Arts and Recreation

Park Theatre Reveals Lineup For 2026 Shamrock Fest & St. Pat's Parade

Park Theatre again produces annual parade and Irish festival from March 12 - 17

Photo courtesy of The Park Theatre

JAFFREY, New Hampshire (February 18, 2026) The luck of the Irish once again comes to Jaffrey, New Hampshire with its annual salute of the green. The Park Theatre produces the 7th Annual St. Patrick's Parade and the 5th Annual Shamrock Fest, the festival of all things Irish, begins March 12 and ends on Tuesday, March 17.

The annual highlight is the parade, made all the more special this year because it will be the only St. Patrick's parade in the state due to the cancellation of the Manchester parade. This year the parade is on Sunday, March 15, starting at 2:00 p.m. with a weather date alternative of March 22.

The parade begins outside St. Patrick's Parish at 89 Main Street in Jaffrey. Thousands line up along Main Street (Route 124) to watch as the parade heads east and downtown past The Park Theatre. Returning participants include the nationally acclaimed New Hampshire Pipes and Drums, as well as, Hill's Bandwagon of Vermont, The Flying Irish Dancers, 1st NH Regiment Revolutions, 6th NH Regiment, Keene American Legion Band, master bagpiper Mark Polifrone, and many more.

The public is asked to join the parade as well. If you have an organization that would like to march, or if your business would like to enter a float, you can call the theatre to sign up (603) 532-8888.

The Shamrock Fest begins on Thursday, March 12 with the screening of Excalibur, the acclaimed 1981 action/adventure/fantasy film about King Arthur that was shot entirely in Ireland. It stars a who's who of award-winning Irish actors including Gabriel Byrne, Liam Neeson, and Ciarán Hinds. It has been completely restored with a 4K transfer. That same evening will be a screening of Riverdance 25, a spectacular filmed performance of Ireland's most treasured dance company.

The Boston based, and Irish rooted, comedian Jimmy Dunn gets the laughs started on Friday, March 13. Jimmy is not only known for his stand-up. He is a an actor who has co-starred in numerous television shows including Frasier and The McCarthys.

On Saturday, March 14, one of America's most revered contemporary Irish folk bands come to the Eppes stage at The Park. ISHNA has delighted audiences around the globe with their exhilarating instrumentals, and heart-tugging ballads.

Sunday is Parade Day with the local musical favorite The Grateful Dads, playing in The Park's Lounge starting at noon. They break to be in the parade, and they return to the theatre for Irish songs and more until 5:00 p.m.

Starting at noon, food will be available for sale at the concession stand and in the lobby. Items include hamburgers, hot dogs, and baked goods, plus hot chocolate, coffee/teas and lots of Guinness.

After the parade, at 3:00 p.m., a special screening of the classic Walt Disney children's film, Darby O'Gill and The Little People will take place on the big screen at the theatre. Tickets are $10 and $9 for 12 and younger.

Finally, on the actual St. Patrick's Day (Tue, Feb 17 at 7:00 p.m.), there will be a Limerick Slam at the theatre with a $150 cash prize for best original limerick. Participants need to send in their limerick ahead of the evening. Traditional limericks can and will be read as well, but only an original limerick wins the cash prize. Details and rules at theparktheatre.org/limerick-slam.

During the festival, Irish Whiskey sampling with solo and trio flights will be sold in the Lounge. (All alcoholic purchases require photo ID.)

Shamrock Fest's official media sponsor is radio station WKNE, part of Monadnock Media Group. The parade and festival has over two dozen sponsors from Jaffrey and the Monadnock Region. The list of sponsors can be found at shamrockfest.org.

A program guide for Shamrock Fest will be available during the week of March 2 at sponsor's businesses and other locations throughout the Monadnock Region.

Shamrock Fest and the Jaffrey St. Patrick's Parade are produced by The Park Theatre. The parade was co-founded by Kevin Hampsey and Jimmy Quinn. Kevin continues to produce the parade and Jimmy is the Grand Marshall Emeritus. Steve Jackson, CEO of The Park Theatre and Park volunteer, Diana Griffin, will host and announce the parade in front of the theatre on Main Street.

For tickets and information, go to theparktheatre.org or shamrockfest.org or call the box office (603) 532-8888.

The Park Theatre performing arts center is located at 19 Main Street in downtown Jaffrey, New Hampshire, just 90 minutes from Boston & 60 minutes from Worcester, MA.

Coming Up at Nova Arts in Keene

Saturday, Feb 21, Wolfman Jack Returns to Nova!

Wolfman Jack are musicians from the New England area performing the psychedelic and electrifying Live Dead to Europe 72' era of The Grateful Dead. A true dance band in the style of such legendary venues as The Fillmores, Carousel Ballroom, Avalon Ballroom, Winterland Arena and the Strand Lyceum. They recreate those vintage sets from when the Grateful Dead were first cutting their teeth as a live music act. Don't miss it!

Doors open at 7:00 p.m., and music begins at 7:30 p.m.

Access For All tickets available thanks to support from Savings Bank of Walpole. (Note: To purchase more than one Access For All ticket, each must be done in a separate transaction.)

Shows are all ages and seating is first come first served. Tickets and more info available at novaarts.org/events.

Nova Arts is located at 48 Emerald St, Keene, NH.

Regional News

Second Chance Urges Pet Owners to Take Action for Spay and Neuter Awareness Month

EAST BROOKFIELD, MA (February 18, 2026) - In recognition of Spay and Neuter Awareness Month, Second Chance Animal Services is highlighting the lifesaving impact of its spay and neuter program and encouraging pet owners to take this important step for their pets' health while helping prevent pet overpopulation in our communities.

Spaying and neutering offer important medical benefits that can help pets live longer, healthier lives. Spaying female pets eliminates the risk of life-threatening uterine infections and greatly reduces the chance of mammary cancer, especially when done early. Neutering male pets prevents testicular cancer and lowers the risk of prostate disease. In both dogs and cats, the surgery can reduce behaviors such as roaming, fighting, and marking, which in turn decreases the risk of injuries and exposure to disease. More than just population control, these procedures are a proactive investment in your pet's long-term health and well-being.

Second Chance began offering spay and neuter services in 2005 with a once-a-week clinic at its Adoption Center, helping approximately 2,000 pets in that first year. At the time, the team could accommodate about fifteen pets on a surgery day. Today, thanks to expanded facilities and a highly trained medical team, Second Chance can care for up to 40 pets in a single day while maintaining the highest standards of safety and quality.

In 2025 alone, Second Chance performed 8,747 spay and neuter surgeries for dogs and cats. Since launching the program in 2005, the organization has spayed and neutered more than 95,000 pets, preventing unplanned litters and reducing the strain on shelters and communities.

"A lot has changed over the years to get us to this many surgeries," said Sheryl Blancato, founder and CEO of Second Chance Animal Services. "Today, we have veterinarians trained in advanced techniques that allow us to perform a higher volume of surgeries in a single day without compromising care. These techniques reduce procedure time, which enhances safety by keeping pets under anesthesia for shorter periods. We have created a finely tuned process that allows us to offer affordable pricing while maintaining the highest standards of care. Our staff treats every patient like their own pet, and I am so proud of the work they do."

Spaying or neutering a pet is one of the most important decisions a pet owner can make. In addition to preventing unwanted litters, it reduces the number of homeless animals entering shelters and increases the chances that a pet can remain in a loving home.

Every February, Spay and Neuter Awareness Month serves as a reminder that preventing pet homelessness starts before a litter is born. By choosing to spay or neuter, pet owners play a direct role in creating healthier pets and stronger communities.

Low-cost spay and neuter services are offered at Second Chance veterinary hospitals in North Brookfield, Southbridge, Springfield, and Worcester. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit: https://www.secondchanceanimals.org/spay-neuter/.

Financial Focus®

Your credit score matters more than you may think

Your credit score can play a surprisingly big role in your financial life. From renting an apartment to getting a cellphone plan, your credit score can open doors or close them.

Your credit score predicts how likely you are to pay bills on time. Lenders, landlords and even some employers use this number to evaluate how responsible you appear to be. A higher score signals that you're reliable with money, which can lead to lower interest rates on loans, better insurance premiums and easier access to credit. Some service providers may even waive security deposits if you have a strong score.

The most common credit scoring system is the FICO score, ranging from 300 to 850. A score above 670 is considered good, while anything above 740 is very good and above 800 is exceptional. Most scoring models look at similar factors, with payment history the most important. Making payments on time accounts for 35% of your FICO score, so even one late payment can hurt you.

The second biggest factor is credit utilization, for 30% of your score. This measures how much credit you're using compared to your total available credit. Try to keep this below 30%. Other factors include the length of your credit history (15%), new credit applications (10%) and your mix of different credit types (10%).

It's much easier to maintain a good credit score than to rebuild one after it drops. A single missed payment can stay on your report for seven years, dragging down your score and making it harder to qualify for loans or favorable interest rates. Prevention is far simpler than repair.

If you're looking to improve your score, start with the basics. Pay all your bills on time by setting up automatic payments or reminders. Keep your credit card balances low and pay them off in full when possible. Avoid applying for new credit too often, as each application can temporarily lower your score.

A Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy filing can drop your FICO score up to 200 points. For unpaid taxes, the IRS can report tax liens to your credit report.

Those just starting to build credit might consider applying for a secured credit card or becoming an authorized user on a family member's account. Some services will even report your rent and utility payments to credit bureaus, helping you establish a positive history.

You can check your credit report for free once a year from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) through annualcreditreport.com, a site they jointly operate. Many banks also offer free credit monitoring. Review your reports regularly to catch errors and track your progress.

Taking control of your credit score is an investment in your financial future. If you need some guidance to help you build or maintain your credit score, a financial advisor can be a great resource. After all, the habits you establish today will make borrowing easier and less expensive tomorrow, giving you more flexibility to pursue your goals.

Gardening

Blackhawks Big Bluestem Adds Bold Color and Interest to the Landscape

Blackhawks big bluestem is low maintenance and combines nicely with other perennials.
Photo courtesy of www.MelindaMyers.com

by Melinda Myers
No matter your garden style you are likely to find a place for this year's Perennial Plant of the Year, Blackhawks big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii 'Blackhawks'). You'll enjoy the beauty it adds to your gardens and low maintenance it requires to thrive.

This cultivar of our native big bluestem provides vertical interest, motion and bold color to the landscape. Its leaves start out dark green and develop reddish-purple tips throughout the growing season. Flowers appear in August and by September the leaves and stems of the plant turn a deep purple hue.

Hardy in zones 3 to 9, it prefers full sun and adapts to a wide range of soil but may flop in fertile, moist conditions. Once established, it is drought tolerant. Make sure it receives needed moisture and proper care for the first two years while developing its robust, more drought-tolerant root system.

In addition to drought tolerance, Blackhawks big bluestem has no major pests or disease problems. Just cut it back to the ground in late winter before new growth begins. Its overall excellent performance made it one of the top-rated ornamental grasses in the Chicago Botanic Garden's Evaluation Study of Hardy Ornamental Grasses.

Big bluestem was the dominant grass of the prairies and largely responsible for the formation of prairie sod. This drought-tolerant grass is a host plant for many skippers and provides shelter and food for songbirds. It grows 5 to 8 feet tall and reseeds readily, making it hard for many home gardeners to include in their landscape.

It is smaller in size than the big bluestem species, just 5 feet tall and 24 inches wide, making it more suitable for home landscapes. Use it as a screen, backdrop in garden beds or as part of mixed borders. It combines nicely with other perennials, like Zagreb threadleaf coreopsis, calamint, liatris, Rudbeckia, sedum, asters and more.

Blackhawks big bluestem, like other Perennial Plants of the Year, was selected for its low maintenance, pest and disease resistance and ability to thrive in a wide range of climates. It joins past winners like little bluestem, butterfly weed, Millenium allium, American Goldrush Rudbeckia and Amsonia hubrichtii. These winners are selected by Perennial Plant Association members, which include hundreds of horticulture experts like landscapers, designers, professors, plant breeders, growers, retailers and public garden curators. You can find out more about this nonprofit program and past Perennial Plants of the Year at https://perennialplantoftheyear.com.

Look for opportunities to include this year's Perennial Plant of the Year in your gardens. You'll enjoy its beauty and the benefits it provides whether your gardens are informal, naturalistic or a cottage-style.

Melinda Myers has written over 20 gardening books, including The Midwest Gardener's Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses "How to Grow Anything" instant video series and the nationally-syndicated Melinda's Garden Moment radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and her website is www.MelindaMyers.com.