“Don’t let those rejections define who you are and make you lose faith in yourself. That ‘no’ can be a magical guardrail pointing you to a yes you hadn’t even thought of.” — Rachel Dratch speaking to Dartmouth College grads via Valley News. 

Here are some things to know this morning:

Here’s what else is inside today’s newsletter:

📸 Moose hangs out in the woods

📰 What we’re reading, news from around the state

🤎 Juneteenth events in New Hampshire that honor Black history and culture

📢 Question of the week: What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of New Hampshire?

🗓 Top events for your calendar

(Courtesy of Denise Veau)

Shoutout to Denise Veau, who spotted this moose camouflaged among the trees. If you didn’t know where to look, you’d probably walk right past it!

Have a great wildlife photo, scenic view, funny sign, or anything else worth sharing? Send it my way—it might end up in a future newsletter.

Related: Did you know moose are among the most dangerous animals in New Hampshire? 

🎰 New Hampshire’s growing embrace of gambling is bringing in record revenue—and raising concerns about addiction …

Lottery and gaming revenue now generate about $250 million annually for the state. But calls to the New Hampshire Council on Problem Gambling’s helpline have more than doubled over the past five years, with officials reporting more cases tied to casinos and online sports betting. New Hampshire Public Radio

👶 Up north, childcare providers say families face some of the state’s toughest challenges finding care …

Nearly half of New Hampshire children live in a childcare desert, but providers in the North Country face additional hurdles tied to geography, staffing shortages, and limited resources. Some communities have only a single childcare provider serving large areas. New Hampshire Bulletin

🌿 In Concord, Gov. Kelly Ayotte has vetoed a bipartisan bill aimed at expanding access to medical marijuana …

The measure would have allowed New Hampshire’s medical cannabis dispensaries to operate on-site greenhouses in an effort to increase supply and lower prices. Ayotte said she does not support expanding marijuana cultivation in the state and rejected the proposal. New Hampshire remains the only New England state without legal recreational marijuana. New Hampshire Bulletin

Portsmouth’s Juneteenth Celebration includes a cross-cultural commemorative event. (Dan Comly and the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire)

By Sam Cohen

✊ Juneteenth Freedom Walk
Portsmouth, June 19
Join a celebratory 0.8-mile walk led by The Leftist Marching Band to honor Juneteenth and the end of slavery in the United States. Participants are encouraged to bring signs, tambourines, and other festive items. The walk begins at 9:30 a.m.
More info

🥁 The Healing Rhythm of the Drums
Portsmouth, June 19
This sacred Juneteenth ceremony honors Native Americans, Africans and African Americans, immigrants, Latinos, and other marginalized communities through music, reflection, and remembrance. The event begins at 10 a.m.
More info

🌊 Juneteenth Celebration at Camp Hale
Sandwich, June 19
Celebrate Juneteenth along the shores of Squam Lake with food, community, and cultural programming. The free event runs from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., but organizers ask attendees to RSVP in advance.
More info

🎶 Juneteenth Celebration
Keene, June 19
This family-friendly celebration features live music from JohnLu Devo, Samir Evans, and Jazzlyn Mota, along with community activities honoring Black history and culture. Festivities begin at 5 p.m.
More info

🎉 Juneteenth New England

Nashua, June 20
Nashua’s third annual Juneteenth celebration will feature food, dancing, storytelling, and cultural programming highlighting Black joy, history, and traditions. The event runs from 1 to 5 p.m.
More info

📚 Stories of New Hampshire’s Black History
Portsmouth, June 21
Learn about five influential African Americans connected to New Hampshire history, including Harriet Wilson, Wentworth Cheswell, Prince Whipple, Richard Potter, and Ona Judge. This family-friendly educational event begins at 11 a.m.
More info

📖 Frederick Douglass Community Readings
Statewide, June 27
Communities across New Hampshire will gather to read and reflect on Frederick Douglass’ famous speech, “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?” Check local listings to find a reading near you.
More info

🚌 Reclaiming History, Declaring Dignity Bus Tour
Portsmouth and Exeter, June 28
This guided bus tour explores sites connected to Black history in New Hampshire and the Seacoast region. The tour runs from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and costs $55 per person. Advance registration is required.
More info

🏛️ Interactive Living History & Exhibit
Exeter, June 28
Explore exhibits highlighting the experiences and contributions of Black Americans through an interactive history program beginning at 1 p.m. Admission is free.
More info

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New Hampshire means something different to everyone. For some, it’s mountain views. For others, it’s lake days, town traditions, and landmarks.

So this week’s question is:

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of New Hampshire?

(Google My Maps)

🏍️ Laconia Motorcycle Week
Laconia, June 17–21
The world’s longest-running motorcycle rally returns with group rides, bike shows, races, live entertainment, vendors, and motorcycle-themed events throughout the Lakes Region.
More info

🌿 Rare and Unusual Plant and Sculpture Sale
Lee, June 20
Browse specialty growers from across New England offering rare plants, native species, shrubs, specimen trees, bonsai, and garden art. Admission to the sale is included with garden admission.
More info

🎶 3rd Annual Pig Roast Music Festival
Milford, June 20 
This community festival features a pig roast, local bands, family activities, and food. Tickets are $25.
More info

😂 Ranting Parents Comedy Tour
Rangeley, Maine, June 20 
Three veteran New England comedians share stand-up routines and parenting stories in an adults-only comedy show. Tickets are $25.
More info

🎼 Song of Democracy
Concord, June 20 
The New Hampshire Master Chorale presents a concert exploring themes of democracy, immigration, civil rights, and community in honor of America’s 250th anniversary.
More info

🚜 Father’s Day at Charmingfare Farm
Candia, June 21 
Spend Father’s Day with farm animals, pony rides, horse-drawn wagon rides, tractor train rides, outdoor games, and family activities. Dads attending with children can receive free admission with advance registration.
More info

🐃 Open Farm Day Jubilee
Berwick, Maine, June 21
This family-friendly farm festival features live music, local food vendors, artisan booths, face painting, bounce houses, puppet shows, farm animals, and games. Admission is $20 per car.
More info

🎉 Brookline, Wines, Hops & Pig Roast: A Father’s Day Celebration
Brookline, June 21
Celebrate Father’s Day with a whole hog roast from The Pig Kahuna, wine samples, local craft beer, lawn games, and live music by Rust & Pine. Tickets required.
More info

🎸 Chaparelle River House Concert Series
Portsmouth, June 22 
Alt-country duo Chaparelle brings its blend of classic country and modern Americana to Prescott Park as part of the River House Concert Series. Recommended donation; no reservations required.
More info

🎮 Kick Off to Summer: Sensory-Friendly Party
Manchester, June 22
This inclusive event features reduced lighting and sound levels, a chill zone, sensory-friendly food options, and unlimited video game play. Tickets required.
More info

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Katy Savage with a story from Sam Cohen. It was edited by Crystal Niforos.

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