June 2017
The Glad Fest: celebrating Pollyanna in Littleton, New Hampshire
Dick and Debbie Alberini receive the annual Pollyanna Signature Award for their service to the community and spirit of positivity. Photo by Zachary Sar
Do you remember the classic children’s novel Pollyanna? Written in 1913, it’s the story of a young orphan with an optimistic outlook who, after losing her father, is sent to live with her stern aunt in a small New England town. Pollyanna’s cheerful personality and Glad Game win over everyone including, eventually, her aunt Polly.
Every year in June, the town of Littleton, New Hampshire (just up the road from our Franconia headquarters) celebrates Pollyanna Day.
Author Eleanor Hodgman Porter was born and raised in Littleton, moved to Boston to study music, and later wrote a series of novels including her most famous — Pollyanna.
The town in the novel bears a strong resemblance to her hometown, and Littleton residents happily commemorate Pollyanna, and Porter, every year. This year, to mark the day’s 15th anniversary, it was a weekend-long Glad Fest!
Here’s a glimpse into the weekend’s festivities, captured by our friend, photographer Zachary Sar.
A passerby accepts the piano’s invitation to “Be Glad… Make Music”. Littleton’s Main Street boasts a number of brightly colored pianos for impromptu performances. Photo by Zachary Sar
Commemorating the weekends festivities with photos on the library lawn. Photo by Zachary Sar
A candid moment with Pollyanna host Rebecca Colby in front of the bronze Pollyanna statue at the Littleton Library. Photos by Zachary Sar
Local band Not Your Mother providing live music during Friday night’s events. Photo by Zachary Sar
Garnet Hill’s own Jae Kim performing with Not Your Mother. Photo by Zachary Sar
The Upstage Players entertain with a selection from Pollyanna, the Musical. Photo by Zachary Sar
Members of the Upstage Players enjoying the festivities. Photo by Zachary Sar
Young GladFest goers wore their favorite Pollyanna-style hats. Photo by Zachary Sar
Taking a break in front of the Littleton Diner. Photo by Zachary Sar
Everyone’s feeling glad! Photo by Zachary Sar
Megan Cunningham, Miss White Mountains Region 2016 (left), Jere Eames (center), and Natalie Cartwright, Miss Littleton Area’s Outstanding Teen 2016 (right). Photo by Zachary Sar
All smiles, playing at the Riverwalk. Photo by Zachary Sar
A local artisan demonstrates his wood-burning technique. Photo by Zachary Sar
Taking in the day in true Pollyanna style. Photo by Zachary Sar
Natalie Cartwright, Miss Littleton Area’s Outstanding Teen 2016, posing with a friend. Photo by Zachary Sar
The Positively Pancakes Breakfast at the First Congregational Church was absolutely delicious! Photo by Zachary Sar
We loved this photo of Glad Fest Photographer Zachary Sar, as illustrated by local artist Kaio Scott, during the weekend’s festivities!
Zach, in his own words: “A small-time local photographer living in Littleton, always walking to capture the street life and dogs of Main Street.”
Spectacular photos, capturing the real essence of the special day!