through a village and MUST slow down. In the summer this area is hazardous for cars and pedestrians alike, with visitors to the Dam Ice Cream Shop, the U.S. Post Office, the Chocorua Library, Runnells Hall and other businesses in the village, needing to cross the road. I will do my best to keep up with reports on this much needed project.