Blindfolded Boat Race 2026

Coffee & Conversation

Join us in the NEW Avenue A space with other older adults for coffee, tea, treats, and friendly conversation. Everyone is welcome—come to connect, relax, and enjoy time together.

You’re invited to a FREE Pancake Supper for Seniors — cooked and served with care by Avenue A teens!
Enjoy a stack of pancakes, friendly faces, and a welcoming eveningfilled with good food and great company.

Pull up a chair, bring a friend, and let us serve you a delicious night out!

Join your neighbors this month for a cookout sponsored by the Brown-Knight Memorial VFW Post 8268! On the menu are burgers, hot dogs, chips and drinks. Guests are invited to bring a chair to sit outdoors. Indoor seating will also be available.

Monthly Gathering for Aging Adults: Whatever you consider yourself to be… Senior, Aging or Older Adult, Retired person? We welcome you to join us for a gathering each month for refreshments, to socialize, learn about resources, and have fun! Meets on the last Tuesday of the month at our Avenue A Teen Center.

For our June 30 meeting, New Futures, a statewide advocacy organization, will join us to talk about current legislation and what to look for as Mid-Term elections approach. We will end the morning with lunch and conversation. Call to register.

Families with children in 4th grade and under are welcome to shop for free clothing. We also have maternity clothes and footwear. 

If you have gently used clothing to contribute please contact Teresa, teresab@grapevinenh.org or call 603.588.2620

We’ll also have an extra time on August 11th from 9-Noon, specifically for families with elementary-aged children and younger to shop for the remaining items.

Register for the 2026 Blindfolded Boat Race HERE!

How the race works:

Our fourth annual kick-off to summer is coming up at Norway Pond in Hancock!

Teams: Each team must have two people (but not more than two!) – The person in the front of the canoe gets the paddle and is blindfolded. At the back of the canoe the navigator yells directions to the paddler (the navigator doesn’t get a paddle). Remember: Costumes and canoe decorations are HIGHLY encouraged!

Canoes: Teams are responsible for bringing their own canoe.

Divisions: Our race has two divisions:

• Community Division: This division is for individuals, friends, and families. Each team must raise $150 (or more!) to compete in the race.

• Business/Organization Division: This division is for teams who are racing to represent a group, organization, or business. Each team must raise $300 (or more!) to compete in the race.

All donations support Avenue A’s NH Gives Campaign –this fundraiser makes our programs for local youth possible!

Race Day Schedule:

• Teams will be sent a map of the race course prior to Race Day.
• The course will be about a 10 minute paddle (or less if you’re fast!).
• Boater check-in happens from 5-6pm on Race Day.
• Teams must submit their pledge sheet at check-in to compete.
• When you check in for the race, you will be assigned a bib number and a heat.
• The winning team from each heat will compete in a final “paddle-off” race at the end of the evening!

Prizes will be awarded in each Division for the following categories:

• Fastest Time
• Team that gets the most people to donate in support of them
• Highest dollar amount raised
• Best Costume/Boat Décor!

There will also be prizes for the “Paddle-Off Winner” and the fastest “Youth Paddler” (the fastest paddler age 16 or younger)!