By Chris Frost
EAGLE TIMES NEWS EDITOR
CLAREMONT, N.H. – Second Saturday on Pleasant Street in downtown Claremont was “Da Bomb.”
This event brought the 1990s back to life for the themed celebration.
Live music from “Better than Broken” band got the crowd moving to a ‘90s vibe while visitors enjoyed the family-friendly offerings.
“We found out about this a week ago, and it’s a super good time,” Bassist Dillon Bellefeuille said. “We played a mix of 90s rock to fit the theme of hard rock and pop. “Alice in Chainssa is one of our staples.”
He said he feeds from the crowd’s energy and had planned to enjoy some food after the show.
“Definitely Daddy’s Pizza,” he said.
Parks and Recreation Director Nick Lawrence said he loved the 90s theme and enjoyed the crowd interaction.
“We had come up with four prior themes heading into the summer, and the 90s stuck out because we grew up during that time,” he said. “I remember watching game shows on Nickelodeon.”
He said local businesses are a big part of Second Saturday’s block party success.
“Having local businesses on Pleasant Street is critical, and a lot of the businesses have been great about participating,” he said. “It’s difficult on Saturday, but they’re making it work. We appreciate their participation.”
Peggy and Peter Copeland spoke with Suzanne Groenewold from River Valley Community College at a booth open during the event. Peggy had attended the school.
“It was a lot more fun than high school,” Peggy said.
Groenewold encouraged people to see what River Valley offers.
“If someone just graduated from high school and doesn’t know where they’re going, they should come and take some courses,” she said. “They can get a degree or certificate and work in a high-paying job.”
Sheope said the school uses an open admissions policy and everybody gets in.
“All you have to do is say you’ve graduated from high school,” she said. “We have multiple measures we use to see where a student is with math and English and place them accordingly.”
For more information, visit rivervalley.edu.
Sarah Beisch promoted her business, Rabbit Dog Fine Arts, which is based in Claremont.
“I make prints, some mono-color and some with color at the top,” she said. “I also have towels I screen printed with original artwork and t-shirts.”
Beisch likes Second Saturday because her family can see her work.
“This is right down the street, so my husband is going to come down later with everyone,” she said.
For more information, please visit Rabbitdogfinearts on Etsy.
Lelys Bartolo, Maya Brewer, Tony Brewer, and Aria Brewer took the opportunity to do some coloring.
“We’re having a great time, and this is cool,” mom Amy Bazzette said. “I love the community getting together and having a great time.”
Chiara Nelson from Claremont Spice and Dry Goods promoted the upcoming Grilling for Good fundraiser at Arrowhead Recreation Area.
“I’m going to emcee because I’m Italian,” she said. “It’s a charity event for the Claremont Soup Kitchen and Claremont Opera House.”
Claremont Spice and Dry Goods is at 12 Tremont Street.
Kayleigh Stevens had her face painted by Statia Antworth, and mom Cyndi
Stevens said Second Saturday events are fun.
“I love getting out of the house and doing something for free with the kids,” she said.
Paxton and Ryleigh Smolmak were all smiles and had pictures taken with princesses from Wish Upon a Star.
“We are having a ton of fun,” mom Leigha Smolmak said. “This is my first Second Saturday. I grew up here and love how they bring the community together.
Hannah Small played Princess Ariel and Alora Bowers played Princess Merida.
“You can book a princess for a party or event,” Princess Ariel said. “We have almost anything you can think of.”
Princess Merida said getting into costume doesn’t take long.
“It depends on the character,” Bowers said. “Sometimes, you need to wear an extra layer under the dress and the wig can take longer.”
To book a party, email [email protected].
For more information about upcoming Second Saturday events, please visit the City of Claremont’s website, claremontnh.com.
The block party was sponsored by Claremont Savings Bank, Claremont Parks and Recreation Department, Claremont Chamber of Commerce, Century 21 Highview Realty and DeCamp Waste Services.
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