In The News...

Apply Now For Your Market Square Day 2008 Booth Space
and Register to Run the MSD 10K

PORTSMOUTH, NH. May 6, 2008. With the 2008 Market Square Day Festival & 10K taking place on June 14th, local businesses, craftspeople and non-profits are encouraged to get their applications for booth spaces in to Pro Portsmouth.

May 9^th represents the first deadline for the event; after the 9^th, applicants may incur a $50.00 late fee. To reserve a space and follow-up with paperwork, contact Barbara Massar at bmassar@proportsmouth.org or 610-5521.

Registration forms for the MSD 10K are available on the Pro Portsmouth website. Until June 11^th, fees for both online and paper registrations are $20.00; after June 11^th, the fee goes to $25.00. The MSD 10K is the third race in the Fourth Annual Seacoast Road Race Series.

Special Insurance for MSD Vendors:
As part of its continuing effort to encourage and include craftspeople and small businesses at Market Square Day, Pro Portsmouth will provide approved applicants with access to a special insurance policy for the event.

'Rising insurance costs have forced many of the very people who we want at Market Square Day to take a pass', says Executive Director Barbara Massar. 'With this new service, we can offer craftspeople and small, home based businesses, in particular, the option of reasonable rates for the festival'.

There was a time, as recently as 2001, that Festival organizers offered coverage to its participants. Rising rates forced the group to drop this feature and booth applicants obtained their own event policies.

For information regarding the Market Square Day booth application process go to www.proportsmouth.org Contact Barbara Massar at 610-5521 or bmassar@proportsmouth.org for specific details regarding the event insurance policy.

About Pro Portsmouth, Inc.

Pro Portsmouth, Inc. is a 501c (3) organization serving the Seacoast area. Its Mission is to promote the arts, culture, history and community of the region through such events as Children's Day, Market Square Day Festival & 10K Road Race, Summer in the Street and First Night® Portsmouth.

Pro Portsmouth Unveils the 2008 Children's Day Logo

PORTSMOUTH, NH. April 23, 2008. Pro Portsmouth and the Children's Day Committee held a Press Conference on Wednesday, April 23^rd to introduce the 2008 Children's Day logo artist and unveil this year's logo.

The Press Conference, which took place at the Flatbread Company, one of this year's Activity Hosts, introduced Charlie Sirmaian as the artist whose work was selected for the 2008 logo. Charlie, age 10,hales from the Port City. Her logo artwork will be featured on the Volunteer T-shirts, Children's Day Map and Poster and the Pro Portsmouth website.

In what has become a Children's Day tradition, we asked our community artists to design a logo for this family-friendly event. Charlie took us up on our theme of recycling and going green at our events - her logo drawing which depicts a girl asking the question: "Have you hugged your Mother Earth today?" along with the appeal to "recycle!" and "don't litter!" was our choice for 2008.

Children's Day will be the first Pro Portsmouth event where festival-goers will see both trash and recycling receptacles for the disposal and separation of recyclables. This program is done in partnership with the City of Portsmouth and will continue with the Market Square Day Festival and 10K Road Race in June.

The 18^th Annual Children's Day, which takes place on Sunday, May 4^th from Noon - 4:00pm, begins when friends from Character Island arrive in Portsmouth aboard the M/V Thomas Laighton at The Isles of Shoals Steamship Co. Activities abound from A to Z as all are invited to follow the Children's Day map which takes them all over Downtown where they can enjoy crafts, face painting and an ice cream sundae.

Entertainment takes place at the Block Party on Pleasant. This year's schedule of performers includes Dan Grady & his Marvelous Marionettes, Mary Kaye & Professor von Wienerschnitzel and the Seacoast Civic Dance Company.

Newman Communications returns as this year's Title Sponsor. The supporting and character sponsors represent a mix of old and new friends. Special thanks to all of the Sponsors, supporters and activity-hosts who help make this event a reality:

Title Sponsor:
Newman Communications

Volunteer Sponsor:
Exeter Hospital

Supporting Sponsors:
Fox Run Mall
Irving Oil
Tree House Toys
Ad Cetera Graphics
Bicycle Bob's
Flatbread Pizza
Infinite Imaging
Isles of Shoals Steamship Company
Ocean Bank
Seacoast Coca Cola
The Bay 96.7FM
Treehouse Toys

2008 Character List and Sponsors:
Bob the Builder                                   Ricci Lumber
Buzz Lightyear                                    Ocean Bank
Cookie Mouse                                     G. Willikers!
Dora the Explorer                                Dunkin Donuts - Woodbury Ave.
Eeyore                                                 Federal Savings Bank
Elmo                                                    Dos Amigos
Tigger                                                  Best Western Wynwood Hotel & Suites
Mr. Incredible                                       Bottomline Technologies
Nemo                                                  The Bay/WTSN
Winnie the Pooh                                 Alie Jewelers/The Works
Blues Clues                                        Stonewall Kitchen
Curious George                                  Treehouse Toys
Earnest the Eagle                               Federal Savings Bank

The Committee:

Bob Brenneman - G.Willikers!
Silke Psula - City of Portsmouth
Michael Richards - PPI Board of Directors
Airial Sillanpaa - Chrisrial & Co. Fine Jewelry
Kathleen Tutone - Treehouse Toys
Liz Rubin - Pro Portsmouth
Barbara Massar - Pro Portsmouth

Thanks go out to the City of Portsmouth, City Manager, John Bohenko and the various City Department heads for their support of Children's Day.

The Children's Day map is distributed to area schools and will be available at the event and on the Pro Portsmouth website www.proportsmouth.org .

About Pro Portsmouth:

Pro Portsmouth, Inc. is a 501c (3) organization serving the Seacoast area. Its Mission is to promote the arts, culture, history and community of the area through such events as Children's Day, Market Square Day, Summer in the Street, The Christmas Tree Lighting and First Night® Portsmouth. For more information on the group, including volunteer and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.proportsmouth.org

Pro Portsmouth, Inc. announces the Market Square Day 2008 Logo Contest

PORTSMOUTH, NH. April 2, 2008. The Seacoast's premier Downtown-festival organization, Pro Portsmouth will produce the 31^st Annual Market Square Day Festival and Road Race on Saturday, June 14^th. Once again, Pro Portsmouth hopes that the craftspeople, artists, musicians and other talented folk of the region take to the streets in June.

Each year we look to the artists of the Seacoast to create a logo for Market Square Day. Once again, this is our 'Call to Logo Artists' and your opportunity to create a logo that lives on for years - Market Square Day T-shirts, anyone?

For over three decades, Market Square Day has taken place in the heart of the City. Pro Portsmouth looks to the artists of the community to put their signature on the 2008 Logo design and message.

This year, in partnership with the City of Portsmouth, Pro Portsmouth will recycle throughout the festival footprint. It is the first step in the organization's attempt to produce more environmentally-friendly events. According to Executive Director, Barbara Massar, "Our own Volunteers have been asking for this type of initiative during events". Working with the City Manager, John P. Bohenko, City Staff and Silke Psula, Solid Waste Coordinator, Pro Portsmouth will now set out both trash and recycling containers at its events. So, that while themes that always (and still do) resonate for Pro Portsmouth are the four 'keys' of its Mission - Arts, Culture, History & Community - this year adding an environmental or 'green' message is appropriate. We ask that you incorporate the text 'Market Square Day 2008 - if possible - into your design.

Deadline for entries:
Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Send entries to:
Barbara Massar - Pro Portsmouth, Inc. - P.O. Box 967 - Portsmouth, NH 03802
(Phone: 610-5521, Email: bmassar@proportsmouth.org )

Or drop them off at Pro Portsmouth:
Offices located at 500 Market Street - in the Visitors' Center/Chamber of Commerce Building.

Image ideas/theme
·        Pro Portsmouth standards of "Arts, Culture, History, Community"
·        Environmental, ecological messages
·        Summer on the Seacoast
·        Downtown Portsmouth
·        Music, road race, craftspeople, etc.

Medium (the key is producing an image that we can scan into the computer; one dimensional; 8" x 12"):
·        Paintings (watercolor, etc.)
·        Drawings
·        Graphic design
OR, send a JPEG File

Prizes:
·        Artwork and artist are acknowledged at a Press Conference
·        The top three logos will receive a cash reward from Pro Portsmouth
·        The artwork is used on all Market Square Day merchandise and collateral that Pro Portsmouth produces for the 2008 event.

Individuals and businesses interested in Pro Portsmouth events can contact Barbara Massar at 610-5521 or bmassar@proportsmouth.org

Information regarding the MSD 10K Road Race, Booth/Vendor spaces, Volunteer opportunities and more can be found at www.proportsmouth.org

About Pro Portsmouth, Inc.

Pro Portsmouth Announces Children's Day Logo Contest

IMPORTANT! Logo deadline extended until Thursday, April 3rd.

PORTSMOUTH, NH, March 14, 2008. As an event in Portsmouth, Children's Day turns 18, but for those who enjoy the day - the young and the young at heart - well, who's counting! The festival, produced by Pro Portsmouth, will once again take place in Downtown Portsmouth on the first Sunday in May - this year we'll gather on May 4^th from noon to 4pm.

As is tradition, Pro Portsmouth invites our young artists to share their talent with us and participate in the Children's Day Logo Contest. The Logo will be seen on 20,000 maps, the event website, Children's Day T-shirts and all marketing collateral. Last year's logo was created by Kristal Kearsey of Portsmouth.

Here are a few guidelines for 2008:

Artists age 12 and under are eligible to submit drawings and designs
Please use a MAXIMUM of 3 colors
The image should be drawn and submitted on 8.5" x 11" paper
You can use colored paper, markers, crayons and colored pencils to create your design - the key: the image must be flat (so it can be scanned into a computer)
The deadline for submission is Tuesday, April 1^st!
This year's theme: As a result of Pro Portsmouth's initiative with the City of Portsmouth to recycle at our Downtown events, we're asking our young artists to focus on 'going green' - how we can take care of Mother Earth.
Get creative - your drawings should be festive, fun and recognizable.

Please submit your entries to: Pro Portsmouth, Inc.

P.O. Box 967

Portsmouth NH 03802

Attention: Barbara Massar

Those who want to get involved with Children's Day as Sponsors or Volunteers should contact Pro Portsmouth at 433-4398 or go to www.proportsmouth.org

About Pro Portsmouth, Inc.

Pro Portsmouth Sets Program for 2008
31^st Year Kicks Off With Children's Day

PORTSMOUTH, NH. - February 14, 2008 - Who says you can't trust anyone over thirty? Pro Portsmouth, the premier Downtown events organization in town announces its calendar for 2008 - the 31^st year of Community events in Downtown Portsmouth.

Last year, Pro Portsmouth - and Market Square Day - celebrated the 30^th anniversary of Market Square Day and the organization itself. The non-profit organization produces festivals and musical events throughout the year that draw thousands of friends, neighbors and visitors into 'the Square'. The 2008 Pro Portsmouth calendar kicks off with the 18^th Annual Children's Day (May 4^th), the 31^st Annual Market Square Day Festival & 10K Road Race (June 14^th), the 6^th Annual Summer in the Street Series (June - August) and First Night® Portsmouth 2009 (December 31^st). Pro Portsmouth is also a partner of the Seacoast Road Race Series.

Music and dance are at the cornerstone of all Pro Portsmouth events. To make the process for performers getting involved a bit easier, the organization has format for its 'Call to Artists'. Introduced in 2007, performers and musicians can complete and submit one application for any or all of Pro Portsmouth's 2008 events. The 'Call to Artists' application form is available online at www.proportsmouth.org

In recent years, approximately 125 Booth Applications have been accepted for inclusion in Market Square Day. A special emphasis is given to Downtown merchants and 'locals' with regard to planning the festival. Craftspeople, vendors, non-profits and area businesses will find the 2008 Market Square Day Booth Application on the Pro Portsmouth website.

Individuals and businesses interested in Sponsorship Opportunities for Pro Portsmouth events can contact Barbara Massar at 433-4398 or bmassar@proportsmouth.org

About Pro Portsmouth, Inc.

HOTELS HELP PRO PORTSMOUTH LIGHT UP THE SKIES ON FIRST NIGHT

Portsmouth Sheraton and Hilton Garden Inn provide funds for fireworks; rooms for fundraiser

PORTSMOUTH, N.H., November 29,, 2007 - Pro Portsmouth announced today that it has received contributions with a total value of $15,000 from two local hotels, the Sheraton Portsmouth Harborside and the Hilton Garden Inn Portsmouth Downtown to support Portsmouth First Night. The hotels has donated $5,000 each to pay for a New Years Eve fireworks display. Additionally, the hotels will also sponsor a community raffle with two prize winners that is expected to raise another $5,000 for First Night. The prize winners will receive First Night accommodations at the sponsoring hotels, First Night buttons, and breakfast on New Years Day.

The announcement of the hotels' contributions was made outside the historic North Church and was attended by Barbara Massar, Executive Director of Pro Portsmouth; Shari Young, Vice President and General Manager of the Sheraton Portsmouth Harborside; Shaun McEachern, General Manager of the Hilton Garden Inn Portsmouth Downtown; and Portsmouth Mayor Steve Marchand, who was on hand to buy the first raffle ticket.

"I was happy to buy the first ticket and support this cause," said Mayor Marchand, "The generosity of these two hotels is incredible and I hope that others in the community will follow suit and support the raffle. First Night is a signature day for our city and it works so well because of hard work of Pro Portsmouth and the generosity of businesses and individuals."

A total of 500 raffle tickets will be sold for $10 each with proceeds benefiting Pro Portsmouth. A drawing will take place on December 21, 2007 and the winners will be notified. Raffle tickets will be available at the Sheraton Portsmouth Harborside, 250 Market Street; the Hilton Garden Inn Portsmouth Downtown, 100 High Street; the Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce, 500 Market Street ; and Good Vibes, 16 Congress Street.

"The Sheraton Portsmouth has a long history of supporting Pro Portsmouth's First Night celebration and fireworks," said Shari Young, Vice President of the Sheraton Portsmouth Harborside Hotel. "We are especially excited about this year's collaboration and hope it will inspire other downtown businesses to partner together to support this event which attracts families from Portsmouth and across the state. We feel great knowing we help to make this experience possible."

Since 1986, with the exception of December 2002, Pro Portsmouth has produced a festive, New Year's celebration in Portsmouth Highlights typically include a Fireworks Display (7:30pm), Ice Sculpture in the Square, a Street Dance on Pleasant, and lots of great local/regional music and dance performances - all included with the purchase on a FNP Button.

"Last year was the Hilton's inaugural First Night and we were thrilled to be able to save the fireworks show for the evening. As a long-time resident of Portsmouth, I knew immediately that the fireworks had to go on." added Shaun McEachern, General Manager of the Hilton Garden Inn Portsmouth Downtown. "We are very excited to be co-sponsoring the event with the Sheraton this year."

About Pro Portsmouth

Pro Portsmouth Unveils First Night® Logo - Announces Program for the Christmas Tree Lighting

PORTSMOUTH, NH, November 14, 2007 - A Press Conference at the North Church in Market Square provided the stage for Pro Portsmouth's unveiling of the First Night ® Portsmouth Logo for this year's event.

This year's logo artwork was created by Jennifer Chichester. She answered the 'Call to Artists' along with a total of 50 entries. "Whether it's Children's Day or First Night®, year after year, event after event, we are incredibly appreciative of the tremendous depth and scope of the artists and their creations," says Barbara Massar, Executive Director of Pro Portsmouth. Chichester receives the top prize of $300 for her logo. A second place check in the amount of $125 goes to Karen Raynes of North Hampton and third place, $75, to the Graphics Design class of Kristine Groleau at the Seacoast School of Technology.

Activities and entertainment for First Night® Portsmouth include a Fireworks Display at the South Mill Pond at 7:30pm, Ice Sculptures in Market Square and a Street Dance on Pleasant Street.

First Night® performance venues include: The Connie Bean Recreation Center, The Middle Street Baptist Hall, The North Church, Temple Israel, The South Church, The United Methodist Hall, The West End Studio Theatre and The Seacoast Repertory Theatre. New this year - additional activities include a family rhythm circle and Childlight family yoga class at the Bikram Yoga Studio in the West End.

First Nighters will be able to enjoy a wide range of music and dance. The Button is your pass to hours of great entertainment. First Night® 'regulars' include "All Together Now", Martha Dana and Seacoast Civic Dance Company. A complete schedule will be available online and in the Official First Night® Portsmouth Program produced by Foster's Daily Democrat.

The First Night® Button is your ticket for all entertainment. The Button is available online beginning November 15^th at www.proportsmouth.org ; there is no additional service charge for online Button purchasing. Locally, the Button may be purchased during the month of December at Hannaford (Pic 'n Pay) on Islington Street and The Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce. A special thank you goes out to Ocean National Bank - this year the Button will be sold at their Seacoast area branches: Portsmouth (Islington, State & Lafayette Streets), Dover, Durham, Exeter, Hampton, Kittery, ME, Rochester, Stratham and South Berwick, ME. Button pricing: Adult: $13.00 (12 yr. +) through 12/30; $17.00 on 12/31 and Children: $1.00 (under 12 yr.) through 12/31.

Pro Portsmouth kicks off a weekend of Holiday festivities with The Portsmouth Christmas Tree Lighting. The Tree Lighting takes place on Friday, November 30^th at 6pm in Market Square and features the Portsmouth Middle School Band and the Sandpipers, a Seacoast children's choral group. This year, Pro Portsmouth is asking all those 'Pro Portsmouth' community members to bring a non-perishable food item to the Tree Lighting. All items will be donated to the Seacoast Food Pantry; a list of suggested food and household items is noted on the Pro Portsmouth website. Anyone wishing to make donations may also drop them off at the Pro Portsmouth offices (500 Market Street) through December 14^th.

Sponsors for First Night® include: Ad Cetera, The Fox Run Mall, Infinite Imaging, Ocean National Bank and Exeter Hospital. As previously noted, Exeter Hospital joins Pro Portsmouth as the Volunteer Sponsor for 2007-2008. Pro Portsmouth continues to seek Sponsors to offset the expenses of the annual First Night® event which total approximately $40.0K.

It takes a village of Volunteers to make First Night® happen. All Volunteers receive the exclusive FNP Volunteer Sweat shirt and a FN Button. Be a part of this great celebration - for information on volunteering, contact Liz Rubin at 603-610-5530.

For more information on First Night® and all Pro Portsmouth, Inc. events visit the website at www.proportsmouth.org or call 603-433-4398.

About Pro Portsmouth, Inc.

Pro Portsmouth Set To Unveil First Night® Logo

PORTSMOUTH, NH, November 9, 2007 - Pro Portsmouth, organizers of the city's major Downtown Festivals, announces its Press Conference for First Night® 2008.

The Press Conference takes place on Wednesday, November 14^th -11am at the North Church in Market Square.

This year's Logo Artist will be on hand as the First Night® Logo is unveiled to the public. Event activities, performers and services' details will be released.

Additionally, The Portsmouth Christmas Tree Lighting program will be discussed. The Tree Lighting takes place on Friday, November 30^th at 6pm in Market Square.

'Book ending' the month of December is First Night®. The event takes place on Monday, December 31^st