Hello people of the North Country! This is the first issue of Above the Notch, and there are some GREAT things going on this week that you're going to want to know about!

In today’s issue:

On the first Friday of June, July, and August, artisans, food vendors, artists, and musicians all descend on downtown Littleton. This is going to be your best option if you don't have a lot of time this summer but you want to experience so many things all in one place. The next one is this Friday, July 3rd. It starts at 5pm and will spread across Main Street, Porter Street, and Mill Street. There will be some great free music on the main stage from Sweet Jay and Josie Cromer.

On top of all of this, there's an opportunity for you to leave a literal mark on the town of Littleton. The White Mountain Art Syndicate has done a bunch of murals around the North Country, but this week on Porter Street they're going to be working on a mural that you don't just get to watch — you get to pick up a brush and participate.

One thing to remember about First Fridays: there are only three of these a year, and one of them has already happened. So if you were planning to make it to one, you've only got two left this year.

Littleton had its fireworks early this year at Remich Park on June 27. If you missed it, don’t worry, because there’s still plenty left on the schedule if you’re looking to get out and celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.

In Lincoln and Woodstock, there will be things to do all day. The Rotary cookout at Soldier’s Park starts at 11 a.m., the Fourth of July parade runs from Woodstock to Lincoln at 2 p.m., and the St. Johnsbury Band has a free concert at 7 p.m. If you’re looking for fireworks, you’ll have to get there a day early because they’ll be on Friday, July 3, all over Lincoln.

Lancaster has its Fourth of July parade downtown on the 4th. In Bethlehem, the Mulburn Inn is hosting its Independence Day picnic and fireworks.

Obviously, all of these events will depend on the weather. There’s a chance of thunderstorms all over the North Country. If you do plan on going and the weather is good, make sure to bring some water, because it’s going to be hot.

Comedian Juston McKinney — Fri & Sat (Jul 3–4), 7:30 PM · Jean's Playhouse, Lincoln
First Fridays: art & music downtown — Littleton, Fri Jul 3, 5–9 PM
Private Lives opens — Weathervane Theatre, Whitefield, Sat Jul 5
Robert Frost Day — workshop + readings, The Frost Place, Franconia, Mon Jul 6
Summer Maple Tours at The Rocks — Bethlehem, Wed Jul 8, 10:30 AM
Absolutely Magic (kids show) — The Colonial, Bethlehem, Wed Jul 8, 11 AM
Cruise Night at Beech Hill Auto — Bethlehem, Thu Jul 9, 6–8 PM
Hairspray opens — Jean's Playhouse, Lincoln, Thu Jul 9
Farmers markets — Lancaster Sat 9–12 · Littleton Sun 10–1
At the Colonial — Girl Climber (Jul 2) · Pressure (Jul 3–8)

🌲 = outdoor show

Friday (Jul 3)
🌲 Remich Park, Littleton — Concerts in the Park (season opener) · 6 PM
🌲Downtown Littleton — First Fridays: Sweet Jay w/ Josie Cromer · 5–9 PM

Saturday (Jul 4)
🌲 Soldier's Park, Woodstock — St. Johnsbury Band · 7 PM

Sunday (Jul 5)
🌲 Bethlehem Gazebo — Localpalooza · 6–8 PM

Monday (Jul 6)
🌲 Whitefield Common — Summer Band Concert · 7 PM