WHAT WE DO
75+ Year Tamworth Tradition
SECOND SATURDAY DANCES
Tamworth is home to the second oldest continuously held dance in the State of New Hampshire. There is a rich tradition of dancing in our town, the result of many people working to keep the dances going over the years and to pass the joy of swinging and sashaying across a Tamworth dance floor along to future generations. Dances have been a valued community event here for years, hosted by the Tamworth Outing Club since 1937. Tamworth’s dances have a strong reputation throughout the region for welcoming participants of all ages and abilities, providing enjoyment and inclusion for both dancers and musicians. Come join us for a memorable evening on the dance floor!
HOW TO CELEBRATE YOUR TAMWORTH 4th of JULY
ORDINATION ROCK 5K FUN RUN
Tamworth’s Ordination Rock Run is a fun, family-oriented local Independence Day tradition. Highlighting Ordination Rock, the race commemorates the historical boulder that served as the site of Samuel Hidden’s ordination in 1792. The rock is a popular destination for visitors interested in the town’s history and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, serving as the focal point of this enjoyable, low-key running event.
Getting Spooky in “Downtown” Tamworth
HALLOWEEN IN THE VILLAGE
Each October, the Tamworth Outing Club (TOC) hosts Halloween celebrations in Tamworth Village, offering free activities for all ages. The festivities begin with a community pumpkin carving event on the lawn of the Tamworth History Center, featuring pumpkins donated by local farms and businesses. Accompanied by live music, participants transform pumpkins into creative jack-o-lanterns, which are later displayed along Main Street.
An Exciting New Tamworth Tradition
WINTERFEST
The Tamworth Outing Club, in partnership with the Chocorua Lake Conservancy (CLC), hosts the annual Winterfest at The Preserve in Chocorua. During the afternoon, activities include sledding, snowshoeing, snow sculpture building, exhibits of handmade snowshoes, trapping gear, dog sledding, and more. There is a bonfire, with treats and hot drinks, and winter storytelling by the fire. During the evening, Winterfest moves indoors for drinks, dinner, more storytelling, and a community dance for all ages. There is also a silent auction. All proceeds from Winterfest benefit the work of TOC and CLC. Outdoor activities are free or by-donation and no registration is required; evening activities in the barn are by pre-registration only. This popular event sells out early so keep an eye on local media or join the CLC’s email list for Winterfest updates.
Keeping Tamworth Well Fed!
SNACK TRAILER
The TOC is well known for providing wholesome, homemade food at local events, by donation, made entirely by volunteers. All proceeds go directly back to fund TOC programs.
Tamworth, Wonalancet & Ferncroft Area
WONALANCET TRAIL GROOMING
The Tamworth Outing Club grooms approximately 10km of cross-country ski trails in Wonalancet, in two locations. The larger network, a series of loop trails that ranges from easy to moderate, is accessed from the hiker parking lot off Ferncroft Road
Use of the trails is free, but the Outing Club gratefully welcomes donations to help defray the costs of trail grooming and maintaining the equipment.
A MUSHING GOOD TIME
SLED DOG FUN DAY
Sled dog racing has a long tradition in Tamworth. Arthur T. Walden, while living in Wonalancet, developed the iconic Chinook bred, founded the New England Sled Dog Club (NESDC) in 1924, and ran the first sled dog race in the area. In 1928, With conditions permitting, the TOC, in collaboration with the North Country Mushers (NCM) and NESDC, hosts Sled Dog Fun Day in and around the Wonalancet Intervale one day each winter. Mushers and skijorers from around the region compete in a variety of fun racing events throughout the day, with larger teams departing around 9 AM and other racing events proceeding until early afternoon.
Admission is free for spectators, who are welcome to watch the teams, talk to mushers, and see the action. The proceeds from our concession trailer with food, hot beverages, and race memorabilia all benefit the Tamworth Outing Club. With the mountains of the Sandwich Range as a backdrop, this is the most scenic sled dog event in the East.
A(nother) 75+ YEar TamWORTH TRADITION
JUNIOR SKI PROGRAM
Since the 1930s, the Tamworth Outing Club (TOC) has been dedicated to providing ski instruction to the children of Tamworth. Every Friday afternoon during the six-week winter season, students in grades one through eight are released from school to attend ski instruction.
Traditional CHristmas DECORATionS for all
TAMWORTH VILLAGE CHRISTMAS TREE
Each holiday season, members of the Tamworth Outing Club harvest a locally donated tree and set it up – complete with lights– on the Veterans’ Triangle at the entrance to Tamworth Village.
COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP
ADOPT-A-HIGHWAY
The Tamworth Outing Club participates in the State of New Hampshire’s “Clean & Scenic” program, collecting roadside trash each Spring and Fall along Route 113 between Tamworth and Chocorua villages. Volunteers are always welcome to assist! Just let us know via the contact us page that you would like to help.
Keeping Fit with Sports & Athletics
ADVANTAGE KIDS TENNIS & YOGA
The Tamworth Outing Club gives financial support to this program, which provides free instructional opportunities during the school year and through the summer to Tamworth children.
Love What We Do?
Volunteer!
You don’t have to live in Tamworth to join – but you do have to love it! All donations and volunteer offers accepted! Help support a great cause and preserve historic New Hampshire social and recreational traditions.