2021 Best of NH Party
Join us for an elegant, tented party, at one of our state’s most beautiful historic sites, to celebrate all the best the state has to offer — featuring great food, drink, art, culture, history, tours, and rollicking humor from some of NH’s funniest people. Admission to the party also includes a complimentary tour of Shaker Village before the event.
The event will benefit the NH Food Bank and will showcase offerings of such cultural pillars as the League of NH Craftsmen, NH Furniture Masters, NH Made and the NH Theatre Alliance. Artisans, artists and volunteers from Shaker Village will be exhibiting their skills while roving musicians provide atmosphere wherever you stroll on Shaker Village’s lush paths and trails.
This year’s event will be outdoors and follow state and CDC guidelines for safe, in-person events. Ticket sales are limited to just over 300.
Seating arrangements – This is an outdoor, seated event. Tables not restricted to single parties.
Dress code – Wondering what to wear? We suggest summer cocktail attire. The event takes place outdoors, on the lawn. High heels are not recommended. Instead, wear dress shoes, sandals, wedges or flats.
Menu – Prepared by caterer Julie DeStafano.
Click here to view dinner menu.
Donate to the New Hampshire Food Bank: Guests will have the opportunity to donate to the NH Food Bank during the registration process and while at the event. Attendees who make a donation when purchasing their ticket will be automatically entered into an exclusive drawing for one of many raffle items being given out at the event!
Party agenda:
Make a day of it, and feel free to arrive early to walk the grounds before the event gets underway!
Prior to event
Optional: 4:30 p.m. Tour Canterbury Shaker Village (45 min tour)
5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Event begins, cocktail hour with live music
6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Guests seated for dinner. Granite State Humor Summit with Rebecca Rule of Northwoods facing off against Fred Marple of Frost Heaves, NH.
7:30 – 8:00 p.m. Live music continues. Fee and the Evolutionists perform.
8:00 p.m. Conclusion
Party Entertainment
Rebecca Rule
Rebecca Rule, who lives in Northwood, has been collecting and telling stories of New Hampshire and New England for more than twenty-five years. Her latest book is That Reminds Me of a Funny Story: a Memoir, How-to and Compendium of Yankee Humor. Her short story collection The Best Revenge was named “Outstanding Work of Fiction” by the NH Writers Project and listed as one of five “Essential NH Books” by New Hampshire Magazine.
For ten years Rule hosted the NH Authors Series for NHPBS. Currently, she hosts Our Hometown, also on NHPBS.
Fred Marple
Fred Marple is the unofficial spokesman for Frost Heaves, NH; humorist, storyteller, and ne’er do well. Some say he is actually a fictional character portrayed by Peterborough humorist, storyteller and ne’er do well Ken Sheldon, but investigative research can only be conducted on the erratic schedule of the Frost Heaves Free Library and is so far inconclusive. Clues can be found by searching either’s name on Facebook.
Fee & The Evolutionists
When you think of the golden age of hip hop you think of conscious rhymes, good vibes and crowd participation. That’s what New Hampshire musicians Fee & the Evolutionists are all about, bringing together the familiar sounds of soul and classic hip hop with a fresh new approach.
Welcome to the Best of NH
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ce 2000, New Hampshire Magazine has polled and published the picks of its readers and editors in categories that range from best cupcakes to best martini to best antiques shop and everything in between.
Voting in these categories takes place each year, starting in mid-January. Our online-only ballot is the best way for readers and customers to recognize the best of the best that the Granite State has to offer.
Our annual Readers’ Poll and extensive list of Editor’s Picks all lead up to the state’s biggest celebration, The Best of NH Party, which is held annually each summer.
2021 Best of NH Ballot
The 2021 Best of NH Ballot is now closed.
Thank you to the 14,500 people who took the time to vote in this year’s ballot. You will find a complete list of Readers’ Poll and Editor’s Pick winners (along with contact info and descriptions) in the July issue of New Hampshire Magazine.
