As a parent, I want my children to inherit a vibrant community with real opportunities for work and play,” said Rachel P. from Nelson. “The only real way to do that is to invest in local businesses and people now so that the Monadnock Region is thriving when they are ready to work and live here on their own!”
This July, celebrate Independents Month with The Local Crowd (TLC) Monadnock -- a time to elevate the importance of independent and locally owned businesses (including all the owners and staff). One perfect way to celebrate is to take our Indie Challenge. Pledge to make all your purchases at locally owned businesses -- for one day, one week, or the entire month of July. You choose!
Sign on to the Indie Challenge today!
“As a Monadnock Region resident, I want to do my part to keep the area thriving,” said Indie Challenge-taker Lora T. from Peterborough.
In addition to the Indie Challenge, take a Staycation. Instead of traveling far from home to get away, vacation here and experience all the Monadnock Region has to offer. You’ll save money at the gas pumps and make new connections to nurture throughout the year. Keep reading for July Staycation ideas.
Where you spend your dollars matters -- your choices create a ripple effect that starts with you and extends out to our entire community and local economy. Choose an Indie Local (independent and locally owned business) and the positive ripple effects magnify.
When you spend your dollars at a locally owned and independent business, instead of a chain store or online giant, your dollars recirculate through our local economy 2-4 times more. As your dollars recirculate through our community, the money generates more local wealth.
Learn More
One lucky Indie Challenge-taker will win our Independents Month Staycation Giveaway. Our Staycation Giveaway includes a two-night stay for two at the Inn at East Hill Farm in Troy (includes six delicious home-cooked meals, activities, and use of their facilities); one $250 gift card from the Monadnock Food Co-op in Keene; two classes at Aloha Keene, a community center for healthy living in Keene with a regular schedule of yoga and more; one $50 gift card from The Toadstool Bookshops in Keene and Peterborough; one $20 gift certificate from Catbird Flower Farm in Keene (good for their roadside flower stand from May - September); and one $125 gift certificate from Healthy Home Habitats in Keene for a one-hour landscape & garden design consultation.
“A challenge like this makes me think more clearly about supporting local businesses,” said Indie Challenge-taker Sue L. from Keene. “Usually, I don't consider who I'm buying from, and a challenge like this makes me think twice about where I buy what I need.”
We’ll announce the winner in early August.
See All the Details!
Independents Month reminds us to recognize our locally owned and independent businesses for the community values they embody and their spirit of entrepreneurship. Also, we acknowledge all the ways they give back to our community with their time, talents, goods, and services, making us healthier and wealthier. Thank an independent business owner and their staff today!
“I have seen the value and care that locally owned businesses bring to their communities,” shared Nathan B. from Harrisville. “Our local businesses support important work that needs doing and help to provide valuable services and opportunities for our young people!”
Looking for some Staycation ideas? Here are a few events in July to add to your Staycation plans.
“Since 2012, I have been honored to be your ambassador for Find Waldo Local initiatives in over 520 cities across the US,” shared Waldo, the star of the Where’s Waldo book series. “More than 575 indie bookstores have participated, and more than 14,500 local merchants have been involved.” Get ready! Waldo begins hiding in Downtown Keene from July 1 to July 31. Pick up a passport at Toadstool Bookshop in Keene and start your search at twenty-five participating stores. Find Waldo (a six-inch version of him, that is!) at ten stores and get a coupon and a sticker. Find him at twenty stores and get entered into a raffle for Waldo books and other goodies supplied by participating stores. Save the date for a party at Toadstool Bookshop in Keene on Sunday, August 6 at 2 pm.
Learn More!
Wizarding Week returns July 26 – 30. What's Wizarding Week? Locally owned businesses in Downtown Keene host the fourth annual Wizarding Week -- bigger and better than ever! So much fun for all ages. “Where magic classes are real, menus are elaborate, and fun is never in short supply.”
Stay Tuned!
Paddle or meander with the Harris Center. Check out their events list and sign up for one (or more!) excursions this month: harriscenter.org/events. Stroll around downtown Keene’s public art murals painted in 2019 by The Walldogs -- a group of over 200 sign and mural artists from around the world. If you prefer a guided tour, register for the July 1 event at 10 am with the Historical Society of Cheshire County (tickets are $10 per person): hsccnh.org/event/walldogs-mural-tour-july-2023.
Traveling during Independents Month? Enjoy what locally owned businesses have to offer wherever you are. Ask locals where their favorite independents are and look for local economy networks at amiba.net/our-network. Think independently and act locally this Independents Month and beyond. Together, we’ll boost the positive ripple effects our community receives when we spend more of our dollars at locally owned, independent businesses.
The Local Crowd Monadnock - Keene, NH
