Investing in New Hampshire arts and culture yields significant economic benefits for the State of New Hampshire, as the arts sector in the state represents a $115.1 million industry which leverages $62.1 million in additional spending by arts and culture audiences, according to the Arts and Economic Prosperity IV Survey (FY 2010). Susie Lowe-Stockwell, executive director of the League of NH Craftsmen, noted the report demonstrates how the arts in New Hampshire help build and sustain prosperous and livable communities.
“There is no doubt that the arts in New Hampshire not only improve the overall quality of life in our homes and in our communities, but are also a major contributor to the economic well-being of our state,” said Susie Lowe-Stockwell, executive director of the League of NH Craftsmen. “The economic impact of the arts in New Hampshire, and the League’s Annual Craftsmen’s Fair in particular is very significant as many small businesses reap the benefits, perhaps most notably the craftspeople themselves, who are running their own small businesses.”
The arts community in the Granite State supports nearly 3,500 full-time jobs and generates $11.6 million in local and state government revenue. Additionally, the report states that nonprofit arts and culture organizations, which spend $53 million annually, also leverage $62.1 million in additional spending by arts and culture audiences. It is this spending that pumps vital revenue into local restaurants, hotels, retail stores, parking garages, and other businesses. (www.americansforthearts.org)
“There are many businesses in the Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee area, and all the way to Concord who depend on the Fair as a major source of revenue,” added Lowe-Stockwell. “The League depends on the revenue generated not only during the Annual League of NH Craftsmen’s Fair, but also as a marketing engine to drive people to the League’s retail galleries around the state to support the League's year-round endeavors.”
The Annual League of NH Craftsmen’s Fair, the oldest, continually running crafts fair in the nation, is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year with 350 craftsmen showcasing their work, craft demonstrations and workshops, and entertainment for the entire family. The Fair starts on Saturday, August 3, 2013 and runs through Sunday, August 11 at the Mount Sunapee Resort in Newbury, NH.
“When communities support the arts, they are investing in an industry that supports jobs, generates government revenue, and is a cornerstone of tourism in the state,” said Lowe-Stockwell. “The League of NH Craftsmen has 786 juried members and each of them has a small business. With its Annual Fair and the many educational programs and services geared toward the craftspeople and members, the League is an important contributor to the impact of the arts community statewide.”
Each summer, visitors come to the beautiful Lake Sunapee region to visit the Fair and experience the fun and fascinating world of craft. Featuring a variety of activities for all ages in a scenic setting under a series of white tents at the base of the Mount Sunapee Resort, the Annual Craftsmen’s Fair is one of the few places where visitors can see an incredible variety of fine handmade items that are functional and decorative, said Lowe-Stockwell.
“The Fair certainly brings many visitors into our region,” said Jennifer Tockman, Director, Lake Sunapee Region Chamber of Commerce. “Each year, our lodging properties in the area quickly fill up, the dining and restaurant businesses get busy, and visitors also enjoy the recreational activities in the area including hiking, biking, and kayaking. They come, they dine, they play, and they spend money – the Fair is truly wonderful for the region.”
New this year will be a special Friday night event on August 9th called “$5 After 4”—where the Fair will stay open two hours later until 7 pm and admission is half price after 4 pm. Immediately following, visitors can enjoy a summer party and spectacular mountain views on the deck of the Sunapee Lodge until 9 pm.
“We’ve always hosted numerous guests during Fair week; however, building on our relationship with the Craftsmen’s Fair, we hope to make New London Inn even more of a destination this year,” said Julie Dimakis, general manager of the New London Inn & Coach House Restaurant. “For the first time, we are excited to be hosting a workshop with Ray Lagasse, whose baskets are finely crafted, down to details of brass and copper bolts and nails. He will be teaching participants how to create their own signature Ray Lagasse baskets.” Dimakas added, this package event includes a one night stay at the Inn, the basket-weaving demonstration and lunch & dinner.
Lowe-Stockwell added that the Annual Craftsmen’s Fair is a great event for families, with special craft workshops and demonstrations geared specifically towards children and teenagers. Roving performances featuring oversized puppets, magicians, mind readers, and musicians will wander throughout the grounds, giving it a festival atmosphere.
“The Mount Sunapee Resort Adventure Park will be open, offering outdoor family adventures such as canopy zip-lining, an aerial challenge course, miniature golf and more,” said Bruce McCloy, Director of Marketing and Sales, Mount Sunapee Resort. “The new Adventure Park really expands the appeal of a day at the fair for a family. While the League of NH Craftsmen Fair has activities for the whole family, if one member of the family wants to do some serious shopping and browsing, the rest of the family can spend anywhere from one hour to 2 ½ hours in the Adventure Park.”
The Mount Sunapee Resort Adventure Park features guided 2.5 – hour Canopy Zip-Line Tours; an Aerial Challenge Course, where adventurers ages 6 and up are harnessed into a self-guided series of obstacles that wind their way through the trees on the lower slopes of South Peak; an 18-hole miniature golf course; a Disc Golf Course; an Airbag; an interpretative hiking trail; and off-road Segway excursions through the base area of the resort. Visitors can also take the chair lift to the top of Mount Sunapee and explore the summit. Advance reservations are required for the Canopy Zip-Line Tour and the Segway Excursions. For more information, visit www.mountsunapee.com or call 603-763-3564.
Annual Craftsmen’s Fair Ticket Information
The 80th Annual League of NH Craftsmen Fair will be open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm daily, rain or shine, from August 3-11. Admission is $10 for adults; $8 for seniors, students, active duty military (with ID), and groups of 20 or more. Admission is free for children 12 and under. A ticket includes admission to all exhibitions and demonstrations. A ticket for a second return day is available for an additional $5. Visitors who purchase their tickets in advance on the League's website, www.nhcrafts.org, will receive a $1 discount, plus no convenience fee. This discount will be offered until August 2. Having tickets in advance is a great way to avoid the long ticket lines at the gate. Remember parking is Free.
Picnic areas, as well as a food tent, indoor cafeterias, and an outdoor Garden Café (serving adult beverages) are open daily. Parking is free. Please leave pets at home; only service dogs are allowed on the fairgrounds.
Current Issue - May 2024