Hey, Granite Staters. Happy Wednesday!

Mother’s Day is celebrated all around the world—but did you know it started  in the US?

We owe the idea to Anna Jarvis, an activist from Philadelphia who wanted to honor her own mom, Ann, who spent years supporting women’s health. After Ann died in 1907, Jarvis organized a memorial service for her in Grafton, West Virginia. She held the first official Mother’s Day celebration a year later on May 10, 1908. The idea caught on, and by 1914, President Woodrow Wilson declared it a national holiday. 

At first, the day was marked with white carnations—Jarvis’ chosen flower of remembrance because, as she once explained, “its whiteness is to symbolize the truth, purity and broad-charity of mother love; its fragrance, her memory, and her prayers. The carnation does not drop its petals, but hugs them to its heart as it dies, and so, too, mothers hug their children to their hearts, their mother love never dying.” Over time, red or pink carnations came to represent living mothers, while white ones were worn to honor those who died.  

But in the end, Jarvis wasn’t happy with how things turned out. As the holiday became more commercialized—with cards, flowers, and gifts everywhere—she grew frustrated. (The National Retail Federation predicts Mother’s Day spending will total $34.1 billion this year.) Jarvis ended up spending the rest of her life trying to stop the holiday she started. 

You can read more about the history at Good Housekeeping. 

Here’s what I’m covering today:

🌸 Top events for your calendar

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Not every mom wants to go to brunch on Mother’s Day. It’s a lot of food, a lot of money. If you’re looking to spoil your mom on a budget, try one of these places. 

April 29 marked 100 days since Trump took office. If you could describe it in a word or short sentence, what would you say?

Just days after National College Admission Day, when students across the country formally commit to their future universities, New Hampshire College Democrats have sharply criticized the Republican-led 2026  state budget proposal for cutting funding to public higher education, potentially triggering the steepest tuition increase in over a decade.

👉  Remains found in Concord shed identified as missing sex offender
Skeletal remains found in a Concord shed in April have been identified as 59-year-old Michael Schilz. Schilz was a registered sex offender who had been on parole and was listed as a fugitive in 2023. He had not been seen in two years. The cause of death is still under investigation. (WMUR)

👉 Dartmouth study finds plummeting confidence in American democracy after Trump’s first 100 days
As President Trump ends his first 100 days back in office—marked by deportations, political retribution, and federal cuts—concerns about US democracy have reached a seven-year high among experts and the public (NH Bulletin)

👉 New Hampshire is first state to allow cryptocurrency reserve
New Hampshire became the first US state to allow government investment in cryptocurrencies after Gov. Kelly Ayotte signed HB 302 on Tuesday, permitting up to 5% of public funds to be invested in precious metals and digital assets that have a market cap over $500 billion. (CoinDesk)

🥑 Manchester Vegan Chef Challenge
Manchester, May 1-30
Local spots are serving exclusive plant-based dishes all month long. Try them, vote for your faves, and tag @VeganChefChallengeNortheast with your foodie pics.
More info

🌻 Fuller Gardens Annual Mother’s Day Weekend Plant Sale
North Hampton, May 9-11
Browse hundreds of hardy perennials, rose bushes, and herbs at this all-ages annual event—rain or shine, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily!
More info 

👑 NH Renaissance Faire
Fremont, May 10, 11 & 17,18
A family-friendly, educational, and fantastical event blending history and imagination—from knights to fairies.
More info

🚚 Great Bay Food Truck Festival
Stratham, May 10
 This ticketed event features an array of food trucks and cuisines — plus, there’s a beer garden.
More info 

🌱 NH Day
Holderness, May 10
Learn about native New Hampshire wildlife with up close animal presentations.
More info 

🌸 Springfest: A Celebration of Gardens & Baby Animals
Portsmouth, May 10
Meet baby animals and their moms while learning how they’ve shaped farming in New England. Explore the bond between animals, plants, and people—then enjoy live demos like oxen at work, sheep shearing, sheepdog trials, and honey extraction. Families can dig into hands-on fun like gardening and seed-saving.
More info   

🗣️Granite State Democracy Tour
Various, May 10 
Expert talks on elections, voting laws, and misinformation; a hand-knitted State House; craft activities; children’s book readings; and conversations with local civics groups—all with refreshments included.
More info 

🌼 Spring Fling Pottery Sale
Dover, May 10
This event features handmade, one-of-a-kind cold drink tumblers and more.
More info 

🐑 NH Sheep and Wool Festival
Derry, May 10, 11 
A family-friendly event celebrating shepherding and fiber arts with educational activities and a variety of vendors.
More info 

🧵 Mother’s Day Craft Festival
Hampton Falls, May 10, 11 
From stunning photography to handcrafted jewelry, this event features unique, American-made works from over 75 juried artisans across New England.
More info 

☕️ Cars and Coffee on Capitol 
Concord, May 11
All makes and models welcome to this free event. 
More info 

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