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Enhancing Downtown - Volunteers Pitch In!
By Tom Brown

On Saturday, July 10th, roughly two dozen civic-minded citizens turned out for Phase II of the Hilltop City's annual "Downtown Enhancement Day." The bright, sunny morning was in stark contrast with May 22nd, the day of the original event. Viewers of Somersworld will recall the photos of undaunted volunteers working at cleaning the downtown area, pruning and planting, in rainslickers and boots back then.

During this latest event, planned and sponsored by Somersworth Main Street, several tasks that could not be completed on that rainy day in May and some new ones were undertaken.

Volunteers receive assignments

Volunteers from several local organizations such as Main Street, the Greater Somersworth Chamber of Commerce, and the Somersworth Festival Association were joined by other residents who were willing to give up a beautiful July morning in order to improve the looks of the community's downtown area.

Barbara Bailey, Jacob and Amero Rhiannon plant flowers

According to Amy Minzner, Executive Director of Somersworth Main Street, the two events were both successes - "It's amazing how much can be accomplished when several people divide up a task." An example, says Minzner, is the sanding and sealing of all the downtown's park benches - "That job would have taken a full day or two normally; we finished it in just over two hours today. We'll plan on resealing them each year now and they should stay in great shape for a long while."

Spanish exchange student Adria Guitart and Loco-Motion owner Bill Brouillet apply sealer to bench

George Poulin and Erik Minzner prepare trash receptacle for painting

Downtown Enhancement Days are one small aspect of the benefits of the Somersworth Main Street Program whose mission is to encourage revitilalization and reinvestment by fostering a strong and proud connection between downtown and the community.

For more information on the organization and how to get involved in its programs, visit their web site at www.somersworthmainstreet.org or call Amy Minzner at 692-0951.

Summer Concert Series Off To Great Start
by Patty LeHoullier

On July 14th, even rain could not dampen the enthusiasm expressed by the children for the opening night of the Kids Koncert series. This event, staged by the Somersworth Festival Association, featured popular entertainer Marcus Gale who entertained over 100 people and provided a great start to the organization's summer series.

Sponsored by D.F. Richard, the show featured popular songs from Gale's new CD, “So Glad.” For more information on Marcus Gale, please visit his website at www.marcusgale.com. Kids were sure tired by the time they left, as Marcus had them jumping and dancing throughout the show with his brilliant interactive performance.

Last Wednesday, July 21st, brought Animal Adventures to the Festival's Pavilion Stage. This has been a popular show both at previous Kids’ Koncerts and the International Children's Festival. Bringing such animals as chinchillas, lizards and snakes, the children were enthralled with the over an hour long performance. Derek Small from Animal Adventures even let multiple children hold a boa constrictor to allow parents to take photos! This show was sponsored by Seacoast Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. More information on Animal Adventures and the programs they offer can be found at www.animaladventures.net.

For more information on the concert series, contact the Festival office at 692-5869.

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