Mid-September NH Weekend Fun

By Tony Schinella, Concord Patch

Looking for ways to pass your weekend? Here's a round up of events around Southern New Hampshire. Click on the links for details about each event.

• Blood drive. The American Red Cross is hosting a blood drive from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday at the Messiah Lutheran Church in Amherst on Route 101. Make sure you bring an ID before coming.
• Coat drive. At 10 a.m. in the Milford Oval in Milford, River of Life will be collecting coats for needy children. Drop your used coats by until 1 p.m.
• ACT Bootcamp. Students in need of a bit of prep can attend that Bedford Act Bootcamp at 5 p.m. on Saturday on South River Road. The class is also being offered in October and December.
• Poetry in the Park. Stop by Greeley Park in Nashua at 11 a.m. for this great poetry event which includes music and book signings. Bring your lunch. An open mic begins at 11:30 a.m.
• Class of 1973. The Merrimack High School 40th class reunion will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday.
• The Proteus Cure. Author Tracy Carbone will be signing copies of her new book at the Salem Used Book Superstore in Salem from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday.
• Author David Bacon. Then, at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday in Concord at the Unitarian Universalist Church, photographer and activist David Bacon will talk about his years as a labor organizer and books he has written. The event is a benefit dinner for the American Friends Service Committee, with a sliding donation scale.
• Funny benefit. Wings & Hooves Therapeutic Riding will be hosting a benefit fundraiser featuring impersonator Joey Voices at 7 p.m. on Saturday at the Ocean Gaming Casino in Hampton. Tickets are $30; $35, and includes dinner.
• The Nutcracker. The New England Dance Ensemble is holding auditions for its 2013 production from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday at the studio in Londonderry. 
• Breast cancer fundraiser. Shooters Pub in Exeter hosts a fundraiser for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk at 1 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $10; $5 for children, and includes food and live bands.
• A Little Kitchen in France. Act One Theatre presents this award-winning play at 2 p.m. on Sunday at the West End Studio Theatre in Portsmouth.
• Are you a BBQ champ? The second annual Great Grillin’ Contest will be held from noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday at the North Hampton Bandstand Commons.