Summer has zoomed past, and we're about to enter the most colorful season of the year. There is no place more beautiful than the White Mountains of New Hampshire, when Mother Nature demonstrates her artistry in harvest hues. Remember, peak foliage comes at different times throughout the Valley. Look for significant color changes in Pinkham and Crawford notches as early as mid-September. In the southern parts of the Valley, including Tamworth, Eaton, Snowville, Madison and Chocoura, great fall foliage color can easily last until mid-October. The best time to come is early and late season, when you'll avoid the largest group of leaf peepers.

Most importantly, remember BOOK NOW OR FOREVER HOLD YOUR PEEP. The longer you wait to book lodging for your fall getaway, the smaller the selection of rooms you'll find, especially during holiday or Fryeburg Fair weekends. It's not too early to book reservations for fall foliage. For lodging, dining and recreation information, visit www.mtw ashingtonvalley.org and click on lodging, or call 800-DO-SEE-NH (800-367-3364) for a free Tips and Tours guide to the region.

In this issue
	NEWS FROM THE MOUNT OUT AND ABOUT FAMILY FUN

NEWS FROM THE MOUNT

Polar Express Tickets Available By Lottery The Polar Express departs each December from the center of North Conway Village headed for the North Pole. The train is full of children and adults, dressed in their pajamas, about to live the experience of the little boy in The Polar Express©, written by Chris Van Allsburg and published by the Houghton Mifflin Company. Because of extreme popularity, tickets for this performance are available, at this time, through a Mail-in Lottery System ONLY and must include a non-refundable $10 entry fee, which is tax deductible. All entries must be postmarked no later than Sept 30th and mailed to Polar Express, PO Box 400, Conway, NH 03818. Info: 603-447-3100 or www.polarexpress.org. Mud Football Returns Good Clean Fun in Knee- Deep Mud Mark your calendars for Sept 10-12, and plan to come to North Conway for a weekend of World Championships of Mud Football. Often called the cleanest sport played in knee deep mud, Mud Bowl will celebrate a theme of "It's A Muddy World After All" with internationally themed floats and costumes, when it splashes off at North Conway's world renowned Hog Coliseum. Now in its 28th year, the colorful 13-game, double elimination mud football extravaganza includes three days of exciting football action, culminating with the championship Sunday afternoon. The weekend of fun includes the 23rd annual Tournament of Mud Parade down North Conway's Main Street at 10:30am on Saturday, halftime events, cheerleader competitions, raffle prizes and much more. The family oriented event benefits local charities with more than $375, 000 having been raised over the years. Info: 603-447-6336 or www.mountainear.com.

OUT AND ABOUT

Mt. Washington Valley is going to the dogs Every September, Mt. Washington Valley organizations host two wonderful events for dog lovers. September 4-5, the 59th and 60th Carroll County Kennel Club Dog Show comes to Hussey Field on River Road in North Conway. With over 900 dogs entered both days, this is among the "top dog" events in New England. Prize-winning American Kennel Club (AKC) dogs will compete in both obedience trials and confirmation - judging how close the dog comes to the breed standard. A number of pet vendors will be on hand including a producer of holistic supplements for dogs. Food concessions for entered dogs and their families will also be available. Spectators are welcome, although only entered dogs are allowed on the show grounds. Coming to the show is a good way for a family to learn about particular breed of dog, and to see every breed in its glory. There is a $2.00 donation for admission. The Carroll County Kennel Club is celebrating their 50th anniversary this year. For more information on the event, call (603) 356-5143. Then, on Sept 18, Bark in the Park, Northern New England's largest pet expo returns to Schouler Park in North Conway, from 9am - 2:30pm. It's the highlight of the year for Fifi and Fido as the canine carnival comes to town. The day begins with the Annual Walk for the Animals, a fundraiser to benefit the Conway Area Humane Society, and continues with a carnival midway including costume contests, Simon Sez, Musical Sit and a parade of breeds. Bobo the Clown will be on hand to WOW the kids and kitties with magic tricks and balloon creations. The day will be topped off with the Parade of Breeds. The day isn't just fun and games, however, demonstrations of the State Police K-9 Unit as well as the Canine Good Citizen testing will also round out the day. A large exposition of pet suppliers will be on hand too. This is the ideal day in the park for pets and those who love them. Info: 603-447-5955 or www.conwayshelter.org.

FAMILY FUN

Ciderfest and Apple Pie Contest at White Mountain Cider Usher in the fall cider season at White Mountain Cider Company in Glen, NH at the annual free fall festival on September 28th 11am to 4pm. Enjoy cider making demonstrations, face painting and BoBo the Clown, along with live music. There'll be plenty of goodies to eat, as the Annual Pie Judging Contest is underway, cider donuts are served up, and corn - fire grilled and popped is available too. It's a cider barrel of fun for the whole family. Info: 603-383- 9061 or www.whitemountaincider.com .