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We love just about everything about the winter season, we have to admit. We're big fans of the jolly spirit, occasional snowfall, and colder temperature, but without a doubt, our favorite thing about winter is ice skating. Since we live in a warmer climate, it's not all that often we get to ice skate. Luckily, Manchester NH and the surrounding area provides us with plenty of options for where to ice skate. If you're looking for the perfect skating rink in the Manchester NH area, keep reading! more You might also be interested in: What's going on in Portsmouth this holiday season? Ice skating rinks near Manchester NH West Side Ice Arena Where: 1 Electric Street, Manchester NH West Side Ice Arena has been open since the mid-70's, providing Manchester locals with hours of fun and entertainment on the ice. The rink has plenty of room throughout, with vending machines and changing rooms being offered to patrons to use as well as the actual ice rink. We recommend bringing your own skates if you're heading out to the West Side Ice Arena! JFK Ice Rink Where: 303 Beech Street, Manchester NH The JFK Ice Rink is located inside the JFK Memorial Coliseum on Beech Street and is open now through March. The rink has public skating every Tuesday and Thursday morning as well as Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Concessions, changing rooms, and skate rentals are offered as well. For more information about JFK Ice Rink, click here. Tri-Town Ice Arena Where: 311 W River Road, Hooksett NH Whether you're looking to ice skate at your own pace, competitively play hockey, or learn how to do either one, the Tri-Town Ice Arena has you covered. With hockey and skating lessons, hockey leagues, and open skate, we're sure you'll find an activity to match your skills. If you're looking for open skate times or more information, click here. Read more community posts! Know of any other ice skating rinks in the greater Manchester NH area? If so, please let us know all about the rink in the comments below! Simply tell us the ice rink's name and location, and we'll add it to our list! And from our entire team here at Seacoast Mazda, we hope you have a great holiday season!

Fall is just around the corner, and one of our favorite activities to do with the whole family is to head out to local pumpkin patches. We are searching for the perfect pumpkin to win our carving competition this year, and there are a variety of local pumpkin patches near Portsmouth NH that we'll be able to find that perfectly shaped pumpkin! Keep reading to view a few of our top picks for 2017! more You might also be interested in: New car specials in Portsmouth NH Where to pick pumpkins near Portsmouth NH Applecrest Farm Orchards Address: 133 Exeter Rd. Where: Hampton Falls NH Distance from Portsmouth: 15 miles Applecrest Farm Orchards has a variety of pick-your-own pumpkins, so whether you need mini pumpkins, sugar pumpkins, or traditional jack-o-lanterns, Applecrest has what you're searching for. For more information about Applecrest Farm Orchards, click here. Charmingfare Farm Address: 774 High St. Where: Candia, NH Distance for Portsmouth: 38 miles Charmingfare Farm's Pumpkin Fest is right around the corner, running Sept. 1, Oct. 1, 7, 8, and 9. Attendees will be able to pick and decorate a pumpkin, take a tractor train ride, travel in a horse-drawn carriage, or get lost in a corn maze. Click here for more information! J and F Farms Address: 124 Chester Rd. Where: Derry, NH Distance from Portsmouth: 42 miles Even though Derry, NH is different than the Derry featured in the popular movie "It," you can still find a great pumpkin at J and F Farms in Derry! Plus, you won't be attacked by a clown while you're there. The farm allows you to pick your own pumpkin, and a corn maze is on site as well. Interested in learning more? Click here! Read more community posts! Know of any other pumpkin patches in the Portsmouth NH area? If so, please let us know the details of the patch in the comments below so we can add it to our list!

This year, Mazda is celebrating its 100 th anniversary. Unfortunately, circumstances in 2020 have not led to a very celebratory atmosphere. A global pandemic, massive business closures and layoffs, and political turmoil have all made for a difficult year for many people, and there isn’t a definite end in sight. Yet despite the hardships, there are many who have gone above and beyond what they need to do by supporting others and trying to help lift them up. Some have made masks for frontline workers. Some have created free food distribution programs for their community. Some are going the extra mile in their jobs as nurses or teachers to support families. Mazda is using its anniversary as an opportunity to celebrate these “Mazda heroes” and to give back to them for all they do. It is hosting a contest to recognize the extraordinary people doing amazing work right now, and it will honor 50 of the nominees with a new Mazda MX-5 Miata 100 th Anniversary Special Edition. "We had hoped this time would be filled with moments of celebration and appreciation for our fans, employees and partners,” said Jeff Guyton, president of Mazda North American Operations. “But given the many tragic events of 2020, we decided to express, in another way, our brand's unique heritage of trying to make things better." The 100 th Anniversary Special Edition of the Mazda MX-5 Miata features a distinctive Snowflake White Pearl Mica paint job with a striking Red Nappa leather interior. It includes matching red accents that are inspired by the original R360 Coupe. Special badging is featured on the floor mats, headrests, front fenders, and the key fob. It’s a sporty and stylish vehicle with a special look for the momentous anniversary. It also offers the choice of a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission, as well as the choice of a soft top or an RF variant. For the contest, Mazda is looking to honor people who have performed selfless acts or made significant contributions to their community, as well as those who have taken a creative approach to the challenges posed by our current circumstances. You can nominate someone on the Mazda Heroes website now through Oct. 25. You’ll need to create a one-minute video explaining why the person you are nominating deserves to be honored, including how they have “selflessly uplifted the community.” You will also have to upload the video to YouTube. Mazda will select 50 winners to receive the special edition MX-5 Miata, and the winners will be announced on Dec. 2 – just in time for the winter holidays. If you are in love with the new Mazda MX-5 Miata, you don’t have to wait to be nominated or to win. You can treat yourself with the new Miata. Just visit Seacoast Mazda to take a test drive and learn more. Then spread the love by nominating someone you know who has done great things for the community. We’re all in this together, and we need to lift each other up.

The National Football Foundation and the College Hall of Fame present an award called the William V. Campbell Trophy. This is a prestigious award given to scholar athletes, and this year, Mazda is sponsoring and presenting the award. Learn more about this below. What is the William V. Campbell Trophy? The William V. Campbell Trophy was first awarded in 1990. This award was named for Bill Campbell who was a former football player and coach at Columbia University. This award is a sought-after trophy, and it is given to student athletes that meet the highest standards for performance on the field, academic excellence, and leadership in the community. Players that win this award are more than just great football players, they also have commitment to academics and the community. Who has won this award in the past? The William V. Campbell Trophy will be awarded for the 30th time this year, and Mazda is excited to be a part of the process. This is a prestigious award, and you may recognize some of the names of people who have won it in the past. Check out a few of the previous recipients below. Peyton Manning, 1997 – Many people recognize the Peyton Manning from his many years as an NFL quarterback. Before the NFL, Peyton Manning went to the University of Tennessee where he won the William V. Campbell Trophy in 1997. He is now a retired NFL player and philanthropist. Tim Tebow, 2009 – Tim Tebow is another recognizable name. Tebow played for the University of Florida where he won the Heisman Trophy as well as two National Championships. However, he is known for more than being a great player, which is why he won the Campbell award in 2009. He is now a non-profit chairman and a TV broadcaster. John Urschel, 2013 – In 2013, John Urschel won the Campbell Trophy. Urschel played at Penn State where he was a two-time All-Big Ten offensive lineman. While at Penn State, Urschel completed a bachelor’s a master’s degree in mathematics. He then went on to play with the Baltimore Ravens. After a couple of years, he enrolled in a full-time doctorate program at MIT. For the 2019 Campbell Trophy, finalists will be announced on October 30th, and the winner will be presented on December 10th at the 62nd NFF Annual Awards Dinner. Why is Mazda sponsoring this award? This year, Mazda is launching is Power of Potential Platform. This platform was developed so that Mazda can give back and honor individuals who are using their potential and helping others. Part of this platform for Mazda includes sponsoring the Campbell Trophy. “For three decades, the William V. Campbell Trophy® has recognized individuals who best reflect humility, dedication and inventive approaches to overcoming challenges. These individuals have a strong commitment to their teammates, academics and community,” said Dino Bernacchi, chief marketing officer for Mazda North American Operations. “Born out of Hiroshima, Japan, Mazda holds dear that same philosophy: pushing past boundaries, realizing potential and inspiring others to do the same.” Be sure to be on the lookout for the finalists and the winner of the William V. Campbell Trophy this year!

We've been anxiously awaiting this year's Super Bowl for weeks, and now that we know which teams will be competing for the Lombardi Trophy, it's time to officially start planning where we want to watch the big game. If you're anything like us, you like to head out with the masses and catch the Super Bowl at a local sports bar and grill. Interested in finding out where the best of the best are in Portsmouth? Read on and we'll fill you in on a few of our favorites! more You might also be interested in: Where to ice skate near Manchester NH Super Bowl LII parties in Portsmouth NH The Rusty Hammer Where: 49 Pleasant Street Arguably one of the most popular places in Portsmouth to watch sporting events, The Rusty Hammer has long since been known for its delicious food and athletic atmosphere. Grab a cold one while cheering for your favorite team and chow down on some traditional American finger foods! Paddy's American Grille Where: 27 International Drive With plenty of big-screen TVs and drinks to go around, Paddy's American Grille is a great place to take in the Super Bowl if you don't want to miss a minute of the action. Choose between plenty of handcrafted cocktails, draft beers, or imports and crafts while munching on the grille's delicious food options. MoJo's BBQ Grill & Tavern Where: 95 Brewery Lane If you're looking for a laid-back environment where you can watch Super Bowl LII, Mojo's might just be the perfect spot for you. As the largest sports bar in the Seacoast, offering plenty of gameday food and drink specials, Mojo's BBQ Grill & Tavern is hard to beat. Vehicle service coupons in Portsmouth NH Know of any other great sports bars and grilles to watch the Super Bowl at? If so, don't hesitate to give us the details in the comments below so we can add it to our list!

It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving is just around the corner, but the year is quickly coming to an end and we are more than excited to stuff our bellies with delicious food. If you don't have family in the area or simply don't feel like spending all day in a kitchen preparing the classic American Thanksgiving meal, you're in luck. The Manchester NH has a variety of restaurants that are open and serving dinner on Thanksgiving, so if you're interested in seeing some of our top picks, keep reading! more You might also be interested in: Vehicle service coupons Portsmouth NH Where to eat Thanksgiving dinner near Manchester NH Moe Joe's Family Restaurant Where: 2175 Candia Rd, Manchester Reservations: 603-668-0131 Moe Joe's Family Restaurant will again be serving its popular Thanksgiving dinner, with the menu including fan favorites like turkey, prime rib, steak tips, ham, seafood, and homemade soups and desserts. For more information, click here. The Derryfield Restaurant Where: 625 Mammoth Rd, Manchester Reservations: 603-623-2880 Looking for a classic American Thanksgiving dinner? If so, The Derryfield Restaurant has you covered. The restaurant's Thanksgiving menu includes a full turkey, potatoes, stuffing, gravy, squash, mixed veggies, salad, and dinner rolls! To learn more, click here. Fratello's Where: 155 Dow Street, Manchester Reservations: 603-641-6776 Fratello's is offering two different seating times for those looking for an upscale Thanksgiving dinner. Diners can choose between a noon lunch or 3 p.m. dinner, with menu options including turkey, salad, prime rib, gravy, potatoes and fresh desserts. To view the menu, click here. Read more community posts! Know of any other local restaurants that are open and serving dinner on Thanksgiving 2017? If so, please let us know the details in the comments below so we can add it to our list! And from our entire team here at Seacoast Mazda, we hope you all have a great Thanksgiving!

It's hard to believe, but Halloween is right around the corner. We're sure you're already well underway with planning your kids' costumes for the candy-filled night, but when will you be able to trick-or-treat in Portsmouth NH in 2017? Read on to find out! more You might also be interested in: Pumpkin patches near Portsmouth NH When to trick-or-treat in Portsmouth NH in 2017 Portsmouth NH When: October 30, 2017 Time: 5-8 pm Portsmouth will be hosting its trick-or-treating event on Monday, October 30 from 5-8 p.m. Dress the littles up in their very finest costumes and collect all the candy they can! The Portsmouth Halloween Parade will take place the following evening, on Halloween, which is also open to all community members. Those interested in marching in the parade are invited to meet at Peirce Island by Prescott Park at 6 pm, and the parade will begin at 7. /bscolumns] Read more community posts! Trick-or-treating safety tips Whether you're sending your mini-me's out to trick-or-treat on their own or you are a local homeowner, there are a few safety tips you'll want to follow to ensure safety for all trick-or-treaters. Parents Set a curfew for your children to return to your house Have your child trick-or-treat in a group Send a flashlight with the kids so drivers can easily see them Check candy for tampering before allowing kids to eat it Remind kids to stay on the road...don't take shortcuts through alleys or backyards Tell kids not to enter anyone's home and stay on the front porch Community members Turn on porch lights if you are interested in handing out candy Report any suspicious activity to the police department immediately Exercise extreme caution when driving, especially when backing out of driveways Try to keep dogs away from your front door to avoid scaring approaching children Know of any other local trick-or-treat events where we can take our kiddos to collect some candy? If so, let us know the details of the event in the comments below so we can add it to our list! And from our whole team here at Seacoast Mazda, we hope you have a happy Halloween!

Signifying the end of Summer, Labor Day is the perfect opportunity to get out and enjoy the warmer weather over a long holiday weekend. If you are looking for something to do, here are some of the events happening during Labor Day weekend 2017 near Portsmouth, NH. more You may also like: What's happening at the 2017 Hopkinton State Fair? Portsmouth Farmers Market The Portsmouth Farmers Market takes place every Saturday between May and November from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Residents and visitors can come out to the parking lot outside Portsmouth City Hall to take their pick of fresh produce, meat, cheese, eggs, and much more. Learn more. Exeter UFO Festival Each year, the Exeter Area Kiwanis Club puts on the Exeter UFO Festival during the Saturday and Sunday of Labor Day weekend. This year's festival is happening on September 2 and 3 at Exeter Town Hall. The lectures will take place inside Town Hall with activities being held outside as well as at Town House Common Park. Meant for both believers and skeptics, the UFO Festival celebrates a UFO sighting that occurred 52 years ago and features a variety of speakers, activities for the kids, and a trolley to the actual UFO site in Kensington. Learn more. Live Music near Portsmouth during Labor Day weekend In addition to all of the other events taking place Labor Day weekend, there are plenty of opportunities to catch some outstanding live music. Here are a few great options: Friday, September 1 at 7:30 p.m. - The Freight Hoppers at the Dance Hall in Kittery, ME Saturday, September 2 at 7:00 p.m. - Ballroom Thieves at Prescott Park in Portsmouth Saturday, September 2 at 8:00 p.m. - Moonshine Rhythm Club at the Dance Hall in Kittery, ME Sunday, September 3 at 7:00 p.m. - Galactic at Prescott Park in Portsmouth

Tis the season for county and state fairs across New Hampshire and the rest of the U.S. Coming up on Labor Day weekend, September 1 through September 4, is the Hopkinton State Fair. If you are curious about the events and activities taking place at the annual Hopkinton festival, here's what you need to know. more What: Hopkinton State Fair When: Labor Day weekend, September 1-4, 2017, Friday-Sunday 8am-11pm, Monday 8am-7pm Where: Hopkinton State Fairgrounds in Contoocook, NH Ticket Information If you are interested in attending the Hopkinton State Fair, you can choose between either a 4-day pass or a 1-day pass. 4-day passes: Ages 13-59: $29 Ages 60+: $22 Ages 3-12: $19 Ages 2 and under: Free Day passes: Ages 13-59: $12 Ages 60+: $10 Ages 3-12: $8 Ages 2 and under: Free Military w/ID: Free Certain grandstand events, such as the Demolition Derby on Saturday and Sunday and Recycled Percussion on Monday, require an additional ticket. Buy tickets. You may be interested in: 4 Tips to improve your fuel economy Live Entertainment Throughout the entire weekend, the Hopkinton State Fair features a wide variety of live entertainment, including: Director's Welcome Parade – daily at 11am Truck & Tractor Pull – Friday at 6pm DockDogs – daily New Hampshire Cowboy Mounted Shooting – Friday at 5pm The Impossible Hypnotist Show – daily at 3pm and 5pm AudioBody – Friday through Sunday at 7pm Vicki & Sticks – daily at 12pm and 2pm Paul Hubert – daily at 2pm and 4pm The April Cushman Band – Saturday at 7pm Club Soda – Sunday at 7pm Nicole Knox Murphy – daily at 11am Dan Morgan – daily at 3pm Midway If you enjoy roller coasters and other thrill rides, then be sure to check out Carnival Midway beginning at noon on Friday and 10pm Saturday through Monday. You can purchase 10 Midway ride tickets online or unlimited rides, either online or at the fair. Learn more. Fair Food In addition to all of the entertainment and activities, the Hopkinton State Fair is known for offering a wide selection of fair foods, such as cotton candy, fried dough, turkey legs, apple crisp with ice cream, bison burgers, giant doughnuts, and much more. Read more: 5 Tips for taking care of your tires

Fourth of July 2017 is almost here, which means many of you are probably on the lookout for ways to celebrate. Here are some of the special July 4th holiday events taking place in Portsmouth, NH and the surrounding area. more You may be interested in: 5 Tips for taking care of your tires Fourth of July Weekend Potluck Dock Party On Saturday, July 1, 2017, Green Bay Marine is hosting a Fourth of July Weekend Potluck Dock Party. The event takes place from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and is free for all, as long as your bring your favorite dish to pass. Learn more. 15th Annual American Celebration The Strawberry Banke Museum's 15th Annual American Celebration is a three-day event that runs on July 1, 3, and 4 and features a variety of events and activities. On Saturday, July 1, 2017, attendees can enjoy American Lives: Timeline of Living History, which includes historic interactions and interpretations throughout the entire day. A 1940s Style Swing Dance is taking place on Monday, July 3, 2017 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. with music from the Beantown Swing Orchestra. On Tuesday, July 4, 2017, BAE Systems is sponsoring a variety of events, such as a naturalization ceremony, an old-fashioned field day, a holiday parade, and more, throughout the entire day. Learn more. Portsmouth Fireworks The annual Portsmouth Fireworks are happening on Monday, July 3, 2017 at the South Mill Pond across from Portsmouth City Hall. The fireworks display is scheduled to begin at 9:15 p.m. In case of rain or other inclement weather, the alternative date is Wednesday, July 5 at the same time. Learn more. Rye Fireworks The Rye Fireworks are taking place on Tuesday, July 4, 2017 at Parsons Field. Music starts at 7:00 p.m. with the fireworks display projected to begin at dusk.

On Memorial Day, we honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Here are some of the events happening near Portsmouth, NH that give you the opportunity to do just that. more You may also like: What to do on a rainy day in Portsmouth 20th Annual Runner’s Alley/Redhook Memorial 5K Road Race This year’s Runner’s Alley/Redhook Memorial 5K Road Race is taking place on Sunday, May 28 beginning at 11:00 a.m. at Redhook Brewery. To participate in the race, adults can register from now until race day for $35. All proceeds from the race are donated to Krempels Center on Community Campus. A Kids Fun Run is being held before the race at 10:15 am and costs $5 per child. Learn more. Memorial Day Fireworks Display | Hampton, NH On Sunday, May 29, 2017, there will be a special fireworks display on Hampton Beach in honor of Memorial Day. The display is set to begin at 9:30 p.m. on the beach at the end of B and C Streets. Learn more. 70th Annual Memorial Day Parade | Durham, NH Durham’s 70th Annual Memorial Day Parade is happening on Monday, May 29, 2017 beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Mill Pond Road. The parade continues toward Main Street and ends in front of Memorial Park. Memorial Day Parade | Exeter, NH The Exeter Memorial Day Parade is taking place at 10:30 a.m. beginning at Swasey Park. The route winds along Front Street and ends at Gale Park, where there will be a special flag ceremony with guest speakers. Memorial Day Celebration at Stratham Hill Park On Monday, May 29, 2017, the Town of Stratham is hosting a special Memorial Day Celebration at Stratham Hill Park beginning at 12:00 p.m. Learn more.

Why celebrate just one day with your amazing mother when there are so many days worth of family-friendly activities near Portsmouth? Here at Seacoast Mazda we’ve gathered a list of things for your whole family to enjoy this Mother’s Day. If your mother needs a new car, be sure to take a look at our inventory to find the perfect one for her. View Our Inventory Here more Floral Design Class Thursday, May 11th. This Mother’s Day, be sure to treat your Mom to a floral design class by Petal Pushers of Pelham located in Haverhill, MA. Create a one-of-a-kind floral arrangement that any Mom would be proud to display in her home. Jenn and Diane will be sharing their knowledge and expertise in floral designing to ensure that everybody creates the look they were going for. The class starts at 6:00 PM and ends at * with tickets at $45 each. Be sure to get them today and tell your Mom to cancel her plans on the 11th. She won’t regret it! Mother’s Day Brunch Sunday, May 14th. Willowdale Estate in Topsfield, MA is hosting a morning full of music and memories at their historic estate. Starting at 10 AM and going until 1 PM, celebrate the amazing women in your life with Willowdale’s Salad Station, Southern Station, Frittata Station, Crepe Station and Donut Station. To go along with their non-alcoholic drinks, there will also be a Bloody Mary Bar, and Beer and Wine at a cash bar that accepts cash or credit payments. For adults, the price is $45 per person, with children under 12 eating at $15. Learn more and reserve your family’s tickets here. Moms in Focus Any family who is attending the Mother’s Day Brunch at the Stevens Coolidge Place Sunday, May 14th will receive a 5-10 minute session with either Amy Buelow or Kristen Tortora depending on who is available. The focus of this session will be on mom and her children. Because of time restraints and other restrictions, please have no more than 6 people per picture. Mom will receive one free digital file that can be printed to an 8X10, and additional prints will be available to purchase. Get SpOiled Saturday, May 6th. For only $10 treat yourself and learn all the healthy ways to get spoiled using natural, therapeutic grade essential oils from Young Living. Located at 1000 Perimeter Rd in Manchester, NH, Moms, daughters, sisters, Grandmas, and even Moms with fur-babies are welcome starting at Noon and going until 4. Reserve your tickets here before May 4th and bring a friend for free.