Festival Fantastic

The Cultural/Heritage Festival held at Northern Forest Heritage Park (NFHP) on June 3was fantastic. The weather wasn’t as cooperative as we would have liked but nevertheless many people came out to sample the indescribably delicious foods. Revenue received from events organized by NFHP helps continue its mission to preserve and interpret the history of the working forest and celebrate the multicultural heritage of the Great North Woods Region and the Androscoggin Valley.

The Cultural/Heritage Festival Food Fair was made possible by some of the area’s finest restaurants. Our deepest and most sincere gratitude goes out to these eateries. The food prepared by local chefs was absolutely incredible. Some of the most delicious foods one could ever ask for under one roof was prepared by Jerry Riendeau at North Country Senior Center; Paul Santos at AMC Visitor Center; Mike Saladino at LaBottega Saladino; Joanne Roy at Northland Restaurant and Dairy Bar; Bing Clark at Bethlehem Friendship House, Rachel Couture at Berlin Head Start and Dona Larsen from her kitchen. The menu was amazing and the food was delicious. Unfortunately, Liz of Libby’s Bistro ran into some unforeseen complications and was not able to prepare her food on time. However, she promised she’ll be back next year. All of us at NFHP wish her well with her remodeling efforts. I would like to thank Tremaine Opticians for sponsoring the Bean Hole Bean Team of Richard Tremaine, Paul Croteau, Dick Lafleur and Norm Langevin. The Cultural/Heritage Festival is an unforgettable event that will be remembered for the savory foods prepared by some of the best chefs in the area.

The entertainment was fabulous! Tim Dion and Patrick Ross were incredible and enjoyed by everyone. The River Boat Tours were available and bravely manned by Ray Fecteau but the persistent drizzle kept people from venturing out onto the mighty Androscoggin. The River Boat tours will run seven days a week until Columbus Day, leaving the NFHP docks at 6 p.m. There were several vendors and exhibitors including A Taste of Yesterday, R & R Woodworkers and White Mountain Soap. Thank you for taking the time out of your day to attend this festival.

I would like to say thank you to our sponsors who believe in NFHP and its mission. We are so grateful for your support. Our sponsors to date are: Alpine Machine, Appalachian Mountain Club Visitor’s Center, Berlin IGA Foodliner, Bisson’s Sugar House, Brookfield Renewable Power, Caron Building Center, Coca-Cola of Northern NE, Daniel Hebert Inc., Hancock Lumber, H. E. Bergeron Engineers, Inc., La Bottega Saladino, Libby’s Bistro, Magic 104-98.1 FM, North Country Senior Meals Center, North Woods Rafting, Northland Restaurant & Dairy Bar, Northway Bank, Public Service of NH, Rudy’s Market, Tremaine Opticians, White Mountain Distributors, White Mountain Lumber and Tri-County Community Action Program, Incorporated. There are no words that can adequately express our appreciation for the support provided by these sponsors, thank you. Thank you to the newspapers that published this letter.

Our deepest and most sincere appreciation goes out to the many volunteers. Everyone should know how valuable volunteers are to NFHP. The Cultural/Heritage Festival would not have been possible without their involvement. The following volunteers made this event an awesome occasion; Joanne Roy, Mark Belanger, Doris Dupuis, Sonya Raymond, Dick Merrill, Ray Fecteau, Warren Thompson, Doris Labonte, Vivian and Aime L’Heureux, Jean and Red Daigle, Snookie Riendeau, Jeanne Lemieux, Dona Larsen, Paula Huot, Peter Higbee, Shawn Costello, Jim Wagner, Jean Boucher, Terry and three students from the Davenport School, Bob Moody, Rachel Moody, Barbara Couture, Rick and Sharon Amero, Tina Marquis, Paul and Stephanie Santos, and William Britton. Thank you to Kathy McKenna and Nancy Malone of RSVP for your help. Without these people the Cultural/Heritage Festival would not have happened. And thank you to Jenn and Doug Roy of Milan for bringing their precious animals to the Park for everyone to view and pet. It is amazing how gentle these animals are with adults and children alike. Thank you.

What would any festival be without the people who stopped by to take in the merriment? Thank you so much for dropping in to participate in this event. We heard compliments all day about everything that was presented for entertainment and especially the food. We heard many wonderful comments all day long. Everyone appreciated the fact that admission was free. Although we cannot always provide free admission, we will do so as often as we can. NFHP Festivals are meant to bring added value in the form of recreation and entertainment for all who live in and visit the Androscoggin Valley. NFHP strives to make this a community Park. Providing free admission to the Cultural/Heritage Festival goes along with that belief. This is the community’s Park, we appreciate its significance in the community, we hope you do too and we’re very proud of it!

The Logging Camp is available as a venue. The rustic and cozy Cookhouse and Bunkhouse provide a unique atmosphere not easily duplicated. The Logging Camp has been used for baby showers, bridal showers, weddings, birthday parties, retirement parties, class reunions, company picnics and more. Additionally, River Boat Tours can be added to your party if desired. NFHP also offers private charter tours for you and your group. Snacks and beverage of choice are allowed on our private charter tours. Call (603) 752-7202 for details.

All things considered the 2012 Cultural/Heritage Festival was a wonderful day enjoyed by a many people. On behalf of Tri-County Community Action Program, Inc., owner and operator of Northern Forest Heritage Park, and the NFHP Advisory Board I’d like to sincerely extend our deepest; most profound gratitude to all of you who walked through the gates of NFHP on June 3. NFHP’s next festival is on June 16 when we present to you, River Day/WINGZILLA! This will be better and bigger than any before. Call (603) 752-7202 for more details or visit us at www.northernforestheritage.org

Dick Huot

Director NFHP