Back to Our Roots: Tradition and the Strength of Local Life

‘Karen and Jay share thoughts on the enduring value of local traditions.’

There are certain traditions in every community that make up the fabric of local life. They are the types of things that may be easy to take for granted. But as you experience them time after time, they become woven into the fabric of the community and give you a special feeling of comfort. Whether it’s community supper that comes around each year at the same time – or it’s the local farmer’s market that gathers every weekend – or the family businesses along the main street that get handed down from generation to generation, these are the things that give life and vitality – as well as a reassuring familiarity to the communities we call home. Here's one tradition that I really love - the Maple Sugar Festival, celebrated in many of our New Hampshire towns each spring, is a perfect example of a local tradition that creates lasting memories and bonds neighbors together. So many families visit local sugar shacks to watch the age-old process of boiling sap into syrup, sampling fresh maple treats and sharing stories over steaming cups of pancakes and coffee. This annual event not only honors the region’s natural bounty but also brings generations of families together to enjoy a simple pleasure unique to the area. Another tradition that shapes community life in here in the Granite State is the annual Old Home Day. In towns like Exeter and Hancock, residents and those who have moved away return to celebrate their roots. The festivities often include parades, music, roadside stands with homemade pies, and fireworks, all set against the backdrop of picturesque village greens. These homecomings rekindle old friendships and reinforce that deep sense of belonging that only a small town can foster. Hancock’s event has also included a 5k road race, that I’ve participate in and has been a ton of fun. In the fall, it’s the excitement of agricultural fairs, like the Deerfield Fair, which dates back to the 19th century. Or how about the great Hopkinton Fair – with all the animal competitions and more. Local farmers exhibit their livestock, craftsmen display their handiwork, and families compete in pie-eating and tractor pull contests. These fairs are more than just entertainment—they are a way for the community – including young people - to showcase its hard work, heritage, and pride, passing down knowledge and traditions from one generation to the next. Even in the quieter, colder months, small towns in New Hampshire gather for traditions such as the Ice Harvest Festival at Squam Lake. Residents and visitors come together to watch giant blocks of ice cut from the frozen lake, just as they did a century ago. This hands-on experience connects people to the natural world and to each other, reminding everyone that the unique customs of a place help create its charm and resilience. In celebrating these traditions, we are reminded that the heart of any community lies in its people and their ability to come together—making small towns truly special places to call home.

Buddy Wood is a master of a fading art: hand-painted sign making. Once a common sight on every Main Street, traditional sign painting has been pushed aside by digital printing. Yet Buddy has kept the craft alive, combining old-school technique with a dedication to quality and artistry. His brush carries decades of discipline and pride. Recently, Buddy began mentoring his son, Mike Wood. What he teaches goes beyond brush strokes. He passes on the patience to get each letter just right, the resilience to start over when the paint does not flow, and the pride of seeing your work displayed on a local storefront. Together, father and son prove that tradition can live on when it is shared with care. Their work connects them to the community. A hand-painted sign is a story written on wood and paint, a marker of identity for small businesses that want something unique and human. The Woods keep alive a craft that once defined the look and feel of American streets. Mentorship has made their bond even stronger. By teaching his son, Buddy ensures that the skill will not vanish within one generation. Mike, in turn, brings fresh energy and a modern eye, blending tradition with contemporary style. Their collaboration is proof that crafts evolve while staying rooted. The Woods embody the spirit of local tradition. They remind us that some things are worth preserving not because they are old, but because they are meaningful. Their story shows how acts of care, mentorship, and dedication keep communities colorful.

Quote of the Week

“Traditions are the guideposts driven deep in our subconscious minds. The most powerful ones are those we can’t even describe, aren’t even aware of.” — Ellen Goodman

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