We Came. We Saw. We Trekked.
DATE: Friday, September 26, 2025
AUTHOR: Hon. Eric Brakey - Executive Director, Free State Project
Its been almost a full week... and my legs are still sore.
This past Sunday, we climbed to the top of Mt. Cardigan on the first annual Granite Freedom Trek.
Thank you to all who joined us for this five mile hike through the mountains of New Hampshire.
There is a lot more to share with you about the trek.
But first, I want to make sure you know about our next big opportunity to visit and engage with the Free State.
Free State Fall Fest 2025
Whether you already live in New Hampshire or are looking for an opportunity to visit, I hope you join us in 15 days for Fall Fest.
Celebrate the arrival of autumn in New Hampshire with Free State Fall Fest 2025.
Fall Fest is a collection of family-friendly events, organized by Free Staters across the Granite State over the long Columbus Day Weekend.
Each event is designed to build community and showcase the unique beauty and offerings of New Hampshire.
Check out the Fall Fest event offering below and plan your long weekend in the only New England state that has “autumn, without communism.”
RSVPs are encouraged for all Fall Fest events.
CLICK HERE for full Fall Fest event details.
Saturday, October 11
Start your Fall Fest weekend with an autumn apple tradition.
RSVP: Amber.Daves@CBRealty.com
How’s your aim? Can you throw an axe like a true Granite Stater?
Tickets required.
CLICK HERE for tickets.
Sunday, October 12
Like liberty, the world’s largest arcade lives in New Hampshire.
Over 600 games, a 20-lane bowling center, an 18-hole indoor mini-golf, a restaurant, a tavern, and more!
A casual conference bringing together financial tech innovators, researchers, company leaders, and Bitcoin enthusiasts to explore digital assets, cryptocurrencies, and other emerging technical applications.
Tickets required.
CLICK HERE for tickets.
Monday, October 13
As the leaves change to autumn colors, join us on the final morning of Fall Fest for a family hike in Auburn, NH.
RSVP: Amber.Daves@CBRealty.com
End the long weekend with a family film night at the Independence Inn.
RSVP: Constance Spencer
constance@independencerealtynh.com
The Granite Freedom Trek
Last Sunday, we had a strong group from across the Northeast join us for the 1st annual Granite Freedom Trek — a five mile loop up and down Mt. Cardigan and Mt. Firescrew.
Before the exhaustion of the trek, we grabbed a group photo at the base of the mountain.
The forests were thick at the base of the mountain, as our guide, Derek Proulx, led us up the trails.
Some stretches of the trek were more challenging than others, requiring steady balance as we climbed higher.
As we neared the summit, the tree lines thinned and beautiful mountains and valleys of New Hampshire could be seen in all directions.
"What is a mountain you are climbing right now in life?"
At that large clearing (just before reaching the summit), we took time to connect, formally introduce everyone, and share a little more about ourselves.
Finally reaching the summit, we took it all in and snapped several group photos.
Does your state have mountain views like these?
In no rush to head down, we took time to connect and converse.
Here is FSP Founder Jason Sorens, and FSP Outreach Director, Pedro Serra, talking at the summit.
On our way back down, conversations continued.
You wouldn't believe how many libertarian conspiracies you can plan while climbing mountains together.
After the mountain, we stopped by a nearby lake to refresh and catch some more sights.
After that long trek, some of our party members decided to soak their feet in the cool waters.
As our journey came to its close, we ended our adventure at the Last Chair Brewery.
There is no better way to end a long trek than with a nice, cold beer (or non-alcoholic lemonade for our youngest freedom trekkers).
Thank you to our guide and native Free Stater, Derek Proulx.
Further, thank you to all who joined us for the 1st annual Granite Freedom Trek — especially those liberty lovers who traveled from Vermont, Massachusetts, and New York.
We hope you continue visiting often — and let us know when you are ready to plan your move!
Finally, I want to say thank you to Olga Sorens for her work organizing this event — which will return for a second year in September 2026.
Porcupine Patron Update
If you believe in our mission for a libertarian homeland in New Hampshire, I'd like to ask you to become a Porcupine Patron for the Free State Project.
For just $10/month, you can support our year-round efforts to build "Liberty in Our Lifetime" — outreaching and inviting new movers to join us in the Free State.
Additionally, you will receive exclusive patron benefits, including our quarterly print newsletter, access to our private Signal group, and perks at all FSP events.
We currently have 210 active patrons and we want to reach 300 by the end of this year.
Porcupine Patron Pin. In addition to other fantastic benefits, every Porcupine Patron of the Free State Project receives this "Porcupine Patron Pin." These pins are not just for show! Patron pins grant access to exclusive perks at all FSP events, including VIP rooms, patron-only events, and courtesy drink tickets. Click here to become a Porcupine Patron for the Free State Project.
It is my honor to serve as Executive Director of the FSP.
Please read on for more of our weekly newsletter from the Free State, prepared with assistance from our Communications Director, Mahgdalen Rose.
For Liberty!
Hon. Eric Brakey
Executive Director
Free State Project
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
Are you ready to be an effective political activist to advance the cause of liberty?
Join us on Saturday, November 8th in Concord for a one-day political leadership school — hosted by the Free State Project and taught by the Foundation for Applied Conservative Leadership.
Learn the “Real Nature of Politics” and how to shape the political environment around politicians to make them do the right thing.
This November 9th, several friends with the Libertarian Party of New Hampshire are running in the Manchester City Marathon.
Under the team name, "LPNH for Defend The Guard," they are seeking to raise support and awareness for legislative efforts to bring our state National Guard troops home from foreign wars not declared by Congress.
If you would like to run with the team, email Rachel Goldsmith (or send her a text message) for details: goldsmithrd@gmail.com.
Recurring Free State Events
New Mover Potluck Parties!
Manchester - First Friday
Upper Valley - First Saturday
Seacoast - Third Sunday
North Country - Third Saturday
Local Meetups!
Manchester - weekly, Tuesdays
Plymouth - semi-monthly, second and fourth Wednesdays
Seacoast - weekly, Thursdays (changes town)
Upper Valley - monthly, fourth Tuesday
Nashua - weekly, Sundays
Gilford - monthly, third Saturday
Lancaster - monthly, third Saturday
Ossipee - semi-monthly, second Sunday and third Tuesday
Madison - monthly, second Saturday
Grafton - monthly, second Saturday
Keene - weekly, Sundays
Lower Valley - monthly, third Friday
This is only a small sample of what's going on in the Free State! Recurring topical events include agorism, family play time, range shooting, and crypto.
Find upcoming events across the state on our NH Liberty Calendar.
Free State Voices
Porcupine Report #82: “Will Javier Milei Prevail?” with Skot Sheller
Eric welcomes back Free Stater Skot Sheller, known in the liberty movement for his deep knowledge of Argentina and President Javier Milei. Skot breaks down Milei’s ambitious reforms—slashing inflation, cutting government spending, and pushing back against decades of Peronist control—while also highlighting the resistance he faces in a weak legislature and hostile media.
They compare Argentina’s top-down experiment with Milei to New Hampshire’s bottom-up liberty movement, where grassroots activists drive change through the legislature. Skot also shares why young Argentinians overwhelmingly back Milei and how cultural battles are just as important as political ones. The conversation closes with cautious optimism, noting upcoming midterm elections in Argentina could determine whether Milei’s libertarian revolution continues or stalls.
Carla Gericke: "Psst: That Secret Gem Town" (Manch Talk 09/24/25)
Carla Gericke and Dominic DeMaria of Porcupine Real Estate dive into the latest on New Hampshire’s housing market. From surprising trends and a hidden gem that’s still affordable, to how AI is reshaping real estate, they’ll cover it all—plus a few insider tips you won’t want to miss.
Jason Sorens (FSP Founder) is interviewed by the Advocates for Self-Government:
“Ultimately, legitimate government must be based on consent of the governed. If a group of people want to set up their own government, and they aren’t going to violate rights … then the existing government should let them go.”
News from the Free State
Seacoast Online: Here are 7 fall festivals to have fun at this season in New Hampshire
NHPR: NH News Recap: Republicans propose the 'Charlie Act' in response to Kirk's assassination
CBS: Ice Castles announces plans for New Hampshire this winter
WMUR: New Hampshire marks 50 years of the Highland Games; Performers attempt to set bagpipe record
Seacoast Online: Several new NH voter laws go into effect: See changes to absentee ballots, electioneering
NH Bulletin: Health officials from 10 Northeast states officially band together. New Hampshire remains out.
NH Bulletin: Republicans renew push to expand due process rights on college campus
NH Bulletin: Innis drops out of U.S. Senate race, endorses John E. Sununu, who isn’t officially a candidate
Laconia Daily Sun: Best counties to retire to in New Hampshire
PorcFest XXII
We have been publishing content from this year's Porcupine Freedom Festival.
Just as we did earlier this year with the NH Liberty Forum, we will be publishing PorcFest content on a rolling basis, several times a week, across multiple social media platforms. Please find below all content published since our last newsletter!
You can find all video content from FSP events on YouTube and all audio-only content on our Spotify podcast channel: "FSP Talks."
"Comedy Night" with Scott Horton
Scott Horton brings his sharp wit to the stage with a mix of political satire and personal storytelling. He riffs on everything from Trump and Russia to Kamala Harris’s campaign speeches, exposing the absurdities of American politics through biting humor.
Along the way, he pokes fun at U.S. foreign policy, religion, and the contradictions of modern culture. Horton even weaves in hilarious stories from his own life, giving the audience a glimpse of his chaotic journey as a broadcaster and would-be comedian. The result is a set that’s both thought-provoking and laugh-out-loud funny, keeping the crowd engaged from start to finish.
"Jordan Page at the Pavilion!"
Jordan Page joins the crowd at the pavilion to share songs of freedom, faith, and resistance to tyranny. His set weaves together themes of peace, love, political awakening, and the struggle against oppression, with lyrics that call on people to think critically about war, government power, and personal responsibility.
Between songs, he tells powerful stories—like writing a letter to his son that became a song, receiving divine inspiration for lyrics during a fever, and facing the choice between music industry fame and staying true to his message. He also reflects on moments when his songs connected with unexpected audiences, from libertarian gatherings to massive political rallies. Through it all, Page’s performance is equal parts music, storytelling, and testimony, leaving the audience with both melody and meaning.
"The Power of Schmooze: How Liberty Wins in New Hampshire" with Michael Granger
New Hampshire State Representative Michael Granger shares his journey from New York to New Hampshire and how he found purpose in building the liberty movement through community connection. He explains how Liberty Republicans have gone from being outsiders to becoming influential leaders in the state house by working with others instead of staying insular.
Granger stresses the importance of persuasion, trust, and cooperation, showing how sound arguments and principled consistency can shift politics toward freedom. He highlights the role of the New Hampshire Liberty Alliance in scoring bills, guiding legislators, and changing the culture of the GOP. Along the way, he points to real policy wins—from marijuana and psilocybin reforms to pushing for the repeal of car inspections—as proof that liberty can advance through smart coalition-building. Ultimately, Granger argues that liberty thrives when activists stop “just being principled” and instead learn how to schmooze, cooperate, and win.
As Seen In the Free State
Concord Social! Great turn out at this week's Concord Social — including several new Free Staters.
We are not the same. In every other Northeastern state, the same political officials who instituted and enforced COVID lockdowns and mandates have formed a "Public Health Collaborative." New Hampshire knows better than to give those people power ever again.
Concord Hike. RJ, Jane, and Pedro (left to right) made it out to this week's Concord hike. The foliage is starting to change!
Lakes Region Meetup. An epic turnout for the monthly meetup in the lakes region.
Some Upcoming Events:
Saturday, Sept 27th
Henniker, 5pm-6:45 - Community Circle - Gathering in community is a practice as old as time, and one that is needed now more than ever, in this age of digital communications. And so, we hold space every month for in-person connection. $20 suggested donation. Hosted by Lauren Noone. (Rooted Free Farm, 1040 Old Hillsboro Rd, Henniker)
Henniker, 7pm-9 - Ecstatic Dance - Dance can be a modality to reach ecstasy, through movement alone (substance free event). Led by incredible facilitator Kaylan Look, in the magical setting of an historic barn on beautiful grounds. No skill necessary! Expect a transformational evening. $20 suggested donation. Hosted by Kaylan Look. (Rooted Free Farm, 1040 Old Hillsboro Rd, Henniker)
Sunday, Sept 28th
Lempster, 11am-5pm - Intro To Conceal Carry with Drew - Develop the skills and training habits necessary to safely and proficiently conceal carry. A class designed to help shooters of all skill levels learn how to safely, proficiently, and confidently conceal carry. Register today! Hosted by Drew. (NORO Tactical Solutions, 186 Keyes Hollow Rd, Lempster)
Candia, 1:15pm-3:15 - The Gruck a.k.a. Garnet Ruck - GRUCK: Granite Ruck. Rucking is the act of walking with weight on your back. It’s a low impact exercise based on military training workouts that improves cardio, strength, endurance, and character. This is a challenge by choice event, go as heavy or as far as you’re enthusiastic about. Whether you come for camaraderie or to test your mettle, as long as you come in peace, you’re welcome! Hosted by Michael Rohan. (Garnet School, 456 Critchett Rd, Candia)
Lancaster, 2pm-4- North Country Enameling Jewelry Class - Learn the art of enameling - fusing vibrant glass powders to copper to create unique, colorful designs. Perfect for beginners and creatives alike, this hands-on workshop provides all materials and guidance to make a one-of-a-kind piece to wear or gift. Unleash your creativity in a fun, supportive setting! The 'Pine Members Fee for supplies: $15 for pendant (single piece) or $20 for earrings (2 pieces) (Non-members add $5 guest fee.) Hosted by Andrea Fletcher. (the 'Pine Clubhouse - 70 Main St, 2nd floor, Lancaster)
Remember that this is only a partial list.
For all FSP events and more details on those highlighted here, be sure to check out the NH Liberty Calendar.