Christmas Yule

So the shortest day came,

And the year died,

And everywhere down the centuries of the

Snow-white world

Came people singing, dancing,

To drive the dark away.

They lighted candles in the winter trees;

They hung their homes with evergreen;

They burned beseeching fires all night long

To keep the year alive.

And when the new year's sunshine blazed awake

They shouted, reveling.

Through all the frosty ages you can hear them

Echoing, behind us - listen!

All the long echoes sing the same delight,

This shortest day,

As promise wakens in the sleeping land:

They carol, feast, give thanks,

And dearly love their friends, and hope for peace.

And so do we, here, now - 

This year and every year.

Welcome Yule!

~Susan Cooper

December 12, 13, 14 Events

Glenn Miller Orchestra

Here is a list of events happening in our area this weekend, including the Glenn Miller Orchestra performing In the Christmas Mood at Fitchburg State University on Saturday, December 13, at 7:00 p.m. For more information visit www.fitchburgstate.edu.

12-14 Friday & Saturday 7:30pm, Sunday 2pm. A Christmas Homecoming at the NPTG Center for the Performing Arts, 15 Rollstone St., Fitchburg. The New Players Theater Guild presents a classic homecoming event showcasing iconic Christmas music. Repeats Dec. 19-21. Tickets $15, $12 senior/student. Call 978-345-6570.

12-14 Friday-Saturday 7:30pm, Sunday 2pm. Amahl and the Night Visitors at Barre Players. A Christmas Musical by Gian Carlo Menotti. Directed by Sandy Pickens.    Musical Direction by Julie Rawson. The story of a poor, but imaginative young boy and his mother, who are visited one night by three Kings on their way to Bethlehem to give gifts of frankincense, myrrh and gold to the newborn King.  They ask to stay the night. The mother, having nothing to give them to eat, sends Amahl out to call the shepherds and shepherdesses to bring food, gifts and the entertainment of dance.  After the excitement, the mother, Amahl and the Kings settle down for the night.  But, the mother is tempted by the gold and reaches for it, only to be attacked by the Page.  When Amahl sees this, he attacks the attacker.  All is well when both the mother and Amahl want to know more about this King the Kings seek.  Amahl wants desperately to send a gift to this King and offers his most important possession - his crutch.  When he does that, he finds himself able to walk.  “...I walk Mother, I walk Mother". For more information, visit barreplayers.homestead.com.

12-14 Friday-Saturday 8pm, Sunday 2pm. A Murder is Announced by Agatha Christie at Stratton Players. The 20th century's most popular writer brings her personal favorite character to life in this adaption of the novel. When a murder is announced in the tiny English village of Chipping Cleghorn, most people assume it's simply an excuse for a party. But this party turns deadly when the crasher turns up dead! It's up to kindly innocent spinster Jane Marple to solve the most baffling case of her career.  Directed by John Williams, tickets $15. For more information, visit www.strattonplayers.com.

12 Friday 8pm. Savoy Brown featuring Kim Simmonds at the Bull Run Restaurant. One of the earliest of British blues bands, SAVOY BROWN (with founder guitarist Kim Simmonds at the helm) helped launch the UK blues/rock movement that paved the way for such acts as Led Zeppelin, becoming part of the framework that launched the rock and roll music of the 1970’s.  For more information, visit www.bullrunrestaurant.com.

13-14 Saturday & Sunday 11am-4pm. Living Gift Market at Heifer Farm, 216 Wachusett St., Rutland. What do you buy the person who has everything? How about a goat, a llama or a water buffalo? At Heifer International’s Living Gift Market, learn how sponsoring animals like these can provide food and income for hungry families. You get a handsome card to give and a hungry family gets hope. Take pictures with the animals and purchase gifts from around the world in our fair-trade Shop@Heifer. Enjoy hot cocoa and cider, make gingerbread animal cookies and warm yourself by a bonfire. Admission: Canned goods which will be donated to a local food bank. Visit heifer.org/farm.

13 Saturday noon-6pm. Clearview Farm Christmas Festival. Free Admission. For more information, visit www.clearviewfarmstand.com.

13 Saturday 3pm. 6th annual Pink the Rink fundraiser at Cushing Academy, 39 School St., Ashburnham. Games feature Cushing Varsity Girls’ Hockey vs. Exeter at 3pm and Cushing Boys’ Varsity Hockey vs. Exeter at 4:30pm. We’ll have t-shirts and other great merchandise, a 50/50 and fabulous raffle prizes. Proceeds to benefit Dana-Farber and the Robin Cook Milligan Inflammatory Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation.

13 Saturday 7pm. In the Christmas Mood with the Glenn Miller Orchestra at Fitchburg State University’s Weston Auditorium. With its celebration of swing and jazz, the Glenn Miller Orchestra is considered to be one of the greatest bands of all time. Coupled with traditional, holiday jingles like Winter Wonderland, Jingle Bells and Let it Snow they will surely get you In the Christmas Mood. Featuring an ensemble of 18 musicians, this holiday concert spectacular brings the season to life with timeless sound and iconic melodies of Miller’s unmistakable music. Tickets: $28 adults, $5 students. www.fitchburgstate.edu.

13 Saturday 7:30pm. Music for the Season at The Boulder Coffeehouse, 923 Main Street, First Parish Unitarian Universalist of Fitchburg. The music begins at 7:30 p.m. with an hour of open-mike performances. Enjoy a selection of fair-trade coffees and teas and baked goods in a smoke-free environment. There is a freewill suggested donation of $5, and non-perishable foods are welcome.

13 Saturday 8pm. Bill Kirchen at the Bull Run. For more information, visit www.bullrunrestaurant.com.

14 Sunday 8am-1pm. Breakfast and Pictures with Santa at Hollis Hill Farm, 340 Marshall Hill Rd., Fitchburg. Come for their Farm to Table breakfast including pancakes, eggs, sausage, bacon, and lots of toppings from 8am-1pm. Bring a canned or non perishable food item to be entered to win a Hollis Hill gift certificate and gift basket.

14 Sunday 10am-1pm. Breakfast with Santa at the Bootlegger Restaurant, 50 Mass Ave. Lunenburg. Photos with Santa as well. Call (978) 342-7711 for more information.

14 Sunday 6:30pm. Swing Dance and Lessons at the Leominster Elks, 134 N. Main St., Leominster, with Reminisce Doo Wop Group. Beginner jitterbug swing group lessons at 6:30 and a swing dance at 7:30. Admission, $14. Visit dance2swing.com or call 978-263-7220.

14 Sunday 8pm. John Pizzarelli at the Bull Run. For more information, visit www.bullrunrestaurant.com.

November 21, 22, 23

12th Annual Thanksgiving Harvest Festival at Red Apple Farm, Phillipston MA

Here is a list of events happening this weekend in our area including the 12th Annual Thanksgiving Harvest Festival at Red Apple Farm in Phillipston MA on Saturday and Sunday, November 22 and 23.

19-22 Wednesday & Thursday 6pm; Friday & Saturday 7:30pm; Sunday 2pm. The Importance of Being Earnest at the Wallace Theater for the Performing Arts at McKay Complex, Fitchburg State University. Free admission. See Nov. 12-16 listing for details.

21 Friday. 4th Annual Winter Fire Celebration at Wachusett Mountain. A showing of the NEW TGR Ski Film, enjoy live music and great food, along with some outdoor fire pits and smores! A great night for the whole family! Visit www.wachusett.com for more information.

21 Friday 8:30am-noon and 1pm-4pm. Ukrainian Snowflake Eggs at the Museum of Russian Icons. ands-on art workshop decorating Ukrainian Snowflake Eggs (pysanky) for the holiday season. For more information, visit www.museumofrussianicons.org.

22-23 Saturday & Sunday 10am–4pm. 12th Annual Thanksgiving Harvest Festival at Red Apple Farm, 455 Highland Ave., Phillipston. Come share and taste New England’s bounty, bring Thanksgiving to your home from the North Quabbin Region, and join in the X Games. $2 admission (1/2 off admission with non-perishable food donation). Visit www.redapplefarm.com.

22 Saturday. Annual Christmas Fair at the United Church in Shirley.

22 Saturday 8am-4pm. Holiday Fair: St. Bernard's Elementary, 254 Summer St., Fitchburg; Santa arrives at 9 a.m. Raffles, silent auction, games, baskets, pie sale and more.

22 Saturday 8:30am-noon and 1pm-4pm. Ukrainian Snowflake Eggs at the Museum of Russian Icons. ands-on art workshop decorating Ukrainian Snowflake Eggs (pysanky) for the holiday season. For more information, visit www.museumofrussianicons.org.

22 Saturday 9am-noon or 1pm-4pm. Animal Tracking in the Field with Sue Morse at Northfield Mountain. Join Sue for a three-hour trek through a diverse setting of woodlands and wetlands in our local Valley. She will share her extensive knowledge of our native mammals, their habits and signs. Fee: $30 Mass Audubon or Hitchcock Center Member, $38 non-members. Pre-registration required by calling the Hitchcock Center at 413-256-6006.

22 Saturday 9am-2pm. Leominster First Baptist Church, at the corner of Church and West streets, will hold its annual New England Village Fair. Bid on great gift items at the Not So Silent Auction starting at 2 p.m. Lunch will be served, and a snack bar will be available.

22 Saturday 9am-2pm. The annual Christmas Fair at the United Church of Shirley will be at 4 Lancaster Road in Shirley. The church is wheelchair accessible. Telephone (978) 425- 4065 with any questions.

22 Saturday 9am-3pm. Townsend United Methodist Church will host a Holiday Fair and tours at the church, 265 Main St., at the corner of routes 13 and 119, in Townsend Center. Tour guides will tell of the 1770 building and take visitors up into the bell tower to view the architecture and point out artifacts of early meetinghouse and church days. Children and adults will enjoy pulling the rope to ring the 1876 bell. For more information, please call (978) 597-2486.

22 Saturday 9am–3pm. Holiday Fair at Holy Cross Church, 25 Lake Ave., East Templeton. Baked goods, craft items, hand-made gifts for sale; raffles; Tea Room open all day; children’s room for Christmas shopping.

22 Saturday 9am-3pm. Holiday Craft Fair: Townsend Congregational Church, 3 Brookline St., Townsend. Santa will be available for photos, silent auction, cash raffle and more.

22 Saturday 9am-3pm. The Ladies Guild Craft Fair will be held at the Leominster Senior Center, 5 Pond St. There will be many handmade items, a Chinese auction and pizza sold at 11:30 a.m.

22 Saturday 9am-3pm. The Friends of the Conant Public Library in Sterling will welcome hundreds of shoppers to its annual juried craft fair at the First Church in Sterling, 6 Meetinghouse Hill Road, Sterling. The craft fair will host a lunch café and a bake sale. Proceeds from the craft fair will support the Library Children’s Summer Reading Program, in which about 400 Sterling children participate each year.

22 Saturday 10am–1pm. Westminster Farmers' Market is having a Holiday Market at the Senior Center American Legion Hall, Main St., Westminster (across from the library and the pharmacy). The market will have winter vegetables, fruits, and cheeses, a full array of baked goods, herbs, spices, apples and more… Check out the hand crafted gifts for family, friends, and pets. All will make your year-end holiday parties and dinners special. Come support local agriculture from 10am-1pm.

22 Saturday 10am-4pm. St. Leo School and Parish will host its annual Holiday Fair at 120 Main St. in Leominster. The day will include a free Santa’s story hour from 11 a.m. to noon, and photos with Santa from 12:30-2 p.m.

22 Saturday 11am-noon. Terrariums: Gardens Under Glass at Tower Hill. Member: $110., Non-member: $125. In this class, you will learn how to create and maintain a lush terrarium in a beautiful glass vessel from start to finish. We will also touch on the history of the terrarium from the Victorian Era to the present. All materials included. For more information, visit www.towerhillbg.org.

22 Saturday noon-6pm. Thanksgiving Festival at Clearview Farm. Free Admission. For more information, visit www.clearviewfarmstand.com.

22 Saturday 1:15pm. Boston Area Shaker Study group's annual Film Festival in Volunteers Hall of the Harvard Public Library. This is a quirky event where we see videos that feature Shaker themes and historic sites. We will have a short meeting (about 30 minutes) followed by a variety of short videos and the film “Fruitlands 1843,” written and directed by Vasiliki Katsarou. Limited to 15 people to please RSVP to 978.456.8285.

22 Saturday 4pm-6:30pm. A Free Community Skate Day will be held from 4-6:30 p.m. at the Wallace Civic Center, 1000 John Fitch Highway, Fitchburg. Free skate rental, pizza and soda are included (first come, first serve basis). The event is being held in memory of Shelley L’Ecuyer, a longtime employee of LUK, Inc. who was dedicated to improving the lives of children and had a passion for hockey. For more information, call (800) 579-0000.

22 Saturday 6:30pm. American Legion Post 151 will host a Meat Raffle at the Leominster Veterans Center, 100 West St., Leominster. Admission is free. For more information, call (978) 728- 1384.

22 Saturday 7:15pm–10:30pm. Gardner Contra Dance at Fraternal Order of Eagles, 71 City Hall Ave., Gardner. Social mixer/dance to traditional jigs and reels, with a caller. All ages & abilities welcome! No need to bring a partner. Live Music! Simple, easy to learn dance patterns. Please bring clean suitable dancing shoes. Cost, $8 per person, $5 students. Contact Terry Dattolo, 978-407-6217 or see facebook.com/GardnerContraDances.

22 Saturday 8pm. James Montgomery Band with Charlie Farren at the Bull Run Restaurant. The James Montgomery Band will be bringing down the Bull Run house as usual. And making this event an extra special night, this show includes the legendary Charlie Farren, who will, once again, be performing with former Farrenheit band member, David Hull (now in the James Montgomery Band, and formerly of the Joe Perry Project) You don't want to miss this one. For details and ticket information, visit www.bullrunrestaurant.com.

23 Sunday noon-2:30pm. Thanksgiving Centerpiece at Tower Hill. Member: $75., Non-member: $90. Make a beautiful, long-lasting table arrangement in the Williamsburg tradition, combining fresh fall flowers, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seasonal berries with preserved autumn leaves. For more information, visit www.towerhillbg.org.

23 Sunday 12:30pm-4:30pm. Fabulous Family or Group Portraits Workshop at Fitchburg Art Museum. Instructor: Norm Eggert. Learn how to create a fabulous photo of your family or a group to send with your holiday cards, post on social media, or display proudly on your mantle. Bring your camera and a notebook to class. $35M, $50NM. For more information, visit www.fitchburgartmuseum.org.

23 Sunday 5:30pm-7:30pm. A Relay for Life Skating Party to benefit the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Greater Gardner, sponsored by team Faith, Hope and Laps, will be held at Roll-On-America, 90 Duval Road (Exit 34 off Route 2), Lancaster. The cost is $3 per person or $10 for a family of up to four (one parent must be present). Skate/rollerblade/ scooter rental is an additional $4.50. Bring a canned good or other non-perishable food item and be entered to win a gift basket or gift certificate donated by local vendors; blankets will also be collected. All food items and blankets will be donated to the Gardner Community Action Committee.

23 Sunday 6:30pm. Swing Dance and Lessons at the Leominster Elks, 134 N. Main St., Leominster, with Roger Ceresi All Starz. Dance2Swing presents beginner jitterbug swing group lessons at 6:30 and a swing dance at 7:30. Admission, $14. Visit dance2swing.com or call 978-263-7220.

November 7, 8, 9

Ukrainian Snowflake Eggs at the Museum of Russian Icons, Clinton MA

Here is a list of events happening in our area this weekend, including many craft fairs, live theatre, a Craft beer tasting at Fruitlands, and a hands-on art workshop decorating Ukrainian Snowflake Eggs at the Museum of Russian Icons in Clinton.

7-8 Friday 4pm–8pm; Saturday 9am–6:30 pm. Pumpkin Patch Food & Craft Fair at the Leominster United Methodist Church, 77 Hall St., Leominster. Enjoy a fried chicken dinner on Friday, roast pork dinner on Saturday — and in between, a fun family fair that includes a visit from Santa from noon to 2 pm on Saturday! Visit leominsterumc.org for details.

7-9 Friday-Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 9am-4pm. Autumn Joys - Standard Flower Show at Tower Hill. Enjoy color and artistry as garden club members present 60 floral designs, unique botanical arts and crafts, and educational displays. Featuring award winning specimens showing the best examples of plants grown in New England gardens and homes. - Free with regular admission. For more information, visit www.towerhillbg.org.

7-9 Friday-Saturday 7:30pm, Sunday 2pm. New Players' Theater guild presents Arsenic and Old Lace. Tickets $15 general, $12 senior/student. Call 978-345-6570 or visit www.nptg.org.

7 Friday 8:30am-noon and 1pm-4pm. Ukrainian Snowflake Eggs at the Museum of Russian Icons. Hands-on art workshop decorating Ukrainian Snowflake Eggs (pysanky) for the holiday season. For more information, visit www.museumofrussianicons.org.

7 Friday 6pm-8pm. First Friday Free event! Hosted by Leominster Art Center & Gallery. Meet artist of the month JoAnn Pellecchia & listen to music performed by Ken LeBlanc. Also, come and see the new look of the gallery and start your early Holiday Shopping! Light refreshments and good conversation are supplied. 45 Main St. Leominster.

7 Friday 8pm. Average White Band at the Bull Run Restaurant in Shirley. Average White Band is widely regarded as one of the best soul and funk bands in the history of music. $56.

8-9 Saturday-Sunday. New England Orienteering Club Troll Cup, a 2-Day Orienteering Classic A-meet. Come out and see! It is a competitive sport that combines trail running with a map and compass upon predetermined courses throughout the forest. Some courses are on clearly determined trails with orange and white flagged electronic controls. If you are a beginner please start on the "White Course". For more information, click here.

8 Saturday 9am-3pm. 36th Annual Narragansett Craft Fair at Narragansett Middle School, 464 Baldwinville Rd., Baldwinville. Start your holiday shopping at this popular fair featuring craftspeople from around New England! Take a chance at the coffee can auction and big ticket raffle, enjoy lunch in the café. Free admission, but visitors are invited to bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the Food Pantry. Visit NarragansettCraftFair.com.

8 Saturday 8:30am-noon and 1pm-4pm. Ukrainian Snowflake Eggs at the Museum of Russian Icons. Hands-on art workshop decorating Ukrainian Snowflake Eggs (pysanky) for the holiday season. For more information, visit www.museumofrussianicons.org.

8 Saturday 9am-3pm. Craft Fair at the Grover Hermann Certer, 971 Main St., Lancaster. Crafters include pottery, jewelry, wood items, gift baskets, knitted items, Christmas decorations, candles, and more. Also Pampered Chef, Scentsy, Tastefully Simple, and Mary Kay. Admission is free.

8 Saturday 1pm-3pm. New Traditions for Thanksgiving at Tower Hill. Member: $35., Non-member: $45. Instructor: Liz Barbour. Learn the art of creating a Thanksgiving menu that is easy, artistic, and delicious. Liz will talk you through the best way to select your turkey: store bought or local, traditional turkey or heritage bird. She will then focus on important turkey preparation tips and demonstrate two of her favorite side dish recipes. Each recipe is designed to make your Thanksgiving preparation simple and carefree so you can enjoy feasting with your guests. Tastings included. For more information, call 508-869-6111x124.

8 Saturday 2:30pm-4:30pm. Fall Leaf Rose Bouquets at Leominster Art Center. Visit www.leominsterartcenter.com for more information.

8 Saturday 3pm-5pm. Fruitlands' Second Annual Craft Beer Tasting. Taste a range of delicious New England ales and lagers from craft brewers while enjoying stunning autumn views of the Nashua River Valley and munching hors d'oeuvres from Fireside Catering of Gibbet Hill Grill. Arrive early and check out the museum. Stay later to roast marshmallows and gather around the Annual Bonfire. Members $45, Nonmembers $50, Designated Drivers $10. Hors d’oeuvres, museum admission, and bonfire included in ticket price. Must be 21 or older. For more information, visit www.fruitlands.org/beertasting.

8 Saturday 6pm. Shirley Historical Society Annual Meeting at Center Town Hall, Pot Luck Supper, and Contra Dancing Open to the public.

8 Saturday 7pm. A concert honoring Fitchburg’s historical contributions over its 250 years will take place in the Fitchburg Armory, 14 Wallace Ave. Three historical, uniformed bands of the American Revolution, Civil War and World War II will perform music ranging from Revolutionary War marches to big band. Tickets for $10 will be available at the door.

8 Saturday 8pm. Sarah Blacker at the Bull Run in Shirley. For more information, visit www.bullrunrestaurant.com.

9 Sunday noon–5pm. Tenth Annual Bear Feast at the United Native American Cultural Center, 29 Antietam St., Devens (GPS use Ayer, MA). This free family-friendly event celebrates the bear going into hibernation. This is a ceremony, so women must wear a long skirt to cover their legs. The ceremony takes about an hour and a half, and the circle must not be broken. Pot luck dinner. For details, visit unacc.org.

9 Sunday 1pm-4pm. Italian Holiday Cooking at Tower Hill. Member: $35., Non-member: $45. The Holidays in an Italian family would not be complete without the traditional cookies served on large platters. The recipes are handed down from generation to generation. In this class you will learn to make, and will taste, Italian White, Chocolate Italian, Paparats (molasses spice) and Pizzelles (thin wafer) cookies. These are a few of Tosches family favorites that must be on that platter. Ciao! For more information, visit www.towerhillbg.org.

9 Sunday 1:30pm. Gallery Talk with Silvia Lopez Chavez and Robert Gallegos at Fitchburg Art Museum. For more information, visit www.fitchburgartmuseum.org.

9 Sunday 6:30pm. Swing Dance and Lessons at the Leominster Elks, 134 N. Main St., Leominster, with The O Tones. Dance2Swing presents beginner jitterbug swing group lessons at 6:30 and a swing dance at 7:30. Admission, $14. Visit dance2swing.com or call 978-263-7220.

9 Sunday 8pm. Doyle Bromhall II at the Bull Run Restaurant in Shirley.

October 24, 25, 26 Events

Halloween happenings, harvest fairs, a zombie run, a murder mystery show, and BBQ Fest are just some of the fun things going on around our area this weekend:

24-25 Friday & Saturday 6:30pm-10pm. Fright Nights at Davis MegaMaze, 145 Redstone Hill Rd., Sterling. After dark, our family friendly, world-class adventure corn maze transforms into FRIGHT NIGHTS a terrifying, haunted experience sure to cause blood curdling screams and sleepless nights! Bring your family, friends, flashlight and courage If you DARE! (Geared for adults). Call 978-422-6666. Call 978-422-6666.

24-26 Friday-Sunday 10am-6pm. Lanni Orchard's Taste of Local. Come and celebrate National Food Day on Friday October 24th! In honor of National Food Day we are having our 
"Taste of Local" all weekend long.  Stop by and taste what's local! For more information, visit www.lanniorchards.com.

24 Friday 6:30pm. First Parish Church, 923 Main Street, Fitchburg will host a free screening of the silent movie classic The Phantom of the Opera, with live musical accompaniment by expert organist Robin Dinda. (978) 332-6307

24 Friday 7pm. The Brass Monkey Murder Mystery Show. Doors open at 6:30 pm. $40 buys dinner and show. The Brass Monkey Tavern is a well-known haunt of pirates and other thieves and all sorts of evildoers have gathered at the tavern to find the other half of a treasure map. Lots of fun. Call 978-874-5941 to reserve. Arggh! For more information, visit www.1761oldmill.com.

24 Friday 7pm-midnight. Benefit for Chris D. The Line-Up is huge! Not only do will we have CITY SOUND W/ ERNIE CATALDO & RUTHANN SAWIN on Stage but we now have CHARLEY DEE and JOHNNY GIROUARD on Friday, October 24th @ The British-American Club, 1 Simonds Rd., West Fitchburg.

24 Friday 7:30pm. Sinatra at the Mount! Join us for one night only for the swankiest event of the season! Featuring Chris Jason and The Sinatra Live Big Band, Sinatra at the Mount is a benefit to fund scholarships for deserving students. For more information, visit mwcc.edu/tam.

24 Friday 8pm. David Bromberg & Larry Campbell at the Bull Run Restaurant in Shirley.Also, Brooks Williams in the Ballroom.

25-26 Saturday-Sunday. 5th Annual New England BBQFest at Wachusett Mountain. The fun continues weekend two with crafters, farmers' market, entertainment-- and the finger-licking great time for the BBQ Fest! Visit www.wachusett.com for more information.

25 Saturday. Fitchburg 250th Gala Masquerade Ball at the Fitchburg Senior Center, 4 Wallace Ave., Fitchburg. Enjoy food, live entertainment, a DJ, and many fun costumes as the city continues its 250th anniversary celebration. Call 978-345-1157.

25 Saturday 9am–6pm. Harvest Fair at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 1 Forest St., Baldwinville. Chinese auction, theme baskets, crafts, baked goods, lunch and more, followed by dinner after the 4 pm Mass. Call 978-939-8851, weekdays.

25 Saturday 10am-noon. Saima Crafters. Bring a craft to work on or to share! Finnish Center at Saima Park, 67 Scott Rd., Fitchburg MA. www.saima-park.org

25 Saturday 11am-3pm. Exploring Art at the Fitchburg Art Museum, A daylong program for Girl Scouts ages 7-10. Program includes a guided tour of our interactive ancient Egypt gallery, and ancient Egyptian art activity, a guided tour of a special exhibition, lunch break and exploring galleries on your own. $10 per Girl Scout, $3 per adult. For more information, visit www.fitchburgartmuseum.org.

25 Saturday 11:30am. Zombie Run 5K and Kids' Halloween Party at Clark Memorial YMCA, 155 Central Street, Winchendon, 978-297-0958. Come dressed in your Halloween costume and enjoy a fun filled day for the whole family. Run through the streets of Winchendon, and just when you thought it was safe, you must make it through a 0.8 mile finishing leg filled with Zombies out to get you. After the race is over, join the Y for their annual kid's Halloween party from 1-3 filled with activities like Halloween themed games, a haunted house, and trick or treating. Runners and walkers welcome. Fun for all ages. Register on active.com or at the Clark Memorial YMCA front desk. Zombies wanted!

25 Saturday noon-2pm or 2:30pm-4:30pm. Exploring Hand-Cut Paper at Tower Hill. Member $30, Nonmember $45. There is a rich history across cultures of hand-cut paper art ; multiple examples and techniques will be shown and demonstrated in this class and everyone will leave with a hand-cut creation using archival paper provided by the instructor. For more information, visit www.towerhillbg.org.

25 Saturday 12:30pm. Leominster Halloween Parade and treats! Dress in your favorite costume as we parade through downtown, and trick or treat to local businesses. Come show off your costume and see all the creative costumes everyone will be wearing. It is a traditionally safe way to celebrate the day. Line-up will begin at 12:30 pm at Leominster Credit Union, 20 Adams Street for a 1 pm start time. Parade down Main Street to Carter Park, then walk back up Main Street to various businesses.

25 Saturday 3pm. Ghosts and Goblins 5K Fun Run and Walk. Clinton Central Park, 242 Church St., Clinton. The event opens at 2:00 p.m. for race number pick-up and same-day registration. Please come early and enjoy the many family activities and beer garden sponsored by Yuengling. $30 pre-registration is available online through Oct. 23. Early race number and shirt pick up and in-person pre-registrations will be held on 10/24 from 5-8 p.m. at Clinton Middle School, 100 W. Boylston St., Clinton, Mass. Visit www.clintonroadrace.comfor more information.

25 Saturday 3pm-8pm. Pumpkin Festival on the Common in Templeton sponsored by the Narragansett Historical Society. FREE. Pumpkin carving contest -- $2 per entry; prizes awarded for carved pumpkins; all pumpkins must by submitted by 6 p.m. for the grand "Pumpkin Lighting." Food Tents, Games for the kids, Sweet treats, "The Amazing Susan" -- an amusing "fortune teller" (just for fun; not for real), Pie eating contest, tours of the Narragansett Historical Society's Museum, Penny Fund – Bring your Pennies! A fun way to help support the historical society. Try to win a prize with our penny game. For more information, visit www.narragansetthistoricalsociety.org.

25 Saturday 4:30pm. Harvest Dinner, 12 Park Street, Pepperell. Enjoy a "Harvest Dinner" with the Prescott Grange No. 73 and a program entitled "The History of Hard Cider in New England and How to Make It" with cider tasting presented by the Pepperell Historical Society. Learn more of our rich local history. Dinner starts at 5pm, $10. Program and tasting begins at 6 PM - $5.00.

25 Saturday 5pm-7pm. Film at the Museum of Russian Icons: Happy People: A Year in the Taiga. Werner Herzog presents this visually stunning documentary about the people living in the heart of the Siberian Taiga. For more information, visit www.museumofrussianicons.org.

25 Saturday 6pm. Halloween Party & Ghost Walk on Shirley Town Common. After dark the spirits of yesteryear inhabit the common; take part in a spooky ghost walk, attend the Halloween Party at the Center Town Hall. You’ll be led by lantern light on a narrated walk and be treated to some local folk lore and ghost stories, then enjoy refreshments and music. Adults $5, Children, $3. Visit shirleymeetinghouse.org.

25 Friday 6pm-8pm. Halloween Night Hike and Hayride at Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, 113 Goodnow Road, Princeton. Experience the sounds of the night on a guided hike, do a Halloween craft, enjoy a hayride with friends and family, learn about nocturnal wildlife, warm up at the bonfire and join us for some goodies. Suitable for children 0 - 18 years and adults. Members: Adult $6.00, Child $3.00, Nonmembers: Adult $8.00, Child $4.00. Rain date: Sunday, October 26/6:00-8:00 pm. Registration not required.

25 Saturday 7:15pm–10:30pm. Gardner Contra Dance at Fraternal Order of Eagles, 71 City Hall Ave., Gardner. Social mixer/dance to traditional jigs and reels, with a caller. All ages & abilities welcome! No need to bring a partner. Live Music! Simple, easy to learn dance patterns. Please bring clean suitable dancing shoes. Cost, $8 per person, $5 students. Contact Terry Dattolo, 978-407-6217 or see facebook.com/GardnerContraDances.

25 Saturday 8pm. Bob Martin with friends Sandy Goulet & John Spano perform at the Bull Run Restaurant, 425 Great Road (Rt. 2A), Shirley. Martin hails from Lowell, Massachusetts, the same New England city as Jack Kerouac, who heavily influenced Martin’s writing and career. He’s been called “one of the genius songwriters of the Northeast.” Visit bullrunrestaurant.com for tickets.

26 Sunday 9am. Flying Irish’s 4th Annual Fall Feis at the Doubletree by Hilton, 99 Erdman Way, Leominster. Watch Irish dangers compete in the New England Championship. The Flying Irish, based in Ashby, hosts this competition. Admission for non-competitors is $5. Dancers compete in light jigs, single jigs, reels, hornpipes and other categories for singles and groups. For details visit irishstepdancing.com.

26 Sunday 10am-noon. Halloween Spooktacular at The Great Play Escape Cafe, 21 Sack Blvd., Leominster. Come for a fun filled morning, with treats, games, face painting, crafts and laughter! Must register. Please visit www.tgeplaycafe.com for more information.

October 17, 18, 19 Events

Keene Pumpkin Festival ~ Photo by Mickey Pullen

Another great weekend awaits with lots of fun things to do in our area, including the 24th Annual Keene Pumpkin Festival!

October 17, 18, 19

17-18 Friday & Saturday 6:30pm–10pm. Fright Nights at Davis MegaMaze, 145 Redstone Hill Rd., Sterling. After dark, our family friendly, world class adventure corn maze transforms into FRIGHT NIGHTS a terrifying, haunted experience sure to cause blood curdling screams and sleepless nights! Bring your family, friends, flashlight and courage If you DARE! (Geared for adults). Call 978-422-6666. Repeats Oct 24-25. Call 978-422-6666.

17-18 Friday& Saturday dusk to 11 pm. Athol Lions Club Haunted Hayride at Silver Lake Park. Eight vintage tractors pull hay wagons around Silver Lake. Thrill to skits set up around (and in) the lake. Ride lasts about a half hour and begin at Dusk. Refreshments available. Rides begin at the playground on Pequoig Avenue. Parking at the L.S. Starrett Company parking lots Located on Lake or Fish Streets, Athol. Adults $8.00 Children 12 and Under $5.00. For children too young for the monster ride, a pre-dusk hayride will be given free of charge and the monsters will be less scary as well. Rain Date: Sunday, October 19th. For more information, contact Ricky Misner, 413-522-6899 after 5 pm. Rain date Oct. 19.

17-19 Friday-Saturday 8pm, Sunday 2pm. Theater at the Mount presents Les Miserables. The long-awaited international sensation sweeps its audience through an epic tale of passion and destruction in revolutionary France. Peasant Jean Valjean is imprisoned for stealing a loaf of bread. After his release he breaks parole and starts life anew, though he is relentlessly pursued by Inspector Javert. As Parisian students revolt against an unjust monarchy, all stories intersect at the barricade one fateful day in 1832. The powerful musical score includes “I Dreamed a Dream,” “On My Own,” and “Bring Him Home.” For more information, call (978) 632-2403 or visit mwcc.edu/tam.

17 Friday 3:30pm–6pm. October Festival at the Westminster Farmers’ Market, with entertainment by Joe Reidy and Jeff Mendoza, on the town common. Visit westminsterfarmersmarket.com.

17 Friday 8pm. Commander Cody & His Modern Day Airmen perform at the Bull Run Restaurant, 215 Great Road (Route 2A), Shirley. Harking back to the instrumental virtuosity and spontaneity of the original band, Cody & Co. are still cranking’ down the road. $20. For details and tickets, visit www.bullrunrestaurant.com.

18 Saturday, 24th Annual Keene Pumpkin Festival, Main St., Keene NH – Noon – 8:30 p.m. Three hundred and sixty-four days a year Keene, NH, is a quintessential New England community with a pristine church at the head of a welcoming square. On October 18, 2014, that square will abound with jack-o'-lanterns carved by area school children! The bandstand will come alive with entertainment and a tower of pumpkins so spectacular it is called "spell-binding" will rival the church steeple. Delectables in the Food & Craft Court will send forth aromas of apple crisp and maple cotton candy throughout the pumpkin-lined city streets. After reclaiming the WORLD RECORD in 2013, Keene is on top of the world and Keene Pumpkin Festival is the darling of New England events. Admission is a suggested donation of $5 per adult plus a carved pumpkin. www.keenepumpkinfestival.com

18-19 Saturday-Sunday 8am-6pm. Lanni Orchard's Pumpkin Festival. Rain date October 25th & 26th. PYO pumpkins in the new pumpkin patch. PYO apples, MYO caramel apples. MYO chocolate apples, hot dogs, warm apple crisp, cider, cider slushies, crafts, sand art, hay rides, cider donuts, and more. For more information, visit www.lanniorchards.com.

18-19 Saturday-Sunday 10am-4pm. Hollis Hills Farm Cider & Sausage Festival, 340 Marshall Rd, Fitchburg. This is a two day event. Equipment Days both on Saturday and Sunday. We will have our farming equipment on display so that you can come up close, sit on the drivers seat and learn from our farmers what the equipment is used for and how it works. Mini Apple Cider press will be on display and there will be apple cider making presentations. For more information, visit www.hollishillsfarm.com.

18-19 Saturday-Sunday 10am-5pm. 31st Annual AppleFest at Wachusett Mountain. Our most popular fall festival celebration including over 70 craft exhibitors, farmers' market, special family fun side shows both weekends! Kids entertainment and peak Fall foliage viewing from the SkyRide. Visit www.wachusett.com for more information.

18 Saturday 10am. Pumpkin Run 5k at Templeton Developmental Center in Templeton.  A scenic downhill first mile turning into a beautiful trail run with rolling hills.  Along the trail are some exposed rocks and roots - be sure to watch your footing!  Coming out of the trail is a nice dirt road stretch that leads you to an uphill challenge for the finish. For more information, visit www.ncquadseries.com/pumpkin-run-5k.

18 Saturday 10am-2pm. Adobe Photoshop for Aspiring Photographers at Tower Hill. Member: $40., Non-member: $55. Instructor: Steve McGrath. This workshop will help participants learn Photoshop techniques and skills, and apply them immediate to their personal photography. Extensive handouts will lead students step-by-step so that skills can be practiced at home. For more information, call 508-869-6111x124.

18 Saturday 10:30am. The final run of the North Quad Series is a great trail run through Wildwood Farm in Westminster! With crisp air, fallen leaves and beautiful foliage this run will put you in a great mood to enjoy the end of series festivities on the farm! Click here for more information.

18 Saturday 10:30am. Tully Lake Triathlon at Tully Lake Campground, 25 Doane Hill Rd., Royalston. A paddle, run and bike race for individuals and teams, followed by a concert and awards ceremony. For details, visit thetrustees.org.

18 Saturday 11am-noon. Kokedama: Hanging Moss Gardens at Tower Hill. Create unique hanging gardens with Seed to Stem of Worcester and owner Virginia Orlando. All materials included. Member $90, Non-member $115. For more information, visit www.towerhillbg.org.

18 Saturday noon–5pm. Pot Luck Fall Feast at the United Native American Cultural Center, 29 Antietam St., Devens (GPS use Ayer, MA). Free family event includes Native American Drumming, dancing, raffles. Pot luck is about 3:30 pm. Call 978-772-1306 Wednesday evenings.

18 Saturday 12:30pm-3:30pm. Introduction to Colored Pencil Workshop (Beginning) at Fitchburg Art Museum. Instructor: Valera Krol Nichols. Colored pencil drawing is an easy art form to carry around and inexpensive to start. Learn stippling, masking, highlighting, and layering and discuss developing your own style. $40M, $55NM. For more information, visit www.fitchburgartmuseum.org.

18 Saturday 1pm. Fort Devens Museum Guided Tour, 94 Jackson Rd #305, Devens. Meet at Lancaster Town Hall at 12:30 pm to carpool to Devens.

18 Saturday 1pm-2pm. Centennial Lecture by Cynthia Barton: History's Daughter at Fruitlands. Biographer Cynthia Barton relates a chronicle of Clara Endicott Sears' life and details the influences leading to the creation of Fruitlands Museum from her book History's Daughter: The Life of Clara Endicott Sears, Founder of Fruitlands Museum. For more information, visit www.fruitlands.org.

18 Saturday 1pm-3pm. Traditional Russian Tea at the Museum of Russian Icons. Learn about the culture and history of Russian tea, and sample some traditional treats. For more information, visit www.museumofrussianicons.org.

18 Saturday 7pm. Comedy Night with Dessert at Hubbardston Rod & Gun Club Williamsville Road. Adults only evening of comedy and confections featuring Comedian Frank Foley From Comedy Safari. Enjoy desserts from local bakeries and restaurants. Doors open at 7 for desserts and cash bar, Comedy starts at 8. Tickets $20.00 available at the door, Barre Savings Bank and at Quabbin Regional High.

18 Saturday 8pm. Sonny Landreth at the Bull Run Restaurant in Shirley. Also, Grace Morrison in the Ballroom.

19 Sunday 3rd Annual Cider House 5K at Wachusett Mountain. A fun, yet challenging scenic 3.1 mile race that loops throughout the mountain, including fire roads and hiking trails. Visit www.wachusett.com for more information.

19 Sunday 12:30pm. Tour the Shirley Shaker Village! There are only a few days each year that people can tour the Shirley Shaker Village and this one one of them! Contact the Shirley Historical Society at (978) 425-9328 for more information.

19 Sunday 1pm-4pm. Introduction to Zentangle at Tower Hill. Member: $40., Non-member: $55. Instructor: Karen Keefe. Zentangle is an easy-to-learn, meditative method of creating beautiful images from repetitive patterns. It is a fascinating new art form that is fun and relaxing. This class introduces the basic principles and methodology. Materials included. For more information, call 508-869-6111x124.

19 Sunday 2pm-4pm. Bulb Forcing Workshop: Beyond Paperwhites at Tower Hill. Join plantsman and blogger Matt Mattus for a special workshop on forcing unusual bulbs for your winter windowsill. All materials included. Member $50, Non-member $65. For more information, visit www.towerhillbg.org.