Paula Tracy photo

Grace Mariano from Laconia and Emma Everett from Concord, both enrolled at Lakes Region Community College, demonstrated their cooking skills during the 15th annual Experience New Hampshire gathering held in Washington, DC on Wednesday.

Approximately 600 visitors gathered for the occasion on Wednesday inside the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington, D.C. PAULA TRACY photo

By PAULA TRACY, InDepthNH.org

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The New Hampshire Congressional Delegation organized its 15th annual Experience New Hampshire Reception on Wednesday at the Russell Senate Office Building, allowing Capitol Hill to sample the state's cuisine and atmosphere.

Over 600 attendees from the capital area and New Hampshire enjoyed dishes prepared by technical school students along with local beer and ice cream while interacting with the full state delegation.

A large stuffed moose and bear, typically displayed at the White Mountain welcome center in North Woodstock, also made the journey to the event.

Participating Granite State businesses featured Port City Pretzels, Granite State Candy Shoppe, the New Hampshire Food Bank, the New Hampshire Maple Producers Association, Echo Farm Puddings, Walpole Creamery, The Old Farmer's Almanac, Feathered Friend Brewing Company, Manchester Distillery, plus representatives from Ski NH and White Mountain Attractions.

Grace Mariano of Laconia and Emma Everett of Concord, students at Lakes Region Community College, prepared flavorful chicken balls with tangy sauce in the Kennedy Caucus Room while appreciating the chance to serve influential national figures.

The gathering, held in collaboration with Granite State Ambassadors, enables local companies to present their premium products to lawmakers and special guests.

Small enterprises drive New Hampshire communities by supplying products, services, and experiences that define the state, noted U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-NH. Marking its 15th year, the Experience New Hampshire event highlights the state's offerings to Washington visitors, and she expressed enthusiasm for hosting these businesses in her final Senate term, extending thanks to the Granite State Ambassadors for their dedication.

U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-NH, participated as well. New Hampshire small businesses form the core of the state economy and contribute to its distinctive character as a place to reside, work, and explore, Hassan remarked.

Experience New Hampshire provides an excellent platform to highlight distinctive local enterprises and honor the efforts that sustain economic vitality.

Congressman Chris Pappas, D-NH, who recently filed to run for the Senate seat vacated by Shaheen, stated that small businesses constitute the foundation of New Hampshire communities, economy, and lifestyle. The event transports state culture to the capital via these enterprises and their distinctive items, and he looked forward to joining the delegation in greeting participants.

Freshman U.S. Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander, D-NH, observed that New Hampshire hosts premier small businesses nationwide and expressed pride in collaborating with the federal delegation and Granite State Ambassadors to link state innovators with capital leaders while delivering a sample of New Hampshire to Congress.

Above, Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander, D-NH, stands with a stuffed moose at the Experience New Hampshire event on Wednesday. PAULA TRACY photo

Hassan described the occasion as a gathering for all who appreciate the Granite State, including many former campaign staffers who reconnect with one another.

It resembles a reunion, she added.