NEW HAMPSHIRE

Dover’s 4th of July Celebration will include two stages of entertainment, children’s amusements and activities, food vendors and an eight-pound hot dog eating contest. Information: www.cochechoartsfestival.org/?p=752. Entertainment includes:
Declaration of Independence by the Garrison Players (2 p.m.)
Tricky Dick’s Magic Show (3 p.m.)
Stars & Stripes performance by NorthEastern Ballet Theatre (3:30 p.m.)
Matt Randall’s Black Belt Academy (4 p.m.)
Mr. B’s Taekwon Do (5:30 p.m.) Dan Walker performing Americana roots rock (4:30 and 6 p.m.)
New Hampshire Army National Guard Army Band (6 p.m.)
Gazpacho 7:30 p.m., continuing throughout the fireworks
Fireworks 9:30 p.m.

Bring the family to the historic village of Franconia and experience an old time Fourth of July celebration. Watch the parade on Main Street, browse through the flea market tables, and compete in the famous Rubber Duck Race along the scenic Gale River. After a full day of activities, what better way to spend a balmy summer evening than listening to music outdoors, under the stars. To make the celebration complete, enjoy the magic of the fireworks display. The Old Home Day Celebration and Parade for the Towns of Franconia, Sugar Hill, and Easton are a long standing tradition that you won't want to miss. Day’s events include Fireman's Barbeque at Franconia Town Hall, Giant Duck Race on the Gale River, Old Home Day Parade on Main Street in Franconia, fireworks on the Dow Field. Information: http://franconianotch.org/things-to-do/special-events/old-home-day.aspx 603-823-8106

Milford Recreation Department present a family fun day at Keyes Memorial Park, including includes a patriotic bike parade, face painting, concessions, pool activities, field activities hosted by DJ Dave Alcox, bands, bonfire and fireworks. Concert by Rob Oxford, 8-9:30 p.m. Information: www.milfordrec.com

The 80-minute train ride along the Pemigewasset River starts at 7 p.m. and guests on the ride receive hot dogs, ice cream, soda, and party favors. Entertainment by Buddy the Clown. July 4th fireworks by the town of Lincoln-Woodstock at 9:30 p.m. may be seen after the train trip from the Hobo Railroad parking lot. Information: www.hoborr.com

Come up to the Murphy’s Dam (on Route 3) to enjoy a day of fun for the whole family. Browse the Flea Market, or bring your own table (no charge for sites). There will be plenty of food and vendors for everyone to enjoy. At the Lower Village Pond (within Pittsburg), let the kids (12 and under) enter the kids' fishing derby, pony rides for the kids, and ball games for all ages. At 6 p.m. settle down for a chicken barbeque and listen to music until the fireworks begin at dusk. Information: www.northcountrychamber.org.

Start your day right with a hardy pancake breakfast hosted by the Monadnock Congregational Church (7-10 a.m.) Next up: Kids' Fishing Derby a DeBlois pond, Trask Road (8 a.m.); parade at 11 a.m.; Kiwanis Chicken Barbecue on Colebrook Academy lawn at noon; fireworks at Ball Field at dusk, to end your day with a bang. Rain Date is July 5. Information: www.northcountrychamber.com

The community gathers for a traditional Fourth of July parade at 11 a.m. All are welcome to participate by joining spectators, walking in the parade, helping with a float, or entering a float in the parade. Family activities and free outdoor concerts supplement the day’s schedule, which culminates with fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Good viewing of fireworks form Town Square. Make sure you arrive early to get your glow sticks, beverage, and enjoy the free outdoor concert from 6:30 to 9:30 before the fireworks begin. Information: http://bit.ly/KEjiEE

This celebration includes homemade strawberry shortcake with farm grown strawberries, music and a reading of the Declaration of Independence along with croquet, living history tours of the Jones Farmhouse and visits with the farm animals. Information: www.farmmuseum.org

Visit The American Independence Museum on Independence Day to celebrate our nation’s 236th birthday. Take a tour, try our trivia contest, and enjoy some birthday cake. Special children’s craft available at no charge. Regular tour admission fees apply. Information: http://www.independencemuseum.org/default.asp

A real old-fashioned fabulous Fourth of July! Complete with children's bike & wagon parade, giant kite fly, potato sack races, kids liberty treasure hunt, garden crafts, live music, historic garden tours, costumed role-players, colonial hearth cooking, basket weaving, Island Pond Spinners, hand-thrown pottery, food, and fun for all. Information: http://bit.ly/KLdRRw

Recorded and live music at the Hampton Beach Sea Shell stage begins with the Continentals, noon to 1 p.m., followed by DJ Nick Diamond until 4 p.m. at about 9:30 p.m., watch a spectacular fireworks display shot from Hampton Beach over the ocean. Information: www.hamptonbeach.org

Lake Winnipesaukee on the Fourth of July is an exciting place. Small boats light up the lake while boaters wait for the fireworks. Join the M/S Mount Washington for a cruise with dinner and dancing and scout for fireworks around the lake. Information: www.cruiseNH.com