MERRIMACK, NH — Thousands of people lined the D.W. Highway and Baboosic Lake Road on Thursday to watch the 4th of July parade in Merrimack. The weather was near perfect, with warm temperatures and no rain like last year.

Merrimack, New Hampshire, bursts with pride during its beloved 4th of July Parade every summer. This tradition, rooted deep in the town’s history, brings locals and visitors together for a joyous celebration. Families, businesses, and community groups eagerly participated, showcasing their creativity with floats and costumes that reflected the spirit of the day.

The parade, stretching more than one mile long, drew crowds who cheered as floats passed by. It was a chance for everyone to come together, wave flags, and enjoy the festivities. Kids especially loved collecting candy tossed from the floats.

For a full gallery of photos with free downloads, CLICK HERE.

A new Fish and Game Department rule would create a special waterfowl hunting weekend for active military members and veterans.

This reserved hunting time would take place the first weekend after the close of the regular hunting season in all zones. Hunters would have to carry proof of their status as an active-duty member or veteran.

The  weekend would be for hunting migratory waterfowl, such as ducks. Hunters would still have to carry their state hunting license, their migratory waterfowl license, a National Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program permit, and a federal duck stamp.

Though only veterans or active-duty military could harvest waterfowl at this time, they would be allowed one guest. Those assisting with “setting out decoys, calling, or retrieving harvest birds” would have to possess a hunting license and the necessary permits, the proposed rule says.

Regular-season bag and possession limits would still apply.

Fish and Game will host a public hearing on the proposed rule on Tuesday, July 9, at 12:30 p.m. at Fish and Game Headquarters in Concord. The public may also submit feedback via email to [email protected] until July 16. 

KITTERY, ME — Soul Models recently received a $3,000 sponsorship from MVSB (Meredith Village Savings Bank) and a $5,000 sponsorship from the Drew Cepp Scholarship Fund that will support the nonprofit’s upcoming summer camps.

The programs are open to middle school-aged girls in the Seacoast area of southern Maine and New Hampshire.

“Thanks to these caring community partners, we are excited to once again host three free summer camp opportunities that will run in the Seacoast region,” Carrie Penna, executive director and lead program facilitator. “The camps offer young girls an opportunity to participate in expressive arts, yoga and fun — all while making new friends and learning new skills.”

“We are proud to support Soul Models and all the important work they are doing to provide safe and engaging opportunities for youth in our community to learn, have fun and gain self-confidence,” Angela Salb, MVSB Vice President, commercial lending team leader, said.

Soul Models summer camps take place at the Portsmouth Community Campus from July 15 to 19, Kittery Community Center from July 29 to Aug. 2, and York Art Association from Aug. 12-16. Go to soulmodels.org to learn more.

The Drew Cepp Scholarship Fund was created in memory of Drew Ceppetelli, a young woman from Barrington who was killed in a car accident in November of 2022. This continued support from the fund honors Drew’s passion for mindfulness, movement, journaling and the other activities that are part of the Soul Models programming.

For more info, visit any of the local branch offices located in New Hampshire in Alton, Ashland, Center Harbor, Gilford, Laconia, Melvin Village, Meredith, Moultonborough, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Rochester or Wolfeboro, call 800-922-6872 or visit www.mvsb.com.

Caption: Jordan Sanger, Soul Models Operations Coordinator, takes a selfie with Carrie Penna, Soul Models Executive Director, Melissa Ceppetelli, of the Drew Cepp Scholarship Fund, Angela Salb, MVSB Vice President, Commercial Lending Team Leader, and David McMahon, MVSB Branch & Business Development Manager.

Submitted by Meredith Village Savings Bank.