By Chris Frost
Eagle Times News Editor
NEWPORT NH — The rains fell, but that didn’t dampen the spirits of area residents, as the Newport Homecoming Block Party moved indoors, and everyone had a great time.
Kids were playing, Brooks Hubbard kept the music humming, and food trucks filled the Newport Rec Department parking lot with plenty of good treats.
Newport Chamber of Commerce member Amy Benson said the event missed a couple of things because of the weather, but she said people adapted and came together.
“Brooks Hubbard and his band is up from Nashville, and we’ve got the food trucks outside that graciously decided to come with us to this location,” Benson said. “We did have to cancel a lot of our table vendors because of the location and the rain.”
She added that the band, “Better than Broken,” played at Salt Hill.
“They were playing down there anyway, so we could have folks everywhere from Salt Hill to the Common,” she said.
Many area businesses want their products shown during Homecoming Weekend, and she said they want to set up tables and sell their items.
“It’s easy to get vendors,” Benson said. “The food trucks were all onboard, and the bands have been fabulous.”
She said she didn’t grow up in Newport but quickly found a home.
“I grew up in a small town in Vermont, and Newport has a similar feel,” she said. “You have the folks who have grown up here and the folks who moved here. You really see how the community comes together at these events. Events like this, where you can bring your kids and family, aregreat.”
Jenn Spelas was ready for the rain and had her Trucking Tacos food truck ready.
“It’s a rainy-day adventure,” she said. “I was at a different event this morning and sold a lot of carnitas pork.”
She said she loves visiting Newport.
“Everyone is nice,” she said. “They call it the Sunshine Town, although it’s not sunny today.”
Dance Arts Academy in Sunapee was happy to be part of the block party. Owner Ashlee Rowley said she loves participating in community events.
“I think it’s great,” she said. “We haven’t been able to do a lot of Newport-related activities, but we have a lot of students from here, and even though it’s raining outside, it’s nice to be here.”
Rowley runs a recreational and competitive studio for residents aged three to adult.
“When they come in, they can take classes in tap dance, hip-hop, contemporary, we’ve got it all,” she said. “We also have classes for recreational students interested in one or two classes.”
She said there is no prerequisite, but the competition team auditions each summer.
“For recreational programs, we close enrollment around Nov. 1,” she said.
For more information, visit danceartsacademy.com.
Derrick and Summit Schneider enjoyed the day and didn’t let the rain bother them.
“This is super fun,” Derrick said. “Summit is going to dance for the Dance Arts Academy tonight.”
He said Summit spent her week practicing.
“The pivot turn is my favorite dance step,” she said.
Virginia Drye from the Newport Sunshine Initiative promoted the organization’s upcoming Canned Food Drive.
“The Sunshine Initiative has been part of Newport’s economic development for the last five years, and we wanted to host an event specifically for the holiday season that would get the community together and support the community for the holidays with food,” she said. “There are a lot of food pantries in the area, especially around Thanksgiving, that need help.”
She said the organization picked three locations: The Claremont Soup Kitchen, the Newport Area Association of Churches, and the Springfield Family Center, where they plan fundraisers.
“You can give money, canned food, and/or be a food drive location,” she said. “We’re specifically looking for Thanksgiving-themed things like stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin. We’re also looking for regular and boxed food to help these locations.”
Drye loves the community aspect of neighbors helping neighbors.
“We have ways for you to give and volunteer,” she said. “The program runs from Oct. 15 to Nov. 18, and we’re going to have events specifically to gather food.”
To get involved, email [email protected].
For more information about the Newport Chamber of Commerce, visit newportnhchamber.com.
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