Governor cuts the cake for 102nd Motorcycle Week birthday celebration at the NASWA

Gov. Kelly Ayotte joined resort president Cynthia Makris to cut the cake together for the 102nd Laconia Motorcycle Week birthday celebration at the NASWA Resort in The Weirs Wednesday evening. Other attendees included Executive Councilor Joe Kenney, Karen Makris Lowell, Laconia Fire Chief Tim Joubert, Laconia Motorcycle Week Director Charlie St. Clair and Deputy Director Jennifer Anderson, City Councilor Tony Felch (Ward 6) and State Rep. Mike Bordes (R-Laconia). Traditionally, the New Hampshire governor cuts the cake each year. This is Ayotte's first year with the cake knife, and also the first celebration without the resort's matriarch, Hope Makris, who died May 29, at age 100. Ayotte noted the weather, which started out cloudy then soon turned to sun, in a brief speech, saying it came out because of Hope. "She's watching over not only Motorcycle Week, but she's watching over the NASWA and all of you," Ayotte said. "She was an amazing human being, and she taught all of us so much. There isn't a better American, greater patriot, or anyone who's made a better, bigger difference for this area or our state than Hope. We celebrate today, the 102nd Motorcycle Week and we celebrate for her, the amazing life that she had."