The next Intown Concord Quarterly Public Meeting is not scheduled at this time.
 
Everyone is invited to attend Intown Concord Quarterly Public meetings.  These forums provide a great opportunity to learn what Intown Concord is working on, what’s new downtown, and to connect with others invested in our community.  Light refreshments are served, and quarterly meetings rotate from morning to evening.
 
Please contact us with any questions; we look forward to seeing you at our next Quarterly Meeting! 

Intown Concord Open Doors Meetings
 
Intown Concord regularly hosts Open Doors meetings where everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend. These are open platforms to ask questions, share your thoughts, and brainstorm together about great things for our downtown. Light refreshments are served, and folks should feel free to pop in quickly, or to stay for longer. Watch this page for dates.

a new name, a new show FOR 2013...

This spring's art show for local students will be held in conjunction with Art Concord, a downtown-wide gallery event on April 19, at 2 downtown locations. See below for a full listing of open galleries and receptions this Friday!

FREE artist receptions, Friday, April 19, 2013, 4 to 7pm...

• Pop-up gallery at 38 North Main Street (former Interior Additions space)
• Kimball-Jenkins Estate, the Mansion, 266 North Main Street

The Main Street gallery will contain about 100 works of student art, and will remain open on Saturday, April 20, 10am to 5pm.

Twenty "People's Choice" award winners will hang at Kimball-Jenkins through the end of April; these may be seen during open hours, Monday through Friday, 9am to 4pm.

Image: “My Mentor and Me, Looking at Clouds” by Lindsey, age 9, Friends Program

Thanks to our wonderful sponsors, Capitol Craftsman & Romance Jewelers and Bead It!

The Chamber's ART CONCORD & the Friends Program's ART WALK team up again this year for city-wide art event April 19

Two annual spring traditions–the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce’s spring ART CONCORD and the annual exhibit of the Friends Program’s art auction items–are joining forces for the third year in a row for a large-scale, one-afternoon collaborative art event highlighting the talent and artistry of Concord-area artists on Friday, April 19th from 4:00-6:00pm at participating galleries, restaurants and shops. All of the galleries welcome you for current Art Concord exhibits, and many of the following venues will showcase this year’s unique, custom-designed mirrors that will be auctioned at the Friends’ 14th Annual Charity Auction on May 3rd. Auction pieces will be on display until the day of the auction. The Art Walk Sponsor is Lincoln Financial Group.

Galleries and exhibits include:

NEW! Pop-up gallery at 38 N. Main Street 
Art Concord Youth! from Intown Concord: Local students exhibit their artwork

Concord Audi Gallery, 2 Prince Street
New Paintings by the Merrimack River Painters

Detailed Stained Glass, 24 Pleasant Street
Annual Art Show - Stained Glass Crafters 

Kimball-Jenkins Estate, 266 North Main Street
Lions Club Peace Poster Contest and Art Youth Concord People's Choice
Selected pieces from student work

League of New Hampshire Craftsmen, 49 South Main Street
Continuing the Tradition: The Work of Newly Juried Craftsmen

McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center, 2 Institute Drive
Mind, Body, Spirit in PLACE: Exploring My Relationship to the Natural World
Mixed media exhibit by eco-artist, Cynthia Robinson

New Hampshire Furniture Masters Association, 49 South Main Street
Just Chairs: A Survey of Side Chairs, Exhibit by NHFMA members

NHTI-Concord’s Community College, 31 College Drive
Art of Many Cultures: Celebrating NHTI Diversity,
NHTI’s International Students

Red River Theatres, 11 South Main Street
New Photographs by Bill Whitman

Rowland Studio, 23 North Main Street
New Work at Gallery 23 Gallery 23 Artists

The Works Bakery & Café, 42 North Main Street
Prints by Kurt Stevens

 
In addition to the Art Concord participants, the Chamber is collaborating for the third year with the Friends Program’s Art Walk, sponsored by Lincoln Financial Group. The Friends Program's Art Walk will include stops at the host locations for their 2013 auction piece—original handpainted Trumeau/"college mirrors" by renowned artists: James Aponovich, Ellen Davis, Bob Larsen, David Coursin, David Dodge, Melissa Miller, Colin Callahan, Judy Dibble, Sally Ladd Cole, Charlotte Thibault, Lisa Nelthropp and James Wolcott.

The locations to view each of the mirrors before the May 3rd auction include: the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce, Capitol Craftsman/Romance Jewelers, Gibson’s Bookstore, Endicott Furniture, Mark Knipe Goldsmith, Concord Food Co-op, Merrimack County Savings Bank, Rowland Studio and Hilltop Consignment Gallery.

*The Art Walk features a kick-off and wine tasting at Concord Food Co-op (24 S. Main) at 4pm. Start there and visit any or all of the Art Walk host locations above, the Art Concord exhibits listed above, and then join us for a reception at Merrimack County Savings Bank (89 N. Main) at 6pm.

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2012 Capitol Kids Spring Art Show
 
The 2012 show featured an artist reception in the lobby of the Concord City Auditorium on Prince Street, and art was exhibited throughout downtown for 2 weeks in May. Nearly 500 artists were featured in last year's Capitol Kids Spring Art Show on display throughout downtown Concord.  Artists aged 18 years and younger from the Capital region, drew, painted and built works of art to celebrate the season and to dress-up the downtown.
 
The artwork was showcased in 57 storefront windows stretching from Detailed Stained Glass at 45 South Main to Bead It! at 146 North Main. The 2012 exhibition spills onto several side streets too, including Warren, Pleasant, and Pleasant Street Extension, and incorporating the lobby of the Concord City Auditorium.
 
Laura Miller of Imagination Village launched the Capitol Kids Spring Art Show in 2007. Laura knew that kids, family and art all have a special place here in the heart of the capital city, and we are grateful for Laura’s dedication as Intown Concord and the Merchants Roundtable partner to continue the artistic tradition.

5th Annual Upstairs, Downtown Walking Tour

Wednesday, May 22, 2013 – 5:30 to 7:30 pm

Tickets $20/per person - now available at Merrimack County Savings Bank downtown!

We've lined up an amazing tour of seldom-seen upstairs spaces for all you fans of Concord history, culture, and architecture.

Your ticket to the 2013 Upstairs, Downtown Walking Tour gets you an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at:

* New Endicott Hotel
* New Bindery Building
* Charter Trust
* Phenix Hall
* Office Suites @ Bicentennial Square
* Walton Apartment (above Rowland Studios)

...PLUS a wine and cheese reception in the office "penthouse" of Capital Commons!

Upstairs, Downtown is gereously sponsored by:

Zoe & Co. Professional Bra Fitters The Barley House

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The 2012 Upstairs, Downtown Walking Tour was a sold-out success - thank you to all of our wonderful attendees, hosts, tour guides, landlords, and sponsors.

Check out the fabulous photos of the 4th Annual Upstairs, Downtown Walking Tour courtesy of tour sponsor Corey Garland of Corey Garland Photography.

Once again we are truly grateful for presenting sponsor Merrimack County Savings Bank, reception sponsors Checkmate Workforce Management Solutions, Concord Monitor, Lincoln Financial Group, and Unitil, and refreshment sponsors Cobb Hill Construction, Concord Housing + Redevelopment, Corey Garland Photography, John S. Jordan Design, R.C. Brayshaw & Company, and The Duprey Companies.  

Thanks also to our supporters City of Concord, Fairway Real Estate, Sheer McCrystal Paulson Architecture, Sovereign Engineering, Taylor Rental and Zoe & Co. Professional Bra Fitters.

THANK YOU for joining us at the Annual General Meeting - what fun!
See you next year...though hopefully a lot sooner :)

March 14, 2013 - Kimball-Jenkins Estate - Carriage House - 5:30 to 7:30

Food from The Common Man!

Jazz/swing stylings of NH's own Kenny Weiland!

2nd Annual Locally Famous Art Auction!

Community Impact Awards!

Fun with friends, neighbors, and community partners!

Tickets: $20; $25 at the door. Click here to buy your tickets online through Brown Paper Tickets.

Sponsorship opportunities are available; click here for details.

THANK YOU to our generous sponsors:

Zoe & Co. Professional Bra Fitters

Have questions, or want to sponsor or volunteer? Call Liza at 603-226-2150. Thanks.

2012 Painting Party - Final paintings were auctioned off at the annual meeting

Intown Concord’s March 2012 Annual General Meeting at the Kimball Jenkins Estate’s Carriage House was a resounding success.  Attendees received an update on Intown Concord’s transition from Main Street Concord while enjoying scrumptious edibles from the Common Man accompanied by complimentary beverages.  Music from the talented Jordan Tirrell-Wysocki and Matt Jensen was enjoyed by all before and after the 1st Annual Art Auction, a rollicking good time thanks to our gracious volunteer artists and accomplished auctioneer. 

Intown Concord’s Annual Volunteer Recognition and Recruitment Event!

Thursday, May 2, 2013, 5:30 pm ~ Red River Theatres ~ All welcome ~ FREE!

Volunteers from past, present and future gather downtown each year for a fun-filled evening of great food and fantastic company. Join us for delicious appetizers and sweets from O Steaks and Seafood, a private screening of an Oscar-nominated short film, and chatting with new and old friends.

The evening provides Intown Concord with an opportunity to publicly thank their volunteers and also educate new recruits about how they can engage in meaningful volunteer work to support the downtown community. You don't need to be a current colunteer to attend the party...just come, and bring a friend!

Generously sponsored by:

Next Midnight Merriment is FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2013 ~ DOWNTOWN CONCORD!

Want to sponsor? Contact info@intownconcord.org. Watch this page for details of 2013 Merriment to come!

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Thanks for joining us for last year's Midnight Merriment on Dec. 7, 2012, Intown Concord’s official kick-off to the winter holiday shopping season! Shoppers delighted in dozens of unique, locally owned businesses, sparkling white lights, beautifully decorated windows and historic buildings and old-fashioned warm hospitality throughout the downtown.

Got photos from last year's Midnight Merriment? Post them on our Facebook Midnight Merriment page - and don't forget to RSVP & invite your friends!

There are lots of GREAT reasons to come to downtown Concord for Midnight Merriment! Here's the lineup:

• Dine with friends and family at a variety of tasty downtown restaurants

• Enjoy festive holiday decorations, special promotions, and refreshments at your favorite shops throughout Concord’s downtown - bring your wallet and support our local economy!

• Strolling caroling groups will delight your ears throughout the evening

• Concord Arts Market’s Giftopolis on 2 levels in Eagle Square – more than 20 vendors, one night only. 6:30 pm to midnight

• Visit with Santa and his elves in the Atrium in Eagle Square from 6:00 to 8:00 pm

• Storytelling, refreshments, and tours of the festively decorated Kimball House mansion at the Capitol Center for the Arts from 5:30 to 10:00 pm

• Deliver your letter to Santa at Santa's letterbox (built by Parker Academy) in Bicentennial Square (NOTE: Letters should be addressed to Santa Claus Lane, North Pole, AK 99705 and must have a stamp and return address)

• Star-gaze with the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center on City Plaza

• Visit the NH Historical Society Museum, offering free admission and 10% off in the Museum Store from 5:00 to 10:00 pm. New Hampshire author Rebecca Rule will be there from 7:00 to 9:00 pm to sign copies of her new book, The Iciest, Diciest, Scariest Sled Ride Ever!

• “Warm up with a Book” – Join the Concord Public Library Foundation and celebrity readers for free books, cookies, and your favorite holiday stories from 6:00 to 7:30 pm at 70 North Main Street (former Butters space)

• Nosh on holiday treats and participate in a small-group basket-weaving workshop with Alice Ogden at the League of NH Craftsmen Craft Center at 49 South Main Street. Contact the League (click here) for registration info.

• Concord Regional Visiting Nurse Association Lights of Life Remembrance Ceremony – 6:30 at Merrimack County Savings Bank

• Rock out with DJ Nazzy and WJYY on City Plaza while checking out the beautiful Intown Concord ice sculpture

• Enjoy the tree and manger scene on City Plaza

CONGRATULATIONS to the Sulloway and Hollis Spelloticians (above, in hats) - and THANKS to the many, many people who helped make Intown Concord's 4th Annual Community Adult Spelling Bee a success, including (back row, left to right) judges Steve Shurtleff, Tom Aspell, and Dan St. Hilaire; and our fantastic Bee Meister, Kevin Flynn! See you next year!

Concord is abuzz with excitement for the 4th Annual Community Adult Spelling Bee (Political Edition)!

Thursday, September 27, 2012 (Doors open at 5:30 pm, Spelling starts promptly at 6:00 pm)

Governor's Hall at Capitol Center for the Arts

CLICK TO PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS ONLINE TODAY! Or - visit our friends at the Center for Health Promotion (49 South Main St.), Charter Trust Company (90 North Main St.), Merrimack County Savings Bank (89 North Main St.), and True Brew Barista (3 Bicentennial Square) - tickets are just $10.

The event promises to be sweeter than ever, with the introduction of a fun new annual theme – for 2012, the Bee goes POLITICAL, with laughs guaranteed on both sides of the aisle. From an election-worthy décor to politically connected spelling words, the 2012 Bee will be a winner. On September 27^th, (25) competitive teams of (3) will take the stage to battle it out for the Best Capital Spellers title. All proceeds directly support Intown Concord’s events, programs, and initiatives in Downtown Concord.

Our (local) celebrity panel of Bee judges includes Concord City Councilor/NH Executive Councilor Dan St. Hilaire (R), Concord City Council/NH State Representative Steve Shurtleff (D), and our politically neutral City Manager Tom Aspell (?).

For sponsorship opportunities, click here!

Team registration is open NOW ($200 per team, $350 for 2 teams); e/m info@intownconcord.org to reserve your spot (competition limited to 25 teams)! Just a few slots remain.

To learn more about volunteering for the Bee, contact us today!

Thank you to our 2012 Spelling Bee sponsors:

2012 Halloween Howl: Friday, October 26th, 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Downtown Concord

Check out the Halloween Howl event page on Facebook. 

Learn more about Halloween Howl sponsorship here.

Families from across the region look forward with great excitement to the safe and celebratory atmosphere that Halloween Howl brings to downtown Concord. Festivities include trick-or-treating at downtown businesses, horse-drawn wagon rides, a costume parade, live music and more. Together, Intown Concord and the City of Concord’s Parks + Recreation Department produce this event which regularly attracts 3,000+ event-goers.
 

If you’re interested in volunteering to help with Halloween Howl, please volunteer@intownconcord.org" data-mce-href="mailto:volunteer@intownconcord.org">e-mail us today.

Mark your calendar for th. july 18 - sat. july 20!

Sponsorship opportunities are available; click here to learn more, or call Kim Murdoch directly at 369-7889.

Want to volunteer with the Market Days Planning Team?  Terrific!  Join us at the next meeting, Weds., April 24, 8:00 am at Intown Concord (49 South Main St. (Smile Building), Suite 202). If you can't make the meeting but still want to volunteer, email marketdays@intownconcord.org

Interested in playing music at the Market Days Festival? You're in great company! Last year's event featured 35+ bands in 50+ performances at 4 venues. Contact our volunteer music coordinators, Lucas Gallo + Eric Reingold, to explore musical opportunities. You can also visit the Market Days Music page on Facebook.

Applications for 2013 Market Days Festival are now open to All Geographic Regions!  Last year's festival had 150+ vendors inside + out, with bountiful, diverse shopping opportunities. Don't miss your chance to participate in 2013!  

• NON-FOOD Vendors: Click here for your application package - please note all sections are required to be completed.  Contact marketdays@intownconcord.org with questions.

• FOOD Vendors: Click here for your application package - for questions on pages 1-3, contact Intown Concord - for questions on pages 4-5, contact the City of Concord's Health Licensing Office.  Please note pages 4-5 are to be completed only by businesses outside of Concord.

The Market Days Festival regularly attracts crowds of 50,000+ from throughout New Hampshire and New England; attendees come to enjoy shopping and nonstop cost-free musical and cultural programming.

“The story of this year's Market Days should be written in superlatives…(it) was a family-friendly party worthy of a capital city…Visitors ricocheted around downtown from one contest, concert or display to another.  (Attendance) probably topped 50,000. Merchants were smiling.” (Concord Monitor, July 25, 2012)

Recent popular additions to the Market Days Festival scheduled to return in 2013 include expanded Free Family Fun offerings on the State House Lawn, additional music in Eagle Square, a new music venue at the Local Food, Wine, + Beer Tent, and exciting family-friendly entertainment action on City Plaza. Perennial favorites include the Homegrown Music Stage in Bicentennial Square, community programming at Pleasant + Main, an outdoor movie experience, the Concord Arts Market, + much more!

. . .

Thank you to the 50,000+ visitors who came to Downtown Concord to enjoy the 38th Annual Market Days Festival, breaking all attendance records in the process!

Attendees enjoyed 35+ bands in 50+ free musical performances, expanded Free Family Fun programming, the inaugural Local Food, Craft Beer, + Wine Tent, an outdoor artificial ice skating rink, the Concord Public Safety Foundation's Fire Truck Pull, and so much more!  ConcordTV captured many of the highlights in this video (scroll down + select "Market Days 2012"). Thanks to our friends and fans who posted their pictures on our Facebook page (click here).

We are very grateful to Market Days 2012's fabulous sponsors who made it all possible:

Dunkin Donuts, Concord Food Co-op, New Hampshire Federal Credit Union, New Hampshire Distributors, Concord Monitor, The Concord Insider, South End Media, The Common Man, Northeast Delta Dental, and Arnie's Place.