An old mile marker, dating back to Atkinson’s association with Haverhill, indicates the marker is three miles from the Haverhill Bridge. (Photograph courtesy of Steven Lewis.)
Atkinson, N.H., is celebrating its 250th anniversary with a variety of events between Thursday, Aug. 31 and Monday, Sept. 4.
Atkinson Celebrates 250 is brought to you, in part, by RMON Networks.
The 40th Annual Atkinson Road Race tonight helps kickoff Atkinson, N.H.’s formal 250th anniversary celebration.
The race begins with a free Kid’s Fun Run, at 5:45 p.m., at Woodlock Recreation Area. No registration is required, but the race is limited to children under age 11. The larger, 5K race begins at 6 p.m. For those who have not pre-registered, the cost is $15. There is also a 1.2 mile Fitness Walk. Following the race, there will be refreshments, including hot dogs; awards and a raffle.
Friday night features a Battle of the Bands, from 5 to 9 p.m., at Woodlock Park, and a family movie, the Karate Kid, at 7 p.m., at the Kimball Library courtyard.
Events Saturday include a Country Fair from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Woodlock Park, featuring tethered hot air balloon rides and the Vintage Market at Atkinson Town Center and tours of the Kimball House Museum and barn by the Atkinson Historical Society, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Other happenings include commemorative postcard sales, concessions and vendors and a fireworks display.
Atkinson Celebrates 250 is brought to you, in part, by Red’s Shoe Barn of Dover and Plaistow, N.H.
Sunday brings the Knights of Columbus pancake breakfast from 8 to 11 a.m., at Atkinson Community Center; an ecumenical faith service, at 9 a.m., at Atkinson Congregational Church; the 250th anniversary parade; and Chili Cookoff and Apple Pie Baking Contest, from 3 to 5 p.m., at the church.
Monday’s Labor Day finale features the MacDonald Memorial Antique Truck and Car Show, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Atkinson Common; a quilt show from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Atkinson Congregational Church; closing ceremonies with Gov. Chris Sununu; and a softball classic, from 2 to 8 p.m., at Woodlock Park.
A full calendar of activities appears at atkinsonnh250th.com.