Opening Reception for Members and Guests
Friday, May 24, 5-7pm
Celebrate the opening of our 2013 season with Fells members and their guests. Catch up with fellow Fells supporters and participate in our Pebble Court Stonewall and Veranda restoration ribbon cutting ceremony! We also open two new art exhibits—Art in Nature 2013 outdoor sculpture and The Art of Nature in New Hampshire and Vermont. Come together with the artists and watch them demonstrate their art. Complimentary light hors d’oeuvres and wine bar. Reserve online or call 603-763-4789 x3 no later than May 20 .
22nd Annual Plant Sale
Saturday, June 15, 9:30am-noon (Early bird for members, 8:30-9:30am)
Buy quality, well established plants and shrubs propagated and field dug from The Fells very own gardens as well as plants from the finest regional nurseries. Get expert advice from Fells and Master Gardeners and watch planting demonstrations. Unique garden art from Sugar Plum also available. Huge savings at our close-out Shop Table. Members, get your 10% plant discount coupons at our Member Table. Not a member? Join or renew! Held in The Fells Gatehouse Courtyard.
Celebration of the 175th Birthday of John Milton Hay
Sunday, June 30, 4-9pm
Happy Birthday John Milton Hay! Join us for this gala birthday reception and patriotic dinner to celebrate the 175th anniversary of Hay’s birth. President Abraham Lincoln—portrayed by Steve Wood—makes a surprise visit to The Fells to wish his private secretary (Hay)—portrayed by reprisor Jerry Carrier—a glorious birthday. Mingle with Hay and Lincoln over cocktails, savor an elegant three course meal served under a tent on the beautiful Rose Terrace, and listen to the fascinating history of their time together in office. Members $85, nonmembers $100. Limited reservations, reserve online or by calling 603-763-4789 x3 no later than June 24.
About the reprisors.
John Hay look-alike Jerry Carrier, an actor and Civil War scholar who grew up in Bedford, 35 miles from Hay’s birth place in SalemIN, portrays our noted diplomat and man of letters. Carrier is a graduate of the former BedfordHigh School and a 35 year veteran in journalism, beginning with the Indianapolis Star and ending with the Philadelphia Daily News. At one time, he was night editor of the Daily News, giving him something in common with John Hay, who was once night editor of the legendary New York Tribune. He teaches Civil War classes at ManorCollege in Jenkintown, PA and is vice president of the Delaware Valley Civil War Round Table in Philadelphia.
Lincoln reprisor Steve Wood is member #118 of the Association of Lincoln Presenters has been portraying Lincoln at schools, libraries, historical societies and community events in New Hampshire and Vermont since 1995. He has traveled to West Virginia, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio and Iowa for ALP Conventions and was awarded 2nd place in the Lincoln Look-Alike Contest held in Hodgenville, Kentucky in 2000.
Artists Weekend
Saturday-Sunday, July 13-14, 10am-4pm
Come and see prominent New England artists working en plein air amid the beauty of The Fells landscape and gardens. On Saturday, observe the artists as their creations take form. On Sunday, enjoy artist demonstrations and a children’s art table. A 3pm reception and exhibit includes refreshments, live music and wet paint sale and is free and open to all. Members free, nonmembers pay site admission. Rain or shine.
Concert on the Veranda
Sunday, July 21, 4-6pm
As twilight approaches, gather at The Fells favorite spot near the fragrant Rose Terrace with gorgeous views of Mount Sunapee and Lake Sunapee. As you bask in the golden summer light, enjoy elegant hors d’oeuvres and complimentary wine from 4-5pm. The concert, featuring Broadway star Nancy Tripp and her trio of musicians, begins at 5pm. Nancy “croons like a female Frank Sinatra.” Her cabaret-style performance includes favorite songs from 1920-1960. $30 pp. Please reserve early, as seating is limited.
Fairy House Festival and Tea Party
Sunday, July 28, 1-4pm
Back by popular demand! A celebration of Fairy Houses that connects children to the natural world. This magical afternoon features Tracy Kane reading from her book, Fairy Houses, and sharing photos of whimsical fairy habitats built from all natural materials to attract fairies and their friends. Children visit The Fells Fairy Village and create their very own fairy house. The afternoon culminates with a meet-the-author/book signing by Tracy Kane and a fanciful Tea Party on the Veranda. Children are invited to wear original garments inspired by their idea of fairies, fairy houses and the magic of nature and to bring an original fairy house for display (optional). Children $6, adults $12, includes site admission. Space limited, sign up early to guarantee your spot. Reserve online or by calling 603-763-4789 x3 no later than July 22. Supported by grants from the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation’s Wellborn Ecology Fund, and the Creekmore and Adele Fath Charitable Foundation.
About Tracy Kane: author, Illustrator, educator
Tracy Kane majored in illustration at Philadelphia College of Art. She also studied in London, England where she met her husband, Barry. After working as a commercial artist for NH Public Television, she now spends most of her time introducing communities to the joy of fairy house building. Says Tracy: “My goal in producing the Fairy House’s Series, is to connect children with the wonders of nature. I use the fairies as a vehicle to remind them that nature’s magic is all around us.”
Hay Day Family Festival
Saturday, August 10, 10am-3pm
This is our most popular family event! Enjoy old-fashioned games, music, children’s art projects, scavenger hunt, petting zoo, face painting and delicious food. Features a live performance of the New London Barn Playhouse Junior Players at 1pm. While here explore our varied nature trails, visit the FairyVillage, view the Art in Nature-2013 outdoor sculpture exhibit and the Main House art exhibit, Animals of The Fells. Hourly historic tours of the Main House and a 1pm tour of the gardens offered. Members free, nonmembers pay site admission. Rain or shine.
12th Benefit Auction
Sunday, August 18, 5-9pm
An elegant extravaganza under a majestic tent on the lovely Fells Rose Terrace. A fun filled evening with irresistible one-of-a-kind must-have live and silent auction items, full open bar and delicious hearty hors d’oeuvres. Check back frequently to view our growing list of exciting items. $60 through Auigust 9; $75 thereafter. Reserve online or by calling 603-763-4789 x3. (Note: Patron and above members receive complimentary tickets as a benefit of membership, reservations required.)
Holiday Patron Party
Friday, December 6, 5-8pm
The Fells once again hosts the must-do event of the season. Festive décor in the grandest of settings, the camaraderie of Fells supporters, fabulous fare and holiday toasts create a memorable event not to be missed! Tickets $100 per person, reservations limited. Reserve online or call 603-763-4789 x3 no later than November 29. Directions available at time of reservation.
Holiday House Tour
Saturday-Sunday, December 7-8, 10am-3pm
Tour six fabulous residences all decked out for the holidays in the picturesque town of New London, NH and get inspired! We have selected the crème de la crème of private homes for our 2013 Holiday House Tour. You will be thrilled with each and every one—from architecture to décor, young to antique, we promise you will be awestruck. The distinctive individuality of each home, music of the season, the scent of freshly cut pine boughs and twinkle of lights makes for a most unforgettable tour. Open for touring over two days, December 7-8, proceeds from this popular fundraiser benefit the beautiful Fells gardens. Advance tickets $20, through 5pm December 6, available online, at select retailers and at The Fells. Tickets day of tour $25—at Tour Headquarters—where you can shop our Holiday Boutique, brimming with unique one-of-a-kind gifts from the finest local artisans.
