Celebrating Spring: Egg-citing Spring Events & Activities in the Sugar River Region

Snowdrops (Galanthus woronowii). Image source: Distant Hill Gardens and Nature Trail / Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0).

Celebrating Spring: Egg-citing Spring Events & Activities in the Sugar River Region

Written by Madeline Ferland on April 1, 2023

Spring – that wonderful time of year to finally get outside and explore all that the Sugar River Region has to offer. From Easter egg hunts to spring skiing, there are plenty of activities to keep the whole family entertained. Here are some of fun events and things to do this season in Sullivan County:

Activity #1: Peeps Diorama Display in Newport 

Event poster / graphic for The Library Arts Center's 12th Annual Peeps Diorama Contest happening April 8 - 22. Easter, Spring, and related event images on top of a pink background.

Image Source: The Library Arts Center.

One of the most popular springtime events that takes place (12 years and running!) is the Peeps Diorama Display – perfect for families and a unique way to celebrate this time of year. The Peeps Diorama Display is a contest where participants create a diorama using Peeps marshmallow candies. The dioramas can be based on any theme, from movie scenes to historical events. They are displayed for the public to view and vote on, with prizes awarded to the top entries.

The Peeps Diorama Display is typically held at the Richards Free Library in Newport and runs for several days around Easter. It’s a fun and creative way to celebrate the season and is a great opportunity for families to work together on a fun project. 

Event poster / graphic for the Birds, Bees and Butterflies Bash fundraising event happening April 15th at Acworth Town Hall. Event details with images of the Blue Collar Band on top of a hot pink background.

Image Source: BCB Fans Facebook page.

Activity #2 Birds, Bees, and Butterflies Bash in Acworth

Something new is happening this spring! The Birds, Bees and Butterflies Bash is an exciting get-together and fundraiser for the Acworth Village store featuring live music performed by our local Blue Collar Band! “Bring potluck appetizers and snacks and say hello to Spring as we rock the night away” at the Acworth Town Hall on Saturday, April 15th from 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm. 

 

Event poster / graphic for the City of Claremont Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 8th. Easter eggs and event information on top of a blue background.

Image Source: City of Claremont Parks & Recreation Department.

Activity #3: Easter Egg Hunt in Claremont

Easter egg hunts are an all-time classic spring activity that’s fun for the whole family. Hosted by the Claremont Parks and Recreation Department, this year’s annual Easter Egg Hunt will be held at Arrowhead Lodge and Recreation area, where there will be a special visit from the Easter Bunny himself! Bring your own basket and appropriate shoes (it’s still muddy out there!) and be ready to go on the quest of the season. 

The hunt will be Saturday, April 8th. First graders and younger have their hunt at 9:30 am, and 2nd graders and older begin at 10:30. There is no fee for participation! 

 

 

Activity #4: Maple Sugar Harvesting

Image of a Pure New Hampshire Maple Syrup 1 Quart bottle in someone's hand.

Image source: Wesley Fryer (CC BY-SA 2.0).

Spring is the time of year when maple syrup is harvested. While Maple Weekend just passed (third weekend in March), this event has always been a New England fan favorite – an entire weekend to visit sugar shacks to taste test, buy maple syrup, learn how it’s made, and purchase other maple flavored and themed goods. There are many sugar shacks in the Sugar River Region (we do love our sugar!), check out the New Hampshire Maple Producers website directory page to see registered sugarhouses in the area. 

 

 

 

Activity #5: Visit a Farm Stand 

Farm store with fresh fruits and vegetables for sale.

Image Source: Sdkb (CC BY-SA 4.0).

When the trees and flowers burst into bloom and the farms come to life in the Sugar River Region, where the magic of spring is really evident! One of the best activities to get you out of the house and engaging in seasonal delights is by visiting local farm stands and stores. There are many farms around here offering a variety of fresh produce, plants, flowers, and other natural goods that are just starting to open in the spring. From juicy strawberries and crisp apples to colorful tulips and fragrant lilacs, there is something for everyone to enjoy. 

 

 

Activity #6: Mount Sunapee Slush Cup 

Image of snow skier skimming across a slushy pool of water.

Image Source: Joe Shlabotnik (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0).

Mount Sunapee’s wildly entertaining annual Slush Cup event features fearless skiers and snowboarders launching themselves off a jump and attempting to skim across a massive (as in 90 feet long!) pool of icy slush. The atmosphere is electric as spectators cheer on the brave competitors, all while enjoying delicious hot chocolate and festive music. One of the most entertaining aspects is that participants often don wacky outfits and superhero costumes in an effort to stand out from the crowd. Whether you’re a winter sports enthusiast or just looking for a good time, the annual Slush Cup is the perfect way to celebrate the melting of winter and create unforgettable memories.

 

Activity #7: Mount Sunapee Cardboard Sled Race

Two children in a cardboard sled that is spray painted #1.

Image Source: EaglebrookSchool (CC BY 2.0).

Get ready to let your imagination run wild and bring your childhood dreams to life at the Cardboard Sled Race hosted at Mount Sunapee! Typically occurring on the same day as the Slush Cup (end of March), the Cardboard Sled Race event challenges participants to create their own sleds entirely out of cardboard, duct tape, wax, and paint before racing them down a thrilling course. From pirate ships to race cars, the possibilities are endless as participants design and decorate their sleds with creative flair. Don’t have a sled? No problem! Spectators can enjoy the thrilling action from the sidelines, cheering on their favorite cardboard creations and enjoying refreshing beverages and treats. With prizes for the fastest sleds and the most creative designs, the race is the perfect way to bring out your inner child and enjoy some good old-fashioned end-of-winter fun.

What are your favorite Sugar River Region spring activities?

There’s no shortage of fun and exciting spring activities to do in Sullivan County. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures or family-friendly events, there’s something for everyone in our charming area. So come on out of hibernation, breathe some fresh spring air and enjoy all that our community has to offer!

Did we miss your favorite spring event or activity? Don’t see it listed on our new Annual Events Page?  Tell us more about it by tagging us in your Facebook or Instagram post, or by submitting it on our website feedback form.